225. Tit for Tat

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Ryze, standing in the long corridor of the palace, seemed somewhat incredulous, or rather, unable to understand why Yuan Chen, as his companion, could not comprehend his actions.

But after a moment of silence, recalling Yuan Chen's actions in Ixialia...

Or rather, when Ryze thought about the respect and love that the people in this city showed when they saw Yuan Chen, he understood.

Ryze turned his gaze forward, looking at Qiyana, whose body was still enveloped in the lingering aura of the World Rune.

After a moment of silence, Ryze said:

"My name is Ryze, and I am a wanderer. I apologize for my abrupt arrival, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing Ryze's words, Qiyana, sitting on her throne with a bored expression, said listlessly:

"Do as you please... but we've known about you for a long time. Rising to prominence in the later stages of the Rune Wars, your deeds are legendary, esteemed wandering mage, Mr. Ryze."

Ryze nodded after hearing Qiyana's words...

Ryze didn't think much of the fact that they already knew of his existence. After all, for a kingdom isolated from the world for thousands of years, with its well-established magical heritage, it wouldn't be difficult to spy on the Outside World without being discovered...

Just be careful when peeking outside. For example, don't let your gaze linger on one spot for too long.

As she said this, Qiyana paused slightly as if she remembered something, and then looked at Yuan Chen beside her.

Immediately afterwards, a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes:

"Although we have heard of you, we must admit that due to the unique circumstances of Ixialia, our understanding of you is very limited. But there is one person whose understanding of you may be more than what we know."

Upon hearing this, Ryze was taken aback, and then subconsciously followed Qiyana's gaze to look at Yuan Chen, who stood calmly to the side.

"...?"

Yuan Chen simply shook his head at this, then said, "More importantly, let's talk about the World Rune... What are you going to do about it?"

Upon realizing it was serious business, Ryze quickly suppressed his curiosity.

For Ryze, nothing in this world is more important than protecting it...

Having witnessed firsthand the tragedy of rune power being misused in war, Ryze came to see it all as his mission and the anchor of his rationality.

No matter the issue, if it involves the World Rune and the safety of the world, it must be taken seriously immediately... As for other matters, even life and death should be disregarded.

Whether it belongs to someone else or to oneself.

Thinking it over, Ruici took a deep breath. The surprise and curiosity in her eyes were gone, replaced by composure and solemnity. Her aura also became lower and colder, even aloof.

"Although I know this is difficult for you to accept... I hope Her Majesty will sever the connection with the World Rune."

Upon hearing Ryze's words, a chill appeared on Qiyana's face.

Without saying a word, he picked up the Ring Blade beside him and said coldly:

"I respect that your actions are similar to those of my teacher, but I never expected you to be so insane. You have such audacity!"

This time, Qiyana really can't be blamed, because Ryze's intention was tantamount to making Qiyana cripple herself...

As the foundation of this world, World Rune can disregard existing magical rules and even domain veils.

Qiyana was able to rise to the Elemental Master because the power of the World Rune allowed Qiyana to perceive more of the elemental realms beyond the material realm.

To put it in a slightly mystical way, Qiyana possesses unparalleled innate talent, which is the foundation. But the power of the World Rune is Qiyana's path to enlightenment, making this innate talent even more solid.

Like a building, Qiyana's talent is the solid foundation, allowing Qiyana to systematically construct a hundred-meter-high building, becoming a powerful figure far surpassing ordinary low-rise houses or two-story buildings—that is, Great Elementalist.

The power of the World Rune brought about a qualitative change to the foundation, materials, and structure, allowing Qiyana to build TM's space elevator!

The World Rune still exist. Once Qiyana fully masters and refines them, she will be able to shed her mortal or biological form and become a "life" that transcends matter.

Just like Nedeli, so-called death is nothing more than a long, quiet sleep.

However, Qiyana had already become the Dawn Bringer when Yuan Chen first arrived in Ixialia, and had not yet completely shed her biological structure to become an existence equal to the celestial spirits. How much more so for Qiyana?

Qiyana's talent is undeniable, but compared to mythical classes, she has only just begun to master some of her "talent," and hasn't even grasped her true supernatural abilities yet.

In this situation, removing Qiyana's World Rune power is tantamount to smashing the load-bearing walls and shear walls of a building and replacing the steel bars with straw.

First, the upper limit disappears, and even the original lower limit is lost, and it will collapse into ruins in an instant.

Given Ixialia's current situation, even if Qiyana were to die a violent death or simply lose her power, it would cause chaos in the country, ultimately leading to Ixtal once again choosing to close itself off from the world.

Ryze remained unfazed by Qiyana's rebuke and even murderous intent; in fact, his expression didn't waver in the slightest.

A pair of pale eyes filled with arcane energy were filled with coldness and silence as he looked at Qiyana. His voice was not hostile, but rather carried a hint of sorrow.

"I know this choice is unfair to you, Your Majesty... but please allow me, I must do it."

"I have witnessed once-glorious kingdoms fall into oblivion... The furnace that forged the world still lingers before my eyes to this day. I know that what I am about to do is unjust to you, and an insult to this nation that has resisted the Void."

"I am truly filled with remorse; I know my despicable and incompetent nature better than anyone. But... I have to."

After speaking, Ryze paused and looked at Yuan Chen beside him.

Although it was just a feeling, Ryze could guess that the person who really wanted to convince him was Yuan Chen... this dreamer who was on a similar path to him, but was too naive.

"Friend, I can sense that you have a lot to say... but when the world collapses, no amount of eloquence will help."

"Do you remember what I just told you? There will always be those who have to sacrifice, those who have to die... The demise of a few is better than the end of the whole world."