As the sun set, torches illuminated the streets of Zuretta.
Li Lin and Sivir bid farewell, returning to the inn for a late dinner. Afterward, Li Lin retreated to his respective room to continue contemplating the design of a new armored suit.
The Genesis: Infinite Mk.2 Power Armor - equipped with flight capabilities, enhanced weaponry, and an internal air circulation system.
However, Li Lin faced a challenge as most of the armor functions consumed substantial energy, relying solely on the miniature nuclear reactor as its power source.
As for the Primordial Crystal, he decided not to delve into its study during the journey in Shurima. Firstly, the lack of precision equipment was a significant hindrance. Secondly, with the limited essence he possessed, only a single Primordial Crystal, a local specialty, could be acquired. It was precious, and he couldn't afford any mishaps.
Ideally, he preferred waiting until the journey concluded in Piltover. There, he could use the Primordial Crystal to develop a new power core. Subsequently, he could compare its properties with the miniature nuclear reactor, determining which was more suitable for the next set of powered armor. Afterward, he would refine the design blueprints accordingly.
Before Li Lin could unveil the unfinished schematics in the morning light, three distinct knocks echoed from his door.
This wasn't Kassadin's usual knocking pattern.
It was late, and most were reveling in the tavern. Why would someone visit him now?
Frowning slightly, Li Lin approached his power armor, swiftly gearing up, and aimed three storm-born weapons at the door.
As the second set of knocks resounded, he sternly inquired, "Who is it?"
"It's Cassiopeia. Li Lin, are you resting? It's me, Cassiopeia."
Cassiopeia? Why would the "Serpent's Embrace" visit so late?
Li Lin pondered for a moment, signaled the storms to stand by, and then opened the door.
Tonight, Cassiopeia deviated from her typical Noxian light armor, donning a traditional Shuriman attire in yellow and white. Unrestrained, she showcased her perfect hourglass figure. Her sculpted abdominal muscles, a result of rigorous training, drew attention.
Seeing Li Lin in his powered armor, Cassiopeia paused for a moment but quickly recovered with the grace expected of a noble.
"Surprised to see powered armor in a tavern? Shurima's weather is too hot; this suit has a cooling function. Do you have any business with me?" Li Lin asked.
Cassiopeia nodded thoughtfully and glanced into the room. She then chuckled, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Although Li Lin knew Cassiopeia had ill intentions, now wasn't the time to confront her. After a brief thought, he invited her in, "Please."
Sweetly smiling, Cassiopeia performed a noble gesture and entered the room. As Li Lin closed the door, she swiftly surveyed the room, focusing for a moment on storm and dawnlight, both emanating a blue glow.
Afterward, Cassiopeia picked up two glasses of honey wine from the table, a standard amenity in every room, and looked at Li Lin.
"Care for a drink?"
Li Lin activated his Data Mind, casually examining the wine. While there was no covert manipulation, he still shook his head politely, "I'm not good with anything other than beer."
"That's a shame," Cassiopeia expressed regret, placing one glass back on the table. She then drank from the other, asking, "Tonight is our last chance to relax. Why not join the festivities?"
"I don't enjoy such occasions." Li Lin sat on a chair, motioning for her to do the same. "What about you?"
"My father brought me, my mother, and my sister to Urzeris a few years ago. Since then, I've had to attend events, dealing with the nobles and merchants of Shurima every day." Cassiopeia wore a face of resentment. The implication was clear: she didn't enjoy such occasions either.
Without waiting for Li Lin's response, Cassiopeia pointed at the floating storm and dawnlight.
"By the way, Li Lin, why can these floating robots of yours keep flying? Don't they require energy?"
Naturally, Noxus had combustion-powered machinery, like steam-driven warships and various steam-powered siege engines, which played a significant role on the Ionian battlefield. Cassiopeia was familiar with them, knowing they required a power source to function.
These past days, seeing the storm-born and morning light floating beside Li Lin endlessly intrigued Cassiopeia. They seemed to have an inexhaustible energy source, tempting her curiosity.
She thought that even if she couldn't handle power armor and these floating robots herself, getting hold of their energy cores seemed like a good choice.
At that time, her father would definitely value her much more than her sister Katarina, who excelled in the ways of an assassin...
This was the main purpose of Cassiopeia's visit to Li Lin tonight.
Finally revealing your fangs, huh?
Beneath the mechanical mask, Li Lin's expression turned cold.
Trying to extract information from me? Maybe in your next life.
Cassiopeia believed her disguise as the "curious girl" was seamless.
However, she couldn't have imagined that Li Lin understood her character inside out.
"Well, it's a few pieces of Hextech crystals."
Without giving Cassiopeia time to question, Li Lin immediately continued, "Sorry, this is a technology developed in collaboration between the Kiramman and Ferros families. It's not publicly known, and I don't know much about it.
"The energy cores in these machines were something I applied for a long time ago, and Councilor Kiramman reluctantly agreed to give them to me."
"Oh, I see..."
Cassiopeia nodded with her mouth slightly pursed, but in her mind, she had different thoughts: Humph, if I hadn't also studied Hextech crystals, I might have believed you!
You, this guy, looking so young, yet not a good character at all...
Seeing that her first plan didn't work, the quick-thinking Cassiopeia was about to implement a backup plan, but Li Lin didn't give her a chance at all.
"Do you have something to tell me tonight?" He intentionally yawned and stretched lazily. "I was planning to rest. After all, we have to get up early tomorrow for the journey..."
Cassiopeia sensed the meaning of "driving away guests" in Li Lin's words, cursing inwardly: Tsk, really tricky!
However, she was not willing to give up so easily, as there wouldn't be another chance for such private moments later.
After a moment of hesitation, Cassiopeia picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of tea, and then lifted the cup of honey wine that she had just poured. She stood up, saying, "The night is still young. How about having a drink... If you don't like honey wine, we can substitute it with tea, alright?"
Cassiopeia lowered her eyelids, her cheeks slightly blushing, showing a shy posture, and spoke in a sweet and delicate voice.
At this moment, she intentionally revealed her seemingly boneless, soft waist, displaying various tempting features of a woman.
Li Lin could see that Cassiopeia was trying to seduce him, but he had no interest at all.
His only reaction was an uncontrollable shiver, feeling a chill in his heart.
Even though Cassiopeia's beauty before transforming into a "half-human, half-snake" monster was no less attractive than her sister Katarina, Li Lin always associated her with the serpent lady in the game.
He just found it disgusting...
It's time to end this boring farce.
Li Lin sighed inwardly.
He really didn't want to waste time playing this never-ending drama with the "snake."
Considering for a moment, he thought of a perfect but risky solution...
Well, let's just deal with this period for now.
Anyway, once Azir resurrects, I don't intend to let this snake live.
Li Lin opened his face mask, reached out in front of Cassiopeia, and swiftly grabbed the cup of honey wine she had just poured.
In Cassiopeia's surprised eyes, he tilted his head back and downed the wine in one gulp.
"Actually, you don't need to act with me like this. I know you very well, Miss Du Couteau."
Li Lin turned the cup upside down on the table, ignoring Cassiopeia's astonished expression. He then leaned towards her ear, whispering a sentence that made her face even more horrified: "In fact, we can be considered colleagues."
He paused for a moment, and with a wicked smile, he added,
"The Black Rose will bloom once more."
(End of this chapter)
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