lol: After being blessed by the Happy Demon, I became the harem king

Page 91

Upon hearing Fain's words, everyone was slightly taken aback, their brows furrowed with confusion and bewilderment. But then, a blurry figure slowly and leisurely emerged from the darkness into their view, its appearance revealed by the moonlight.

At first, what appeared to be a man was actually a figure in everyone's sight. But in just a moment, his skin peeled away in a blur of light, revealing the figure of a graceful woman wearing a mask.

"Your senses are as sharp as ever, you happy devil."

Fain showed no surprise at the arrival of LeBlanc's true form. He also completely disregarded LeBlanc's description of her as the 'happy demon.'

Faen never tried to hide his relationship with the Happy Demon. Because in Runeterra today, the concept of a nascent demon is far too foreign. Let alone the younger generation of Runeterra players like Shen, Jie, and Akali, even in ancient Shurima, the concept of a nascent demon was extremely rare. Aside from a few specialized researchers in the field of spirituality, most people didn't know what a demon actually was.

Among them, the Devil of Joy was sealed away by the Protoss thousands of years ago. Even if Fane tells others how terrible and crazy Osiris is, most people will just think that Fane is talking nonsense.

It's difficult for people to imagine something they've never seen before. In this context, things about Osilesh wouldn't be considered a black mark on Fain in most cases, since people had no idea what Osilesh was. In this situation, for an old thing like LeBlanc, finding some legends about Osilesh, while not easy, certainly wouldn't be difficult either.

Looking at Fane before her, and having gained a deeper understanding of the existence of the Happy Demon, LeBlanc finally understood why he tirelessly created joy and happiness in Piltover, Zaun, and Bilgewater. LeBlanc had never believed in the existence of perfect people or saints. Therefore, for a time before, Fane's single-minded desire to make people happy seemed utterly incomprehensible and absurd to her. But now… if making others happy could become her power, then all these unusual behaviors could be explained.

Thinking this, LeBlanc looked at Fain in front of her and said with some amazement, "I thought my illusion magic had reached perfection, and that no one should be able to detect it if I wanted to. But now it seems that there are more mysteries surrounding you than I thought? Your understanding of illusion magic seems to go beyond what can be explained by simply being on guard."

As her livelihood, LeBlanc had absolute confidence in her illusion magic. She had been flawless in her concealment, and even her 'old friends' with aligned interests would likely have been unable to detect her unless she deliberately gave herself away. Yet, she had only just arrived, and she had already been discovered…

Looking at Farn, a hint of wariness appeared in LeBlanc's eyes.

When they first met in Piltover, she noticed that Fane had a keen sense of illusion magic. Unexpectedly, after some time, not only had this sensitivity not weakened, but it had actually increased… So, he was also meticulously plotting how to deal with her? Just like she had spent countless days and nights trying to figure out where this strange guy came from.

If Fain knew what LeBlanc was thinking, he'd probably laugh out loud—what meticulous research into how to deal with her? In reality, it was just a LeBlanc clone under Fain's command revealing all the information it knew in order to avenge its original self. To reinforce its impression, it also let Fain completely manipulate it. From physical characteristics to mental traits to magical fluctuations, probably no one in the world, except Fain, knew LeBlanc's characteristics better.

Considering that LeBlanc is a millennia-old iron maiden, if we're really talking about physiology, LeBlanc herself probably doesn't understand her own body as well as Fain does.

Thinking about it, Farn looked at LeBlanc and said, "What? You've investigated everything I mentioned?"

290·Win-win cooperation

Upon hearing Fain's question, LeBlanc's eyes flickered, but in the end she simply nodded silently.

After encountering Fain, LeBlanc's first priority upon returning to Noxus, besides investigating Fain's whereabouts, was to verify the information Fain had provided regarding the Deathclaw cult.

For Black Rose, or rather for LeBlanc, both matters are extremely important. But if we had to choose which is more important, then without a doubt, it would be the information concerning the Deathclaw cult.

This can also be seen from some of LeBlanc's reactions—regarding information about Fain's identity, origins, and the legends surrounding the Happy Demon, LeBlanc mostly delegated the collection and organization to others, only approving the information herself at the end. However, regarding the Deathclaw cult, LeBlanc personally went into action, infiltrating the ancient underground city complex of Noxus's Immortal Fortress, gathering relevant information through its complex passageways and labyrinths, areas even Noxus itself knew little about.

The final result was exhilarating for LeBlanc—just as Fane had said, the Deathclaw cult did indeed exist, and they worshipped Mordekaiser, the very nightmare LeBlanc had painstakingly sought to eradicate. Unfortunately, these Deathclaw cult members were literally fearless of death, having already dedicated their souls to Mordekaiser. This made it virtually impossible for LeBlanc to glean any useful information from them…

Aside from the Deathclaw Cult, even LeBlanc hasn't been able to obtain much information from other sources yet—she did have some initially, but after LeBlanc discovered the Deathclaw Cult, other leads seemed to become alert and all suddenly disappeared.

After a brief silence, LeBlanc smiled brightly and looked at Fain, saying, "Thanks to you, I have gained a lot. So, I think it's time for us to start some wonderful cooperation."

"Cooperation must be based on a win-win situation." Hearing LeBlanc's words, Fain smiled slightly and said, "I've said before that I can see fragments of the past and future. So I know very well that the information I possess is crucial to you. In comparison... what about you?"

Upon hearing Fain's words, LeBlanc's eyes trembled almost imperceptibly. However, under the enhancement of illusion magic, this tremor lasted for less than a moment. At least to Shen, Jie, and the others standing nearby, the mysterious masked woman's gaze remained unchanged throughout.

Only LeBlanc herself understood what Fane meant—just as Fane said, although LeBlanc now knew about the Devil of Joy, she asked herself, "Can I bring joy and hope to the people of other city-states?"

Are you kidding me?

LeBlanc is a master of infiltration, sabotage, destruction, framing, and betrayal… Can you find a single positive word in that list? In fact, the very reason LeBlanc founded the Black Rose was to more easily and effortlessly acquire information and resources from this world to deal with Mordekaiser. Although LeBlanc hasn't yet decided what to do after dealing with Mordekaiser—because the mental pressure Mordekaiser exerts on her is too immense, leaving her with no courage to even consider such trivial matters.

In this situation, what does Fahn need? As a slave to the demon of pleasure (in LeBlanc's eyes), what Fahn needs most is a constant stream of similar emotions. And Noxus has developed to this point where even LeBlanc herself can only change the country's macro-strategy through internal micromanagement—Darkwill, though bewitched by LeBlanc, is not a complete fool or idiot.

Furthermore, even if Darkwill truly obeys LeBlanc's every word, this act of fundamentally negating a nation's culture would directly place Darkwill in opposition to the entire Noxian society, from the nobility and military elites to the common people. If Darkwill dies, the Black Rose's influence, if not halved, will certainly be reduced by at least two-fifths. And if domestic factions discover this and launch a relentless attack, it's not impossible for the losses to exceed half.

Thinking this to herself, LeBlanc fell into a brief silence. She knew very well that this had become an unequal exchange—just like in negotiations, where the most important thing is to keep the other party's bottom line hidden. Once that bottom line is known, the negotiating table becomes completely passive. Because after the bottom line is exposed, every conversation with the other party is no longer a simple discussion, but a further test of that bottom line.

The problem is that sometimes even if you know what's in front of you is poop, you have to eat it for the nutrition you need.

Thinking to herself, LeBlanc remained silent for a moment before calmly saying, "The reason you're telling me all this is because I have something you need, isn't it? Then there's nothing we can't talk about."

“You’re right, there’s nothing we can’t talk about.” Upon hearing this, Fane nodded noncommittally, then calmly said, “Get out of Ionia.”

LeBlanc: "..."

Fain didn't care about LeBlanc's silence, and simply said nonchalantly, "I won't make things too difficult for you, nor will I require you to risk letting Darkwill realize that something is wrong and ordering the rest of Noxus to leave Ionia. All you have to do is clear away those spies planted in Ionia. As for Swain... I have other plans."

Looking at LeBlanc, Farn said gently, "Once these matters are settled, I will give you new information, which is absolutely reliable."

Hearing this, and seeing Fain's gentle, calm smile, LeBlanc felt a tightness in her chest, unable to release it. But meeting Fain's gaze, with no cards in her hand, LeBlanc could only nod silently, then turn and leave: "...I hope we have a pleasant working relationship."

“It will definitely be enjoyable,” Farn replied with a smile—at least, it was definitely enjoyable for Farn.

With Black Rose, the story engine of Runeterra, and LeBlanc, the brilliant idea generator, Fahn's movements will be much more convenient wherever people go in Runeterra in the future.

291. Akali becomes an apprentice?

After seeing LeBlanc off, Fain turned his gaze to Akali and the others.

Compared to Fann, Akali seemed much more reserved. While they didn't know LeBlanc's true identity, they all heard, saw, and remembered Fann's words about LeBlanc taking away the Noxian nail from Ionia.

Some were still confused about what had just happened, and given Fane's somewhat special status, no one was in a hurry to offer their opinions. Now that LeBlanc had left, the group exchanged glances with Fane, who was standing in front of them. Shen then took a few steps forward and asked Fane, "Mr. Fane, what about that person just now..."

"An old maid who has lived for thousands of years."

Fahn didn't have much respect for LeBlanc—in fact, at the beginning, LeBlanc gave the impression of being a cunning, unfathomable, and incredibly powerful mastermind who controlled every move of Noxus and even the entire history of Runeterra from the shadows.

However, ever since a netizen discovered that LeBlanc always manages to completely abandon her when she goes too far with her antics, this millennium-old maid has transformed from a femme fatale into a foolish beauty.

Although Fain knew perfectly well that the Black Rose's continued existence despite so many failed plans was proof of their strength—or rather, that they had succeeded, but had many more undisclosed schemes. However, considering that this foolish beauty had a nemesis named Mordekaiser, and that LeBlanc knew almost nothing about Mordekaiser's plans, while Fain himself possessed relevant intelligence…

This information asymmetry gave Fain almost no psychological pressure when facing LeBlanc.

Compared to Faen's casualness, Shen and the others were momentarily speechless. Looking at the calm Faen, they couldn't understand how he could say such a thing so casually—even in Ionia, a land teeming with all sorts of strange beings, beings that had lived for thousands of years were not commonplace. At least, in the material realm of Ionia, aside from the ancient spirits of the earth, very few humans or intelligent creatures possessed a lifespan of a thousand years.

Even the Venerable Kalmar himself, throughout the generations, would age and die, then deposit his soul and spirit in the spiritual realm to assist the next generation of Kalmar in inheriting the glory and responsibility represented by this name.

in this case……

“No wonder I didn’t notice that woman when she appeared nearby…” Shen muttered to himself after hearing Faen’s words.

Only Shen himself knows how embarrassed he was just now—he had just said that his perception range was about 100 meters, and that when he was on guard, he could sense through his mental domain that not many people could approach him silently. But who would have thought that he had just finished speaking when LeBlanc was summoned by Fain, and he hadn't even been able to find her location until she came out on her own.

The awkwardness of having your boast exposed so immediately after you've finished bragging is self-evident. But to be honest, given Shen's composure, he shouldn't feel too embarrassed; after all, there are always people more capable than you. However, Akali, the rebellious student, had been disliking her teacher for some time—mainly due to her rebellious nature. So, after the incident, Akali immediately gave Shen a long, forced smile and stared at him for a while.

This left Shen somewhat helpless, as he himself didn't care about not discovering LeBlanc, and everyone else present could understand why things were this way. However, Akali clearly didn't care about the reason; she only cared about taking the opportunity to humiliate her pedantic teacher.

Shen had grown somewhat accustomed to Akali's rebellious nature. However, his familiarity with her didn't equate to her actions being right. At least, most members of the Kinkou Order believed Akali's temperament needed some work. The current situation was unique; Ionia was undergoing unprecedented upheaval. Especially with Fann representing the will of Venerable Karma to unseal Ionia's darkness, Shen was forced to reconsider whether the path he had chosen was truly correct.

The reason Shen has such doubts is that he cannot remain indifferent to the Noxians' destruction of Ionia.

And now Akali is so rebellious... perhaps it's not that she's rebellious? Or is it that the doctrines she's accepted are no longer suitable for this era?

Thinking this, a thoughtful look appeared in Shen's eyes.

If that's truly the case, then continuing to teach Akali would be misleading her. At the very least, for the upcoming era of conflict that will bring darkness back to Ionia, the traditions and dogmas upheld by the Order of the Kinkou over the past millennia are likely no longer suitable for today's needs.

As a disciple of Master Kushu, Akali's role as the Eye of Twilight, representing 'stargazing,' is fundamentally different from that of the Fist of Shadow, representing 'pruning.' Therefore, whether Akali truly wants to become the Fist of Shadow or not should be a choice she makes herself. One of the basic conditions for making such a choice is having tried and experienced the path she has chosen.

In Ionia today, can anyone truly claim to understand the essence of war and the future of this era of conflict? Before this, Shen's answer was no. But now…

Shen glanced at Faen beside him and nodded thoughtfully.

Seeing that her provocation hadn't achieved the desired effect, Akali's face showed a hint of confusion. Then, Akali saw Shen look at her. Through those eyes, Akali could sense that Shen seemed to have made a decision, but she still had no idea what that decision was.

In Shen's view—Farne's abilities need no further explanation. In terms of eloquence, he can debate fiercely with the elders of the Temple of the Ancients. In terms of skill, even the elders who dislike Farne's ideas have to admit he has reached a master level. In terms of foresight, he foresaw Noxus's invasion decades ago. And in terms of character, he has earned the endorsement of Venerable Karma.

To be able to study under such a master who is only one step away from becoming famous in Ionia is a blessing that countless people dream of!

292·The origin of those who have no complaints

In Ionia, mentorship is a crucial component of a person's future achievements.

Take Shen and Jie as examples. Shen received personal instruction from his father, Master Kushuo, from a young age. He became the chief disciple of the Northern Court of the Equilibrium Sect at a young age and traveled to Presidium more than once to participate in seminars by many top scholars, sages, and elders, which greatly broadened his horizons.

At the same age, Jie was busy with mundane affairs as a servant in the Order of Balance. Later, thanks to Shen's kindness, Jie successfully became a disciple of Master Kushuo, and was even entrusted with important responsibilities. He grew at an astonishing speed, and even surpassed Shen in skill, able to exchange blows with him and be evenly matched.

Admittedly, this is because Jie himself possesses exceptional talent. However, without the teachings and guidance of Master Kushuo, who led Jie in practice and learning, even if Jie were capable of achieving something, he would never have reached his current level.

Even among disciples, there are different ranks. The most well-known are the menial disciples, outer disciples, inner disciples, and closed-door disciples. The menial disciples, needless to say, are meant to do odd jobs and learn some rudimentary skills. Frankly speaking, the vast majority of these menial disciples, more than 80%, are eventually eliminated; several batches are replaced every year. Unless one has genuine talent, it's very difficult to rise above their station.

Outer disciples fared slightly better, receiving proper instruction in real knowledge and magic, and participating in the hunting and battles against evil spirits. However, they still primarily served as support characters. In contrast, inner disciples were the backbone of the Balance Sect, and potential future sages and masters—genius cultivators. Closed-door disciples were either family members or possessed exceptional talent.

However, Shen was well aware that there was another kind of master-disciple relationship that could rival that of family and teachers: learning from, serving, and fighting alongside each other before one had even become a master. This kind of mentor-student relationship, which began in humble beginnings, was as different from the bond that could develop after one had become famous and sought apprenticeship. It was like the difference between providing help in times of need and adding flowers to brocade.

Anyone can do the latter, but the former is true friendship in times of trouble.

While Fain doesn't currently need any help, his true abilities, foresight, and capabilities are still unknown to most. In this situation, becoming his apprentice beforehand would be entirely beneficial for Akali.

So much so that...

He pursed his lips, admitting that he also had some selfish motives. That was to hope to deepen the connection between Faen and the Order of the Balance.

Even if Akali, who has become a disciple of Faen, might not return to the Order of the Shadow, her mother remains the Fist of Shadow within the Order, and Akali herself is his former teacher and friend. With this connection, if the Order of the Shadow encounters any problems in the future, they can seek help from Faen through this relationship.

As for whether Akali would suffer any disadvantage with Fain, Shen hadn't considered it at all. Having trained at Presidium since childhood, born into the prestigious family of the Silk Dance Master Sinia, he was always mindful of potential dangers, possessed the ability to foresee the future, and this ability had been recognized by Venerable Karma, who had bestowed upon him the Twin Dragon Seals as a sign of respect. With so many layers of protection, combined with their interactions over the past few days and Fain's views on the future and the world, Shen didn't believe Fain would harm a child seeking education for no reason.

However, the current situation is rather special; we are on a mission, so it's not the time to discuss this matter. Thinking this, Shen didn't rush to speak, but instead continued to consider when and how to bring up his thoughts in a more appropriate way.

While Shen was still pondering, a rustling sound came from the side. A moment later, Karan's figure emerged from the darkness, but compared to before, he was now accompanied by five or six young men and women.

The men and women, their hands and feet bound and mouths gagged, were thrown onto the soft ground. Karan emerged from the bushes. Although he appeared large, giving the impression that walking through such dense foliage would be extremely difficult, Karan was not hindered in the slightest. The branches and leaves almost deliberately avoided him, even helping him move forward silently.

As a native species of flesh-toothed beast, Karan's talent for stealth and ambush hunting in the wilderness is evident.

Karan wasn't particularly proud of this. After all, Karan knew very well that, in terms of true strength, this young man, who seemed barely passable in the eyes of the Flesh-toothed Beast tribe, was the real power.

“They called themselves the Pelor Untouchables,” Karan said.

"The helpless?" Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Shen and the others' eyes.

The term "the Unspeakable" is not a unique identity, but rather a derogatory term. The original identity of the Unspeakable has been lost to history, but just as the name 'Syndra' represents loss of control and destruction, the term "Unspeakable" in Ionia refers to those who have lost their reputation and no longer pursue truth and knowledge.

If someone identifies themselves as the helpless, it is tantamount to telling others that they have lost their honor and glory, and no longer pursue truth and knowledge, but will stop at nothing for one thing—such as revenge.

And now, these people who call themselves the Pérol Helpless...

They exchanged a glance—in fact, Shen and the others had all noticed to some extent that since setting off for Peiluor, they had often been in complete darkness.

Because Noxus occupied the area, this invasion of foreign military culture left Ionia, which had long enjoyed peace, severely lacking in knowledge when faced with many common-sense issues. For example, in this situation, they were unsure how to assess the situation. Aside from this incident, in most previous cases, decisions were made by the well-traveled and knowledgeable Fane, who had traveled overseas to learn about the customs and culture of Valoran.

This behavior itself subtly reinforces Fane's authority and status within this temporary team.

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Fain simply shrugged as always, indicating that it was no big deal, and then used his water blade to cut the strips of cloth wrapped around their mouths.

293. The Hatred of the Helpless

The gag over her mouth was cut off, and as the leader of this group of helpless people, the young woman, Hirik, spat at Karan without hesitation, her brows furrowed with disgust and her words filled with hatred.

"You traitor!"

Upon hearing this, Karan's face didn't show much expression; he simply shrugged indifferently, seemingly unconcerned about Hirick's words.

After all, Kalan had long known and accepted his identity. Although it still bothered him at times, now that he had joined Fane's team, Kalan was no longer so focused on going down a dark path just to ensure the child could grow up safely, but on returning darkness to Ionia to usher in the coming era of conflict.

Karan didn't know whether what Fane had done was true or false—not even Shen and the others were sure. They simply chose to believe him because of Fane's words and actions, and Karma's certainty. Karan, however, hoped it was all true.

Looking at this group of helpless people, Fan nodded thoughtfully.

He then reached out his hand under their gazes, and soon after, amidst the unwilling stares of Hirick and the others, he took out a runestone that was constantly pulsating.

Upon seeing the runestone, both Kalan and Shen narrowed their eyes in alarm—the Essence of Chaos, also known as the Syndra Stone, is a specialty of Pelor Island and the surrounding coastal regions. Just as the name Syndra represents chaos and loss of control in Ionia, similar runestones often contain highly active energy, capable of triggering elemental explosions with the slightest stimulation.

As Fane took it out, the elemental essence within the runestone was visibly becoming active and activated; the core essence's surface was even beginning to transition from a solid crystalline state to a liquid state. This indicated that elemental activation had begun, and an explosion was imminent.

Just as Kalan and the others were about to warn him, Fane clasped his hands together in front of everyone. The next moment, an explosion occurred, and dense water vapor spread between Fane's fingers. The impact of the elemental explosion, guided by the water flow, was completely absorbed into every wave of water, circulating and swirling under Fane's control. Intense energy surged within the water, forming scorching light. As Fane's hands closed, the original ball of light dimmed at an alarming speed, finally dissolving into scattered water droplets with the sound of his hands closing.

Fain clapped his hands to shake off the remaining water droplets, then looked at the Nobody and the others beside him: "Your target is Syndra, isn't it?"

Upon hearing Fan's words, Hirick and the others did not respond, but the physiological reactions and mental fluctuations they experienced upon hearing Fan's words quickly caught the attention of Karan, Shen, and the others.

In the Dream Pool storyline, the purpose of these Pelor Unsung is simple: to take revenge on the Noxians and to prevent Syndra's magical power from being used by the Noxians. Therefore, they decide to bring the runestone into the Dream Pool to blow Syndra up.

In the end, Syndra accidentally broke the seal during the process, killing all the helpless ones. She then used dark power to pull a city into the sky, turning it into her floating city and riding around Ionia. Kalan, on the other hand, followed Soraka's prophecy and sank into the Dream Pool, willingly stepping into an eternal nightmare.

It could be said that even among the Ionians after the war, these Pelor Unwitting were among the most radical. Their actions and purposes were almost entirely driven by revenge, filled with undisguised hatred and anger towards the Noxians.

Now, having heard Fan's words, although Hirick and the others did not speak, their eyes, filled with resentment, clearly showed their thoughts.

In response, Farn remained silent for a moment before manipulating his water blades to cut the ropes binding them.

Facing the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Fain calmly extended his hand, revealing the double dragon seal on the back of his hand. Although the younger, helpless Pelor didn't recognize it, Hirik, as their leader, clearly knew what it was. His expression first showed a slight surprise, then hesitation, but after sensing the undeniable aura, he revealed a look of astonishment, uncertainty, and tension.

"you are……"

"In the name of Venerable Karma, I have come to release Sindra."