"Ah, the impulsive young prince has finally taken that step..."
With a reminder from the AI, Li Lin wasted no time. He swiftly donned a tight-fitting undergarment made from nanomaterials and then put on the nano armor.
The lightweight nanomaterial felt strange compared to the heavy fourth-generation biological armor Li Lin was accustomed to wearing daily.
[This new armor showcases your elegance perfectly, Master.]
Li Lin was slightly surprised by the AI's compliment and couldn't help but laugh. "You've learned how to flatter people now?"
[This is a new feature I developed over the past few months by interacting with the mech workers and learning from their conversational logic.]
The AI paused.
[If you dislike it, I can disable this feature.]
Li Lin halted his thought process of transforming the nano armor's form. "No, keep it."
As he spoke, the nano faceplate covered his head, revealing the familiar holographic interface before his eyes.
"Where is Jarvan IV's army now?"
Li Lin walked out of the workshop, his gaze directed towards the distant Sun Gate Pier, where the new landmark, the Hex Gate, stood.
Today, however, the sixth-generation Infinite Armor was equipped with the "Hex Transport" technology used in the Gaboga mechs.
As long as he had specific coordinates and wasn't externally disrupted, he could transport to any place in Runeterra without needing to use the Hex Gate to travel from Piltover City and to the Gates of Mourning.
[They arrived at the Silent Lake Plains yesterday, Master.]
[After a brief rest overnight, they are advancing towards the Gates of Mourning, occupied by Noxus.]
The AI's tone held a trace of hesitation.
[Given the current situation, the Lightshield Prince's army seems invincible. Why do you worry he might not defeat the Noxian forces?]
"It seems you still have much to learn, AI," Li Lin chuckled.
[I'm eager to learn... Please enlighten me.]
"According to the information from the Kiramman family stationed in Demacia, a few months ago, the Lightshield Prince received the blessing and appointment of the Lightshield King. Did you know that?"
[Yes, Jarvan Lightshield IV, the model of Demacia, bears the title of Lightshield Prince.]
The AI displayed a puzzled expression on Li Lin's armor's holographic screen.
[But... How does this relate to your belief that the Lightshield Prince will be defeated by Noxus?]
Li Lin chuckled softly. The AI had been asking more questions recently.
Instead of directly answering the AI's question, he guided it towards a thought process: "If the Lightshield Prince already received such an honorable title, why insist on going to the border to quell the bandit unrest?"
The AI paused for a moment.
[...To prove his capabilities?]
"Correct, but that's only part of it... This is a common mistake many young nobles, who grow up bathed in glory without experiencing setbacks, make—arrogance."
Li Lin nodded approvingly. "The borders of Demacia have long suffered from clashes with Noxus. Bandits and marauders, along with roaming warlike tribes, cause chaos and almost lawlessness.
"Being the sole heir of the Demacian King, the Lightshield Prince grew up surrounded by adulation. Haven't you studied psychology?"
[Because he doesn't know what failure is and doesn't believe he can fail, he'll step into the carefully laid trap by Noxus!]
The AI spoke with a tone of sudden realization.
"So, we must save the Lightshield Prince when he's surrounded by Noxian forces."
This way, they would gain the friendship of the Demacian royal family, Li Lin added in his mind.
[I understand now. Thank you for your generous explanation, Master.]
"It's nothing." He paused, taking a deep breath. "But before that, we must wait for them to fall into Noxus's trap... What's the news on the dragon?"
[The Flame Dragon rampaged through a small Demacian border village weeks ago and then disappeared. The mech workers traced it through its magical residue to Everpeak.]
[However, attacking the village was not its primary goal. It showed no interest in humans who evacuated early. It seems the dragon is searching for something.]
"It's searching for its child. A human mage stole a dragon egg from its nest ten years ago. Every dragon has a blood connection with its offspring, which strengthens with age."
Li Lin explained while confirming the teleport destination on the holographic map: the deep mountains outside the Gates of Mourning.
The mech workers lacked optical camouflage and were too conspicuous in the sky, making them unsuitable for espionage.
He decided to scout the Noxian army's movements at the Gates of Mourning himself, to avoid any mishaps during the subsequent rescue of Jarvan IV.
He would then leave several drones with optical camouflage capabilities to continue monitoring, while he searched for the Flame Dragon.
If Jarvan IV's army got surrounded by Noxian forces, he could teleport back to the battlefield and save the royal heir.
After setting the coordinates, Li Lin was about to activate the "Hex Transport" function when he thought of something: "Hey, where's Zoe these days?"
[She went through a portal three days ago after last visiting you and hasn't returned since.]
"I see..."
[If you're worried, I can dispatch some mech workers to find her.]
"No need, you won't find her."
Zoe, the Twilight Aspect, was nearly untouchable by anyone except the Star Forger.
Though she often called him "space puppy," her relationship with Aurelion Sol was surprisingly good.
Moreover, Aurelion had sworn not to involve her in his crusade against the Celestials, indicating his fondness for Zoe.
For a mere mortal to worry about a god?
He might as well ponder what to have for his next meal.
Yet, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of loss. He had grown used to the quirky girl chattering in his ear and clinging to him constantly.
Suddenly leaving without a word left a small void in Li Lin's heart.
[Why do you show such an expression, Master?]
"No, it's nothing..."
Li Lin activated the teleportation device, his body enveloped in blue and white magical light.
"Oh, if Caitlyn returns, remind her I've gone to Demacia."
(Chapter End)
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