Jarvan IV gritted his teeth, trying to shift his body despite the excruciating pain, and looked vaguely in the direction of the unfamiliar young man's voice.
A tall figure, clad in sleek blue-black armor with metallic seams glowing with blue and white light, had appeared at some point, standing about ten meters away.
Upon seeing this man in peculiar armor, Faris, the Lady of Blood, immediately recoiled, stepping back and ignoring even the prince.
Jarvan IV felt a strange coldness and fear spread through him. The fact that someone who could easily obliterate him and his elite guards was intimidating Faris was unsettling.
Considering the recent rumors about the fire dragon rampaging, it was troubling to encounter so many extraordinary events on the borders of Demacia.
"Who are you?" The weakened Jarvan IV grasped his spear, asking in a barely audible voice.
Faris, her crimson eyes narrowing, sniffed the air and then her expression turned back to its usual grim and cold demeanor.
"So it's you!"
"You recognize me?" Li Lin asked with feigned confusion, walking over to the injured Jarvan IV. "I'm just a passerby."
"Don't play games with me!" Faris said with a hint of menace. "The arcane aura from your armor—I've seen it at the Gates of Mourning!"
Li Lin ignored her, crouching beside the astonished Jarvan IV. His right index finger transformed into a syringe, releasing a few drops of purple liquid.
Jarvan IV tried to pull away as Li Lin reached toward him, but he was held down. "You're badly injured. Don't move."
With that, Li Lin inserted the syringe into Jarvan IV's neck, injecting a custom-made Shimmer solution into his bloodstream.
Injecting in the neck was more effective, and given that Jarvan IV was wearing full plate armor, removing the armor would have been challenging.
Jarvan IV felt a cool sensation spread through his body within seconds, and to his astonishment, his intense pain began to rapidly subside. He also felt an unfamiliar strength filling his muscles, giving him the illusion that he could shatter his own castle's Petricite walls.
"What exactly are you...?"
Jarvan IV's voice grew deeper, his sharp blue eyes flashing with a new light.
"Of course I'm human," Li Lin replied with a smirk. "This is a suit of combat armor I invented... you could call it Hextech."
Piltover, Hextech...
Jarvan IV silently repeated these names in his mind, reaching up to touch his neck.
His injuries were healing quickly, even the dislocated ribs were returning to their proper places.
"What did you inject me with?"
"Don't worry. It's a Piltover healing and enhancement serum."
Li Lin paused. "Don't give me that look. This serum is the final version, with no side effects—provided you don't become obsessed with the power it gives."
Jarvan IV quickly glanced at his soldiers in the distance. "Can you...?"
"I know what you're thinking. They're not in immediate danger, but it's not the right time to address it."
Jarvan IV nodded solemnly and fell silent.
At this moment, Faris's cold voice came from the other side. "Have you two finished your chat?"
She had clearly noticed the powerful life force contained in the serum Li Lin administered. Such a serum could rival Ionia's life elixirs; a small vial could keep vampires like her fed for days.
Faris hadn't intervened, not only because she coveted such a serum, but also because Li Lin's strength was still a mystery, making her reluctant to act recklessly.
"Why help him when you're not from Demacia?" Faris demanded, her gaze fixed on Li Lin, who stood in front of the recovering Jarvan IV.
"Just upholding the Ionian tradition of helping those in need," Li Lin replied with a cold smile. "Besides, when dealing with 'undesirable elements,' it's our duty to maintain world peace."
So, he's from Ionia...
As an ancient vampire who had lived for centuries, Faris was not easily provoked by Li Lin's brief words.
"Child, judging by your voice, you seem quite young," Faris said with a condescending tone. "You don't understand ancient magic, which is why you speak as you do. In reality, becoming an immortal vampire is the ultimate form of human existence."
As Faris finished speaking, Jarvan IV, who had risen and was standing with renewed hostility, declared, "Don't listen to her nonsense!"
Standing side by side with Li Lin, Jarvan IV pointed his spear at the white-haired woman. "Blood magic is a forbidden ancient sorcery from Shurima, later used by the Darkin to wreak havoc. It is despised by the world."
Jarvan IV sneered. "Filthy creatures that only drain blood should hide in the shadows. If everyone turned into something like you, what kind of world would we have... ha!"
Faris frowned, a hint of blood-red fury flashing in her eyes.
Although the Pale Lady had ordered that Jarvan IV be captured alive if possible, it was only a suggestion.
She hadn't intended to kill the prince, but his disdainful attitude was infuriating, even for someone as composed as she was.
"Just a mere mortal. Have you forgotten how I defeated you and your elite guards?" Faris said with a touch of mockery. "If you lack the power to defend yourselves, you should stay behind your Petricite walls and not come out, lest you die in battle and make your pathetic father weep endlessly..."
"Given his age, I fear he might die of rage upon hearing this news, and perhaps his soul will be taken by the Eternal Hunters along with yours."
"You bastard!"
Not only had she insulted him, but this old hag also dared to show disrespect towards his father!
The young prince, fueled by youthful anger, was about to charge at Faris, but Li Lin's strong hand restrained him by the arm. "Calm down, you're no match for her."
He shot a piercing look at the distant woman, hesitated for a moment, and then turned to insert his spear into the ground. He clasped his hands into fists, crossed his arms over his chest, and bowed his head in a solemn Demacian salute.
"Though I do not know who you are, today, as the heir of the Lightshield family and a prince of Demacia, I earnestly request you, if you can eliminate this Noxian villain, the Lightshield family will treat you as an esteemed guest of the Demacian kingdom!"
"He's an arcane mage, you should think carefully," Faris teased.
Jarvan IV paused for a moment, shot her an angry glare, and then turned his attention back to Li Lin. "Even if you are a mage... as long as you do not publicly use magic in the heart of Demacia, I can advocate for you in the name of the Lightshield family!"
Ah, so he's extending the treatment given to Shyvana to me...
Li Lin thought to himself.
He then patted Jarvan IV on the shoulder twice, took a few steps forward, and stood once again in front of the prince. "Don't worry, even if you didn't ask, I would still deal with pests like her…"
After all, I'm just a little short of reaching level 70 and unlocking new skills.
"Are you truly intending to be my enemy?"
Seeing that Li Lin had made his stance clear, Faris was immediately surrounded by a blood-red aura. Two pale, frost-like hands began to conjure blood magic orbs.
"Even with that strange armor protecting you, don't forget that blood magic..." she began.
Before she could finish, Li Lin waved his hand, and instantly, hundreds of arcane teleportation circles lit up in the sky and on the ground.
Within just a few seconds, numerous aerial battle mechs and ground combat mechs, including the Kog'Maw army, materialized out of thin air, filling the sky and the plains.
A quick glance revealed at least several hundred of them.
Faris was stunned by the sight before her.
Noticing the sudden darkness overhead, Jarvan IV turned around and also stared in disbelief, his face showing shock.
"So... do you prefer a one-on-one or a group fight? One-on-one, you face my mechanical army; in a group fight, my mechanical army will face you."
Li Lin maintained his unblinking gaze on Faris, letting out a light laugh as he continued, "I'm more humane; you can choose the method yourself."
(End of Chapter)