Chapter 1
A bright light suddenly cut through the unending darkness within the caverns of the Great Barrier Mountains. Undisturbed by most of the denizens of Runeterra, only the water dripping off the surrounding rock and the scuttling of the wildlife that called the mountain range home could be heard. Though appearing normal, something mysterious remained hidden within its walls simply waiting to be discovered. Treasures that only the most dedicated explorers would dare to pursue.
A light flicked erratically from side to side illuminating the damp, rocky walls as if searching for something. The light rested within the center of a hard hat which rested upon a head full of blonde hair and aviator goggles.
"It should be here somewhere," a voice said obviously belonging to a boy.
"Think, Ezreal, think," the boy said hitting his forehead with his palm. "You didn't come all the way in here to get lost."
"What am I saying?" Ezreal said as he seemed to be talking to himself. "The world's best explorer doesn't get lost."
Ezreal removed his backpack and pulled from it a small, folded piece of paper. As he began to unravel it he made sure to keep the light from his helmet focused downward.
"Let's see. The map says after finding the hidden entrance to travel through the narrow corridor, past the bubbling pool and then…." Ezreal read out loud as he scratched his forehead.
"Ah, it should be right here!"
As he threw his head back in aggravation, the light from his helmet shined up towards the rocky ceiling revealing an eroded statue that was carved into the inner wall. After opening his eyes and realizing what he had found, Ezreal continued to tilt his head watching as the light followed the statue until it rested upon a circular object which rested atop the statue's head.
Ezreal's face morphed to show a smirk and determination flooded back into his eyes as he whispered, "There you are."
Removing the rope that was tied to his side, Ezreal made a lasso and hooked it tightly across the top of the statue. He pushed his helmet down and tightened his gloves before gripping the rope and making his way up the statue's face. The climb was not easy as the rocky walls had been made slippery with dripping water and the statue's features had been worn away.
Slipping and clambering, Ezreal finally made his way to the top. He took a moment to catch his breath before staring at the small, circular object that rested in front of him. Using his sleeve, he wiped away years of caked on dust allowing the object to glimmer in the light from his helmet.
As he marveled at its beauty, he noticed writing that was carved underneath.
"Yeah I don't speak that language, sorry," Ezreal joked as he carefully removed the object from its spot.
He held it up within the light noticing that it was about three times as large as an average coin, but just as flat. He knew it was old and rare and would likely strike a good price from a buyer.
"Little trinket you now belong to Ezreal, world explorer extraordinaire," Ezreal said laughing to himself as he secured the object in his pocket.
Not five seconds after placing the object in his pocket, rocks around the statue began to move and slide away. Ezreal watched in curiosity as the walls around the statue began to change. Rocks fell and rose as if controlled by something or as if they were….alive.
Small blue lights appeared among the rocky walls all around the statue in pairs of two. Looking closer, Ezreal quickly realized they weren't just blue lights, rather they were eyes. Many creatures were now hanging along the walls and before Ezreal had time to decipher what these new things were a large arm-like appendage was thrust in his direction.
Ezreal quickly stepped to the side easily dodging the slow arm. However, within seconds more arms reached for him backing him against one of the stalactites that hung down from the ceiling.
Ezreal looked over to see his rope still hanging from where he had left it. It gave a clear path all the way back to the cave floor. Focusing on that spot Ezreal concentrated with all his might, shut his eyes and within moments poof he disappeared and was now standing next to the bottom of his rope looking back up towards the statue's head.
"Bet you didn't account for that trick did you?" Ezreal said mockingly to the little monsters.
Happy with his easy escape, Ezreal turned to leave but was instead greeted by a fleet of blue eyes. It was so many this time that the cave itself appeared to be lighter. Ezreal shined his light in that direction only to learn what these creatures were.
"Krugs," he hissed. "That language on the statue was warning me against these stupid little creatures and apparently I woke them up."
Ezreal began to back away slowly making sure to keep an eye on the wall of glowing blue eyes that lay before him. He only managed to get a few steps away before the wall of lights came crashing towards him like an avalanche.
Ezreal turned and ran as fast as he ever had before with only the light from his helmet to guide his way. He weaved in and out between the cavern walls occasionally slipping from the water that had accumulated, but never looking back to the krugs who were right on his heels.
I've got this, he thought to himself. They won't catch up to me. I'm too fast.
Just as those thoughts began to leave his mind he noticed more krugs appear from the cavern walls. They were flooding down to the cavern floor where Ezreal was running many nearly missing him as they crashed to the ground.
Just as he was beginning to panic, Ezreal saw the light to the opening of the mountain. He ran even harder, but knew that even if he escaped the cave the krugs would continue to follow him. As he neared the opening, he noticed the weak rock formation hanging above. A smirk came across his face once again as a plan formed in his head.
He was close enough now that he could see the grass outside the cave. Focusing on a certain spot outside, Ezreal raised his arm and after a few seconds a bolt of energy shot towards the hanging formation. The shot hit its mark and immediately unhinged a wall of rocks that began to cover the entrance before him.
Looking out of the ever shrinking entrance Ezreal focused hard, closed his eyes and right before he collided with the falling rocks poof he vanished only to reappear on the other side. Ezreal patted himself all over to make sure he was in one piece before turning to watch large boulders conceal the cave's entrance.
He smiled as he heard the krugs plow into the entrance unable to reach their target.
"Piece of cake," Ezreal said with shaky confidence.
After taking another second to listen to the krugs, Ezreal reached into his pocket to admire the token of his hard work. He noticed that the object was bright gold as it shined like a diamond in the afternoon sun. He wasn't exactly sure what it was, but he knew he could find someone to pay him a handsome price for it.
Pleased with himself, he shoved the object back in his pocket, gave it a pat and then proceeded down the mountain. Surely there was someone in Demacia that could appraise this thing.
