74. 72 Methods, News

Seeing the effects of the Uroa's Elixir, Yuan Chen narrowed his eyes.

Yuan Chen could guess with his own eyes that the so-called Rune Wanderer was most likely the wandering mage, Ryze.

The reason Runeterra is the most unique star in this constellation lies in the World Rune — Aurelion Sol created the sun, bringing the initial inspiration to Runeterra.

Before Sol, an unknown entity created Runeterra through the World Rune... Of course, this is questionable, because even Aurelion Sol himself doesn't know how Runeterra came to be.

The only clue is the World Rune. Even though the World Rune has long been scattered, it is still a fragment that possesses terrifying power.

Thousands of years ago, during the Rune Wars, warlords who controlled the World Rune fought each other. Under the ravages of war, the continental shelf continued to collapse and sink, and magma from underground surged to the surface... It was after witnessing these tragedies that Ryze finally decided to seal all the runes.

While the power of runes may seem controllable, according to Ryze's backstory, any World Rune has a corrosive effect on the mind and will. In this case, being empowered by World Rune is not a good thing.

Brand was a mage whose will was strengthened and corrupted by runes.

You can tell from his hero voice lines that he's no longer the obedient boy who would follow Ryze around and learn from him, now corrupted by the runes.

Thinking it over, Yuan Chen carefully put the Uroa's Elixir into his silk pouch and said:

"After consuming it, one will receive enhancements from the World Rune, but as a price, one will also be corrupted by the runes' consciousness. There is also a certain probability of awakening the dormant remnant of Uroa and engaging in a struggle for control of the body."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Qiyana's face also showed a hint of disgust.

"World Rune? Those are no good. If you're planning to use them, you'd better let me know. At least I can get the Yuentar to guarantee the continuation of your soul."

"It won't be used on me... but if used properly, it can have unexpected benefits."

As he spoke, Yuan Chen glanced at Ezreal beside him.

Let's discuss what to do next.

Ezreal was adjusting his Arcane Gauntlet, which had been stripped of their Dark Descendant Crystal, when he heard Yuan Chen's words. Ezreal's face was filled with helplessness as he replied:

"What are we discussing? But seriously, can't you really give me back the crystal? Without the Arcane Shift, my exploration plans will be delayed for a long time— the Grappling Hook is useless."

"I'm planning to venture deep into the Shurima desert, and I need a guide." Ignoring Ezreal's resentment, Yuan Chen calmly said, "The Dark Descendant Crystal is the key to unlocking the Shurima journey, and also the switch to the ancient tomb. You should know this better than I do."

"You're going to use my things to explore the ancient tomb I'm planning to explore?" Ezreal asked incredulously.

"Shut up!" Qiyana snorted coldly upon hearing Ezreal's words.

"Nezuk is one of the greatest elemental mages in the history of Ixtal..."

As if remembering something, Qiyana added "one of". Based on Yuan Chen's extensive understanding of Qiyana probably believes that she is the greatest one... even if she is not the greatest now, she will definitely be in the future.

Unaware of Yuan Chen's thoughts, Qiyana continued:

"Even as Crown Prince Ixialia, I have every reason to reclaim the inheritance that belongs to Ixialia!"

"If it weren't for the Ne'Zuk leading the Monolith Fortress to quell the Void invasion of Icathia 2,500 years ago, at least the entire eastern part of Shurima and your city would be ruins by now!"

"I've never heard of any of these historical accounts you're talking about..." Ezreal, his face full of confusion, but he was only making a sarcastic remark and didn't intend to argue.

After a moment of silence, realizing that the Arcane Shift was indeed unusable, a look of seriousness appeared between his brows.

After a moment, Ezreal took a deep breath and said seriously, "Really... is there no possibility of discussion? My parents are..."

"I know your parents went missing during an archaeological expedition, while they were searching for the tomb of Ne'Zuk, right?"

Before Ezreal could finish speaking, Yuan Chen bluntly said, "So you're thinking you might find traces of your parents and their whereabouts in these historical ruins, but without a warp drive, your exploration might be severely hampered."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Ezreal fell into a brief silence. After a moment, a hint of surprise and uncertainty flickered in his eyes:

"How... how did you know? And the origin of the gauntlets, you seem to know all along, it's like you've been monitoring me all along."

"That's why many people call me a prophet."

Hearing Yuan Chen's calm words, Ezreal's eyes widened. After a long silence, he asked hesitantly, "Then... do you know my parents...?"

"Have no idea."

"Aren't you a prophet?"

"I'm just a half-baked prophet, otherwise why would I need a guide?"

Yuan Chen said decisively, "But I know someone who knows everything about Shurima. As long as you find this person, you will definitely be able to find your parents."

Who is it?

Sensing Ezreal's urgent gaze, Yuan Chen remained silent for a moment before speaking:

"Azir."

Are you kidding me?

Upon hearing this name, Ezreal was extremely nervous, lost his composure and even forgot that he was being held hostage.

You can't blame him, because the feeling of having a glimmer of hope extinguished by a bucket of hot urine is extremely unpleasant for anyone.

Not only Ezreal, but even Qiyana showed a hint of displeasure on her face—she had always looked up to Azir.

Azir is a name familiar to anyone with even a basic understanding of world history.

In the Void War, a large number of Ascended from the Shurima Empire perished on the battlefield, including even the first emperor Queen Setaka, who ascended to the Void.

Although Shurima nominally won, the very essence of the Void remained unaffected. However, the Void's doomsday prophecy plunged Valoran Continent and Shurima surrounding nations into chaos and turmoil.

It was at this time that a powerful man descended upon Shurima. Azir and Qiyana shared somewhat similar circumstances, both being the youngest of ten children. Qiyana admired Azir because Azir had managed to ascend to the throne despite being the youngest.

He led Shurima out of the shadow of the Void War, pacified the surrounding lands, and led Shurima to another glorious peak.

If we go this far, Shurima would definitely be considered a restorer of civilization in history.

Unfortunately, Azir is best known as "the last emperor of Shurima".

During his ascension, Azir was betrayed, and the out-of-control Sun Disc instantly destroyed the empire at its zenith.

The entire capital of Shurima, from high-ranking officials to ordinary citizens, was annihilated, leaving only Nasus to wander alone for the past thousand years.

In historical records, Azir was instantly obliterated into sand by the power of the Sun Disc.

It is precisely because of this dramatic rise from decline to prosperity, and then the sudden fall from the height of glory, that operas, fairy tales, and folk songs about "Azir's Death" and "The Fall of Shurima" have sprung up all over Runeterra.

It is mostly used to advise people to be rational and wise. It advises those in power not to be deceived by others, to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and evil, and not to repeat the mistake of Azir's poor judgment of people, which led to the destruction of the empire.

Qiyana originally wanted to say something, but then she recalled Yuan Chen's previous words, actions, and deeds.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Qiyana's eyes flashed with surprise. Then she asked directly, "You mean... Azir isn't dead?"

Upon hearing Qiyana's words, Ezreal was taken aback, then stared wide-eyed at Yuan Chen beside him, as if asking, "Really?"

"Yes, he didn't die, and he did become Ascended, but because the Ascension Ritual was disrupted, he didn't receive a complete Ascension," Yuan Chen said.

"So I need a guide to enter Azir's tomb and awaken him—you should know Azir's place in history better than I do."

Yuan Chen looked at Ezreal and said, "Rewards and punishments are fair."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Ezreal took a deep breath, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

If what Yuan Chen said is true, Azir really didn't die, but the ritual was interrupted, then as long as I help Azir resurrect, given Azir's reputation in history, he will definitely do everything he can to help me find my parents.

His parents disappeared in the deserts of Shurima... If even the Emperor of the Desert, Azir, cannot be found, then no one in the world can.

His reason for traveling the world was to find traces of his parents.

This includes the desire to become the most famous explorer.

On one hand, it was his childhood dream. On the other hand, after his successful return from the graveyard of Ne'Zuk, his name appeared in explorers' daily newspapers around the world.

This gave him an idea --

If he can earn the title of the world's greatest adventurer, then his parents will surely come back to find him.

Although he appears carefree and unruly, constantly breaking rules and being the teacher's least favorite student, Ezreal is, in a true sense, a "family man."

It has a positive connotation.

After thinking for a moment, Ezreal gritted his teeth and said, "I'll do it!"

"I wish us a pleasant cooperation."

Upon hearing Ezreal's words, Yuan Chen chuckled, then after a moment of silence, said, "I can't give you the Dark Descendant Crystal for now. If you desperately need the ability to warp, I have two options."

Which two methods?

Upon hearing the news that he could regain the life-saving ability Arcane Shift, Ezreal perked up.

I've seen some readers say they can't accept Mao's Ezreal equipment, and I feel a bit helpless about that.

Because this is not the entirety of the interaction with this character.

Simply put, the protagonist of this book will not lack equipment, because there are countless hidden artifacts among the Worldview.

Then there are heroes like Ezreal who represent the order side or other neutral side heroes. The main character's role is mostly to make friends with them, because there will be many major events later on that require their help.