A colossal granite mountain range looms over the gentle plains, as the cool moonlight filters through the gaps in the clouds, casting its ethereal glow upon the vast city of Noxus, the capital of Moretal, nearly half of which is carved into the mountainside.
Nestled in the heart of the eastern reaches of Valoran, it lies almost on the same latitude as Demacia's imperial capital, Maple Snow.
However, Noxus has long diverged from Demacia in its moral principles. The people of this realm, both materially and spiritually, often pursue power through any means necessary, heedless of the consequences for others.
In terms of the character of Noxian citizens, the majority are staunch supporters of this principle. Though it may seem brutal, it does not signify chaos.
Due to human nature, or perhaps the necessities of governance, Noxus is, in fact, an orderly state, contrary to the portrayal of unrelenting cruelty and evil by their adversaries, Demacia.
Noxian laws also bear the responsibility of protecting citizens from arbitrary harm... at least from their fellow beings. However, in Noxus, those in power are undeniably favored and shielded by the law.
Yet, this is a commonality found in most nations, merely more pronounced and unabashed here.
In stark contrast to the poetic charm of Demacia's Maple Snow, the city of Moretal exudes an aura of darkness and malevolence; constructed against the mountains, it resembles a massive skull from afar, with parts of the city delving deep into the earth.
Buildings rise majestically atop the peaks or burrow into the mountainside, while an intimidating artificial moat encircles the city, filled with the noxious and foul potions of witches, serving as an effective barrier against external intrusion.
For over two millennia since its founding, Noxus has witnessed a succession of rulers, from the original imperial dynasty to the later democratic parliament, then the gang organization known as the Black Rose, and now the military regime that has endured for centuries.
This nation has weathered countless storms, faced numerous challenges and crises, yet this city has steadfastly remained atop the Noxian Plains, impervious to any foreign power's siege.
Even the founding monarch of Demacia, Jarvan I, who rose from nothing to establish the continent's strongest nation in just a few decades, could only look upon this city with a sigh.
The city that never falls—this is how the proud citizens of Noxus refer to their capital, while Moretal, in ancient magical incantations, signifies "Eternal Flame."
Beneath the surface of this city, in the profound depths of the mountains, lies a labyrinthine underworld akin to a beehive.
At the heart of this subterranean realm, twisted streets serve as a refuge for all manner of evil.
Countless fervent zealots, witches, and secret societies from across Valoran have come to regard this maze as home. Chaos and order coexist here, the unspoken rules sanctioned by Noxian high command, perhaps accounting for the notorious reputation that Noxus bears.
However, we need not concern ourselves with the malevolence that festers in this dark underworld; instead, if we slightly elevate our gaze, we shall find ourselves atop a grand castle within the "skull" of Moretal, where a middle-aged man stands, a peculiar raven perched upon his shoulder.
From this vantage point, the entirety of the Noxian Plains and Moretal unfolds before him, an exquisite spot for contemplation.
The night breeze rustles his eccentric mage's robe, revealing a prosthetic limb beneath his right leg.
Leaning on a staff as tall as a man, the gaunt features of the middle-aged man convey a sense of reticence, his deep-set eyes paired with the eerie raven on his shoulder, creating an aura of foreboding—Swain, Noxus's most distinguished military strategist and Valoran's most formidable tactician.
Since the sudden disappearance of the once-revered generals who commanded Noxus, he has allied with the soldier-born Darius brothers to stabilize the precarious state of Noxus, which had been left reeling by the simultaneous vanishing of its decision-makers.
Internally, he has nearly quashed the nascent rebel factions, while externally, he has engaged in fierce skirmishes with the invading Demacians, employing astonishing strategies to rout their forces in a series of battles, even managing to counterattack to Demacia's foremost stronghold, compelling the long-retired war hero to return from seclusion and stabilize the situation.
The unparalleled tactician—this is how the entire continent regards him following the resolution of that great turmoil, a mix of admiration and fear.
"Ah... I sought you at your residence and found you absent; I suspected you would be here," a deep yet composed voice resonates from behind Swain, as a tall figure clad in black iron armor approaches.
This man, a battle-hardened soldier, bears the marks of time and conflict; once a proud, dark-haired warrior, his hair now bears streaks of silver frost. His imposing stature exudes a heavy sense of pressure, accompanied by the palpable aura of a seasoned combatant, his crimson cloak billowing behind him, rustling in the high winds.
One of Noxus's current decision-makers and the indomitable spirit of the battlefield—Darius, a man who carries the weight of his legendary battles with him, approaches Swain with an inexplicable sense of authority. "Every time you ponder, you seem to come here to gaze upon Ionia; do you hold a particular fondness for that nation?"
"Ah... fondness? It cannot be helped; after all, I grew up there, and some cherished memories are simply inescapable," Swain replies, a hint of nostalgia gracing his lips.
"Is that why you so enjoy visiting Maple Snow?" Darius retorts with a sardonic grin, "Had it not been for your ambiguous ties with that Demacian guardian, casting doubts upon your loyalty, you would have likely ascended to your current position long before the generals' time."
"Such trivial memories only hinder our progress; why dwell on them? Simply forget," he adds dismissively.
"Ha... you choose to discard all memories of the past, yet I prefer to preserve them; each person has their own convictions, so why impose your values upon mine? Moreover, my relationship with Sona is merely that of childhood acquaintances—there is nothing ambiguous about it."
At this point, the somewhat sinister middle-aged man chuckles, a chilling laughter, "The entire continent knows who truly shares a close bond with Sona. I can only claim to be a friend; be cautious with your rumors, lest you provoke that man. If he comes seeking retribution, no one on this continent could save you."
"Ha... if he truly seeks trouble, I shall accept my fate," Darius laughs heartily, devoid of fear or concern, "The Sky Blue Ancient Moon's Infinite Sword—ha... the worst outcome would merely be death. Why should I worry? From the moment my parents perished and I chose to enlist, I have cast aside all notions of life and death."
"You possess a remarkable sense of detachment," Swain replies, shaking his head thoughtfully, "So, in your enlightened state, could you enlighten me as to why, after all our efforts to lay the groundwork, the ancient relic map has nearly circulated among all the capable nations on the continent?"
"Merely a case of teammates dragging their feet," Darius replies with a hint of sarcasm, "The madman's ideas from Zaun have always been unconventional; who knows how the second princess and her companions offended him during the mission? Regardless, even if the entire continent possesses this map, the treasure will still belong to Noxus."
"Oh? Are you implying... that you intend to take action personally?" Swain inquires, intrigued by the implications in Darius's tone. "Are you not concerned that, upon your departure, Demacia might strike from behind?"
"The current Demacia is no longer the invincible nation it was four centuries ago; they are now more focused on maintaining the status quo than pursuing new conquests. For at least the next thirty years, they pose no genuine threat to Noxus's foundation. I find it hard to believe you cannot see this simple truth. Oh, by the way, I heard a rumor earlier, which prompts me to ask a question."
Darius chuckles, "I heard that in this recent endeavor, your dear disciple, our most outstanding second princess of Noxus, faced a significant setback?"
"Uh... well, it's not as dire as it sounds," Swain shakes his head, somewhat at a loss for words, "She encountered someone in Demacia whose abilities she cannot yet fully contend with; given that she calculated every possible move of her opponent, failure was inevitable."
"Yet, this may prove beneficial; in recent years, whether in Moretal or among the younger generation of the military, few can rival her intellect. She has grown a bit proud and complacent; a setback now will serve her well, allowing her to temper her overconfidence rather than waiting until she faces total defeat on the battlefield."
"Actually, in terms of detachment, you surpass me. Your disciple nearly met her end, yet you remain so composed," Darius laughs, "Are you not inclined to seek retribution? Perhaps teach that Lord of Winter's Embrace a lesson for our beloved second princess?"
"Leave that task to you; does not that Lord of Winter's Embrace intend to venture to the Shurima Desert? You may encounter him there; your intervention would suffice—no need for me to embarrass myself," Swain replies, smiling both joyfully and ominously. "Furthermore, while you're at it, keep an eye on Captain Riven; although she is a soldier of Noxus, soldiers can easily stray into perilous paths when their principles are challenged."
"Riven? She has also gone to the Shurima Desert? Surely she cannot abandon her duties with the Third Legion to partake in such trivial matters," Darius questions, surprised. "Did she venture forth alone?"
"Not quite; it is said that a certain yordle from Bandle City accompanies her," Swain answers.
"Ah, that certainly adds an interesting twist; it seems that this time, the Shurima Desert will indeed witness a convergence of ninth-tier champions," Darius muses, a knowing smile playing on his lips amidst the howling winds.
The night deepens further.
Upon the platform, the winds sweeping across the Noxian Plains seem to intensify.