On a peak of the Mount Targon within Shurima's western continent, a figure clad in form-fitting gold and white armor stood resolutely under a canopy of twinkling morning stars.
Her graceful silhouette bore two pairs of wings—one set stretching from her shoulders in a dazzling white display, the other extending from her lower spine, drooping lifelessly as if paralyzed, no matter how she willed them to move.
She was Kayle, one of Demacia's winged protectors, and the sister who often occupied Morgana's thoughts.
"Failed again…" Kayle murmured, her gaze fixed skyward, a faint trace of disappointment in her voice. "Divine Aspect of Justice, how will I ever receive your guidance?"
She vividly recalled the day she left Demacia, when her eyes first beheld the majesty of the Mount Targon bathed in the crimson hues of a setting sun. Her resolve had crystallized in that moment—to follow in her mother's footsteps and ascend the mountain to claim divine enlightenment, achieving a perfect understanding of the Aspect of Justice.
Centuries passed. Kayle's journey had taken her from the fervor of her initial "Zealot" phase to the transformative "Ascension," granting her a radiant new form.
Yet, for nearly two hundred years since enduring the trials of purifying fire and stepping into the "Ardent" phase—where deeper truths of the Aspect's power revealed themselves—her progress had stalled entirely.
Staring at the heavens, she whispered, "Why? Why have I been stopped here?"
The celestial realm was not new to her. Since first reaching the summit of Mount Targon, she had entered it several times, guided by the mountain's celestial guardians. There, she witnessed a realm boundless as the stars, teeming with infinite potential.
Although she had yet to meet the Aspect of Justice in person, those glimpses of the divine only solidified her conviction.
Now, gripping the twin-edged sword forged of starlight in both hands, she knelt on one knee, bowing her head as her lips moved in fervent prayer.
"The strength of countless blades, the wrath of a thousand fires—may they surge through my soul. I beseech you, grant me the power to forge a flawless world through flame."
Yet, even as her prayers echoed in her mind, an image of Morgana suddenly surfaced.
"No… Why am I thinking of her?"
Kayle's breath quickened, her determination momentarily shaken. Shaking her head vehemently, she muttered, "I am the embodiment of light and glory. My devotion must remain unyielding! Morgana is a fallen one—unforgivable…"
Yet a strange ache crept into her heart.
Morgana… my sister…
Kayle rose from her kneeling stance and reached for her helmet, which she had worn without removing for centuries. As she lifted it off, a cascade of silvery-white hair spilled down like a radiant waterfall, framing a face of flawless beauty bathed in the golden glow of celestial light.
"No, I must not dwell on her! Divine law permits no flaw, and neither can I."
Her golden eyes snapped open, blazing with resolve, yet her expression remained conflicted, tinged with sorrow.
Why did our bond come to this?
Kayle couldn't understand. She refused to ponder it further. To do so would only dredge up memories of their father's death in Morgana's arms—and her sister's anguished cries.
Sister… Are you the last weakness I must conquer?
The question echoed in her mind as she stared at the distant horizon to the northeast—toward the land she once vowed to protect, now tainted with sin.
Kayle could sense her. She was there.
After a moment's thought, she spread her wings and took flight.
"If I must destroy you… sister," she whispered.
["Master, the launch vehicle is ready. The orbital laser satellite is expected to reach its designated trajectory early this morning."]
Li Lin was instantly surprised. "That fast?"
["Our satellite base already had a launch vehicle in storage. It was originally intended for Piltover University's weather satellite project."]
["But since the academy has been slow to design the weather satellite, even with your satellite technology, I temporarily repurposed the idle launch vehicle to deploy your satellite instead."]
Li Lin couldn't help but smile. "That's what I call efficient resource allocation. Well done!"
["Hehe!"]
The AI seemed genuinely pleased by the praise, even simulating a human-like laugh, further surprising Li Lin.
"It seems your self-evolution algorithms have become more refined."
["It's all thanks to your quantum theory. My computational power has increased exponentially."]
Li Lin smiled without responding further. The AI's growing intelligence was nothing but beneficial for him.
AI uprising?
With the "Mechanic" system and his absolute control over artificial intelligence, such a scenario was utterly impossible.
["Master, Prince Jarvan IV will be busy handling yesterday's incident and won't be able to accompany you for a tour around the capital today. He has already sent a servant to apologize on his behalf."]
"When did this happen?" Li Lin asked, surprised, while washing his face.
["While you were asleep, Prince Jarvan IV sent word early this morning through the servants stationed outside."]
Yesterday's incident, where a middle-aged man stirred up opposition against Morgana's return, had deeply angered King Jarvan III.
Welcoming Morgana back and publicly announcing it to the realm was a royal decree issued by the king himself.
For someone to dare oppose him so openly was tantamount to challenging the king's authority.
If this instigator—whose motives and backers were still unknown—wasn't severely punished, the king's authority would be undermined.
Moreover, Morgana's return, the legendary protector of Demacia, was a dream cherished by countless past monarchs.
For this historic event to occur under King Jarvan III's reign was a monumental achievement, destined to be immortalized in the annals of Demacia.
Anyone who dared insult Morgana, the protector of Demacia, had to face the king's wrath.
Thus, his son, Jarvan IV, took on the responsibility of judging the man.
["Do you have other plans for today?"]
"Plans, huh... Staying in Demacia doesn't seem too exciting. How about I visit Sona? I have a favor to ask Barrett anyway."
Li Lin quickly brushed his teeth and was about to step out when he suddenly remembered something. "By the way, how's the surveillance drone monitoring Eldred?"
["The drone is operating smoothly. Target Eldred has shown no unusual activity so far."]
"Keep monitoring him closely. If anything changes, notify me immediately."
["Understood."]
(End of Chapter)