Bab 350: CHAPTER 350 - Winged Guardian Sisters?!
Due to the multiple violent explosions in the rear, Jarvan IV assumed it was the devastating power of demons. Concerned for Li Lin's safety, he urged the army to quicken their march.
The army had been advancing lightly from Wrenwall, making good time. They soon caught up with the Isidor Merchant Caravan, who had fled ahead. Since both groups were heading to Terbisia, they decided to travel together under the protection of the mechanical forces.
Li Lin, along with Zoe and Morgana, chose a location not far from the marching route of Jarvan IV's army, and the three of them didn't have to wait long.
The ground beneath their feet trembled as a mixture of sounds—horse hooves and the clatter of wheels—echoed from the frosty, damp dirt road ahead.
Li Lin activated the external lights on his armor, illuminating the area to signal Jarvan IV and his men.
On the other side, Jarvan IV, engaged in conversation with Barrett about the records of demons from the Lightshield Family, was interrupted by his adjutant, Alberk.
"Your Highness, look ahead!"
"Hm? What's going on?"
Jarvan IV squinted, looking into the distance, where a bright light dispelled the surrounding darkness. He clenched his fist, raising his arm to signal the army to stop.
In the starless, moonless night, the bright white light stood out.
A light piercing the night… Could it be Light Magic?
Recently, Lightshield healers had joined us in Terbisia to care for the wounded at the front lines. Could someone's magic have gone out of control?
Barrett stroked his thick, greying beard, staying alert. The Buvelle family, as one of the strongest supporters of the Illuminators, was well aware that many within were proficient in Light Magic. Inside the Illuminators, these individuals were known as "Light Wielders."
Most of the upper nobility in Demacia were aware of this as well. But since the Illuminators had been around for centuries, with royal recognition, no one made an issue of it. The Illuminators had countless followers and made significant contributions to the kingdom. Even Eldred tolerated their practices as long as the Mage Seekers didn't catch them using magic.
"Your Highness, could this be a mage causing trouble?" Alberk had his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Shall I take a group to flank them through the forest?"
Barrett, worried it might be an Illuminators, intervened. "How about I take a few men to investigate first?"
"Lord Buvelle, that would be unwise!" Alberk's face tensed, not expecting Barrett to make such a suggestion.
Having known Barrett since childhood, Jarvan IV seemed to understand his intention, frowning as he weighed his options. While he wasn't hostile toward mages, Jarvan IV had no desire to escalate the situation either. He even supported his father's plan to abolish the Anti Mage Laws and end the persecution of magic users.
If Jarvan IV and Barrett each brought their trusted troops, they wouldn't have to worry about accusations. However, this army wasn't only made up of their personal guards. It included members of the Dauntless Vanguard, as well as elite soldiers brought in by Barrett's reinforcements—a diverse mix. There could easily be someone among them from a family with a more aggressive stance against mages.
As the soldiers behind them started whispering about the mysterious light, Jarvan IV hesitated over what action to take. At that moment, Shyvana, who had been riding in the back due to her draconic blood startling the horses, noticed the commotion and approached.
"Your Highness, what's going on?"
Hearing her voice, Jarvan IV's eyes lit up. He dismounted and waved her over. "Shyvana, perfect timing. Take a look at what's happening up ahead."
With a confused look, Shyvana followed his direction and peered ahead. As the light reflected in her crimson eyes, she raised her eyebrows slightly.
"What is that?"
"Is that a mage up there?" Alberk asked urgently.
Shyvana glanced at Jarvan IV, reading something in his expression. "Hmm… That light wasn't created by magic."
But… there is magic up ahead, magic that makes my heart race, she silently added, giving Jarvan IV a subtle wink to warn him.
"If it's not magic, then what's causing that light at night?" Alberk scratched his face with his gauntleted hand, clearly puzzled.
"The glowing fruit in the Silent Forest couldn't grow here, could it? We'd know if they did… And even if they were those fruits, they're still magical in nature, right?"
"Well, if it's not magic, then let's go find out," Barrett said with a hearty laugh. "Didn't young Jarvan mention those flying machines with lights? Maybe it's Li Lin's mechanical troops coming to meet us."
Jarvan IV chimed in, "Or perhaps we won't have to go anywhere."
As the light rapidly grew closer, both Jarvan IV and the previously jovial Barrett instinctively prepared, gripping their swords.
But as the light neared, they were surprised to find it coming from a familiar figure.
"Li Lin?!" Jarvan IV exclaimed in shock, his face full of surprise. "What are you doing here?"
However, his surprise quickly gave way to a memory—a legend passed down through the generations of the Illuminators that Barrett had once mentioned. That terrifying demon, once rampant in Demacia and immortalized in bardic tales, was said to have the ability to mimic the forms of others…
Upon realizing this, Jarvan IV swiftly drew his sword, issuing a stern warning: "Are you really Li Lin? How do we know each other?"
Hearing his interrogation, Li Lin landed helplessly about ten paces away from them and removed his helmet.
"Of course, it's me, Your Highness. I saved you and your men on the Silent Plains from the Lady of Blood."
He had turned on his light to let them see him, but unexpectedly, they stopped advancing, mistaking him for a mage.
Left with no choice, he had left Zoe and Morgana behind and flown over alone.
Jarvan IV nodded, sighing with relief as he sheathed his sword. Then, with a puzzled expression, he approached Li Lin.
Shyvana, Barrett, and Alberk followed closely behind.
"Are you alright?" Jarvan IV patted Li Lin on the shoulder, both concerned and surprised. "How did you get ahead of us?"
"Fiddlesticks has been dealt with."
"What?! You're saying you sealed the demon?"
Jarvan IV thought he had misheard.
Thanks to Barrett, he had learned how people generally referred to the Fear Demon.
This was one of the Primordial Demons, a source of ruin in Runeterra's past, and Li Lin had dealt with it so easily?!
It wasn't just Jarvan IV—Shyvana, Barrett, and Alburk were equally shocked.
Especially Shyvana, who had sensed the overwhelming presence of dark magic and the demon's aura. It had even stirred a trace of fear in her heart, a testament to the Fear Demon's power.
Yet, Li Lin had dared to call Fiddlesticks by name and claimed to have sealed it...
No wonder he's the warrior who could slay the Flame Dragon, Yvva. Thank goodness we're still on friendly terms.
Shyvana took a deep breath to calm herself.
Meanwhile, Jarvan IV, still stunned, couldn't help but reassess Li Lin, his evaluation of him rising even higher.
Noticing their expressions, Li Lin guessed what was going through their minds and couldn't help but chuckle. "You're misunderstanding!"
Before they could question him further, Li Lin quickly explained, "I couldn't handle the demon alone. Someone helped me."
"Uh..."
The four of them fell silent.
Shyvana, inwardly shocked, thought her instincts had been right after all.
As for Jarvan IV, his mind began to race with wild thoughts.
Someone capable of sealing a Prime Demon? Just how powerful would that person have to be? A demigod? Or perhaps an Ascended? Surely, it couldn't be the Winged Protector of Demacia?
Li Lin had mentioned before that he knew the Emperor and Grand Magister of Shurima, so Jarvan IV thought this seemed the most likely.
"Did you summon a Celestial Warrior?" he hesitated, asking.
Li Lin smiled awkwardly. "Honestly, even a Celestial Warrior probably wouldn't be able to handle that demon."
"..."
Jarvan IV, Barrett, and Alberk were once again thrown into confusion.
Even a Celestial Warrior couldn't deal with a Primordial Demon? Then who on Runeterra could possibly defeat and seal it?
Li Lin took in the varied expressions on their faces.
He hadn't introduced Zoe and Morgana to Jarvan IV and the others immediately because he wanted to give them some time to adjust.
After all, they had grown up in a nation with anti-magic policies. Even if they wanted to abolish the ban, they still needed to approach mages with caution.
He then continued, "I assume you're familiar with the Star spirits?"
Alberk's throat tightened as he swallowed. "You don't mean... you called on the Star spirits for help, do you?"
"Yes."
Jarvan IV and Barrett's hearts skipped a beat. Looking at Li Lin's face, they could tell he wasn't joking.
He really did call on the Star spirits?!
Li Lin's face showed a hint of a smile. "To be precise, I know one of them."
A flash of astonishment crossed Alberk's eyes. "You didn't... summon the Winged Protector, did you?"
Li Lin nodded slightly to confirm his suspicion. Alburk couldn't help but raise his hand to his forehead, suddenly feeling lightheaded.
These legends... they were true after all...
No, it wasn't about whether the legends were true anymore.
The real question was, how did Li Lin know the Winged Protector from ancient Demacia? Where had she been all these years?
Questions piled up in Alberk's mind.
Having grown up hearing tales of the Winged Protector and holding Kayle in high regard, he was eager to learn the details.
Even Jarvan IV's breathing grew rapid. "Where is she now? Can you introduce me to her?"
To be more precise, to them.
Li Lin responded calmly, "I can, and I was considering it. But I think now is not the right time to do so in front of the soldiers."
"Why not?" Jarvan IV asked, puzzled. "The Winged Protector is a symbol of Demacia. I doubt the soldiers would be against her."
Before Jarvan IV could finish, Barrett interjected, "But she uses magic, and I think that's what Li Lin is worried about."
"That's just one part of it," Li Lin explained. "Actually, the Winged Protector I'm referring to isn't the one you know, the so-called 'Judicator'—Kayle."
He paused for a moment, then added, "It's her sister, the Masked One... Morgana."
(End of Chapter)
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