As the sun dipped below the western mountains, Piltover was enveloped in the warm hues of the setting sun.
Inside the grand hall of Piltover University, guests from prominent families, wealthy merchants, academy professors, students, and upper-class citizens of Piltover gathered together.
They formed small groups, moving around the hall, expanding their social circles and engaging in conversations.
Li Lin, Caitlyn, and Jayce, representing the Kiramman family's younger generation, found themselves weary from dealing with one person after another who sought to get closer.
The upcoming Progress Day assembly was imminent, where Li Lin and Jayce would take the stage for speeches.
Following that, there would be a banquet and dance, promising even more exhaustion.
Upon the arrangements of Lady Cassandra, they sought refuge in the backstage lounge to rest.
Jayce held a tall glass containing low-alcohol white wine, casually clinking it with the glasses in Li Lin and Caitlyn's hands.
"To Progress, cheers!" He raised his glass joyfully and took a sip.
Observing this, Caitlyn reminded, "Jayce, wine is not meant to be consumed like that!"
"I know, I know! It's just etiquette!" Jayce wiped his mouth, his words about etiquette entirely unmatched from his current behavior.
"But Caitlyn, there's no one else here, why bother with so many unnecessary formalities?" He put down the glass, casually lounging on the soft sofa in the lounge, hands resting on the back.
Caitlyn sighed in resignation but didn't press the matter, settling down herself.
Yet, her posture remained elegant and poised, a stark contrast to her casual demeanor at home.
Despite her daily physical training and robust stamina, a busy day had even her, who was physically fit, feeling a bit strained. She yearned for a moment of relaxation without regard for appearances.
However, due to her upbringing in etiquette and the public setting, Caitlyn refrained from such actions, even in the absence of strangers.
During their leisure time, Jayce initiated a discussion about the events in Professor Heimerdinger's office that morning.
"I never thought Professor Heimerdinger would agree to our development of Hextech energy crystals... I remember he used to strongly oppose Hextech technology crystals."
"What else could he do? We not only have the theory but also tangible results. Even if he disagrees, what can he do? Lady Cassandra won't miss the opportunity to uplift the Kiramman family's strength." Li Lin beamed at the thought, recalling Lady Cassandra rendering Professor Heimerdinger speechless earlier that day.
Indeed, dealing with a Yordle focused solely on technological research proved quite straightforward for a politician involved in the realm of politics.
Although Professor Heimerdinger had verbally expressed opposition to studying magic, he ultimately delved into Hextech, even venturing into military applications.
Explosive devices, missile launches, and grenades—Li Lin, who often traversed the Summoner's Rift top lane, had experienced his fair share of unpleasant encounters.
As the three discussed, a gentle knock echoed on the door of the lounge.
"Who could it be? We've all entered the lounge, and they're still disturbing us..."
Jayce, closest to the door, frowned and, somewhat displeased, rose to open it.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," a dignified and beautiful woman with dark skin stood outside. Behind her, a companion of similar age lingered.
Jayce quickly recognized her as Mel, a member of the Medarda family, now also a member of the seven-seat council alongside Lady Cassandra.
"Councilor Medarda? What brings you here?" Jayce was momentarily surprised, quickly adjusting his expression. "Of course, you're not disturbing anything. Please come in!"
"Thank you."
Mel smiled, nodding at Jayce, then gestured for her companion to stay at the door as she entered the room alone.
"Happy Progress Day, Councilor Medarda," Li Lin and Caitlyn both stood up, offering greetings.
Mel's gaze swept across them, briefly pausing on Li Lin. "Happy Progress Day. Just call me Mel," she said with a faint smile.
Caitlyn noticed a hint of something different in Mel's eyes as she looked at Li Lin, prompting a slight furrow of her brows. She took two steps closer to him.
A councilor not mingling with other councilors and inexplicably seeking them out? It indicated that this Medarda family woman's intentions were not as simple as it seemed.
This was one of the reasons Caitlyn disliked politicians.
Quickly assessing the situation, she politely smiled and asked, "I wonder what brings Mel to us?"
Seemingly oblivious to Caitlyn's subtle movements and the hint of tension in her words, Mel replied, "Lady Kiramman told us that she found a craftsman with intelligence comparable to Mr. Talis' and showcased many of his inventions."
"I have always been interested in new things and enjoy making friends. So, taking advantage of some free time, I'd like to get to know this... young genius."
With that, Mel's gaze focused on Li Lin.
She smiled, extending her hand towards Li Lin, "I'm Mel Medarda. May I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance?"
"Li Lin," he uttered a name, gently shaking her hand.
Li Lin could sense that Mel's intentions were not entirely pure, so he preferred not to engage in too much conversation with her. Moreover, Caitlyn behind Li Lin took the unprecedented initiative to address him, subtly poking his waist to remind him while Mel was distracted.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mel, Li Lin excused himself, claiming to use the restroom, leaving the messy situation for Caitlyn and Jayce to handle.
Alone, he made his way to the side door of the auditorium and relaxed on the cobblestone path in the woods, enjoying the slightly cool night breeze.
Compared to the noisy indoors, under the illumination of yellow-green alchemical streetlights, the secluded forest path seemed exceptionally serene.
"Phew, dealing with high society people is really tiring."
Li Lin sat on a public bench by the path, crossing his legs and humming a song, savoring this rare moment of leisure.
However, this tranquility didn't last long. He heard a rustling sound from the nearby bushes.
"Hmm?" Li Lin raised an eyebrow, looking toward the source of the sound, thinking there might be someone else around. "Is someone there?"
He asked, but there was no response.
It's probably just the sound of the wind...
Before Li Lin could turn his head, the grass in the distance rustled again on its own, without any wind.
"What's going on? Is there some animal there?"
Because this was Piltover University, and it was the time of the Progress Day event.
A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.
People with status and position were gathered here, and there were many enforcers patrolling near the academy, making the security quite strict.
Also, from what he knew, there didn't seem to be any major incidents during Progress Day.
Li Lin didn't pay much attention, but out of caution, he wasn't planning to stay here for too long.
However, as soon as he stood up, an inexplicable, pleasant fragrance wafted over his face with the breeze, entering his body through his respiratory tract.
For some reason, Li Lin's legs went weak, and he staggered, feeling his whole body becoming heavy.
"This... what is this?"
The prompt from the system in his mind made his expression change involuntarily:
[Health Points: 733/765]
[Personal Status: Poisoned, Fatigued, Drowsy (not yet started)]
[Effects: 1. Losing 32 health points per second, lasting for 3 seconds; 2. Entering a 30-second 'Fatigue' state, followed by 'Drowsiness'.]
End of the chapter.