Under the heavy night sky, black feathers drifted down from above, like a storm of pitch-dark snow that had no reason to exist. In the blink of an eye, they blanketed the entire city.
"It seems the final act is about to begin."
Duke raised his hand and caught one of the feathers between his fingers. His gaze turned toward Dawn Castle, where a lone figure unfurled her wings and soared into the clouds.
"Then my time in Demacia is finally starting its countdown."
He released the black feather, letting it drift away, his mind replaying everything that had happened during his stay. He had come here as a vanguard—an advance agent sent ahead to prepare for the upcoming Hextech construction.
Yet, from the moment he arrived, events had spiraled out of control. One crisis after another, until he found himself dragged deep into Demacia's internal struggles.
Now, at long last, the end was in sight. After tonight, he would be ready to leave Demacia behind. Once he returned to Piltover, he swore he'd lock himself in the lab and never step foot outside again.
Whoever tried to drag him out—he'd beat them to death!
Yes, even if the Dragon King himself came knocking, it wouldn't change a thing!
"Time to set the stage."
With a glance at the now-stabilized situation, Duke turned and headed toward the Grand Plaza—the coronation site of Demacia's kings. It was the perfect place for tonight's stage.
When he arrived, King Jarvan III stood on the platform above, while Crown Prince Jarvan IV gripped the Atma's Halberd at his side. Beside him, Xin Zhao held his three-pronged spear, standing guard at the foot of the steps.
"Looks like everyone's ready."
Duke handed an amplifier device to Jarvan III. The king accepted it, his expression carrying a weight of emotion.
"Everything's prepared. A lot happened tonight… and I've learned truths I never knew before. Now, it's time to put an end to it."
"That's good."
Duke stepped down from the platform and summoned several drones. The small machines buzzed into position, casting light beams across the plaza. It was still the darkest hour of the night—there were several hours yet before dawn.
Wearing the amplifier, Jarvan III looked out over the vast, empty plaza. His eyes reflected a deep, complex emotion. It was here, years ago, that he had received the crown from his father's hands.
And tonight, here again, he would bring his reign to a dignified close.
"Brothers and sisters of Demacia!"
The king's voice, full of conviction, echoed through the amplifier. The drones transmitted his words across the capital, carrying them into every home, every street.
"I am Jarvan III—speaking to you now from the Grand Plaza!"
"Tonight, before the great Winged Guardian and the great Veiled One, I will announce something to all of you!"
As the drones carried his voice through the city, people began to emerge from their homes. The mechanical constructs patrolling the streets had already subdued the remaining rioters, and fear gave way to curiosity.
One by one, citizens took up torches and made their way toward the plaza, their lights blooming like scattered stars spreading through the royal city.
"Where's the Council?" Duke asked quietly as he approached the prince.
"They've been trapped in the Council Hall," Jarvan IV replied without turning. "Someone used a magical seal to confine them there."
"Good."
Duke handed him a folded note. "Here's your culprit."
"I saw him myself. His magic stems from shadow power—it can hide within people's shadows and control them from inside. When you go after him, be extremely careful."
Jarvan IV glanced at the paper. His expression darkened instantly. "It's him?!"
"Heh, yeah. Hard to believe, isn't it?"
Duke rolled his eyes. "But still, this is Demacia's business, not mine. I'll leave the rest to you."
"Thank you," the prince said quietly.
"Just make sure you pay me back with a few extra Anti-Magic Stones later."
While the two spoke in hushed tones, more and more people poured into the plaza. Hundreds of torches blazed to life, their light pushing back the night's darkness.
Seeing the growing crowd, Jarvan III took a deep breath.
"I, Jarvan III—current ruler of Demacia and head of the Lightshield family—hereby declare!"
He looked upon the bound mages among the crowd, then at the anger and confusion written on the faces of the people.
"I hereby abolish the Anti-Magic Decree!!"
At once, the Grand Plaza fell silent. Every sound vanished. Citizens and mages alike stared in disbelief.
"The sons and daughters of Demacia must stand united," Jarvan III continued, his voice steady and firm. "We should not be divided for any reason."
"Centuries ago, our ancestors founded Demacia after suffering under the ravages of magic. They feared it—and rejected it."
"But those centuries are long past! Demacia is no longer weak. We have built everything we have today with our own hands!"
"We believe in justice, we uphold honor—but some traditions from our founding have grown outdated. The Anti-Magic Decree divides us. It dims Demacia's light!"
"No matter if one wields magic or not—we are all Demacians!"
"Tonight, before the Winged Guardian, I declare this decree null and void!"
"From this day forth, mages are no longer a curse upon this land. Mages are no longer the blight we once feared. Mages are Demacians!"
His words echoed through every corner of the capital.
In a shadowed alley, Sylas lay listening. Hearing the king's voice, his lips curved into a weary smile.
"To think the day I dreamed of would come so easily…"
"Unbelievable."
Up in the sky, Morgana spread her wings and spoke in a solemn, resounding voice:
"In my father's name, I bear witness to the words and actions of Jarvan III, King of Demacia!"
"Should he betray them—should he stray from his vow—then by my wrath, he shall be judged!"
Her divine voice rippled through heaven and earth.
Jarvan III raised his head and shouted, "Remember this moment! Demacia steps into a new era!"
"I hereby declare: The Anti-Magic Decree and all related laws are abolished! All imprisoned mages are pardoned and set free! From this day forth, magic users may contribute their gifts to Demacia's progress!"
"Those who command stone, forge our bridges and roads. Those who wield flame, shape our metal and craft our tools. Those who master water, steady our rivers and nourish our fields!"
"Mages shall use their talents wisely—but the Mage Seekers will remain, reformed and restructured, to guide and discipline those who abuse their powers!"
"As for tonight's rebels—their fates will be judged by their deeds. But exile and execution shall be no more!"
The plaza fell silent for a heartbeat—then erupted.
"So… that means mages aren't a curse anymore?"
"We won't be hunted by the Mage Seekers again?"
"Our children won't have to hide their gifts in fear?"
"Long live Demacia!"
"Long live Demacia!!"
"Long live Demacia!!!"
The roar of voices swept across the capital like a tidal wave.
For those born with magic—those who had lived their lives in shame and silence—tears of joy streamed freely.
At last, they were no longer outcasts.
"And one more thing," said Jarvan III, raising his hands to quiet the crowd. His gaze turned toward his son. "I hereby announce my abdication. From this moment, the crown and the throne shall pass to my heir—Jarvan IV."
"During my reign, I turned a blind eye to the suffering of mages. I ignored their persecution. I failed to heal the rift between our people. Therefore, I will abdicate and pass my title to Jarvan IV."
"Veiled One, bear witness!"
The prince's eyes widened in shock. His father had never spoken of this, never hinted at it.
Now, without warning, the crown was being handed to him.
A swirl of emotions struck him at once—joy, disbelief, confusion, and fear.
Duke glanced at the young prince and sighed inwardly. The Anti-Magic Decree had just been abolished, and now came the mountain of work to rebuild Demacia.
Poor kid. He had no idea what he was in for.
"And finally," said Jarvan III, turning his gaze to Duke, "I make one last decree as king."
Noticing the old man's look, Duke suddenly had a bad feeling.
"From Piltover, our foreign ally—Duke Sanchez has rendered great service to Demacia. He vanquished demons in Mithril City, uncovered spies in the capital, and averted disaster in the southern provinces."
"He brought us new technology and new ideas."
"Therefore, before the Veiled One, I bestow upon Duke Sanchez the title of Duke of Glory, in recognition—"
Before he could finish, a radiant light streaked across the night sky, speeding straight toward the Grand Plaza. The darkness of the heavens dissolved in its wake.
Duke blinked and looked up. A blazing star was descending from the horizon, pulling the starlight into itself until all shimmered as one.
But then he realized—it wasn't a meteor.
It was a figure, wrapped in golden flame, descending at tremendous speed toward the plaza.
Everyone turned toward the sky. Morgana's face darkened instantly.
Seeing her reaction, Duke's heart sank.
"Don't tell me… it's her!!"
End of chapter....
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