Within the Temple of the Long-Standing, after learning what had happened on Fae'lor, the aged elders felt pleasantly surprised but still advised Karma: "Any battle or strife will only cause our Ionia to lose more of its traditions! Under the influence of war, the veil of the Spirit Realm is already in grave peril. We absolutely cannot kick them while they are down now. Doing so wouldn't just be annihilating the Noxians; it would cause irreversible and severe damage to sacred Ionia itself!"
"If you put it that way, what do you think we should do?"
Faen, standing nearby, asked with keen interest. He wasn't the least bit surprised by the logic coming out of the old man's mouth. After all, if others didn't know, Faen certainly did. These stubborn, pedantic relics—even if you killed them, they would still die with stiff mouths, refusing to admit they were wrong.
Hearing Faen's question, a look of solemnity appeared on the elder's face. "Warn them. Admonish them. Use Ionia's ancient wisdom to reform them. Use Ionia's sacred traditions to make them realize their mistakes."
"But they have killed many people," Faen said calmly. "Not just people, but land spirits as well. The destruction they've caused in the coastal regions might not truly recover even after hundreds of years."
"The spiral of revenge will never end!" A look of helplessness appeared on the elder's face. He looked at Faen as if he were looking at a pitiful junior who had gone astray.
To this, Faen simply stroked his chin and continued, "In that case, I will have to trouble you, Master, to personally go to the Noxian camp. As an envoy, you can passionately explain the pros and cons to their legion commander, Swain, making him repent, forsake the darkness for the light, and return to Noxus to make Emperor Darkwill repent as well."
Hearing this, the Master fell silent briefly before nodding. He then said righteously, "That is exactly my responsibility."
"I wish you success."
Faen's face showed neither joy nor sorrow. This man's theories sounded high and mighty, and when putting them into practice himself, he truly didn't fear death. But in Faen's view, it still wasn't worth praising. If his actions only affected himself, that would be one thing. But his theories had already led to untold numbers of Ionians suffering horrific fates.
And under these circumstances, to still not believe there was a problem with his ideology—that was the biggest problem of all.
The next day, news arrived—Master Noko was killed.
"The reason given was 'demoralizing the troops.'" Sitting beside the long desk, Karma looked at Faen, her face full of helplessness. "Swain didn't act against Master Noko at first. But during a debate in the military camp, Master Noko brought up the fall of Fae'lor, so Swain executed him for crimes of sedition and deception."
"At least he died on the path of practicing his ideals." Hearing this, Faen nodded, not taking it too much to heart. After a moment of silence, he added, "But it seems Swain has also realized the severity of the problem. He wants to burn his boats and take Ionia in one fell swoop."
"I have already prepared countermeasures." Hearing this, Karma nodded. She took a deep breath and said, "The Navori Brotherhood, the coast guards who evacuated early, the militias from the coastal regions who lost their homes, and the sanctuary guards are all willing to join the battle against the Noxians. But this is also what worries me, because their hearts have also been filled with hatred."
"Then there is even more need to let them vent it." Faen, noticing Karma's internal struggle, said, "Otherwise, if that desire for revenge remains pent up deep inside, it will sooner or later turn into dissatisfaction with Ionia itself. War has changed Ionia, but equally, this is the best opportunity to reshape Ionia's spirit."
Hearing this, Karma nodded, a look of agreement showing in her eyes.
Sitting nearby, watching Faen and Karma converse continuously, Syndra let out a mocking chuckle.
Faen didn't react to Syndra's laugh, but Karma instinctively shifted her gaze over. Feeling Karma's gaze, Syndra simply lifted her chin and said:
"Although my dear Teacher has already said it, looking at it now, your betrayal of the Spirit of Ionia as Karma is truly thorough. Not only did you liberate the sealed darkness, but you are now even plotting with a tiger right in front of me, wanting to change the entire spiritual state of Ionia."
Hearing Syndra's words, Karma frowned slightly. However, knowing that Syndra had been sealed by an Enlightened One several generations prior and harbored countless grievances and hatreds—and was only restraining herself because Faen was here—Karma didn't confront her. After a brief moment of thought, she said:
"The only constant in this world is change itself. I know that because of Ionia's past traditions, you suffered many unjust grievances, and I do not expect a few words to make you let go of the hatred in your heart. But in the name of the Karma of this era, I will do everything in my power to restore your honor and let the people know of your sacrifices. On this basis, as long as it is something I can do, no matter the request, I will do my utmost to fulfill it."
Hearing Karma's words, Syndra raised an eyebrow. She looked at Faen, then at Karma, and then, as if remembering something, licked her lips.
"You'll fulfill anything? You said it yourself."
"As long as it is something I can do, and it does not harm Ionia itself." Sensing that Syndra might have some ulterior motives, Karma reiterated her requirements and boundaries.
To this, Syndra narrowed her eyes, then suddenly smiled. Although her expression looked gentle, one could feel an undisguised malice spreading along with that smile.
"Then you can rest assured. I won't harm Ionia's interests; after all, my dear Teacher is deeply invested in seeing this place reborn. But one thing is one thing, and another is another. Getting me to help you rebuild Ionia won't be that simple."
Faen shrugged, completely immune to Syndra constantly attacking his private life through innuendos about their "teacher-student" relationship.
Karma also had some understanding of the situation, so she didn't take it to heart, focusing her attention on the actual request that followed. And immediately after, Syndra said:
"Although we are two separate individuals, the Spirit of Ionia within your mind and the Darkness within my mind are inherently one entity. Therefore, having us sign some special contracts to share empathetic sensations shouldn't be a problem, right?"