As Uta sang, Perona fell peacefully asleep, while Kate sat awake behind Uta, her pupils widening as the lights went out.
This was part of Uta's training program, which involved putting some people to sleep while leaving the rest awake.
Oran was also one of those who were asleep, but his dream tonight was not pleasant.
On a desolate plain, strange rocks and scales dot the landscape, and there seems to be no life around. Not far away, however, a black mist is spreading forward.
Boom...
A giant stone pillar collapsed with a crash, nearly hitting a blue-purple figure running ahead.
However, this blue-purple person was very agile, dodging the stone pillar with a roll without even stopping.
"Hey, long time no see, but your timing is a bit off."
"You know this is uncontrollable. If I had a choice, I'd rather go on vacation somewhere. How did you get involved with this?"
Another figure appeared running; Oran, who had also appeared there, began to run forward as well.
"What else could it be? The runes are to blame."
The blue-purple figure was none other than Ryze, the Rune Mage, an ancient mage who had lived for countless years.
His origins can be traced back to before the Rune Wars, when he was a young magic apprentice who accidentally came into contact with something about the World Runes, whose magical arcane energy inspired awe.
World runes are the most fundamental power in this Runeterra. Each rune fragment contains unimaginable power, and because of the greed for these powers, terrible wars have broken out between individuals and nations.
The massive war engulfed the entire continent and is known as the Rune Wars.
As long as any world rune remains unresolved, Runeterra will inevitably be destroyed. This realization took root in Ryze's mind, leading him down this solitary path.
Teacher, close friend, companion, disciple—Ryze has witnessed far too many people corrupted by the power of runes.
Therefore, he embarked on the path of collecting runes alone.
Throughout Ryze's long career, he had met Oran many times.
"The power of the runes must be properly contained. If these things get their hands on the runes... the world will once again be plunged into crisis."
Power itself is neither right nor wrong; it's all about how you wield it. This thing is a demon; running away is useless. Let's deal with it first! The power of dreams... happens to be my specialty!
Behind them, in the black mist, a ghostly figure wielding sharp blades in both hands was flying rapidly.
Unlike the low-level Azakana that Yone killed, this was a demon with a title that reflected his own: Nightmare, Eternal Nightmare - Morden.
"You have improved your strength considerably."
Watching Oran in his dream become increasingly adept at using his power, Ryze felt a sense of relief, even though for some reason, Ryze no longer wanted to take on any more disciples.
Just as Heimerdinger taught Oran his techniques and Yone taught him swordsmanship, Ryze tried to teach Oran to control that immense spiritual power, but Oran simply couldn't.
Those mental energies are somewhat special and completely uncontrollable; they are now much stronger than when they first met.
World runes are terrifying things; they have the power to bewitch people. Oran is one of the few people Ryze has encountered in his career who is not easily swayed, which is why he said a few more words about him.
"the same as you."
"I have only grasped the power of the runes."
Ryze's tattoos began to glow; these were no ordinary tattoos, but rather a manifestation of the power of the World Runes.
The energy twisted within the runes, then gathered in Ryze's hands, as Ryze suddenly turned around.
A blue energy barrier suddenly bound Morten's movements.
A blade made of spiritual energy was also swung towards Nocturne. The runes firmly restricted Nocturne's movements, leaving it no room to dodge.
"Get out of the way!"
Oran's actions deprived Nocturne of the chance to break free, giving Ryze more time. As a surge of arcane energy erupted from Ryze's hand, Nocturne's figure transformed into a cloud of black mist.
"It's still alive."
"As long as the nightmare remains, it will always remain."
"Yes, it appeared before the Rune Wars were even over... There's no time to linger, I need to get it to the Anti-Mage Forest in Demacia as soon as possible. Let's talk on the way."
Ryze did not stop walking; instead, he continued his journey across the wilderness.
"I ran into your old friend, and I heard you've run into some trouble."
"A minor inconvenience; compared to your troubles, this is probably nothing."
"Yes, the Void, demons, runes, darkin—there are more and more troublesome guys. The old mage's shoulders can't bear the weight anymore."
Ryze strongly agrees with Oran's statement; behind the scenes, Ryze has made countless contributions to the world.
"You have too many secrets to explain with arcane magic."
"I'll figure it out myself sooner or later; knowledge is power."
"That's right. Then you might need some new knowledge. For now, you might want to try this."
Ryze had previously captured a monitor lizard for transportation, and now they were riding on its back.
As they spoke, Ryze demonstrated some special things to Oran, showing him more about the uses of mental power, such as techniques for releasing pressure.
"Practice diligently, and you'll use it sooner or later..."
Before he could finish speaking, Oran suddenly disappeared, while Ryze shook his head, unsurprised.
"Coming and going like the wind, forget it, I'll go alone; companions are just a burden..."
Ryze continued his stroll through the yellow sands, while Oran awoke in his bed, recalling Ryze's words...
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