The Blue Ocean of Academia

Chapter 49 The Blue Ocean of Academia

Including the ground level, the giant tower can be roughly divided into four levels.

According to Qiyana, different people live on different levels.

The top floor is for royalty, the second floor for Yuntars, the third floor for scholars and apprentices, and the fourth floor for commoners of Ixtals.

In this conservative country, even people living on the same floor often have different social ranks. For example, scholars and apprentices are ranked according to the length of their studies and the results of their studies.

Tallinn didn't have much of an opinion on this.

After all, you can't expect a rainforest civilization that has been isolated for over 6,000 years to have developed the concept of equality for all.

Rather than focusing on the class distribution of people living inside the tower, Tallinn is now more concerned with the multiple sub-building complexes with different functions radiating out from the central tower.

These buildings are situated in different directions and are connected to each other by intersecting Soss energy pathways.

Expensive elemental ores are mined from underground, melted into liquid ore, and then traced on the rock formations of each sub-building complex according to the primordial axioms.

The grand gate faces east, west, south, and north, and the white rock walls and corridors appear particularly solemn and dignified.

The entire city's style is a fusion of natural rainforest with highly geometric magical stone structures and crystal buildings.

There is no steam engine-like structure; the entire tower is built and maintained entirely by elemental magic.

However, compared to Ixokane's outward grandeur, Tarlin clearly paid more attention to Ixokane's inner qualities.

Ixoken was not built by the Ixtals. Rather, the core of Ixoken, the towering tower located in the center of the city, was built for them by the ancient lord Skana using his power over the earth in ancient times.

Originating from the magic of one of the most powerful demigods in Runeterra, the central tower is clearly not just a landmark; it is the magical core of Ixtal.

At least, Tallinn could clearly sense that the central tower was constantly releasing an energy different from life energy.

This energy, akin to pure elemental magic, permeates the entirety of Ixtal, ensuring that outsiders cannot see this ancient wonder hidden within the rainforest through magic or sight.

Seemingly noticing the astonishment in Tarin's eyes, Qiyana, who was standing beside her, also looked at Ixokeng, which was nestled among the mountains but even more magnificent than the mountains, and said with a proud expression, "How is it? Do you feel truly shocked?" Qiyana was full of pride.

"Ixokhan was built at the geometric center of this planet, where the veins of Runeterra converge."

I think you can feel it, right? Endless elemental magic erupts from the tower, enveloping the entirety of Ixtal and protecting this ancient kingdom.

As she said this, a glint of ambition appeared in Qiyana's eyes: "One day, I will ensure that this greatness and vastness is no longer confined to this ancient rainforest, but extends to every corner of Runeterra!"

"Indeed, it's amazing."

Upon hearing Qiyana's words, Tarin nodded in understanding.

There is indeed a story about this place, Isuokeng—

In Tarlin's view, the central tower's function was far more than simply maintaining the magical spells of Ixtal; it was about releasing the vast amount of elemental magic that had been accumulating beneath Ixtal.

These invisible forces nourish and sustain this land in a harmless way, allowing Ixtal to remain self-sufficient even when cut off from the outside world, without having to worry about any resources.

The high concentration of magic, channeled through the central tower, spread throughout the city-state, and the magic within the earth's ley lines condensed into a large amount of elemental ores.

According to Tarlin's conjecture, at least Ixokeng and the surrounding mountain range should become a special region similar to the Elder's Recess or Guiding Land in Monster Hunter World due to the highly concentrated elemental energy.

While this would increase the availability of elemental minerals, it would also attract numerous magical beasts and monsters drawn by the elemental energy. Territorial disputes would intensify, making the area unsuitable as a human settlement for survival and development.

Not to mention that it has become the source of civilization for the Ixtals.

Thinking this, Tarin couldn't help but say, "Skarner truly deserves a lot of credit for Ixtal's survival to this day."

"Indeed." Upon hearing this, Qiyana nodded in agreement.

Despite Qiyana's desire to open a kingdom, it doesn't mean she's lost her mind.

In fact, she was different from her older sisters.

It is precisely because of her elemental talent, which far surpasses that of ordinary people, that Qiyana is able to more clearly perceive everything that Skarner has done for Ixtal.

This central tower, erected even before the sun disk, is the key to Ixtal's enduring strength.

"Therefore, I understand it even less."

After staring at the giant tower for a while, Tarin sighed and looked at Qiyana beside him, saying, "Skarner has done so much for you Ixtals, and even now, his creations continue to protect all of Ixtal—"

So, what was your mindset, Ossytar people, when you relegated it to the corners of history?

"Uh—well—I'm not really sure either."

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana's face showed a hint of embarrassment.

Most of the Ixtalites today have forgotten about the existence of Skana.

Even those who know about it mostly treat it as a legend.

Even among the Yuntars, not all of them knew that Skarna was not a legend, but a real deity who still lived beneath Ixtal.

But it is precisely because of this that Tallinn finds it increasingly difficult to understand.

Skana, as one of the most powerful demigods in this land, inspired your Ixtal civilization and protected you through those most difficult years.

This allowed Ixtal to survive the catastrophes of the Darkin Wars and the Rune Wars until this day.

But what happens after that?

Oh, so Skarner lives in seclusion underground, detached from worldly affairs, and you've really forgotten about him, haven't you?

Even when drinking water, we shouldn't forget the well-digger.

Tallinn truly doesn't understand the Ixtalian brain.

Especially the Yuntars who knew of Skana's existence.

People like Suttal are ordinary people with limited knowledge, growing up in a closed environment. Ignorance is no excuse, and it's understandable that they don't know about Skana.

But the veteran Yuenthals knew of Skana. King Yuenthal and Yuenthalai knew of it as well.

They were also perfectly aware that Skarner's reason for living in seclusion underground was to use the ley lines to monitor the situation in other areas of Runeterra.

Not to mention Skarner, even the relic Vidarian Loom created by Skarner can allow people to see from Ixtal, the southernmost part of Runeterra, to Freljord, the northernmost part.

As the manufacturer, Skarner could practically stalk anyone he wanted, let alone just see them.

And as his territory, how could Skana not know about Ixtal's current situation?

In the original storyline, he was even fully aware of Qiyana's plans to launch a rebellion and change.

If there's such a powerful figure in your family, they may not need you, but you can't just leave them unappreciated, right?

Thinking this, Tallinn shook his head and said, "Let's go, let's go into the city first."

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana nodded and then entered the royal city.

Ixooken's announcement of Qiyana's return didn't cause much of a stir.

Even King Yu'en simply sent someone to inquire, and after confirming that there were indeed traces of void creatures, he let Qiyana rest for a while, and then report to the council hall when everything was ready.

In the past, Qiyana wouldn't have bothered with it, but this time she clearly didn't intend to let the waiter leave so easily. Instead, she frowned and said, "I'll leave the rest aside, but there's something you need to tell my father."

"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, the elderly waiter was slightly taken aback, then showed an expression of listening attentively.

In response, Qiyana pointed to Tarin and Milio beside her and said, "I have discovered two talented individuals and I would like to recommend them to my father."

"Oh?" The waiter's face showed a hint of surprise when he heard that Qiyana was going to make a recommendation.

As a royal attendant, he naturally possessed knowledge far exceeding that of ordinary people and was aware of the existence of the recommendation system.

In fact, many Yuen Alai people cultivate their cronies in a similar way.

The fact that the waiter was making such a recommendation was less surprising to him than to the fact that someone could actually gain Chiana Ale's approval.

After all, he knew that although Qiyana was the lowest in line of succession, her talent was the strongest, and her personality was the most arrogant. To be recognized by Qiyana—

Thinking this to himself, the waiter nodded and said, "I will report the truth to His Majesty. But may I ask, what are your identities?"

"Milio is the grandson of Lupe, a former Yuntar who was implicated in his sister's rebellion and sentenced to exile."

As she spoke, Qiyana glanced at Tarin, who was standing to the side with a friendly expression, and said, "As for Tarin—he's from Ionia. He accidentally entered Ixtal and is now my special mentor."

"----tutor?"

Upon hearing Qiyana's words, the waiter's face showed a hint of surprise.

But then, the waiter quickly composed himself and nodded humbly, saying, "To be valued by Qiana Alai, you must possess a great deal of knowledge that is beyond the comprehension of a commoner like myself. I will report this truthfully to Your Majesty."

After saying this, the waiter got up and left.

Watching the waiter leave, Tallinn nodded with interest and said, "The waiter was quite well-mannered. I thought there would be people in the royal family who would look down on you because you're the tenth Alai."

"What are you thinking? — No matter what, I'm still the tenth Alai."

Upon hearing Tarin's words, Qiyana's face showed a genuine sense of helplessness: "I'm just late in the line of succession, it's not like I've committed any heinous crime of treason."

Compared to when we first met, Qiyana's personality has undoubtedly improved a lot now.

Of course, this only applies when facing a limited number of people such as Tarin, Nidalee, and Neeko.

If anyone else were to mention the title "Tenth Alai" in front of Qiyana, she would either immediately turn hostile or show disgust.

But if it's Tallinn—it doesn't really matter.

Having built trust over this period and understood Tarin's personality, Qiyana didn't take it to heart.

As she said this, Qiyana paused, a hint of curiosity appearing on her face. She then looked at Tarin, raised an eyebrow, and said, "More than that, I'm curious what you'll do if I'm really looked down upon?"

"Of course I'm standing up for you." Tallinn shrugged. "Even if it's just a temporary role, I'm still your teacher, aren't I?"

As he said this, Tarlin said with a regretful expression, "I was already prepared for the Dragon King's crooked mouth and the Divine Calculator's descent from the mountain—it seems that the traditional way of showing off and getting slapped in the face doesn't work in Ishuoken."

"What the hell is all this about?!" Upon hearing Talin's plan, Qiyana couldn't help but purse her lips.

After spending this time together, Qiyana has come to understand Tarin's personality.

Although Tallinn always manages to offer some surprising suggestions when discussing how to establish Ixtal as a kingdom and change the status quo.

Especially when they are called prophets, they should be perceived as scheming, unsmiling, and often talking in a mysterious way that others cannot understand.

But after actually getting to know him—Tallinn was indeed eccentric and often said things that others couldn't understand.

But Tarlin was not the prophet Qiyana saw, nor was he the one described in the books.

To be precise, when he realized he didn't understand something, Tallinn was happy to explain the meaning and reasons in short sentences.

For example, the Dragon King with a crooked mouth, the diviner descending the mountain—

It is said that Tallinn saw some fragments of emotions from the future, possibly from some spiritual realm, while he was looking through fragments of the future.

Although somewhat speechless, Qiyana felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing that Tarin had originally intended to stand up for her. She then raised her chin and said, "Ixtal is a land of knowledge. Anyone who possesses knowledge and truth will receive the respect they deserve."

"So rest assured, with your abilities, you don't need to say much. Just demonstrate the composition of your life energy, and you will naturally become a guest of honor in Ixtal's household."

"Tsk, you have no idea how much enthusiasm those Yuntars can unleash for a brand new foundational axiom."

"Hmm—I can guess some of it."

Tallinn stroked his chin, a look of emotion on his face.

Tarin has a deep understanding of the potential of academic untapped potential, whether in his first life on Earth or in his second life in the Monster Hunter world.

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