To prevent the accumulating power of Fiddlesticks from adversely affecting other regions, Li Lin and Morgana quickly returned to the already devastated forest ruins.
Just as Morgana was astonished by the scene before her, the AI rapidly reported to Li Lin on the current battle losses of the mechanical forces.
[150 Aerial Combat Machines - Storm were completely destroyed, of which only 36 can barely be recovered for scrap materials.]
[Battle Mechs - Skarner suffered 43 losses. Among the remaining 57, 22 are severely damaged and nearly inoperable, while 35 are lightly damaged, though some functions have been impaired.]
[120 Battle Mechs - Kog'Maw sustained no damage. While the Fear Demon is accumulating power, I have already dispatched them, along with the War Lord, to the Argent Mountains, located 200 kilometers to the south, on standby.]
"You did well."
Although the battle losses from this initial encounter with Fiddlesticks left Li Lin feeling quite pained, he had to admit that this was indeed a commendable performance from the mechanical forces.
After all, losses are unavoidable, and in future wars that threaten the world, these mechanical forces will face even greater casualties.
If we disregard that a considerable portion of the losses from the Storm and Battle Mechs - Skarner were inflicted by "friendly fire"...
Nevertheless, this initial combat experience for the mechanical forces will allow the AI to learn and prepare for the world crisis a year from now and beyond.
Li Lin redeployed the Battle Mechs - Kog'Maw to an area 50 kilometers away, on the southwestern plains of Silent Lake.
Subsequently, he dispatched a group of mechanical engineers carrying the necessary materials through the Hex Gates to Palcylff City for emergency repairs on the Battle Mechs - Skarner, focusing on restoring their Hextech teleportation capability.
Even if they were damaged and needed repairs, it was still more practical than manufacturing new ones.
Moreover, at this stage, Li Lin had excessively produced a large number of mechanical forces, and his liquidity was somewhat strained, requiring frugal use of all expensive materials.
Finally, after letting the War Lord teleport to a position 20 kilometers behind them, Li Lin faced the gradually solidifying dark magic ahead with the still-recovering Morgana.
Amidst the chaotic surge of magic, a bloodthirsty flock of crows gathered, with countless bizarre and nearly indescribable forms coalescing and dissipating, only vaguely recognizable in appearance.
Among them were shapes of undead tribal warriors adorned with helmets, shields, fur clothing, and various warm fabrics;
There was a pirate captain clad in tattered attire, wearing a moss-covered captain's hat, wielding a rusty iron hook in one hand and a iron peg leg;
There were figures draped in golden armor, holding the eagle-winged solar scepter, a symbol of Shurima's royal power, resembling a celestial warrior or perhaps a failed ascendant of Baccus;
Some bore masks, had four arms, and wielded spiked wolf-tooth hammers, reminiscent of Ionia's Navori bandits;
And there were those who were nothing but dry bones, dressed in tattered ancient Zuan noble attire, one hand grasping sharp metallic claws, while the other clutched a massive scythe...
Any ordinary person who witnessed this scene would instantly fall into madness, their soul consumed, and their physical form reduced to a mere shell, ultimately to be devoured entirely.
Even Li Lin's Banshee's Veil could not withstand the accumulated magic, its health plummeting rapidly below 100,000.
At this rate, within five minutes, the barrier formed by the Banshee's Veil would completely fail.
Fortunately, Morgana activated the celestial magic within her, encasing herself and Li Lin in a thick "Dark Shield" magical barrier, allowing the Banshee's Veil to begin regaining its health.
"We've wasted too much time; we cannot allow it to accumulate more power!"
Morgana raised her hands, flames of magic igniting in her palms. Behind her, the iron chains binding her purple wings floated like tentacles, ready to obey her command.
Li Lin nodded gravely and commanded the 120 Battle Mechs - Kog'Maw to unleash a precise barrage and instructed the War Lord to recharge the mega cannon.
Sensing the energy fluctuations from afar, Morgana couldn't help but glance back.
"Don't get distracted; those are my mechanical creations—there's no need to worry... When I say go, you must listen to me and get away from this area."
Morgana returned her gaze to the ruins ahead, narrowing her eyes covered in purple light. "I understand."
"By the way, when my mechanical forces launch their precise strikes, the energy shells will avoid you."
Morgana nodded lightly, her focus returning to the massive mass of dark magic before them. "You say go, and I will follow."
"Right, there's no time to waste; we move now!"
With that, Li Lin swiftly ascended, raising his arms to deploy the laser launchers, unleashing a barrage of energy particles and material disintegration projectiles.
Simultaneously, the material projection cannon ports on the shoulders of the Bastion Warriors revealed themselves, while energy and missile launch ports on the back expanded. The remaining over 20,000 compressed bullets and dozens of compressed missiles poured forth, primarily targeting the solid forms of Fiddlesticks coalescing within the dark magic.
Seeing Li Lin take action, Morgana followed suit, transforming into a "magical artillery platform." With her hands and the iron chains behind her, she launched dark missiles, unleashing no fewer than a hundred in mere moments.
Not only that, but she also cast a curse over the area where Fiddlesticks was drawing power, spreading black corrosive flames that could inflict great harm on spirits, searing through the black fog summoned by Fiddlesticks.
Just then, the delayed plasma barrages and material disintegration projectiles rained down from the sky, accurately covering the vast area of dark mist created by Fiddlesticks.
However...
"May the Bone Deer demigod protect us and cleanse away all evil!"
"Damn little thief, I've spotted you—get out here quickly!"
"Is that...? No— the legends of the demon captain are true... it really exists! Don't approach that atoll!"
"Mom, when did Dad make a scarecrow?"
"I hope this Spirit Blossom Festival, I can meet my father once more... Who's there?"
"Ha... ha... The Iron Scythe Killer really exists. What on earth is it... No! Don't, don't come closer! Help…"
"…"
Voices of countless men, women, and children echoed from all directions within the black mist. They were not only imitations of the last words of the prey before being devoured by Fiddlesticks but also the instinctive cries of pain from the countless lost souls consumed by it.
These sounds, barely resembling true voices, easily penetrated Morgana's dark shield, rekindling the fear within her heart.
"No, sister! Don't…"
"Father... dear Father! No, no! It's all my fault…"
"Aren't we sisters? Kayle, why must you do this?"
"Mother…"
"Damn it, get out of my head! Aaaah—"
Morgana collapsed to the ground in agony, her hands clutching her head as Fiddlesticks' attack dissipated completely.
Apart from her dark shield, Li Lin was also protected by the Banshee's Veil, so he was not greatly affected.
He saw Morgana, already half-covered by demonic power, on the ground and urgently shouted, "Don't let it affect you, Morgana!"
Unfortunately, she could no longer hear Li Lin's voice.
"Damn… Is your star spirit power fake? How could I be worse off than you…"
Li Lin gritted his teeth and quickly blinked to Morgana's side, forcibly pulling her out from the Scarecrow's dark magic. He then commanded the Warlord, who was fully charged in the distance, to fire the Mega Cannon.
A distance of 50 kilometers posed no challenge for this main cannon.
Li Lin pushed the engine's power to the max, soaring into the sky. However, crimson eyes suddenly opened in the dark mist, and numerous terrifying tentacles coalesced, reaching toward them at a speed rivaling that of the Sky Titan.
Fortunately, the specially designed shells of the Mega Cannon arrived just in time, and the explosive flames consumed most of the black mist, allowing Li Lin and the affected Morgana to escape.
"What should we do now?"
He flew several kilometers high, furrowing his brow as he watched the writhing mass below, which was almost coalescing into a humanoid scarecrow hundreds of meters tall, feeling a heavy heart.
"Zoe, oh Zoe, you really chose the worst time to let me down. How long has it been, and you still haven't arrived…"
Before Li Lin could finish his muttering, a familiar girl's voice filled him with joy: "Oh~~ Darling, were you calling for me~~ I heard you!"
In the next moment, a golden halo appeared beside him as Zoe, smiling brightly, gracefully emerged from the portal.
But as soon as she saw Morgana slumped on Li Lin's shoulder, her expression immediately soured. She pouted and softly huffed, "Why is it this woman again…"
"You finally made it!"
At that moment, all Li Lin wanted to do was hug Zoe and twirl around in celebration.
What perfect timing!
"Quick, the Twilight Star Spirit has faced Fiddlesticks before. You should be able to deal with it, right?"
Zoe glanced downward in the direction Li Lin pointed.
As if sensing a familiar presence, Fiddlesticks fell silent for a moment, and the mist began to boil once more, layers of negative emotions surging toward the heavens.
With a casual wave, Zoe conjured a golden magical barrier, blocking everything below.
Yet her delicate face showed a hint of disappointment. "I thought you called me because you missed me."
Li Lin could tell Zoe was being playful.
"Let's go on another… uh, date?"
"Two… hmm, no, that's too few; it has to be at least five!"
"Three, no more."
A look of distress crossed Zoe's face, but it was quickly replaced by a broad smile. "Alright! As you say, counting the one I owe from last time, we'll have a total of four dates!"
With that, as if afraid Li Lin might change his mind, she swiftly stretched her previously crossed legs and let out a deep yawn, the next second disappearing into the portal that formed beneath her feet.
At the same time, when Zoe reappeared in Li Lin's line of sight, she was already standing in front of Fiddlesticks.
"Hi~~ Scary-looking Scarecrow, your key is with me~~"
(End of chapter)
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