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"But in that discussion, we had a slight disagreement about the origins of runes. He believed that runes were born at the beginning of heaven and earth, embodying the very laws of the world."
The water rippled across the prosthetic limbs and dolls, pulling them back to their original places.
Ryan calmly observed the restoration process, his eyes fixed on the device housing Orianna's heart. A hint of recollection flickered in his gaze as he spoke:
"His theory might have been true in the beginning. The laws of heaven and earth were likely fixed at the world's inception—unchanging and absolute. Yet, over countless eons, the reality is that the number of runes has grown steadily."
He paused, his tone contemplative.
"We may be uncovering previously unknown laws, but I prefer to think... that new runes are being created."
"Created?" Katarina picked up on the nuance of the word, her sharp instincts catching the difference from 'discovered.'
"In the beginning, there may have been only a handful of runes—symbols representing the fundamental forces of existence: earth, water, fire, wind, and perhaps time and space. These were the World Runes, embodying the raw, untamed power of Runeterra itself. They've nearly torn the world apart multiple times due to their immense might."
"Over time, these primal runes were documented, studied, and mimicked. Their essence was fragmented, branching into countless derivations. For instance, there are more than 20 variations of runes that manipulate water alone, and Noxus has recorded all of them. These derivative runes are far weaker than the original World Runes, incapable of causing cataclysms."
As he spoke, intricate runes formed from water floated beside him, glowing with a dark blue, enigmatic shimmer.
"Beyond the evolution of the World Runes, time has introduced another phenomenon. Humans, demons, even the celestial Protoss, have shaped Runeterra with their power and will. Over time, where such power lingers, new runes seem to emerge."
The water in Ryan's hands shifted, forming vivid and lifelike images. Some were majestic, others humble. Some exuded terror, while others inspired unconscious reverence.
"Mages theorize that when magic exceeds a critical threshold, disasters occur. After such calamities, the laws of heaven and earth subtly change, and new World Runes are born. Because of this, he warned me against studying runes too deeply, having seen countless mages consumed by their pursuit."
Ryan's voice grew thoughtful. "But I've often wondered: is it truly the disaster that creates the rune? Or is it the rune's creation that precipitates the disaster?"
His eyes glimmered with a mix of curiosity and excitement.
"And now, this..."
He gestured toward the glowing rune before him.
"This is a brand-new rune. Is it a manifestation of Orianna's will? Or perhaps a reflection of her strength? Either way, its birth may herald a looming calamity."
Katarina found the notion absurd, yet something in Ryan's conviction made it hard to dismiss.
She didn't fully understand runes—few did.
Even among mages, only the most elite had the privilege of studying them. And Ryan was undoubtedly one of the foremost authorities in the field.
"The birth of this rune supports my hypothesis," Ryan continued, his tone calm but brimming with certainty.
"Unlike ordinary runes that merely imitate the World Runes, this one is different. It's unique. You could say the world itself bore witness to Orianna's miracle, and this rune was born in response. While it shares traits with the World Runes, its strength is not yet sufficient to draw the attention of Calamity."
He sighed, his voice tinged with both awe and melancholy.
"Occasionally, miracles occur in this world, and those miracles are what give birth to runes."
"Do the runes create the miracles, or do the miracles come first?" Katarina asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I lean toward the latter," Ryan replied with a faint smile.
"Humanity creates miracles, and in their wake, runes are born—runes that carry the weight of those stories. Discovering these runes, both known and unknown, and uncovering the beauty or tragedy behind them... that is what I strive for."
As he finished speaking, the water around him shimmered. More runes began to appear—ones he had collected for Noxus. Finally, the newly-born rune joined the others, floating into the formation.
Unlike the older runes, this one stood out. Its glow was deeper, more profound, with a faint, mesmerizing shimmer that hinted at untold potential.
The magic of the mage was nearly equal to the power of the heavens and earth, and it was this immense power that formed the foundation for the use of runes.
Even Hex Crystals required the mana of the Brackern to activate and drive the runes etched into them.
Yet the deeper Ryan delved into the study of runes, the more he felt a distinct presence—a gaze watching him from afar.
Ryan knew what it was all too well. It was the calamity the mage had warned him about.
Still, the allure of the rune's mysteries called to him, a yearning that refused to wane.
If a novice could integrate a rune into their body, why couldn't he...?
"Alright, enough chatter. The owner of this place is returning," he said abruptly, turning his gaze toward the door and cutting off the conversation.
One by one, the runes formed from water dissolved back into his body, leaving no trace. The room returned to its previous calm.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting, Mr. Ryan," Orianna said as she entered, followed by a tall, pink-haired girl.
The girl towered over Orianna but appeared timid, curling slightly behind her and peering into the room with wide, curious eyes.
"Hello, everyone," she said softly, her voice gentle and kind.
"My name is Seraphine."
Though her introduction was warm, Seraphine's posture betrayed her nervousness.
She hunched slightly as if trying to make herself smaller.
Ryan offered her a warm smile, hoping to ease her apprehension.
"The song you sang earlier was beautiful. Its melody touched my soul and conveyed such sincere emotion. It was truly moving."
Seraphine blinked, her curiosity piqued as she tilted her head.
"But... I can't hear the voice of your soul," she said, her tone laced with wonder.
"This is the first time that's ever happened."
Ryan's expression shifted slightly, intrigued.
"What do you usually hear?"
At Orianna's invitation, Ryan and Seraphine took their seats at a wooden table within the workshop.
Orianna herself joined her mechanical grace a sharp contrast to the soft vulnerability of the pink-haired girl.
Even Orianna seemed curious, as it was her first time learning of Seraphine's unique ability to hear the voices of souls.
"Take Orianna, for example," Seraphine began, her voice growing steadier as she spoke.
"Her soul used to sing passionately, filled with a longing for adventure. I could hear it yearning to see the grassy plains of Ionia, feel the icy winds of the Freljord, march with the Noxian army, and survive the challenges of Shurima's deserts. That melody of dreams and ambition was the most beautiful soul song I've ever heard." (Oriana old song - Lindsey Stirling- Artemis)
As she spoke, Seraphine's shyness faded, replaced by an animated enthusiasm. Orianna, on the other hand, flushed slightly, her lips curling into an embarrassed smile.
"That was... who I used to be," Orianna admitted, her mechanical face betraying a faint hint of nostalgia.
"Exactly! That's the Orianna I liked the most," Seraphine said, tossing her long pink hair with a bright smile.
"You should go out and explore, Orianna. Listen to the voices from every corner of the world. Right now, your soul only sings of prayers—wishes for your father's well-being. You've completely lost yourself, and even your melody has become monotonous, like a machine." ( New soul song - Till the lights go out by Lindsey Stirling)
Orianna's smile softened as she responded with gentle resolve.
"Perhaps the accident in Zaun changed my life entirely. But now, I have new dreams and a new purpose. I've made my peace with it, and I'll live my life as best I can."
"Maybe..." Seraphine pouted slightly, crossing her arms.
"But I still miss that passionate Orianna, and I'll always love listening to those spirited songs."
At Ryan's urging, Katarina, who had been quietly observing the exchange, leaned forward.
"What about me?" she asked, her tone half-teasing but tinged with genuine curiosity.
Seraphine hesitated, her ears twitching slightly as if she had heard something unsettling. Her expression shifted to one of unease, and she instinctively hid behind Orianna.
"Oh... your song is... intense," Seraphine stammered, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's filled with fervent cries. You sing of loyalty, of faith in the Empire, of duty to your father and sister. It's a song of someone who looks beyond appearances and values only talent and merit."
Katarina's eyes narrowed slightly, though her curiosity remained undeterred. Seraphine's insight had struck a chord within her—one that she had rarely shared with anyone.
Seraphine, now peeking cautiously from behind Orianna, seemed to realize she had overstepped.
Her voice softened as she explained, "Your song isn't bad. It's just... intense. It's different from most others I've heard."(Katerina - Warriors by Nightcore)
Ryan watched the exchange with quiet amusement, his expression thoughtful.
Seraphine's ability fascinated him, and he couldn't help but wonder what song she might hear from him—if only she could.
What kind of melody would a soul consumed by the mysteries of the runes sing? Would it be a cacophony of chaos and ambition? Or a grand, harmonious symphony?
For now, that answer would remain a mystery.