Inquiry

Hearing Ryze's words once again, and hearing the undisguised determination in his speech, Yuan Chen felt quite helpless.

Ryze's personality, while not necessarily stubborn, is actually quite human, as evidenced by numerous stories.

However, when certain issues are touched upon, no matter how many reasons or logic others may have, Ryze will not let his emotions get involved in the slightest.

In psychology, this is considered a form of self-protection, self-isolation, and a coping mechanism to avoid trouble and conflict. But it is obvious that this psychological defense mechanism inevitably comes at a huge cost.

Thinking it over, Yuan Chen said, "Your actions are undoubtedly correct. But there are other options, you just overlooked them."

After a pause, Yuan Chen added, "In the process of saving the world, you always tried to bear those heavy burdens alone, without even letting others know..."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Ryze seemed about to say something. But before Ryze could speak, Yuan Chen added:

"I know what you're thinking... Ordinary people can't bear this pain and burden. Those things and mysteries that exceed the limits of mortal endurance will only deepen their pain and helplessness. But I must say... you're too arrogant."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's evaluation of him, Ryze opened his mouth, a look of astonishment crossing his face.

He had just considered Yuan Chen's opinion of him. Even when Yuan Chen said that he might be his "enemy," Ryze was able to quickly understand and comprehend it.

But now, hearing the word "arrogance" applied to him, Ryze felt inexplicably bewildered.

"I... am arrogant?" Ryze said, glancing at Yuan Chen, and couldn't help but say with a strange expression:

"Is this how you intend to distract me?"

"No, it's arrogance."

Yuan Chen said, "You believe that no one in this world can bear the pain of the truth like you. You also believe that no one has the mission to travel and save the world like you. You feel that you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders... but you refuse to let anyone share your burden because you feel they are not qualified."

"This is just your guess and wishful thinking." Ryze shook his head, showing neither indignation nor any other emotional expression. He simply said calmly:

"Your accusations are baseless; they are merely speculation based on a superficial understanding of me. I once thought you were a fellow traveler like me, but it turns out I was wrong..."

You are just a delusional dreamer, completely ignorant of this world. You have no idea how terrifying the crisis facing this world truly is. Once it becomes known to outsiders, what cruel atrocities those desperate people, ambitious individuals, and conspirators will commit!

"Just like Fuguang Island?"

"..."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Ryze's eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and silently said:

"And what do you know?"

"I know a lot, and I've seen a lot."

Yuan Chen stared into Ryze's eyes. Although the eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, in reality, even Yuan Chen found it difficult to see anything in Ryze's eyes... Those white eyes, filled with arcane energy, were like a pool of dead water, without scent, without ripples, without waves, without life.

"I saw a young sorcerer traveling the world with his teacher. He was talkative and bold, and always felt that his teacher had not taught him everything, or that his teacher was unwilling to explore all his potential."

So, after returning to his hometown, the young mage secretly went to the library, wanting to learn those powerful spells on his own, but he was discovered and captured by everyone filled with hatred.

"Upon hearing the words of the person he hated, the little mage decided to make a deal with him. The deal was that the little mage, skilled in lock picking, would help the person open a mechanism, and in return, the person would give the little mage a book containing arcane magic."

"The little mage opened the mechanism, and there was plenty of water inside. The little mage took a sip, then took a bag and gave it to the person filled with hatred."

"Later, through continuous study, the young mage mastered the knowledge in the book. With a spell, the magic within the young mage was activated, and numerous runes appeared on his body. Even his eyes radiated arcane light."

"But this is just the beginning, because the water the little mage took out..."

Yuan Chen spoke calmly, without explicitly stating who the little mage was, but since only Yuan Chen, Ryze, Qiyana were present, everyone knew who he was referring to even without being explicitly stated.

Ryze, just listening, already had cold sweat beading on his forehead. A flicker of light occasionally flashed in his pale eyes, before finally settling into numbness and pain, and he stammered, "..."

"Enough! The matter of Fuguang Island has nothing to do with the present!"

"It's not Fuguang Island, it's Shadow Isles," Yuan Chen corrected calmly. "Didn't you give it the new name?"

"It's just a name, it has no meaning."

Ryze's face hardened with coldness and determination once more. "I am fulfilling my current mission. Interpret it as you see fit, you cannot stop me."

"You still say you're not arrogant?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen shook his head with some emotion:

"You believe that you have endured suffering that others cannot bear. In order not to involve others, not to involve others, and not to let the calamities you bring harm others, you face these many sufferings hidden in the corners of the world alone."

I'm not questioning your character; in fact, in my opinion, you are the most deserving person in the world to be called a "hero."

Yuan Chen explained, "It's not for my own selfish desires, but because I don't want the world to collapse, and I don't want others to suffer the same pain as me. But sometimes, you underestimate this world."

"While rejecting others with indifference may spare them from the hidden crisis and reduce their suffering, isn't this also a constraint that limits your ability to build deeper connections with the world?"

Yuan Chen explained, "The loneliness and the pain of social isolation are secondary; you're also ignoring the inherent power of this world... You're not the only one who wants to save this world, yet you disregard the courage and sacrifice of others."

"I know, just as I think you're arrogant, you think I'm naive. It's just that you're too lazy to even argue with me."

Yuan Chen shook his head, a sense of frustration rising within him as he looked at the silent Ryze... He just stood there, his attitude towards Yuan Chen's words simply "Oh, I see."

And that was it.

"Then let me ask you a question."

Yuan Chen said, "How long has it been since you last saw the Sentinels of Light?"