"What?!" Jarvan IV exclaimed in shock, "Are you serious?"
"I've done some research on the matter," Li Lin nodded gravely. "Although it's not extensive, the clues from Andel's writings all point to this fearsome demon."
Jarvan IV stroked the faint stubble on his chin, his expression both stern and hesitant. "There is indeed a legend of such a fear demon in our Demacia, but it hasn't been seen in hundreds of years.
"Moreover, most of the tales are passed down orally. Even the royal library at Dawn Castle barely mentions it, and its true name isn't recorded anywhere.
"If you ask me, these legends—or perhaps all demon legends—might just be stories, crafted from people or objects as inspiration…"
"No, Your Highness. Demons are real. I've fought one myself."
As Jarvan IV gaped in disbelief, Li Lin activated his nano-armor, projecting the form of Nocturne, the Eternal Nightmare, into the air.
"People call it Nocturne, but its true name is 'Nightmare.' It is a demon born from the emotion of fear, spreading terror through nightmares and devouring it. It emerged from the shadow magic wars at the end of the Rune Wars."
"So, it's called Nightmare…" Jarvan IV gasped, "I've come across mentions of it too, but they were as scarce as those about fear itself, only noting that it appeared during the Rune Wars."
"The information about demons has been deliberately erased. People must forget them to avoid bringing calamity upon themselves."
Li Lin withdrew his hand, his tone serious. "For most demons, their true name is the key to exposing their weaknesses. But defeating them still requires considerable strength, and magic is the best weapon.
"Nocturne targeted one of our professors at Piltover University. Our headmaster, Heimerdinger, used a device he once invented, allowing us to enter the professor's mind, where I defeated Nocturne in the mental realm."
"You… you've actually faced and repelled a demon?"
Jarvan IV was at a loss for words.
"It was just an ordinary demon." Li Lin smiled bitterly and shook his head. "As long as you know their true name, they aren't much of a threat… But this ancient demon is different. Besides, it's one of the first demons."
Even if you brought Galio into the fight, it might not be enough to defeat it…
Li Lin silently added to himself.
Jarvan IV turned away from Li Lin, bracing his hands against the table, lost in thought.
The room was engulfed in a long silence.
After more than five minutes, Jarvan IV finally spoke. "What if… what Andel is facing isn't a demon, but merely an evil necromancer skilled in death magic?"
Damn it!
Li Lin couldn't help but feel anxious. "Your Highness!"
"Andel has come to me for help. As the crown prince of Demacia, I can't turn away from the pleas of my subjects…
"Besides, this demon threatens not only the lives of Andel's wife and daughter but the entire village, with hundreds of lives at stake."
Jarvan IV turned to face Li Lin, a look of helplessness on his face.
"You underestimate demons! Even if we could summon the true name of an ancient demon, it would be useless. And even if it weren't, I'm not confident we could defeat it."
"That's certainly a problem, but I didn't say we're going to fight the demon, did I?" Jarvan IV chuckled softly. "Don't you have an invisible drone?"
Li Lin quickly grasped what he was implying. "You want to use my drone to investigate the situation? If it's indeed a demon, you'll organize an evacuation of the village?"
"Exactly. My duty doesn't allow me to abandon them." Jarvan IV nodded, his expression softening as he looked at Li Lin with a pleading gaze. "So… will you help me?"
…
…
Left with little choice, Li Lin eventually agreed to Jarvan IV's request.
Though it was undeniably a risky endeavor, the prince had made up his mind. It seemed he would go to Hengfeng Village no matter what, and Li Lin had no option but to accompany him.
As a legitimate heir of the Demacian royal family, Jarvan IV's concern for his people was deeply rooted in the foundation of the Lightshield family's rule. Every king in their history understood this well.
And according to the original timeline, Jarvan IV would have had no connection with Fiddlesticks.
After all, as a defeated army struck by the dragon Yvva, he could barely protect himself. There was no way Andel would have sought his help.
It's highly likely that in the original sequence of events, Andel, while searching for his wife and daughter, would have been devoured by Fiddlesticks.
But due to the butterfly effect, two individuals who were never meant to meet had now crossed paths.
The changes made must bear their consequences, and Li Lin had to help Jarvan IV through this new trial.
Fortunately, Li Lin had his own ace up his sleeve.
Zoe had once given him a marble made of condensed magic. Of course, it wasn't the star she had stolen from the Star Forger to use as a toy marble.
In a critical moment, Li Lin could use this "magic marble" to summon Zoe, wherever she might be.
However, Li Lin was well aware that this little troublemaker wasn't very reliable, so he couldn't count on her entirely.
This was where Morgana's black feather, which allowed him to summon her within the borders of Demacia, became crucial.
If the drone could also lure out Fiddlesticks, calling Zoe would be the best option.
The previous Twilight Aspect, Myisha, had stolen Fiddlesticks' demon key. Even if human flesh couldn't unleash the full power of a celestial, Zoe could at least drive it away. And if worse came to worst, she could help them escape.
If Zoe doesn't arrive, Morgana, with only half the power of the Celestial Blessing, would be hard-pressed against Fiddlesticks. But it's still far better than having ordinary mortals face him.
Jarvan IV and Barrett had originally agreed to return to Demaciancapital three days later.
However, after agreeing to Andel's request, the matter could not be delayed. They immediately led six Vanguard Shield formations and their personal guards, mounting their horses and setting off that very night.
Considering Andel had already spent more than ten days walking to Wrenwall, his wife and daughter might as well have been sentenced to death in that time...
Wrenwall was hundreds of kilometers from Hengfeng Village. The group had barely stopped to rest, arriving at the serene southern shore of Silent Lake by the evening of the fifth day.
Hengfeng Village was just across the river.
"Let's make camp here," Barrett suggested. "But there's a problem. Our boat is docked in Terbisia, so crossing the river will be tricky."
"Andel should have a plan, right?" Jarvan IV surveyed the surroundings. "Speaking of which, where is Andel?"
Li Lin, who had been standing by the riverbank, sending out several nano reconnaissance drones, heard Jarvan IV's call and hurried back to his side.
"Has Andel disappeared?" Li Lin asked.
Jarvan IV's face darkened as he scolded the soldier responsible for guarding Andel. "How could someone that important just slip away like that?"
"My deepest apologies! It was my negligence!" The soldier bowed his head in shame, "I am willing to accept any punishment."
"Forget it," Barrett said, trying to defend the soldier. "No one could have predicted Andel would sneak away. Besides, we've been marching hastily, and everyone is exhausted. Let this be a lesson."
Jarvan IV stared at the soldier for a few seconds before reluctantly waving his hand. "Hmm… The pressing issue now is investigating the situation in Hengfeng Village."
He then turned to Li Lin. "Are your drones in position?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Li Lin quickly projected the holographic display of the drone footage for everyone to see.
Barrett, who had lived for decades and had never seen such technology, stroked his graying beard in amazement. "Piltover has technology like this? I've been urging your father to lift the trade ban for years and import more advanced innovations."
"The Council of Stalwart Shield, which handles foreign affairs, doesn't agree," Jarvan IV snorted.
"Things will change. Everything will change," Barrett said knowingly, aware of the prince's dissatisfaction with the privileged aristocrats who ruled the kingdom.
As they conversed, the drones had already found the precise location of Hengfeng Village, each one activating its optical camouflage before scattering in different directions.
One of the drones entered the village, uncovering a shocking sight.
Even though it was well past dinner time, the village was eerily silent, devoid of any signs of life.
"…Where are the villagers?"
(End of Chapter)
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