Chapter one: Welcome to Bel'Zhun

The heat was suffocating, an invisible hand pressing down on everything it touched. The golden sands of Shurima stretched endlessly in every direction, their shimmering surface a cruel mirage of motionless waves. For days, the Desert Raiders had marched through this unforgiving landscape, their ranks unbroken despite the relentless sun.

At the head of the column rode Su'Rhaal, his scarlet eyes fixed on the horizon. The Demon of the Desert, they called him. To his enemies, he was a figure of terror; to his allies, he was a force of nature. And yet, as the silhouette of Bel'zhun began to rise from the heat haze, even he felt the weight of expectation settling across his shoulders.

"We will be arriving shortly my Lord." Zanaiya's voice broke the silence, her tone soft but yet firm.

Su didn't answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the city ahead, its ancient sandstone walls standing defiant against the elements.

"It looks... old," he said finally.

Zanaiya smilled. "It is old. Older than most of what we've seen out here. Bel'zhun's walls were built before Noxus even existed."

Su raised an eyebrow. "And now it belongs to us."

"For now," she replied, her tone laced with caution. "This place has been conquered before. And reclaimed. History has a way of repeating itself out here."

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The City on the Brink

As they crested the final dune, the full scope of Bel'zhun came into view. The city sprawled outward like a sleeping beast, its streets winding and chaotic. The sandstone walls bore the unmistakable marks of Noxian occupation—banners of red and black fluttered from the watchtowers, and the sun-disk carvings that once adorned the gates had been defaced, replaced by the sigil of the empire.

Inside the walls, life carried on with a fragile sense of normalcy. The narrow streets buzzed with activity as merchants shouted prices and craftsmen hammered at their work. But there was a tension in the air, a heaviness that settled over everything like dust.

The civilians avoided the Noxian patrols, their eyes downcast. Those who lingered too long were met with hard glares or curt orders to move along. In the shadows of the side streets, others watched in silence—eyes filled with resentment and quiet defiance.

Zanaiya frowned as they passed a group of children playing in the dirt near the gate. Their laughter sounded hollow, forced, as if they knew better than to truly enjoy themselves under the watchful eyes of their occupiers.

"This city's alive," she muttered. "But just barely."

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The Desert Raiders marched through the gates in perfect formation, their boots striking the ground with rhythmic precision. The citizens of Bel'zhun turned to watch, their expressions ranging from fear to curiosity.

A boy no older than ten tugged at his father's sleeve, pointing at Su'Rhaal. "Is that him?" the boy whispered. "The Demon?"

The father hushed him quickly, casting a wary glance at the Noxian soldiers.

Su heard the exchange but gave no indication. He kept his gaze forward, his expression carved from stone. Behind him, the Desert Hunters moved with quiet discipline, their dark armor dusted from the march but still bearing the unmistakable crimson accents of Noxus.

Zanaiya fell in step beside him as they entered the city's central square. "They're scared of us," she said.

"They should be," Su replied. "Fear keeps them in line."

"And how long do you think that will last?" she asked, her tone pointed.

Su didn't answer. Instead, his eyes scanned the square, taking in the layout—the exits, the high vantage points, the places where rebels might strike.

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A City of Shadows

Bel'zhun had once been a jewel of Shurima, a center of trade and culture. Now, it was a city divided. The main streets were firmly under Noxian control, patrolled by soldiers and overseen by officers stationed in key locations. But the side streets and underground tunnels belonged to the resistance—a network of rebels who refused to surrender their city without a fight.

The rebels had been a thorn in Noxus's side for months. They struck swiftly and without warning, targeting supply lines, garrisons, and even key figures in the occupation. Each attack was a message: We are still here.

It was into this volatile environment that Su and his warband had been summoned. Their mission was clear: eradicate the resistance.

But as Su looked around, he couldn't help but feel that this would be no ordinary campaign. The city's walls might belong to Noxus, but its heart still beat for Shurima.

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Later that evening, Su and Zanaiya stood on the balcony of the garrison's central tower, overlooking the city as the sun set. The orange and crimson hues of the sky bathed Bel'zhun in an almost serene light, belying the tension that simmered below.

"It's different, isn't it?" Zanaiya said, breaking the silence.

Su leaned against the stone railing, his expression unreadable. "Different how?"

"This city. The people. They're not like the others we've faced. There's something... unshakable about them."

Su considered her words. "Everyone can be broken. It's just a matter of time and pressure."

Zanaiya gave him a sidelong glance. "heed these words my Lord, Squeeze too tight and they shall slip through your fingers." she cautioned him. "this place feels... heavier. Like the sands themselves are against us."

Su didn't respond immediately. He watched as the last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon, the city below descending into shadow.

"Then we'll break them," he said finally. "Piece by piece, if we have to."

Zanaiya sighed, shaking her head. "I hope you're right. Because if you're wrong, this place will bury us."

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This chapter 1 folks, make sure to comment and leave your impressions!!!