I, Folyago, am the most devoted lover in Runeterra.

Logically speaking, as one of the ten primordial demons, Tamm, a demigod, should also have the ability to act as a chess player.

However, the game this player was playing was so vast that Tam didn't even dare to speculate.

For Tahm Kench, clinging to a powerful ally is probably the best course of action right now.

After all, they're doing pretty well in Fryego's territory right now.

Tam shook his head helplessly.

Suddenly, the matter that Feuergo had just entrusted to him came to mind again.

It seems the old devil needs to make a trip to Piltover.

As Tamm thought of this, his feet suddenly became soft, until they turned into a swampy mud.

He rose and leaped into the ground like a fish returning to the sea.

In an instant, a bottomless crater remained on the ground.

After Tam walked away, everything returned to normal, and the bottomless hole in the ground disappeared.

It was as if nothing had happened.

Chapter 201, The Origin of Magic

Surrounded by treacherous seas, numerous allied provinces form Ionia on a vast archipelago known as the "First Lands." The pursuit of balance in all things has long been the cultural theme here, resulting in a blurred line between the material and spiritual realms, especially in the wild forests and mountains.

Although the magic of this land may be fickle and the creatures that inhabit it may be dangerous and wondrous, the inhabitants of Ionia have lived prosperous lives for the past few centuries.

The monasteries where martial arts are practiced, the militias in each province, and even the land of Ionia itself are enough to protect the local residents.

But all the peace of the past has come to an end today.

...............

Crimson flames shot into the sky, turning the clouds in the sky a deep red.

On this once peaceful land, cries of agony now fill the air.

Everywhere you look, unarmed, ragged people are being driven around by soldiers in black armor, gathering in the center of the island.

Behind them lay their homes, ravaged by relentless flames.

Every now and then, one could see a few survivors who still harbored a lingering sense of "luck" being caught by imperial soldiers and then stabbed to death on this land they loved so dearly.

In less than three days, the empire's iron hooves had already trampled through Philol, the easternmost province of Ionia.

Next, all the civilians of Philol will be gathered in a specific location and placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Empire.

Later, after the empire completely conquered all of Ionia, new cities were rebuilt.

Whether one can survive under the empire's control during this period depends on luck.

..........27.

Ionia is less of a single continent and more of an archipelago of islands.

Each island is a "province" of Ionia.

This independent island, named Philol, faces the entire Ionia continent across the sea and is located at the mouth of the rivers of the entire province of Warneri.

Therefore, after controlling Philol, the Empire could even advance directly inland along the sea outlet of Warneri.

It even reaches Precht, the capital of Ionia.

Of the many island provinces of Ionia, the province of Warneri alone occupies half of the country's area.

The province of Warnerly plays a crucial role in this country.

Meanwhile, the capital of this loosely tribal confederation, Prehiden, is located in the very center of the province of Warnerly.

At this moment, the Imperial army has successfully landed on Philor, and using this island, which is independent of the entire continent of Ionia, as a base, it is preparing for the next step of expansion.

..........

At this moment, in the easternmost operational command post of Philol.

The Noxian generals who participated in this expedition to Ionia gathered together to discuss what strategy they should adopt next.

During the meal, everyone fell silent.

The silence wasn't because taking down Philol had resulted in heavy casualties or costs, but because it was simply...too easy.

It was so easy that...the imperial generals found it hard to believe.

That is why the generals present were at a loss for words.

At this moment, the Ionians gave the Imperial army the impression of being a bunch of weaklings who could be defeated no matter what.

They were unable to organize an effective resistance; their fighting capacity was shockingly poor.

In fact, the only thing that could be called an "army" in Philol was the militia of the various villages in Philol.

The members of these "militia groups" were mostly local militiamen or monks who had practiced martial arts.

These local militia members might be decent in terms of martial arts skills, but they must remember that this is war.

With the coordinated efforts of the Imperial soldiers, they were almost immediately defeated.

In fact, although there are no legendary powerhouses on the entire island of Philol, there are quite a few gold-level powerhouses.

In almost every village, there is a powerful expert at the Gold rank.

However, Ionia's loose political system prevented these powerful individuals from forming an effective fighting force during the war.

Without exception, they were all defeated one by one.

Against the overwhelming charge of the imperial army, the strength of any individual is utterly insignificant.

Of course, this excludes legendary and higher-level powerhouses.

Take Philolus as an example; this island doesn't even have a unified, centralized authority.

The people here live in villages of varying sizes.

In the village, elders such as "clan elders" and "elders" govern everything.

Matters concerning the entire archipelago and provinces are decided through consultation and discussion among these "elders".

It was precisely because of this loose political system that Ionia almost collapsed at the first sign of trouble in a formal war.

........

Swain sat in the main seat, with General Dukur to his right and a great magician shrouded in black robes to his left.

This mage is the commander of the Imperial Cabinet Mage Corps.

"I think everyone is aware of the current battle situation."

"According to Philol, we have now gained a foothold for our attack."

"The reason we have gathered everyone here now is to discuss and arrange the next operational strategy."

Swain spoke calmly, his tone completely unwavering.

He didn't seem to feel any joy at the current results.

"laugh!"

"Ionia, nothing special."

"In my opinion, we should launch a full-scale attack. I estimate that it won't be long before you can completely conquer this land!"

Dukur chuckled first, then spoke in a completely indifferent tone.

"That's right!"

"That's right, that's right..."

His words drew agreement from the generals present.

What no one noticed was that Duguel and the leader of the magicians' corps made eye contact in mid-air.

During the meal, only Swain frowned.

He was a veteran general known for his wisdom and resourcefulness on the battlefield.

Swain felt that things couldn't be that simple.

After all, Ionia is renowned throughout Runeterra.

In fact, legend has it that Ionia is the “source of all magic.”

In Swain's mind, this conquest should not have been so easy.

only........

That is indeed the current reality.

But for some reason, Swain's unease became increasingly apparent.

"In that case, I think we should divide our forces."

"This will help us speed up the process."

During the banquet, a general suddenly spoke up.