Ren hatori
Ruins cannot be aspects. The reason why is in this chapter of the book Viktor is reading, which explains the way that Ruins have been "created". They are, however, on the same level of Aspects who are grossly attuned to their god. Think of it as between an aspect and their god, that is the the gap that the known Ruins fill.
Paradoxity
They are immortal in the sense that they do not age from the point of their "awakening". They are, however, stronger than a Darkin's blood magic but not stronger than literal gods who made Runeterra. Demigods would make sense. And as you've pointed out, Naruto is the Ninth Ruin but there are only three acknowledged by the book Viktor is reading. More than one can exist at any given time and not all are obsessed with power or control, as is the case with the third Ruin in the book.
Draconic Reborn
We don't support that behavior here (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Hello
Nothing much to say but we get more into the book Viktor found.
X
II. The Birth of Chaos
The mystery of the Ruins has plagued scholars for centuries. While their nature and powers are the subjects of extensive study, the moment of their genesis remains elusive. It is known that Ruins are not born, nor can they be artificially created or replicated. Rather, something inexplicable occurs—a transformation where an ordinary individual is imbued with dominion over the Laws of Creation. This metamorphosis is universally accompanied by loss: of sanity, of identity, of humanity. In exchange, these individuals gain power that reshapes existence itself.
This chapter explores the known origins of the Ruins as recorded in fragmented histories and legends. Though much remains speculative, the details preserved in ancient texts and oral traditions offer insight into their birth and the chaos that followed.
The First Ruin emerged over five millennia ago, in an era of vast empires and unyielding hierarchies. Once a slave, this individual was a nameless figure in the records of a mighty empire. The events that led to his transformation are lost to time, but what little survives paints a picture of his awakening as a force of unimaginable destruction.
According to the oldest accounts, the slave fled from his oppressors and returned to his birthplace—a small, inconsequential village. The empire, intolerant of rebellion, dispatched an army to reclaim him. What happened next defies explanation. One record describes the army's encirclement of the village, followed by a sudden and unrelenting silence. When observers ventured into the area, they found only ash-covered armor and the skeletal remains of horses, the village untouched but eerily lifeless.
The First Ruin would rise from this cataclysm to become a warlord of unmatched power. Over the course of centuries, he overthrew the empire that enslaved him, carving an expansive dominion from its ruins. His reign was marked by relentless conquest, reshaping the continent's political landscape.
Surviving texts suggest he lived for over two thousand years, a feat that defied the natural cycles of life and death. His eventual demise remains a mystery, as there are no accounts of how he was defeated or by whom. Yet, his legacy endures as a warning of what happens when power is wrested from the Laws of Balance and Ascension.
The Second Ruin emerged approximately 500 years before the Noxian calendar's inception. A warrior by trade, his transformation occurred after returning from a brutal campaign against an unnamed kingdom. Wounded and crippled, he was cast aside by his own people, shunned as a reminder of failure and frailty. This rejection marked the beginning of his descent into ruin.
Historical sources recount that the warrior's change was sudden and violent. His newfound power manifested in a grotesque act: draining the life and magic from those who tormented him. Witnesses described this act as a violation of natural order, as the victims were reduced to withered husks while the warrior seemed to grow stronger.
With his transformation complete, the Second Ruin seized control of his homeland and ruled with an iron fist. He demanded sacrifices in his name, both as offerings of power and as symbols of submission. Over time, he expanded his territory, leaving behind a legacy of fear and subjugation.
Some scholars posit that the Second Ruin's dominion extended to modern-day Noxus, with the ruins of his capital city forming the foundation of Noxus Prime. This theory is supported by architectural remnants that bear an eerie resemblance to descriptions of his impregnable fortress.
Unlike the First Ruin, the fate of the Second is less certain. He vanished around the time of the Rune Wars, a chaotic period that obscured many historical records. Whether he perished in battle or retreated into obscurity is a matter of ongoing debate.
The Third Ruin, often referred to as the Final Ruin by modern scholars, presents a stark contrast to his predecessors. Born in the ill-fated nation of Helia, he experienced his transformation after the kingdom's destruction—a catastrophe whose causes remain unclear but are widely attributed to the misuse of powerful magic.
Fleeing the devastation, the Third Ruin found refuge in Ionia, where he sought not conquest but unity. Unlike the First and Second Ruins, his powers were directed toward creation rather than destruction. With the native Vastayan tribes, he forged a community based on harmony and coexistence, bridging the divide between humans and Vastaya.
The Third Ruin's influence is deeply intertwined with Ionian philosophy. His teachings emphasized balance, reflecting an innate understanding of the Laws of Cycles and Resonance. The traditions he established continue to shape Ionian culture, and his legacy endures in the nation's enduring emphasis on spiritual and ecological harmony.
Despite his contributions, the Third Ruin's life was notably short compared to the other Ruins. He lived just over a century, a span that puzzles scholars. His death was neither violent nor unnatural, and there are no records of assassination or war. Some speculate that his rejection of selfish ambition allowed him to fade naturally, his power dispersing in alignment with the Laws.
The exact conditions that create a Ruin remain elusive. Each recorded case follows a pattern of profound loss, whether physical, emotional, or societal. Yet loss alone does not suffice, for countless others have endured similar tragedies without transcending into ruinous power.
It is tempting to speculate that the Ruins are chosen by forces beyond mortal understanding—perhaps as instruments of balance or agents of chaos. Their power defies the Laws yet remains tethered to them, creating paradoxes that scholars struggle to unravel.
The Ruins stand as both marvels and warnings. They are reminders of humanity's potential to rise above limitation and the dangers of doing so at the cost of equilibrium. Each Ruin reshaped the world in profound ways, yet their legacies are marked by devastation, fear, and wonder.
Understanding the birth of chaos is essential to preventing future tragedies. While the Ruins may seem like aberrations, they are also reflections of humanity's own hubris and resilience. If the lessons of the Ruins can be heeded, perhaps the cycle of destruction they represent might one day be broken.
Viktor sat back and held his head painfully. Two Ruins who changed entire landscapes, and a third who simply lived a life of peace away from it all. This century old book had only gotten three Ruins, but it made the claim that the Rune Wars had been a game of theirs.
if it was a game, there was more than one at the time. So more than just the Second Ruin had to be there. If that's the case, where are the records of them?
The Law of Permanence, which makes something unable to be completely destroyed. If one can bend and twist that, could they wipe the idea or memory of them existing? If something is already written when they do this, will those documents also disappear? If so, then how do we know they are gone for sure?
Are they still around?
That made Viktor shiver as he didn't want to know what such beings could be doing after all this time unchecked.
Piltover's streets continued to be busy despite the ambient caution and fear hanging over the heads of many. With the enforcers police force in disarray and the new sheriff being a former inmate, there was a general uncertainty on many people's minds. There was talk of another riot from Zaun coming back over the bridge now that their peacekeepers were crippled.
The council is also teetering between hope and doom with everything currently happening.
One of Piltover Academy's former students, and one currently attending, had been able to harness arcane through science. Now, a large diagram of what they built is being drawn up to power the entire city and even reinvent their travel. Talks of this hextech is also drawing in interested students from the Academy.
On the other hand, it has come to the attention of the council members that there is growing tension in Zaun. None of them had the resources like the former sheriff Grayson to investigate what is happening in the undercity. They weren't even able to send any enforcer teams with the recent explosion that has their citizens feeling endangered.
That's why when Cassandra suggested bringing back the former deputy, Kakashi Hatake, back to the mainland they did not fight as hard. The man's record is flawless and without any issue, with the only problem being their disobedience of an order. He knew and was experienced with both Piltover's and Zaun's streets and people.
Add in the rising strategist, Captain Nara's son, and they were sure that the citizens would feel more comfortable.
The new sheriff and deputy were now meeting at a coffee shop near the bridge of progress.
Kakashi is now in a new enforcer uniform, the blue and gold clashing with his natural silver hair. One of his eyes has a scar over it but instead of a milky white iris typical of such a deep wound or even his natural grey color, there is a red eye. It was an uneasy clashing color, one that people noticed that he gained nearly sixteen years ago after going to see a healer.
Even so, he just stared lazily at the letter given to him on behalf of the council. It was filled with niceties and pleasures for his return back to serving the city as an enforcer. He saw through it and noted that at the end were orders to maintain the peace of Piltover and make sure the undercity did not disrupt it.
As he read the paper a few times, he was being given the recent news by his deputy. He listened and he had to admit that a lot of shit has happened in the last week than in the last four years he was in jail. It was even more surprising to learn that his predecessor had gone missing down in the undercity, not that he was terribly upset about it.
"i guess they really fucked up this time," Kakashi hummed softly before folding the letter and setting it aside. "I'm released just to play clean up when they should have just listened to the complaints of the undercity."
Shikamaru said nothing as he watched the man drink more of his latte. He agreed with the man but he also wasn't sure how much he should be sharing with the man. His purpose and vision was yet understood and if too much is given at the present time then it would only complicate things.
Despite that, he did speak when he noticed the man's silence lingered longer than he was comfortable with. "It's too late to think of what should have been done. We should just make do with what we can do now."
"Hm," Kakashi hummed thoughtfully before noticing two people approaching.
The first is an older individual that looked like he fit into Zaun while with him is a young girl with blue hair. The little girl wore rags and while the older boy wasn't much better he was still better dressed than her.
"Hello," the man greeted with a smile. "I hope you both don't mind the company?"
"I'm sorry but we are talking about important business," Shikamaru told the two quickly.
"Oh, well, there's nothing wrong with some conversation," the man said again while the girl became shy under Kakashi's scrutiny. "I'm sure you can spare some moments for us. The kids are the future, after all."
Kakashi's eye twitched and Shikamaru's jaw clenched as both, under different experiences, understood who was talking to them now.
"Oh, of course," Kakashi smiled back before getting up to offer his seat. "Here, you both can sit with each other."
Naruto grinned and bowed his head in thanks before pulling the seat out for Powder. "Come sit, Jinx. I'll order you something."
"I'll pay," Shikamaru offered.
"Thank you, kindly," Naruto smiled and sat down. "So, how are you getting acclimated as a free man again, sheriff?"
"Like I should be thanking whoever put my name in to be sheriff," Kakashi shrugged. "How have you been?"
"Same old just another day," Naruto waved his hand.
"I'm sorry about your mother."
Now his lips twitched downward but he quickly got rid of it when he noticed Powder's curious look. "Thank you. I was hoping you both got to meet each other, you will be working together for me after all."
Shikamaru sighed and bowed his head.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow at that. "What do you mean?"
"I mean Shikamaru is already mine, and you will be as well once you begin your duties," Naruto grinned at the man. "With Grayson and her deputy gone, I can now begin working on Piltover for my plans. You both will be instrumental to doing just that."
Kakashi sighed. He should have known that's what all of this was for. He didn't think this is who the boy would turn out to be, considering his mother. He glanced at the kid who was kicking her legs back and forth while looking at Naruto.
"What are you doing with a kid?"
Naruto glanced at Powder and gave a smirk when he caught her staring. It seems she still hasn't gotten used to his appearance. "She's a new protege. I'm teaching her how to tap into her little spark and how to channel it healthily."
"He also mentors a lot of wayward kids from Piltover and Zaun," Shikamaru supplied helpfully. "Plenty of orphans or kids who just ended up on the street have found themselves in his care. With the amount of Foxes there who are old enough to be parents they have become a mash of different families with the kids under their care."
Naruto nodded his head. "A few more have been added."
"Piltover kids too?" Kakashi would not have thought that given the ones responsible for Kushina's death that her son would take care of the kids from here as well.
But he was glad he was wrong. The kid would be the worst enemy to have and he wasn't really willing to have to fight the kid to keep him from massacring an innocent city. Just send him back to prison if that's the case.
"Alright, so you want to work in Piltover as well. What's your plan?"
Naruto grinned at that and shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing special."
And then he laid out the most extensive, glorious, and horrifyingly complex plan that hinged on the successes of Kakashi and Shikamaru's activities.
Cassandra sat in her chair in her study, resting for the moment as things were peaceful. She had done what Naruto needed, convincing the council to allow Kakashi back into the enforcers and out of prison. He had sent a letter through one of his foxes thanking her and telling her she will have a "vacation" for the foreseeable future.
She appreciated it and felt sorry for Kakashi and Shikamaru as they have only taken her spot as Naruto's main agent of Piltover. She knows that he would never not need her but at least for the time being she can breathe easily. Even if that means enjoying some time with her family or doing her job as a member of Piltover's council.
She has long since been detached from her daughter and she wanted to rectify that.
She opened her eyes when she heard knocking at her door and leaned forward to sit straight. "Come in."
She watched as her daughter entered the room and closed the door behind her. She wasn't happy, her face screwed into the stern angry face she made whenever upset. It was adorable if not for her walking to her face while looking at her with that face.
"Caitlyn, dear, what's wrong?"
Caitlyn shook her head and sat across from her mother. She pulled the chair forward and looked at her mother.
"Are you being blackmailed into an affair, mother?"
Cassandra's eyes widened and she sat forward against the desk. "What makes you think that? Of course not, I would never do that to you or your father."
Cait gripped her skirt anxiously. "I heard another man's voice here and he said something about doing what he wants. I couldn't hear most of it but it sounds like you're being blackmailed, mother."
Cassandra bit her lip and sat back in her chair. How does she explain this in a way that doesn't seem bad or like an affair?
"Cait, dear, your mother is… I am not having an affair, I would never do that to your father. Who you heard is an acquaintance of mine who I am working with to help Piltover and the undercity thrive together."
"Then why did it sound like he was threatening you?"
Cassandra snorted at that and shook her head. "He wasn't, he's just very passionate about his vision and goals. Sit comfortably, my dear, I'll explain more of it to you."