Faced with Marcus's request, Ryze found himself caught in an impossible dilemma. Every instinct screamed against revealing the World Runes to this mysterious stranger—after all, Marcus was directly responsible for unleashing the Void Watchers in the first place.
Yet after several long moments of internal debate, Ryze made his choice.
"I can allow you to examine what I carry," he said carefully, "but only one rune at a time."
The scroll contained dozens of World Runes, each one capable of reshaping continents if misused. There was absolutely no way he could risk exposing them all simultaneously to someone whose motivations remained completely opaque.
His decision to cooperate at all stemmed from pure pragmatism rather than trust. Marcus had demonstrated power that dwarfed even the combined might of three demigods. Refusing this request over personal doubts could result in consequences that would make the void incursion look like a minor inconvenience.
More importantly, Ryze genuinely couldn't predict how Marcus might react if denied access to the runes. Better to maintain some level of control over the situation than risk triggering an even greater catastrophe.
In contrast to Ryze's obvious reluctance, the other assembled heroes watched with fascination rather than fear. Even the three demigods focused intently on the ancient mage, clearly anticipating what was to come.
As divine beings, they could naturally sense the immense power contained within Ryze's scroll. They'd all encountered various runes throughout their extended existences, though none had ever seen such a concentrated collection. While they didn't understand Ryze's ultimate purpose in gathering so many World Runes, they respected his obvious restraint in using them.
Marcus nodded approvingly at the mage's caution, finding it entirely reasonable under the circumstances.
"A very sensible approach," he agreed. "Given what those runes represent, anything less than extreme caution would be foolish."
Indeed, Marcus would have been more concerned if Ryze had simply handed over the entire collection without reservation. Such reckless behavior would have suggested either hidden motives or a fundamental misunderstanding of what the World Runes could do.
Moving closer to the ancient wizard, Marcus watched with keen interest as Ryze carefully removed the scroll from his back. The mage's weathered hands moved in complex patterns over the artifact's surface, weaving protective enchantments before gently coaxing a single rune to manifest.
A crimson symbol materialized in Ryze's palm, radiating power that seemed to make the very air shimmer around it.
"Truly impressive," Marcus murmured, studying the condensed energy with scientific appreciation. "The fundamental building blocks of reality itself. The energy density is remarkable."
As he spoke, void power began swirling around Marcus's outstretched hand, completely enveloping the floating rune. The World Rune's power began flowing into his systems for analysis and extraction.
Each rune contained unique properties and astronomical amounts of energy—exactly the kind of raw material Marcus needed for his various projects.
The moment Marcus began his extraction process, Ryze opened his mouth to object, but the words died in his throat as something extraordinary began happening around the mysterious figure.
Blue droplets of liquid light started materializing in the air around Marcus, floating and pulsing with an energy that made everyone present feel an instinctive sense of longing. Even without understanding what they were witnessing, they could sense that these substances represented something of incredible value.
The sensation affected everyone differently. For the demigods, it felt like encountering a power that could enhance their divine authority. For Lissandra, the energy resonated with possibilities for strengthening her ice magic beyond anything she'd previously imagined. Even mortal warriors like Ashe and Tryndamere could feel their bodies responding to the presence of this condensed essence.
If not for their vivid memories of Marcus's overwhelming power—and the two Void Angels standing guard nearby—several of them might have seriously considered attempting to claim some of these mysterious droplets for themselves.
Eventually, Marcus completed his analysis and gently returned the rune to Ryze's waiting hand, looking expectantly at the mage while mentally cataloging the newly acquired Aya essence. These samples would be perfect for addressing the foundational requirements of his next armor upgrade, and he had more than enough to begin crafting his first custom Warframe design.
"Fascinating properties," Marcus commented as Ryze carefully examined the returned rune. "I'd very much like to see the next one."
The World Rune appeared completely unchanged by whatever Marcus had done to it—no visible damage, no diminished power, no unusual characteristics. To all external observation, the extraction process might as well have been an illusion. This both relieved and puzzled Ryze, but he eventually produced a second rune for examination.
This one took a different form despite containing similar fundamental energies. Marcus could sense distinct properties that set it apart from the first specimen, which was exactly what he'd hoped to discover. The World Runes were independent entities that also functioned as parts of a greater whole—perfect for his research needs.
As the process continued, Marcus extracted substantial quantities of Aya essence from each successive rune. His current collection now dwarfed everything he'd accumulated throughout his previous adventures combined.
With hundreds of Aya samples at his disposal, he possessed enough raw material to upgrade every existing Warframe design and create numerous additional configurations that had previously been theoretical only.
"This expedition has been extraordinarily profitable," Marcus thought to himself as he returned the final rune to Ryze's custody.
Though he knew many more World Runes remained scattered across the planet, Marcus felt no compulsion to follow Ryze on his endless quest to collect them. His immediate needs had been more than satisfied, and if future projects required additional resources, he could always seek out the wandering mage again.
For now, he wanted to return to his workshop and begin implementing the various Warframe designs he'd been developing. It was time to verify his theoretical work through practical application.
"Thank you," Marcus said sincerely, producing several metallic badges from his dimensional storage. "These runes have provided exactly what I needed. If any of you ever require assistance, please don't hesitate to visit me in Zaun."
He distributed the tokens among the assembled heroes, each badge bearing intricate designs that seemed to shift and flow like living metal.
"Consider these my personal invitation," Marcus continued. "Zaun's doors are always open to individuals of your caliber."
Without further ceremony, Marcus dissolved into swirling ice crystals that quickly dissipated on the dimensional winds. His two Void Angels transformed into streams of light and vanished alongside their creator, leaving the heroes alone in the empty void space.
Moments later, they found themselves back in the material world, standing once again on the frost-covered ground near the Howling Abyss.
The sudden silence felt almost oppressive after everything they'd experienced. None of them were quite sure how to process what had just occurred, and the complex web of relationships among the group made casual conversation difficult.
Volibear, in particular, seemed torn between his usual hostility toward humans and his grudging respect for the power they'd all witnessed. Lightning continued crackling around his massive form as he studied each face in turn, clearly wrestling with conflicting impulses.
The ancient bear-god despised human civilization and everything it represented, but he wasn't stupid. His divine siblings were present in significant numbers, making any aggressive action politically complicated. Moreover, everyone here had proven themselves formidable opponents who wouldn't be easily overwhelmed.
Most importantly, Marcus had demonstrated power that made even Volibear's divine fury seem insignificant by comparison. The mysterious figure might still be in the area, and the Relentless Storm had no desire to test whether his departure had been genuine or merely tactical.
After several tense minutes, Volibear made his decision. With a final glare at the assembled mortals and a grudging nod toward his divine siblings, he turned and stalked away toward the distant mountains, thunder rolling in his wake.
Both Ornn and Anivia visibly relaxed as their volatile brother departed. While they maintained philosophical differences with Volibear, they had no desire to engage in the kind of destructive conflict that could devastate entire regions.
"That could have gone much worse," Anivia observed, her melodic voice carrying relief.
Ornn merely grunted his agreement before beginning his own journey back to his forge, already thinking about the metalwork he'd left unfinished. As the Fire Below the Mountain disappeared among the peaks, Anivia spread her magnificent wings and soared toward her own distant territory.
With the demigods departed, Ryze turned his attention to the remaining mortals.
"I hope these badges will never need to be used," he said thoughtfully, examining his own token. "But you should definitely keep them safe."
The others nodded in agreement. Marcus's demonstration of power had been impressive enough that requiring his intervention would indicate problems of truly catastrophic scope.
"Incidentally," Ashe said, breaking the contemplative silence, "where exactly is Zaun? I've never heard of that city."
The question caught Ryze off-guard, reminding him that Freljord's various tribes had limited contact with the outside world. While they weren't completely isolated, few Freljordian warriors had reason to travel far from their frozen homeland.
"Ah, of course," Ryze said, settling into the tone of someone preparing to deliver a geography lesson. "Zaun is—or rather, was—one of the most beautiful port cities in the known world. It's located between two major continents, making it a critical hub for maritime trade."
His expression grew more somber as he continued. "Unfortunately, a magical catastrophe split the city decades ago. The upper levels became known as Piltover—a gleaming metropolis where wealthy merchants and inventors pursue their ambitions. The lower levels, still called Zaun, became something resembling an underground slum where the poor struggle to survive."
After absorbing this information, the group reached a consensus.
"Given his obvious power and resources," Tryndamere observed, "he's almost certainly from the upper city."
Ryze nodded agreement. The idea of someone with Marcus's capabilities living in Zaun's reportedly squalid lower levels seemed absurd.
Having fulfilled his educational duties, Ryze began preparing for his departure. World Runes remained scattered across the planet, and his eternal mission couldn't be delayed indefinitely.
"I wish you all well," he said, magical energy gathering around his form. "May we never meet again under such dire circumstances."
In a flash of blue light, the Rune Mage vanished, already teleporting toward whatever distant location held his next target.
With only the three Freljordians remaining, Ashe and Tryndamere began subtly increasing their distance from Lissandra.
"Are you afraid of me?" the Frost Witch asked with amusement rather than offense.
"Not afraid," Ashe replied carefully. "But... concerned."
"Concerned about what? That I'm still the nightmare-weaving killer from the old stories?"
Lissandra's laugh held genuine warmth rather than her usual coldness. She understood their caution perfectly—for centuries, she'd manipulated history and hunted down Iceborn descendants through their dreams, all to prevent anyone from learning about the Void Watchers sealed beneath the Howling Abyss.
"Your worries are understandable but no longer necessary," she continued. "My mission has been completed. The seals are broken, the Void Watchers are destroyed, and the Howling Abyss is finally silent."
Looking toward the frozen chasm where she'd spent so many years standing guard, Lissandra felt something approaching peace for the first time in millennia.
"From now on, I'll remain in the Frostguard Fortress," she promised. "The systematic elimination of Iceborn descendants is over. You have my word."
Her gaze lingered on Ashe's face, noting the resemblance to her long-dead sister Avarosa. Despite everything that had happened, some part of Lissandra still cherished those ancient family bonds.
"I'll be staying here with my sisters," she said softly, beginning her walk back toward the Hall of the Nine. "They're still here, preserved in True Ice, and I've been alone long enough."
As she moved toward the fortress, her voice carried back to them one final time.
"As of today, the Frost Witch disappears from the world's concerns."
True to her word, Lissandra entered the Hall of the Nine and began the process of transforming herself into the tenth ice pillar, joining her sisters in their eternal vigil over an empty prison.
Several days later, Ashe and Tryndamere finally reached their tribal lands, only to discover an unexpected military encampment outside their borders.
"Demacian forces?" Tryndamere observed with surprise. "Why would they send troops here when Noxus is threatening their homeland?"
The soldiers were clearly elite units—well-equipped, disciplined, and bearing the distinctive heraldry of Demacia's finest regiments. This wasn't a casual patrol or trading expedition.
Upon entering their settlement, they found a familiar figure waiting in the central meeting area.
"Garen?" Tryndamere called out, recognizing the young warrior despite his formal armor. "What brings you so far from Demacia with an entire company?"
The Might of Demacia had indeed studied combat techniques under Tryndamere's guidance during diplomatic exchanges, making him something approaching a student in the Barbarian King's eyes.
"We detected void energy emanating from Freljord," Garen replied, his voice carrying the weight of serious concern. "Demacia couldn't ignore such a threat, regardless of our other commitments. The void endangers everyone."
His expression was grim as he continued. "We came prepared to assist with evacuation efforts or provide whatever military support we could manage."
"That won't be necessary," Ashe interjected coolly. "The void threat has been eliminated, and the Frost Witch has withdrawn from active involvement in our affairs."
Garen's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're telling me that both the void incursion and the Frost Witch problem have been resolved? How is that possible?"
Even accounting for the legendary abilities of Freljord's Iceborn warriors, such swift resolution of two major threats seemed impossible. Garen had been expecting to find refugee camps and ongoing battles, not peaceful tribal settlements.
"We can discuss the details later," Ashe said diplomatically. "For now, I have a question about geography. Do you know the exact location of a city-state called Zaun?"
Demacia's extensive trade networks and military intelligence meant they would have more accurate information about distant locations than Freljord's relatively isolated tribes.
"Zaun..." Garen frowned thoughtfully. "The name is familiar, but I'd need to consult our maps for specifics."
Before he could continue, an unexpected voice interrupted their conversation.
"Did someone mention Zaun?" asked a weather-beaten merchant who'd been conducting business with the tribe. "I can tell you exactly where it is, if you're interested."
All eyes turned toward the trader—the same caravan captain who'd inadvertently introduced Phantom Canyon's technology to Freljord through a discarded entertainment device.
"You've been there personally?" Ashe inquired with obvious interest.
Both she and Tryndamere were keenly focused on this unexpected source of information, their attention sharpening considerably at the prospect of learning more about Marcus's homeland.
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