章節 92: The Divergence and the Shadows Behind
The winds and sands continued to shroud this place, but after a prolonged wait, the three small factions gathered before the pyramid finally witnessed the grand stone door at its base creaking open with a series of "crack… crackle…" sounds.
Though the pyramid appeared modest in height and size from the outside, its interior space was astonishingly vast, clearly inscribed with magical arrays capable of altering dimensions.
Amidst the swirling sands, the three explorers from different factions gradually rose to their feet, stepping into the doorway in a charged atmosphere.
While the overall ambiance was somewhat peculiar, it remained relatively peaceful—this tranquility stemmed from the fact that the three factions were nearly evenly matched, with no side holding a decisive advantage.
Despite the considerable commotion surrounding this ancient relic, only these three small groups had arrived at the pyramid, due to the warning issued by Darius, the current ruler of Noxus. He had declared, "This time, the treasure belongs to Noxus. Any forces or individuals attempting to interfere should be prepared to face our retribution. Anyone who enters the ancient relic will be met with immediate assault from me and my subordinates."
In recent years, although Noxus had experienced a slight decline in power due to the mysterious disappearance of several high-ranking generals, it remained unchallenged as the foremost nation on the Valoran continent. No one doubted Darius, the infamous executioner who had personally beheaded hundreds of high-ranking nobles during the domestic rebellion, would follow through on his threats.
Thus, only the fearless Demacians dared to send a contingent—comprising two ninth-tier powerhouses and a formidable eighth-tier archmage—sufficient to counter any threats below the sanctified tier.
While Noxus's domineering actions had undoubtedly garnered unnecessary animosity across the continent, the adverse effects paled in comparison to the value of the artifact hidden within the ancient relic, remaining well within the tolerance of Noxian high command.
Upon entering the pyramid, the explorers were greeted not only by the expansive and lofty space but also by the expected dimness within. Three passageways—left, right, and center—led in different directions, coincidentally mirroring the divisions of their factions.
However, as they entered, the once shadowy space gradually illuminated with the glow of magical candlelight. The ethereal light, emitted by delicate magical arrays that captured the particles within the air, illuminated their faces, revealing the situation before them.
They found themselves in a vast hall, eerily silent. Although the grand door behind them was ajar, an invisible force seemed to hold back the howling sands from flooding in.
The floor was laid with brownish-yellow bricks, reminiscent of the dunes in the desert, lending the pyramid an ancient and historical aura. Surrounding the hall, dozens of flickering magical lamps cast a soft glow, enhancing their visibility.
"…" Casting a detached glance at the Demacians and Noxians nearby, ignoring their hushed whispers, Xiao Mu Yu coldly strode toward the far-right passageway.
Following his lead, Riven and her companions quickly caught up, their curiosity about the pyramid's interior piqued.
"Three paths to choose from; we shall take this one," Xiao Mu Yu's icy voice finally broke the silence as the four figures stepped into the passageway.
Observing their departure and glancing at the seemingly indecisive Demacians, Darius let out a disdainful huff.
From the intelligence he had received, he deduced that this was the nation with which Ezreal had a favorable rapport, and their understanding of the pyramid would undoubtedly surpass that of Noxus, which had acquired the map through coercive means.
Although a certain tome within Noxus contained some accounts of the ancient relic, Ezreal, who had actually discovered and entered it, possessed knowledge that far surpassed any insights gleaned from mere texts.
However, Darius remained unconcerned.
Though the tome lacked specific details about the pyramid's interior, he was confident that their combined strength would enable them to locate the chamber housing the treasure.
With his massive axe slung over his shoulder, Darius declared, "Then we shall proceed down the left passage."
Before departing, the red-haired Katarina hesitated momentarily, then turned back, her tone complex as she addressed Lux from a distance. "Lux, please… be careful."
Though she knew her words were largely superfluous, she felt a sense of discomfort if she did not express them.
Taken aback by the red-haired woman's concerned words, Lux managed a strained smile. "Sister Katarina, you… take care as well."
Despite her forced smile, the subtle hostility that had lingered in her eyes since their first encounter seemed to dissipate for the first time.
Yet, the red-haired woman failed to notice this change. After exchanging pleasantries, she turned away, almost as if afraid to meet Lux's gaze again.
Naturally, she also overlooked the slight shift in the golden-haired girl's expression.
"The left side… hee hee… Urgot doesn't like the left; Urgot prefers the heights, loves to soar above…" The stitched creature, with a body mass at least equal to two adults, pouted like a child, yet ultimately followed obediently behind the red-haired woman.
Watching Xiao Mu Yu and the Noxians depart, Lux playfully stuck out her tongue. "I suppose we have no choice but to take the middle path."
"Indeed, let us proceed," Jarvan, the leader of their group, nodded, hefting his massive spear as he entered the central passage. "Everyone, stay vigilant."
In an instant, the once bustling hall fell silent once more.
However, it was not long before, after all had departed, a solitary figure stepped into the hall.
This was a striking woman wielding a battle spear and carrying a massive boomerang on her back.
Clad in lightweight armor, she differed greatly from the ordinary thick metal armor that resembled a tin can, offering minimal protection. This armor was so sheer that it seemed more akin to a stylish and alluring outfit than traditional battle gear.
Her flowing battle skirt swayed gently in the breeze, revealing her long, alluring legs, while the armor barely covered her exposed bosom, creating a captivating décolletage. Rather than appearing frivolous, this attire bestowed upon her an air of sanctity—she was the War Goddess, Sivir.
This formidable mercenary, hailing from the great desert, had once crossed paths with Xiao Mu Yu in the Winter's Embrace Forest. Now, as fate would have it, she seemed poised to reunite with him once more at this crossroads of destiny.
Upon entering the hall, Sivir displayed no signs of discomfort or curiosity, as if she were stepping into a familiar place. She strode confidently past the hall.
Before her, amidst the three previous passageways, an additional corridor had mysteriously appeared, and with the ease of wandering through her own garden, her figure gradually disappeared into the depths of the passageway…
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票