Chapter 20: Ezreal
The light...
Dim.
This is within the dark confines of a casino, a den of sin and malevolence. The very essence of this place ensures that it will never receive the favor of the God of Light, destined instead to be a haven for the depraved.
Inside the main gaming area, the shouts of gamblers rise and fall like a cacophony. On the stage at the center of the casino, a naked pole dancer entertains those too weary from their wagers to stand.
From the shadowed alcoves come the boisterous cries of men and women, while on the dance floor, under flashing lights, men grasp at their partners with eager hands.
Indeed, the capital city of a remote border province, such as Tiannan, is not to be compared with ordinary small towns; its splendor is matched only by the dark, hidden vices lurking within.
The dance floor alone is several times larger than the decrepit slum where Ya Ya resides.
Ya Ya, pale and despondent, is dragged through the center of the dance floor by two thugs. The girl has cried dry her tears, resigned to her fate, allowing herself to be led without a struggle.
Though she appears a mere shell of her former self, her natural beauty still stirs the appetites of some men nearby.
However, the time is not ripe, for the middle-aged count named Joseph strides ahead like a triumphant hunter, his demeanor unmistakably signaling, "This is my prey."
Few dare cross Joseph within the city; a select few might, but those individuals are unlikely to be found in a casino owned by him. Thus, the lecherous gazes of men linger on the fragile beauty of the girl as she passes by, longing but patient.
They believe this moment will be fleeting.
Men accustomed to the casino know Joseph's habits; once he tires of the girl, her fate will be sealed, her name added without hesitation to the red ledger of names at the center of the casino.
And at that moment... heh heh...
An unspoken agreement spreads among the onlookers, their gazes exchanging wicked intent, each fantasizing about how they might humiliate the delicate girl, reveling in her soft moans beneath them.
"Take her to the VIP room, keep her under strict watch. I'll return to enjoy her later after my shift," Joseph commands.
The thugs respond and, flanking Ya Ya, lead her along a different path toward the upper VIP quarters.
After several twists and turns, they push open a lavishly decorated door, shoving Ya Ya onto a heart-shaped red bed.
Her skirt is lifted as she falls, revealing long, fair legs.
Perhaps due to a lack of sunlight, her skin appears almost ethereal, as if it might melt away.
One of the thugs stares, entranced, as strange sounds begin to escape his throat.
Yet, despite her vulnerable position before these men, Ya Ya lies there, devoid of expression, her once-bright eyes now vacant as they gaze at the ornate ceiling above.
"Heh heh heh, while we can't partake, touching and looking is surely permissible, right? Heh heh..."
Just as one thug can barely contain himself and lunges forward, the other seizes his arm, "Hey, have you lost your mind? Did you forget the boss's orders to treat her well? If she reports this to the boss, you might just find your limbs broken!"
The first thug jolts back, as if awakening from a trance.
Reluctantly, he casts one last glance at Ya Ya before stepping out, locking the door behind him.
Humans appear strong, yet often their hearts are frail when faced with beauty that isn't theirs.
Desire can swiftly morph into jealousy, into dissatisfaction.
Although he is supposed to be on guard, the thug can't help but glance back at the door, clearly unable to shake thoughts of the girl inside.
His partner notices and chuckles, "What's got you so worked up? You look like you've just been released from prison. Haven't you played with women before?"
"Cut it out! Of course, I have! But have you ever seen one like her? Such delicate, exquisite beauty?" The thug retorts defensively.
"Well... you know the boss's temperament. Once he tires of her, she'll be added to that pink ledger in the main hall. If you want her, just bid for her later. Why the rush?"
"I've been with the boss long enough to know this! But think about it—this girl is a rare gem. The price to spend a night with her will be beyond what any of us can afford!"
"Uh... well..."
They exchange a helpless glance, sighing in resignation.
Fate and identity can feel like an insurmountable chasm, leaving one feeling powerless and adrift.
The wind and snow gradually subside.
The golden-haired youth strides down a bustling street, his eyes wide with curiosity, taking in the lively atmosphere.
The throng of people surges past him, the vibrant energy of a thriving metropolis enveloping him.
"Wow... I remember when I last passed through here, Tiannan City was far less crowded. Now it's alive with vigor! Heh heh... Sister Freya's charm is undeniable, drawing so many from afar to her concert." The boy marvels at the transformation of the once-dreary city, his smile broadening.
"Thank goodness I chose to return from the Shurima Desert via Demacia, or I would have missed this concert! Missing Sister Freya's performance is simply not my style!" he murmurs, relieved.
Suddenly, a commotion ahead catches his attention.
"Let go! Let go! You have to let go!"
The sharp cries attracted the curious gazes of passersby. Ezreal turned toward the commotion and spotted a man desperately struggling not far off, roaring in panic while frantically waving his arms. Clinging to his thigh was a ragged beggar, who bit down fiercely.
As the man continued to thrash about, the beggar's frail body swung into the air and crashed against the cold stone pavement, producing dull thuds.
Astonishingly, despite this, the beggar refused to release his grip, sinking his teeth deeper into the man's thigh.
Gradually, the man's pant leg became stained crimson with blood.
It was evident that he lacked courage; inexplicably ensnared by this deranged beggar, tears streamed down his face.
"Help! Someone, please help me!" In full view of the crowd, he wailed like a wronged child, his cries heart-wrenching.
Yet the ragged beggar paid no heed to his lamentations, maintaining his relentless hold, his dirty, unkempt hair obscuring his face as he bowed low.
Such abnormal behavior instilled an icy dread in the onlookers, leading to a moment where none dared to assist the unfortunate man in the middle of the street.
Suddenly, a soft sound—a flash—and within the blink of an eye, the golden-haired youth appeared beside the man, having traversed the distance in a heartbeat.
Yet, amidst the chaos, no one noticed; they merely caught a glimpse of the handsome youth breaking through the throng to reach the man ensnared by the beggar.
With a thud, the youth's hand gently struck the back of the beggar's head, causing him to finally release his grip and slump to the ground like a lifeless doll.
"Whew... whew..." The man, realizing he had been saved, gasped for breath before suddenly collapsing into unconsciousness.
As the crowd took in the two bodies lying on the cold street, they finally registered that this sunlit, handsome boy had resolved the situation.
Cheers erupted, and the spectators couldn't help but express their heartfelt admiration for the youth at the center of the scene, particularly the women, who responded most enthusiastically to his slightly bashful smile.
Yet, none recognized—or rather, all tacitly chose to forget—that they themselves had stood by, merely observing.
Ah, the nature of humanity...
A cold laugh echoed in the darkness, eyes filled with derision as they watched the jubilant crowd, as if they had been the ones to save the man.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone