Noxus Glory

Chapter 535 The Wolf and the Fox: An Invitation to the Twilight Trial

Piltover, the ideal city.

Middarda family castle.

The night was as dark as ink, staining the silent buildings. Sparse lights, like paintbrushes, sketched out the majestic and cold outlines of the walls.

Every stone brick was meticulously carved, and every decorative high window was inlaid with colorful stained glass.

These silent words speak volumes about the power and wealth represented by the Middarda family castle.

Tap tap! Tap tap!

Light, delicate footsteps broke the silence of the corridor, and the swaying glass wall lamps cast a warm, dim glow, illuminating a tall, elegant figure.

Mel Middalda.

The beautiful woman in black wore a perfectly tailored velvet dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a tranquil lake flowing in the night.

Her face appeared unusually calm in the interplay of light and shadow, as if the late-night party that had just ended was nothing more than a routine social gathering that had left no ripple in her heart.

Today, Mel is already the publicly acknowledged first in line to the Middarda family's throne, participating in every core decision the family makes in this "city of progress."

In public, she was an elegant noblewoman, the most dazzling socialite in the Middarda family.

Behind the scenes, she is also a perfect politician, fully aware of everyone and everything she encounters, and able to make the most of it.

In just a few months, Mel had truly risen to the top of Piltover's power and wealth thanks to his exceptional skills and the seemingly powerful support behind him.

And her cousin, Jarl Middarda.

On the continent of Shurima, he was in charge of the Middarda family's overseas affairs and collected magical items for Lord Hojistar of the Noxian Empire.

Compared to him, Jarl was indeed much more relaxed.

Most importantly, he can still do what he loves and pursue extraordinary adventures.

Occasionally, a hint of envy would rise in Mel's heart, a feeling she herself was unwilling to delve into.

But it was only fleeting.

She has more important things to do.

Suddenly.

Mel, who was walking forward, stopped at the corner of the corridor, her calm gaze fixed ahead.

Under the glass wall lamp, the old butler, Heero Muller, dressed in a black tailcoat, with his hair neatly combed and his posture upright, appeared.

Good evening, Miss Mel.

Hiro bowed slightly, his movements textbook perfect, his voice gentle and respectful.

"How did the party go?"

"Normal ending".

Upon hearing this, Mel's eyes flickered, and she nodded slightly to Hiro, her tone remaining unchanged.

"But the situation is chaotic right now, and things aren't peaceful in Shurima either, which has affected many businesses."

"

This is a fact.

The increasing turmoil in Shurima involves not only the Void and the Darkin, but also the newly formed Sun Empire, which has indeed had a certain impact on the Middarda family's current business.

Fortunately, the losses were not too serious.

Because within the Noxian Empire's controlled territory, the Middarda family's share of trade increased rather than decreased, making up for losses in other areas.

All of this is, of course, a hidden benefit brought about by Lord Hoji Star, an ally of the Middarda family.

The two spoke quietly for a while, then parted ways.

Watching Hiro's slowly departing figure, Mel pursed her lips, seemingly lost in thought.

Although she is now the first heir of the Middarda family, the true owner of this castle is still the white-haired old man sitting at the top.

Jaggu Middalda.

Inside the corridor, the calm in Mel's eyes gradually disappeared, replaced by deep contemplation and a hint of barely perceptible worry.

The recent series of unexpected events has caused an unprecedented change in her mindset.

The Middarda family is not only a powerful merchant family in Piltover, but also an old noble family of the Noxian Empire.

Their intelligence network is far more timely than that of other families in Piltover.

Mel suppressed her thoughts, gently placing her left hand on the pocket inside her long dress, her fingertips touching a uniquely textured silver mask.

The intricate patterns outline the shape of a rose.

Squeak!

A slight creaking sound came from the door hinges.

The door, adorned with intricate gold and red patterns, was pushed open from the outside in.

The main light in the room was not turned on; only the starlight falling from the dark night sky permeated the glass and covered the dark wooden floor of the bedroom.

Mel turned around, closed the door behind him, and temporarily shut out the silence of the castle and everything outside.

Then, her gaze swept over the art and decorations in the room that showcased the owner's taste and status, as well as a few Hextech artifacts, without the slightest lingering or appreciation.

Stepping onto the soft carpet, Mel went straight to the dark walnut wood desk and slowly took out a silver mask engraved with rose patterns from her bosom.

The mask reflected a cold, metallic sheen under the dim starlight.

The engraved rose pattern seems to come alive at this moment, trembling slightly in the light and shadow, giving it an indescribable sense of mystery.

"Black Rose!" Mel whispered.

This is the credential she obtained unexpectedly a few days ago; it's the key to accessing a secret place.

However, after tonight's party, Mel felt that the so-called accident was just a facade.

This silver mask was definitely meticulously designed and specially delivered to her.

"The Noxian Empire, the Middarda family, and Mother—what are you hiding?"

The dim starlight flickered, and Mel's gaze grew even more profound.

Her fingers gently traced the cold rose pattern on the mask.

She still remembers the first time she followed her mother, Ambissa, into the heart of the Noxian Empire, the magnificent city of Immortal Fortress, to attend a gathering of the elite nobility.

The Noxian Empire at that time displayed terrifying strength and a strict hierarchy forged with steel and blood, which made her feel somewhat suffocated.

She also remembered how awkward her mother, Ambissa, appeared in front of those top dignitaries.

Imperial General?

Yes, in the Noxian Empire's army, this status is absolutely at the top.

But in those circles of power and wealth, who would take a defeated imperial general seriously?

Therefore, Mel felt somewhat uneasy and inferior at the party.

However, after coming into contact with the mysterious black rose, she discovered that these scenes buried in her memory were the result of a series of lies woven by her mother.

The Middarda family in the Noxian Empire is far from being as marginal and weak as it appears on the surface.

Through information from several members of the Black Rose, Mel learns that her mother, Ambissa, as a Noxian general, is the embodiment of ruthless power and an iron will.

But all of this seemed to have nothing to do with her.

As her mother's only daughter, Mel has lived far from the center of the Noxian Empire since she can remember, in Piltover at her feet.

Based on these reports, it seems that the mother, Ambissa, is hiding something.

Is it a black rose? Or something even more terrifying?

Looking back, Mel remembers meeting her cousin Jarl when she first arrived in Piltover; the atmosphere was filled with sympathy and disdain.

They looked at her as if she were an abandoned child from the Noxian Empire, discarded by her mother.

Afterwards, the mother, Ambissa, was so resolute that she left without ever seeing him again.

There were no explanations, no farewells, only increasingly shorter and more formulaic letters.

There's also the wealth that guarantees her a luxurious life in Piltover.

"Even if you are so heartless." Mel stroked the mask in her hand, her voice so soft it sounded like a sigh, yet it carried a tremor that had been suppressed for too long.

"But with each sunrise, I wake up with the emptiness you left behind."

"The void I've wanted to fill my whole life, the desire to prove that I deserve my mother's love."

Mel strode to the glass window and looked down at Piltover, still bustling under the night sky. The glow of Hextech technology was shining on this idealistic city.

"Now, I have won the trust of the council and can almost control Piltover with one hand."

"At the same time, I understand that you want to protect me. It's just that you're doing it in a way that you deem reasonable."

"I never imagined that such powerful magic was dormant within me. In fact, before you left, there were so many things I hadn't thought of, so many that it was suffocating me."

Mel's thoughts raced, and a glimmer of golden light shone in her dark pupils, dispelling the darkness of the bedroom and illuminating her profile and tall figure.

"Mother, I want to say I'm sorry."

"I understand that power always comes at a price, or as you often say, those who achieve great things must make sacrifices."

""

Thinking of her mother Ambissa's tough, almost cold-blooded personality, Mel smiled bitterly.

"Heh, yes, your creed, the excuse for all your actions."

"But have you ever cared about my feelings? Our feelings? Is this sacrifice worth it? All the costs of your so-called sacrifice will ultimately be borne by me."

"You've been hiding too much from me."

"The truth about my father, about Gino's death, and the point that I'm most pressing and most confused about right now."

"Why is the Black Rose seeking revenge against you? And why has she even come after me?"

"But I suspect these are still just the surface of the lies. I truly cannot fathom you, nor the fraudsters hidden behind the Black Rose."

Thick clouds obscured the starlight, and darkness and silence descended upon the bedroom.

Only the golden light in Mel's eyes shone firmly and resolutely, illuminating the area around him.

"I have received your letter, which tells me to be vigilant about changes around me and to immediately travel to Shurima if things show signs of getting out of control."

"Anomalies have also emerged within the Black Rose; many members are heading towards the heart of Noxus's power."

"And what about you, Mother!"

"Have you, far away in Noxus, noticed the strange changes lurking in the darkness?"

Mel took a deep breath, stubbornly raised her head, and a dazzling, fiery golden light suddenly shone in her hand, instantly obliterating the silver mask engraved with rose patterns.

"I'm going home, Mother."

"Returning to the place where I was born, as a stranger in a foreign land."

Having made up his mind, Mel did not hesitate at all.

She looked around at everything familiar in her bedroom, a comfortable and warm environment that served as her ivory tower.

Now, it's no longer necessary.

Mel turned around, without taking any of the valuable items from the room, and simply closed the door.

Then, she stepped into the deep night, left the Middarda family castle, and headed towards the port of Piltover.

"A wolf, a fox."

"They showed no mercy; they were all with me."

Meanwhile, in the study on the top floor of the castle.

The light from the glass lamps fell softly like a drizzle, illuminating the room filled with the scent of ink.

Jaggu Middalda appears to be working at his desk, his paintbrush, smeared with paint, scraping across the paper with a soft rustling sound.

"Master, Miss Mel has left alone." The old butler, Hiro, appeared beside Jagu and spoke softly.

"Have you left?"

Jagu paused slightly in his paintbrush.

He didn't look up, but instead lowered his gaze to the desk in front of him.

On top, there was a newly completed painting.

The painting depicts a golden desert where a giant wolf and a fox stand facing each other, creating an unusual and striking scene.

Although the Middarda family originated from a merchant group on the coast of Shurima, through hundreds of years of effort, they have risen to become a noble family in the Noxian Empire.

Moreover, the clan members who dispersed have developed in various places.

In particular, the Middarda family of Piltover not only witnessed the construction of the Sun Gate, but also stepped into the upper council.

These are all based on the ancestral teachings passed down through generations of the Middarda family, which mention the qualities of the desert fox and the cruel wolf.

These two factors are precisely the fundamental reasons why the Middarda family has been able to survive and thrive in a cruel world.

Silence spread through the study, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace and the faint, ever-present, subtle murmur of Piltover's nights outside the window.

After a long while, Jagu slowly reached out and put away the divine painting on the table, speaking in a hoarse voice.

"It's her choice, and we have no say in it."

If the current head of the Middarda family, Ambeza, possesses the qualities of a cruel wolf.

As Mel grew up, he already possessed the qualities of a desert fox.

Even under Ambissa's tutelage, Mel subtly embodies the cruelty of a wolf.

"But the wolf cubs that have not experienced the baptism of blood."

Jagu gazed out the window at the dazzling yet cold city lights, his eyes so deep they seemed to pierce the night sky and see the ships quietly leaving the harbor.

"And how can the Middarda family preserve all its existing glory amidst the impending chaos?"

His voice was soft and low, eventually dissipating completely into the warm, heavy air of the study, without receiving any response.

Only outside the window, the night in Piltover remained as vibrant and dazzling as ever, unchanged by the departure of anyone.

The Kingdom of Demacia.

As night falls, Xiongdu, located in the heart of the city, stands proudly like a white work of art, with moonlight, like flowing water, spilling onto its squares and streets.

As the sun rose, the golden light of dawn bathed the dome of Dawn Castle, turning the pale stone surface gold.

Tap tap! Tap tap! Tap tap!

The steady, powerful, and rhythmic footsteps echoed along the long corridor and wide steps leading from Dawn Castle to the Silver Council Hall.

Prince Jarvan and Xin Zhao appeared one after the other.

Compared to a few months ago, Prince Jarvan's figure appeared more upright and composed, and his young face was covered with an increasingly profound sense of authority.

Zhao Xin remained unchanged, his posture still as straight as a javelin, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's.

However, most of his attention was focused on the young figure in front of him, who already bore the weight of the Kingdom of Demacia on his shoulders.

The area around the palace and the Silver Council Hall was already filled with Dauntless Vanguard Legion soldiers under martial law.

They were dressed in gleaming silver armor and wielded greatswords and tower shields.

Upon seeing Prince Jarvan, the soldiers all knelt on one knee and bowed their heads in humility.

This is the best proof of Prince Jarvan's strong will, decisive decision-making, and absolute loyalty to the kingdom in recent times amidst internal and external troubles.

Looking at everything before him, Zhao Xin's gaze fell once more on Prince Jarvan's back, his eyes shining with even greater determination.

The two did not slow down, but continued walking forward, heading straight into the Silver Council Hall.

Inside the parliament hall, the octagonal, light gray marble conference table stood silently like a cold altar of power.

Upon seeing Prince Jarvan, all the nobles seated at the table rose to their feet.

Each of them represents an important aspect of Demacia's affairs, including the military, nobility, treasury, and the demon hunters.

And behind them stood others, exactly twice the number, including attendants, advisors, deputies, and representatives of secondary families.

When Prince Jarvan entered, everyone stopped their discussion, straightened their appearance, and bowed to the heir to the Kingdom of Demacia.

Recently, after gaining the support of traditional forces such as the Crownguard family, Prince Jarvan has used ruthless methods to seize all power for himself.

Although Prince Jarvan has not yet officially ascended the throne and held a coronation ceremony, everyone has already tacitly accepted him as the new king of the Kingdom of Demacia.

Prince Jarvan and Zhao Xin took their seats at the head of the table. Their calm yet powerful gazes swept over everyone present, and then they nodded slightly, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

To his left sat Grand Marshal Tiana Crownguard, the head of the Crownguard family and the strongest guarantee for the current foundation of the Demacian army.

On the other side is Eldred, the commander of the Demon Hunter Corps.

The man who wielded the kingdom's most sensitive and dangerous power had a calm expression and deep gaze.

His reappearance in the Silver Council chambers demonstrates Prince Jarvan's renewed trust in the Demon Hunter system.

The remaining seats were occupied by the kingdom's most prominent nobles, each with a solemn expression on their face.

"Let's begin the meeting!"

Prince Jarvan's voice suddenly rang out in the silent hall, marking the start of the council meeting.

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone stepped forward to report.

One matter after another concerning the safety and future of the kingdom came in quick succession, piling up on the octagonal table and in front of Prince Jarvan.

In the western part of the kingdom, there have been frequent incidents of villagers disappearing en masse. There are no signs of fighting at the scene, suggesting that a spellcaster may have been involved. The incidents are heinous and have caused widespread panic.

On the eastern front, the attacks from the Noxian Empire were exceptionally fierce.

They are subtly testing the current defensive capabilities and reaction speed of the Kingdom of Demacia. Small-scale conflicts are frequent, and the number of casualties continues to rise, making it urgently necessary to provide reinforcements in terms of troops and supplies.

The Fearless Vanguard Legion, the kingdom's most elite force, is working with the Demon Hunter Legion to purge the corrupted from the territory, but has suffered heavy losses of experienced veterans.

The kingdom's maritime trade has been severely impacted by the chaotic situation, with fleets damaged and involving the newly formed Sun Empire of Shurima and the legendary Darkborn.

In the northern part of the kingdom, the Avarosan tribe of Freljord has formally extended a diplomatic invitation, hoping to establish stable trade relations with the kingdom.

Many matters concerning all aspects of the Kingdom of Demacia were presented through the words of Xun Gui in the bustling Silver Council Hall, awaiting a decision.

Prince Jarvan remained calm, discussing and exchanging opinions with the nobles while issuing orders and handling tedious matters.

Until the midday bell, deep and resonant, echoed from the bell tower of Xiongdu, reverberating over the city.

The sounds of discussion and conversation in the Silver Council Hall gradually subsided.

Immediately afterward, amidst farewells, the several high-ranking officials who had finished their reports hurriedly left with their respective subordinates.

A short while later, only Grand Marshal Tiana Crownguard and Demon Hunter Legion Commander Eldred remained beside the octagonal marble table.

And Zhao Xin, who is like a guardian deity.

Prince Jarvan looked at Tiana and Eldred, his tense face relaxing slightly, but the dark cloud between his brows remained.

"Has there been any news from Garen yet?"

Prince Jarvan leaned back slightly against the hard chair back, his gaze fixed on Tiana, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness and concern.

There's no news yet.

Tiana shook her head slightly, a hint of worry flashing across her hardened face.

"According to the reports, those guys are likely behind the disappearances of villages they're dealing with in the west."

"Which guys?" Prince Jarvan asked, his gaze falling on Eldred.

Extraordinary events within the kingdom, especially those involving magical powers, are generally resolved by the Magic Searchers.

It was only because the impact of this village disappearance was so enormous that the Fearless Vanguard Legion had to cooperate in handling it.

Eldred first glanced at Tiana, and after seeing her nod, he slowly spoke, his voice low and hoarse, as if mixed with the scent of night wind and ancient parchment scrolls.

"The matter here is very likely related to some things recorded within the Mianwei family."

"They are called demons, and in legends, they are the source of calamity and fear."

"Unlike ordinary demon-possessed individuals, their power is more bizarre and deeply rooted in the dark side of the human heart, making them difficult to combat with conventional means."

"What Garen and his team encountered this time is very likely related to these things," Tiana added.

"This relates to a secret from the founding of the Kingdom of Demacia: the residents of the western villages often disappeared due to nightmares."

"Based on the oldest family records, as well as some scattered notes left by my grandfather, Forsythen."

Tiana paused slightly, her tone becoming unusually serious.

"This is very likely related to a demon known as the Eternal Nightmare."

Its name is Morten!

Upon hearing Tiana's words, Prince Jarvan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression grave.

"The legendary demon?"

"Yes," Eldred nodded.

"Earlier, Garen and Lux ​​reported that they had seen demonic energy left behind by the Eternal Nightmare in Forsbarrow."

After speaking, Eldred rose and bowed respectfully to Prince Jarvan.

"Your Highness, I will depart tomorrow, personally leading a portion of the Demon Hunter legion, to the place where Garen last sent back his message."

Prince Jarvan was silent for a moment, then nodded emphatically.

"allow!"

He uttered only one word, yet it represented the greatest authorization and trust.

Prince Jarvan then stood up and went to the map of the Kingdom of Demacia that had been unfolded behind him.

My gaze slowly moved across the areas marked with different colors and symbols on the map: the shadows of the west, the flames of war in the east, the invitations of the north, and the waves of the sea.

"These are turbulent times!"

"Especially those Noxian scum who are frequently crossing the border on the eastern front, they're testing something."

Recalling the chaos in Xiongdu, Prince Jiawen's left hand unconsciously clenched, his knuckles turning white.

But he took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed all the hatred in his heart.

He is Jarvan the Lightshield, the prince of the Kingdom of Demacia, and the soon-to-be-crowned king.

His personal feelings had to give way to the interests and safety of the kingdom.

"Tiana, you will immediately lead the remaining squads of the Fearless Vanguard Legion to the eastern front."

Prince Jarvan turned around, his gaze returning to its calm and resolute state.

"Do not provoke a large-scale conflict, but respond to every Noxian provocation with the strongest possible stance. It would be best to ascertain their true intentions and await further instructions from me."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Tiana bowed without hesitation, her voice resolute, and then she strode out of the Silver Council Hall with swift and decisive steps.

In the afternoon, the Silver Council Hall remained bustling with activity.

The new nobles and officials took over from the morning's staff and continued to report to Prince Jarvan on matters in their respective fields. Prince Jarvan remained calm and methodically handled matters involving all aspects of the kingdom.

Until night fell again, enveloping the capital once more.

Prince Jarvan and Xin Zhao left the Silver Council Hall together and returned to Dawn Castle.

Zhao Xin gazed at the still brightly lit study, recalling the events in the Silver Council Hall and Prince Jarvan's calm and resolute demeanor, and sighed softly.

They look so alike!

They were strikingly similar to the old king, who dedicated everything to this utopian kingdom until his very last breath.

Zhao Xin's hand unconsciously reached into his robes.

Hidden inside the lining is a secret letter, sealed with special magic.

The letter contained very simple information, but its source was Ionia!

"Why was I chosen for the Twilight Trial invitation?"

He is no longer the wandering, homeless soldier he once was.

Today, he is the Grand Marshal of Demacia and the most trusted protector of Prince Jarvan IV.

His roots have long been firmly planted in the Demacian soil beneath his feet.

Zhao Xin's thoughts were racing. He looked up and gazed deeply at the young figure still working at his desk in the study.

Demacia is currently facing internal threats from demons and lingering problems from spellcasters, while external threats from Noxus loom large, creating a turbulent situation on all sides.

The crisis has never seemed so imminent.

Can the kingdom protect itself with its current strength?

Although there are different versions of ancient legends about the Twilight Trials in Ionia, they all vaguely involve a higher level of power.

"Perhaps this is an opportunity, an opportunity that can make me stronger, enough to protect this land."

The evening breeze ruffled his hair, and Zhao Xin fell into a long silence.

Finally, he looked up at the starry sky, and a resolute determination, like burning one's boats, appeared in his eyes, which, though weathered by time, remained sharp.

"I will do it my way"

"To protect the glory and peace of Demacia!"