In the desolate area one kilometer away from the Gates of Mourning, a blue and white ring of light appeared once again on the snow-covered ground.
In the next second, Li Lin, clad in battle armor, materialized and landed gently.
[Optical camouflage disabled. Nano energy core operational. All armor systems online.]
"A hundred-year-old vampire, an eighty-year-old novice vampire, a fifty-year-old fledgling vampire, and a teenage apprentice vampire... Tch."
Li Lin recalled the white-haired old "girl" Kai, who had just pounced on him. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Someone with only basic blood magic managed to pinpoint my location and even posed a threat to me…"
[Blood magic is a forbidden art practiced by ancient dark descendants, which speaks to its power, Master.]
The AI projected a serious face on the corner of the holographic display, its tone turning grave,
[That Kai Noladi only possesses basic blood magic. However, the energy readings from her mother inside the house suggest she is at least a mid-level blood mage.]
[The old man beside her, although his energy level is basic, has the same aura as the undead lurking in the house. He's likely the one who created them.]
The AI paused briefly.
[Even though you are my master, I must say this: your actions were reckless. You were facing the attacks of powerful undead blood mages.]
[Even with the protection of your new armor, you could have been seriously injured…]
[We don't fully understand the strange abilities of blood magic, but I estimate a 73.99% chance of injury.]
[I don't understand why your actions differ so much from before. Is it because of Miss Zoe?]
Hearing the AI's concerned and sincere questions, Li Lin paused.
What had he experienced?
Li Lin took a deep breath.
When Zoe spoke to him, the AI was active, but it recorded nothing about parallel worlds or other universes. It seemed Zoe, or the Twilight Star Spirit, had subconsciously bent the rules.
"Why do you think I've changed? I feel no different."
[Such subtle changes are not easily noticeable to oneself. I strongly suggest consulting Miss Caitlyn.]
"We'll see."
Seeing Li Lin's impatience, the AI fell silent and stopped pursuing the topic.
It displayed a map of the Demacian border, highlighting the Serene Lake Plains where Prince Jarvan IV's army was stationed and the Everpeak, where the Flame Dragon was temporarily residing.
[Master, where to next?]
"To Everpeak…" Li Lin suddenly noticed another name on the map and changed his mind, "No, to Cloud Village first."
[Cloud Village? Isn't that a small village in the northern Demacian plains? It has no connection to our goal.]
The AI spoke with a puzzled tone.
"To meet a future friend."
...
...
After setting the coordinates for Cloud Village, Li Lin traversed thousands of kilometers within seconds.
Cloud Village, located in the northern Demacian plains and backed by the main branch of the Milky River, was home to over a hundred households. Due to its central location in Demacia, the village remained peaceful, unaffected by border conflicts.
Villagers farmed and hunted, living simple lives from dawn to dusk. However, most villagers received military training from a young age, dreaming of joining the Dauntless Vanguard for fame and glory.
Li Lin appeared near the Milky River, where he could see smoke rising in the distance.
His nano-armor transformed, mimicking a set of Demacian chainmail, and simulated a sheathed longsword at his waist.
Made of nano-steel, the sword was as sharp and durable as any finely crafted weapon. With his enhanced physique, Li Lin's appearance fit that of a formidable warrior.
Prepared, Li Lin headed towards Cloud Village.
It was early, and most able-bodied villagers were out, leaving the village unusually quiet. Women and children busy with their chores eyed Li Lin with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
Feeling as if he had stepped back into an Ionian village, Li Lin continued his walk until a middle-aged man, clad in worn chainmail and carrying a wide-bladed longsword, approached him.
Two similarly dressed guards, more muscular and armed with regular-sized swords, followed the man. Their sharp gazes resembled those of seasoned soldiers rather than ordinary villagers.
"Welcome, traveler!" The middle-aged man greeted with a hearty voice, crossing his arms over his chest in a gesture reminiscent of Shuriman customs. "May the Winged Protector bless you."
Different regions had different customs. Piltover and Ionia favored handshakes, while in Demacia, common folk crossed their arms over their chests to show respect.
The "Winged Protector" referred to the legendary Kayle, known for her justice and wings of light. Over time, Morgana's name faded, leaving only Kayle in the Demacian lore.
"May the Winged Protector bless you."
Li Lin mirrored the man's gesture and nodded to the two veteran guards.
"Hahaha! It's rare to see a brave warrior in our village. I'm Barant Crawfield, the village chief. Just call me Chief Barant."
"I'm Li Lin. I've heard about a Flame Dragon attacking the border and came to investigate."
Li Lin avoided mentioning his origin, using the recent rumors to explain his presence.
Barant's face grew serious. "Oh yes! Are you here to earn the title of Dragon Slayer?"
Dragon Slayer?
Li Lin raised an eyebrow, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Also? Have many come for the dragon?"
Barant glanced at his guards and then gestured for Li Lin to follow. "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go to my house, warrior."
(End of Chapter)
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