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Deep in the heart of Zaun, within an abandoned temple.
"This is the address Jinx gave me!"
Link stepped into the entrance, observing the stark contrast between the marble pillars and carvings of this place and the architecture of the twin cities.
This was the deepest part of Zaun, reachable only through old tunnels and ventilation shafts.
Here, the air was thick with accumulated industrial fumes.
Pushing through the fog, Link ventured further into the temple's interior.
Along the way, he encountered numerous carvings, all depicting figures with pointed ears, athletic physiques, and barely-there garments draped delicately over their forms.
Zaun, as per the lore, was once a Shuriman port city known as Oshra V'Zaun.
Though called a port, it was actually a remote frontier of the Shuriman Empire, far from the empire's heartland.
It was this isolation that allowed Oshra V'Zaun to survive the fiery wars waged by the Ascended after Shurima's fall, eventually evolving into an independent city-state.
The faith in Janna predates Shurima's conquest of Oshra V'Zaun. Back then, she was known as Jan'Ahrem.
Over time, her true name was shortened to Janna.
Janna isn't a true god but a wind spirit that has existed since ancient times. However, her status remains significant. Bolstered by faith, her power rivals that of figures like Ornn, Volibear, and Anivia.
In the lore of the League universe, Janna is considered the guardian deity of Zaun and an irreplaceable faith in the city.
However—
In the world of the Arcane storyline, whether Janna truly exists is unclear.
Following the corridor, Link finally entered a vast temple hall.
Many of the stone pillars had collapsed, leaving only a few to support the temple's dome.
The most striking feature was the wall carving of Janna, depicted holding her wind staff, surrounded by breezes, with flowing hair, a compassionate gaze, and a holy demeanor.
The dimly lit, hollow temple felt eerily quiet. Standing before the mural, Link removed his spider-shaped helmet and gazed intently at the carving.
From his pocket, he took out a worn, yellowed notebook and a lapis lazuli amulet. The notebook contained Singed's notes on Janna, detailing his investigations and findings.
After his daughter's departure, Singed had gone mad searching for ways to save her.
Faith had been one of the avenues he explored.
The notebook recorded stories and myths about Janna, most of which came from Zaun's miners.
They claimed that, during mine collapses, amidst suffocating smog, a bluebird would bring fresh air, helping them survive until rescue arrived.
Other tales spoke of struggling apprentice workers finding hope through Janna's aid during their darkest moments.
The most outrageous story involved someone claiming to be Janna's reincarnation. Of course, this turned out to be just another con artist.
After flipping through the notebook, Link picked up the amulet.
On its front was a carving of a bluebird in flight, while the back featured a swirl representing wind.
Examining the swirl and comparing it to the wind symbol on Janna's staff in the carving, Link nodded slightly.
"It seems Janna's faith did exist here in Zaun."
But whether Janna herself existed remained a troubling question for Link.
The last recorded miracle of Janna was twenty-six years ago. After so much time, her followers had all but vanished.
A being like Janna, whose existence relied on faith, could have faded into oblivion without worship or offerings for so long.
Link set his helmet and notebook on a stone platform. Then, he placed a censer and incense sticks borrowed from Singed beside them.
After lighting the incense, Link clasped the amulet and bowed his head in prayer.
"Oh, bluebird soaring freely through the mist, guide me on my path!"
He paused and listened to the echoes in the temple. Nothing.
"Guardian of Zaun, embodiment of the winds of change, as your devout follower, I beseech you, guide me forward!"
Still, only the sound of his own voice echoed back.
"I offer my body and soul. May my spirit drift with the winds after death. Avatar of the gale, heed my call!"
Silence again.
Taking a deep breath, Link raised his voice, his tone more fervent.
"When the winds come, I will hold my breath and embrace the storm's fury. Answer my call, Tempest of the Storms!"
The echoes continued, but there was no response.
Looking up at Janna's carving, Link sighed.
"Does Janna not exist, or am I doing this wrong?"
He rubbed the amulet in his hands, pondering.
In Runeterra, gods and spirits were real. From the celestial beings of Targon to the spirits of Bilgewater, divine entities existed.
So why was there no response here?
"Is Janna dormant due to the lack of faith, or am I approaching this incorrectly?"
After a moment of contemplation, Link decided on a bold move.
"First, visualize Janna's exact appearance!"
He pictured her flowing hair, graceful figure, kind eyes, and bluebirds flying around her.
"Next, solidify this image and imprint it deeply in my mind!"
As he strengthened the image in his mind, he resolved to push further.
"Finally, invoke her true name to provoke a reaction!"
Taking a deep breath, he called out in a loud, passionate voice:
"Jan'Ahrem, you broomhead goddess with floating hair, wake the hell up and rise!"
His voice echoed repeatedly throughout the empty temple.
Still, there was no response.
After waiting for several moments, Link sighed and shook his head.
"Guess broomhead's really gone!"
"Well, I'll have to figure out another way."
As he placed the amulet on the altar, preparing to leave, he noticed the pages of the notebook beside him trembling.
The pages flipped as if an unseen hand were turning them.
At the same time, Link's ears twitched.
He heard it—a breeze.
The wind stirred within the temple, swirling around him and rising higher.
Looking up, he saw a spectral bluebird materializing from the air, bit by bit.
The bird was small and delicate, with feathers intricately detailed and eyes like sparkling gemstones.
But why was it looking at him like that?
Its gaze held anger, resentment, and the unmistakable annoyance of being rudely awakened.
Before Link could react, the bluebird dove like a meteor, striking his forehead with surprising force.
"Impertinent fool!"
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