The Nockmirch Plains are dotted with numerous Demacia and Noxus garrisons.
Although it is called a plain, there are mountain ranges winding from both the north and south, providing both sides with areas where soldiers can engage in small-scale skirmishes.
Xu Xiao encountered a fierce battle in a mountain valley. On one side were soldiers dressed in Demacia uniforms, and on the other side were Noxus patrol squads clad in iron armor.
When the two sides were locked in a fierce battle, Xu Xiao intervened at the opportune moment.
With just two magical missiles, the Demacia soldiers were sent into the air, successfully rescuing a group of Noxus soldiers.
After a moment of stunned silence, the patrol captain remembered the news from above that a large number of imprisoned mages had recently defected from Demacia, and then approached Xu Xiao with awe.
"I express my deepest respect, Your Excellency the Great Mage. Thank you for extending a helping hand and saving us."
"My Sigma Erete, a Noxus patrol captain. I am very grateful for your help." Sigma placed his right hand on his chest and gave a Noxus military salute.
" Noxus... Have I finally arrived here?" Xu Xiao pretended to be a mage who had escaped the clutches of evil.
"Yes, thank you for your rescue. I must congratulate you; the border of the Empire is just ahead." Sigma said with pride, having no doubt about Xu Xiao's identity.
The other party had helped them, and was even a mage, making him a natural ally; he had seen many, many people like that before.
Most mages in Demacia, upon discovering they had awakened magic, would choose to flee, and the only places they would flee to were Noxus and Freljord.
For most mages, the only option is Noxus, not the cold and remote Freljord.
After all, compared to Demacia, which suppresses and hates magic and appears to be a society where everyone is equal, Noxus is much more tolerant of everything.
Here, all you need is strength to have everything you want—power, wealth, women—you can achieve anything through your own efforts.
Apart from a few mages who were already living near the north, most awakened mages who didn't want to be captured by the Mageseekers would flock to Noxus. Over time, the patrols of both sides developed a tacit understanding.
The Demacia side will naturally try every means to contain and hunt down these traitors, while Noxus will choose to win over and protect these potential forces.
Noxus has a dedicated mage legion. Recruiting a mage for the empire, especially one that appears to be quite powerful, will earn the Sigma Patrol some decent rewards.
"Great, you said the border is just ahead, can you take me there? I don't want to stay here any longer."
"I couldn't be happier! I'll show you the way right away. Please follow me."
Sigma called the rest of the team, and after a quick looting of the Demacia on the ground, he immediately took Xu Xiao back.
Besides fighting against the Demacia patrols, one of the patrol teams' tasks is to guide new recruits. Returning at this point does not constitute abandoning the mission.
Soon, with the patrol team leading the way, they encountered virtually no further obstacles and returned to a bridgehead in Noxus.
Upon hearing that Xu Xiao was a powerful mage who had come to Demacia to seek refuge, the commander of the thousand men stationed there personally came out to meet Xu Xiao.
The commander of the thousand men, named Evander, is an elite force from one of the five battle groups under the command of the Blood Shadow Legion commander stationed here, responsible for the defense of a nearby area.
The moment Evander saw Xu Xiao, the Rune protective gear on his body began to hum softly, as if it were about to break.
Arcane Energy has an extremely strong suppressive effect on ordinary magic, so these Rune equipment pieces, formed by mages compressing magic, obviously cannot get too close to Xu Xiao.
This scene immediately brought a smile to the previously somewhat arrogant Evander's face, as he welcomed Xu Xiao's arrival.
"Welcome to Noxus, mighty mage."
"Hmm." Xu Xiao nodded, a magic rune appeared on his cheek, and then he maximized his perception.
'His bones are thicker and stronger than those of an average human, and his internal organs are also more robust, indicating a secondary enhancement from the use of certain extraordinary drugs, although the residue is quite significant.'
'The phenomenon of the mind not being controlled by thought, but entirely driven by the system. A powerful physique combined with honed killing skills—no wonder they can suppress the disciplined soldiers of Demacia and even contend with other forces.'
Xu Xiao silently sized up the other party. This was the first time he had met Noxus officer, and he was quite curious.
On his way out of Demacia, he had seen the regular army of Demacia, a powerful and disciplined force, and he had even taken the opportunity to find a few suitable men to scout them out.
According to his estimation, those Demacia soldiers were fully demobilized soldiers, practically professional soldiers, disciplined, serious, and obedient to orders; they could almost be considered the elite fighting force of the era of cold weapons.
Now, after seeing the Noxus officers, his opinion has changed again.
"Very good, you are much stronger than those Demacia soldiers, but the drug residue in your body is quite high, which will seriously affect your lifespan."
Xu Xiao nodded slightly, which was an explanation for his spying on the other party.
Evander, who was already gripping the sword hilt, smiled confidently after hearing Xu Xiao's words.
"I'm definitely much better than those Demacia guys, there's no doubt about that."
"Excuse me, is this your magic? Is it a power focused on investigation?"
Evander ignored the effects of the alchemical potion in his body and immediately inquired about Xu Xiao's magical abilities.
As a Noxus, the first thing to focus on is power; what price to pay for that power is a matter for later.
Alchemical potions could grant him immense martial prowess, enabling him to become a glorious commander of a thousand men, and even have the opportunity to advance further. Lifespan was merely a trivial matter.
"It's just some simple tricks. My power is beyond your imagination. I can do anything you can think of."
As Xu Xiao spoke, the magical runes on his body lit up one by one.
The surrounding elements were awakened, and countless magical powers that were originally invisible to ordinary people were manifested, encircling Xu Xiao like ribbons of light, as if he were a god.
Xu Xiao did not choose to hold back, but instead revealed his power.
In a place like Noxus, hiding your strength is foolish; only by recklessly displaying your power can you win everything.
"My power is inexhaustible; can Noxus offer me a satisfactory reward?"