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

Page 26

Just as Fain was still pondering this, suddenly, a fierce, azure-blue figure appeared within his ritual. Accompanied by a surge of blue light, a distorted voice echoed in Fain's mind—"You bastard! How dare you steal my blessing—"

"That must be Osilesh's voice," Farn guessed. Because before he could even vent his anger with that voice, another voice drowned out Osilesh's roar.

"Ha! I felt it! Well done, little guy! I was worried you'd be seduced by Osiris and led down the path of evil, but it seems you're even better than I thought! You actually managed to make that wretched demon so angry!"

"You are... Nera?" Farn asked curiously.

Although Fane was saved by Nira last time, his abilities were still weak. Despite his diligent training in Ionia, he was, frankly, only at the level of mortal masters like Riven and Darius. He was simply knocked unconscious by the aftershocks of Nira's battle. In the end, it was only because Ossilash, unwilling to give up and wanting to have a backup plan, secretly completed the blessing on Fane. There wasn't much interaction between Fane and Nira.

“It’s me!” Nera’s voice was filled with unending joy.

“I may not know exactly what you’ve done, but I’ve heard it! Many people have felt joy because of you! Even the city-state is becoming better—well, happier—because of you! Good joy, not the evil joy of Osiris. Especially that little girl, I simply can’t imagine how you could make someone so happy! I felt it all in Camavia!”

Little girl? Happy? You're not talking about Zeli, are you?

Farn was suspicious, but didn't think about it too much. Instead, he asked, "Where are you now? I think we can have a good talk about Osiris... I don't want that guy to get out of here either."

"Haha! I'm relieved to hear that! No problem, but it will take a while, because I'm on the ship heading to Kamavia right now."

On the boundless sea, standing on a dilapidated sampan, Nila, dressed in a pale yellow robe, tall and with a healthy wheat-colored complexion, wore an ever-present joy on her face.

"I'll come find you after I've defeated those wicked dragons! I'll also take the opportunity to study how you make people so happy! By the way, what's your name again?"

“Fan,” Fan said, “but how I make people happy is still up for debate…”

"We'll see when the time comes! Ha, another sea monster has arrived; my legendary journey is about to gain another glorious chapter!"

Hearing Zeli excitedly joining the new round of battle, Faen blinked and didn't continue the contact.

The wicked dragon of Kamavia? It must be Queen, the progenitor of dragons there, right? Thinking this, Fan shook his head. Nera was indeed fierce enough. A grown dragon could easily destroy cities and fortresses. And Queen, a legendary dragon, was no weaker than a primordial demigod like Volibear. Yet Nera was willing to travel thousands of miles to fight her just to become a legend. She was truly worthy of being the chosen one who inherited the power of Osiris.

Although the exchange was brief, the information obtained was undoubtedly sufficient—Osirius was bound by his contract with Nera and could not move freely in the material realm. Even when faced with Farn betraying his essence and signing contracts with other beings in the spiritual realm, he could only be filled with impotent rage and could not make an effective response.

This made Fan realize one thing—Fan could not completely become Osiris. Because Fan was a hybrid being, half spiritual and half material. This meant Fan couldn't freely manipulate Osiris's essence; he could only grow stronger by collecting pleasure through the concepts Osiris possessed.

However, by signing contracts with other beings in the realm of pure spirit, Fane could substitute for Osilesh, sending Osilesh's essence in exchange for what Fane needed. This was undoubtedly unacceptable to Osilesh—Fane, you signed a contract and can take it back at will, but you've used my assets as collateral for your entire life! I blessed you to lead you astray so I could possess and be reborn, and look at what you've done now! How dare you turn around and kidnap me?!

But what about Fain? Fain didn't care at all; he was literally selling his father's property without a care in the world.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. In Fane's view, trading the nature of Osiris, which he couldn't control, for cooperation with Janna and the stability of a vital trading hub city-state was a sure-fire win. Based on this, even ceding some benefits to Janna was acceptable; after all, even without emotional ties, a bond of mutual benefit could make the relationship more stable and secure.

Thinking this, Fain also looked at Janna beside him. After a brief exchange of glances, all the information was quickly communicated, and Fain then looked at the others around him.

47. The candidate personally selected by Fain

Having already formed a pact with Janna, Fane, while still unable to mass-produce Chosen Warriors, has acquired considerable power. Like now, he can directly sense some of the people's thoughts—or rather, their determination to bring about change—because this is one of Janna's powers in Zaun.

"Should we talk about our business?" Hilko looked at Farn. As a mortal, he couldn't perceive it directly, but the fact that Hilko hadn't undergone excessive mutations despite long-term injections of the luminous drug proved that his mental strength far exceeded the limits of ordinary people—although his eyes appeared severely deformed, they had actually been injured long before falling into the poisonous lake. In addition, the area where the luminous drug was injected resulted in scarring and increased damage when the luminous drug repaired the wound.

In any case, these mental qualities made Hilko's mind more acute and allowed her to perceive things that ordinary people could not.

For example, right now, to ordinary people, Fane might look no different except for the storm tattoo, but to Hilko, Fane has some Zaunite traits... or rather, Zaunite traits that Hilko hopes to see.

Upon hearing Hilko's question, Farn nodded and then said:

"How did the Alchemist Baron react?"

“Pretty much.” Hilko shook his head, then sneered, “Even though you’ve already occupied two-thirds of Zaun’d, those traitorous dogs are still thinking about how to divide up the spoils of their own people… But I think the plan might need to be accelerated. Because that guy Spindlaw has already realized that the other alchemical barons are not trustworthy, and I’m sure it won’t be long before he takes the initiative to contact his master in Piltover…”

“It’s okay, the more you contact, the better.” Farn shook his head and said, “You should also contact more people, and it would be best to let as many people as possible know about the changes that have taken place in Zaun.”

As he said this, Farn's eyes were calm: "Otherwise, the people of Piltover wouldn't know that Zaun is different from what it used to be."

Hearing this, Hilko nodded, not surprised. After all, Jinx had already conveyed some of Fane's requests and opinions last night. Hilko's reiteration was simply a way of hoping Fane would pay closer attention to the movements in Piltover…

"So, after taking over Zaun, how do you plan to govern it?" Hilko asked, a serious look appearing in his eyes.

"This is Zaun's own business. I'm only responsible for getting Zaun back on track and reclaiming its rightful rights," Fain said casually.

But this angered Hilko: "Since you want to have the power to cleanse Zaun, then you should also bear the responsibility of guiding Zaun."

“There’s a serious misconception in what you’re saying.” Upon hearing this, Farn said calmly, “I can draw strength from people’s happiness, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be held hostage by the masses. Because no matter the circumstances, I have the power to overthrow Zaun; it’s just a matter of whether it’s a direct assault or a series of assassinations.”

Upon hearing this, Hilko fell silent.

Hilko's silence wasn't out of doubt, but because he knew perfectly well that what Fane said was true. Regardless of whether Fane's purge was carried out through overt assassinations or some other means, just ask him if he had the ability to overthrow Zaun's already precarious rule and stability.

That's quite impressive.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Fain currently feels his power is far from sufficient to protect those he wants to protect. In reality, within the Twin Cities region, Fain's power is already severely excessive. If Zaun, whose stability is maintained through a reign of terror based on assassination, weren't unable to provide Fain with the spiritual nourishment he needs, Fain would have already overturned the table.

Looking at Hilko in front of him, Fane said, "Your reputation is too bad. Once Zaun stabilizes, you should prepare to go down there."

Upon hearing this, Hilko showed little surprise, and even seemed indifferent.

“Everything I’ve done has never been for myself, but for Zaun.” Hilko said calmly, “If the current alchemist barons weren’t still dealing with their problems, I could hand over all the power I have to you right now. Because long before you officially launched your ‘rebellion,’ I had already separated my ‘clean’ officers. That’s enough for you to smoothly take over Zaun and reform and correct it.”

“But that’s all on your terms.” Hilko’s brow furrowed slightly. “I’m willing to believe in your abilities, and I’m willing to help you take Zaun. But now you’re saying you won’t become the new master of Zaun? Then who are you going to hand Zaun over to? Or do you have someone you trust more? If so, then tell us, at least let us know who that person is!”

Upon hearing Hilko's words, Jinx, Sevika, and Shuona, who were standing nearby, also slightly raised their eyes.

In fact, they were also curious about who Fane planned to hand over his nominal power to—no matter how powerful Fane was, he couldn't just push anyone out to become the nominal master of Zaun. Hilk was the best example of a similar situation.

Hilcor, who had killed Vander, possessed sufficient ability and prestige. However, once everyone realized the power of Piltover, half of the alchemist barons immediately chose to become partners and lackeys of the trading families, betraying their own side and sacrificing Zaun's interests.

If the person chosen by Faen lacks sufficient ability and prestige, then no matter how much Faen proclaims that this person is the master of Zaun, people will only choose to obey Faen's orders. When Faen is absent, they will try every means to usurp his power and then choose someone whom the people approve of—this sounds crazy, but Zaun has never lacked ambitious and madmen.

Sensing the confusion of the crowd, Farn simply held up one finger. The name he uttered then caused everyone present to shrink in shock almost instantly—"Vander."

In fact, when Fain intended to let the Zaunites govern Zaun themselves, Hilko had many speculations in her mind, including those about Zeli and Zeli's mother. After all, they were the first people Fain came into contact with in this city, and the people he knew best and was closest to. But now, hearing Fain say that name, Hilko almost immediately froze on the spot.

Not only Hilko, but even Shuona, who was standing next to him, frowned with a complicated expression, her gaze towards Fain filled with confusion.

For any Zaunite—especially the older generation—the name Vander is familiar.

It's important to understand that Van Der wasn't just the previous generation's leader in Zaun; he was a prominent figure there long before the construction of the Sungate Canal, the sea lock, and the cross-sea bridge. While not a major figure like a trading family, he was undoubtedly the undisputed elder statesman and local tyrant of Zaun's working class. Even trading families, in the literal sense, had to show him respect.

Putting aside other things, even after Piltover and Zaun split, when Vi, Jinx, and others caused trouble in Piltover, the Piltover police officers still sent someone to negotiate with Van Der as soon as they entered Zaun, asking Van Der not to interfere too much.

Admittedly, Hieldock later rebelled against Vandal because he was dissatisfied with Vandal's weakness in Piltover. However, as reality became harsher and people gradually realized that Vandal was right, he became a long-dead ideal in their hearts.

It's almost laughable, really. When Vandal was alive, many people believed that Zaun's decline was due to his weakness. But after Vandal's death, everyone started to miss his good qualities.

but--

“Vander is dead.” This wasn’t even said by Hillco, but by Jinx, who was behind Hillco.

A pair of scarlet eyes were fixed on Fain. The Jinx of the past was always surrounded by a cynical, mad aura, making her seem uncontrollable, like a ticking time bomb. And Jinx never disappointed; no matter the problem, she could solve it with an explosion. She was universally acknowledged as a complete and utter madwoman.

Even Sevika, a loyal follower of Sylvanas, while acknowledging Jinx's talent, denied her inherent value—her severe mental problems were too uncontrollable for anyone seeking stability.

But now, Jinx seemed like a completely different person, staring intently at Fane, her voice firm yet filled with madness: "Vander is dead, why are you mentioning his name!"

"Vander isn't dead, but he can't really be considered alive now."

Farn shook his head, turned his gaze to Hilko beside him, and said calmly, "Others may not know, but you should know where your brother's body was ultimately taken."

Upon hearing Fane's words, Hilko's expression shifted rapidly. After a moment, taking a deep breath, Hilko regained her composure and said coldly, "You mean... Singed? That damned alchemist!"

"...You know?" After a moment's hesitation, Jinx looked at Hilko with disbelief in her voice.

She thought Vander was dead, but now it seems that Hilco knows Vander is not dead?

No, that's not right.

Jinx quickly realized that Hilk didn't actually know Vander's current situation, otherwise her expression wouldn't have been so ferocious.

Thinking it over, Jinx could only look at Fain, her eyes filled with madness, obsession, determination, and all sorts of complex emotions.

"What on earth happened?!"

48. Van der's message

Seeing Jinx's mental state becoming unstable again, Fain raised an eyebrow, but he wasn't too affected by it. He simply extended his hand and said, "I know you're in a hurry, but no matter how anxious you are, you're no match for me, so don't rush."

Upon hearing Fane's words, Jinx's lips twitched violently. Staring intently at the expressionless Fane, her crimson eyes filled with a morbid madness, as if she were about to devour him alive at any moment.

But in the next moment, with a deep breath, Jinx quickly calmed down. After a long silence, Jinx forced a smile, then quietly lowered her head and said, "I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself."

“I understand.” As he spoke, Fane stretched out his finger, separated a sliver of blood plasma, and then slowly presented it to Jinx.

Seeing this, Jinx showed no concern whatsoever, and simply swallowed it whole. Her overall condition visibly improved almost immediately upon consuming the "happy factor."

This caught the attention of Safeka, who was standing nearby.

Savika's attitude towards Jinx has always been complex—as the executor of Shirek's power, Savika has effectively helped Shirek suppress many opposition forces in Zaun, manage the Glimmer Trade, and even participate in conspiracies against Piltover. However, Shirek's excessive attention to Jinx has always been a concern for Savika. This is in the current timeline, before Jinx and Vi have a direct confrontation.

It's important to understand that when Jinx disappeared, Hillco even demanded that Zaun be overthrown to find her. Savika saw this as proof that Hillco had completely strayed from his original intention of overthrowing Vander's rule, believing him to have become weak and easily swayed by personal emotions. However, Savika also had to acknowledge the powerful talent brought about by Jinx's unique mental state. Whether it was alchemical technology or Hextech, in Jinx's hands, it could be transformed into devastatingly powerful objects of destruction…

This makes it difficult for Savika to approach Jinx with a normal mindset. However, there's no denying that Jinx possesses immense talent, only her mental issues hinder her progress. If there were someone who could tame Jinx…

Thinking this, Safeka also glanced at Hillco.

Sensing the surprise, joy, and subtle complexity in Hilcko's eyes, it was clear that Hilcko had noticed as well, but now was not the time to discuss it.

Thinking about it, everyone turned their gaze to Fain.

Farn then asked, "Do you really understand glimmer of light?"

"..." Everyone fell silent—they only used it, they didn't understand it.

Not surprised by this, Farn simply said calmly, "In your view, the glimmer may be a purely technological product, unrelated to magic. But in reality, the glimmer itself is a kind of magic, a spiritual manifestation of the life force in the material realm; you can understand it as a materialized life force."

"That is why, after being injected with the glimmer of light, even a skinny monkey can take down a strongman. But this vitality naturally possesses the wild nature of life itself, so anyone whose willpower is not strong enough will be affected by it and become a coward who will be filled with fear and anxiety once the glimmer of light is lost."

"What does this have to do with Singed?" Hilko asked, puzzled. "That arms dealer."

Hilko didn't care what the glimmer of light actually was. For Hilko, tools only needed to be functional; anything else was just empty talk.

Seeing this, Farn explained, "Singed has a daughter named Orianna. She was about to die due to some congenital diseases. Before she died, Singed sealed her in a life support pod to keep her life in place until the very last moment, and kept searching for ways to save his daughter."

Upon hearing this, Hilko paused for a moment, then subconsciously said, "So... a glimmer of light?"

“Yes, the life force of the glimmer caught Singed’s attention.” Farn nodded—he noticed that Hilko was visibly taken aback when he learned that Singed was doing this for his daughter, guessing it was the empathy unique to fathers.

In fact, not only Hilco, but also Zeli, Jinx and others, all showed a hint of surprise in their eyes after learning that Singed's purpose was to save his daughter.

Because in the eyes of those who knew Singed, he was a ruthless arms dealer. For money and resources, there was almost nothing Singed wouldn't do. No matter how demanding the employer's request, as long as the reward was sufficient, Singed would do his best to fulfill it, regardless of the casualties that might result.

But that's how people are. When they learn that someone has committed many evil deeds actually for the sake of their own child, this beautiful display of maternal love makes them feel that there is a reason behind it all, and that they are helpless to change it.

"Wait a minute." Jinx suddenly paused, then gritted her teeth and said, "So he took Vander's body to..."

“Yes, human experimentation.” Farn nodded, confirming Jinx’s suspicions.

"Vander's physical abilities far surpassed those of ordinary people, and he also possessed an extremely tenacious willpower and an obsession that he would not forget even in death: his love for his family. In addition, Vander was not completely dead when he was sent to Singed, so Vander became Singed's most ideal experimental subject."

As he said this, Fane thought for a moment, then added, "Of course, this doesn't mean that Vander is alive now. Because the birth and death of life is a complex process, the souls of all the dead on the continent of Valoran are guided by wolf spirits and sheep spirits, thus embarking on the path to the afterlife. In this process, some people with strong will, power, and even madness can refuse the guidance of these masked messengers. But similarly, it also takes a huge risk to bring them back to the material realm."

Based on the timeline, Vandel will have to wait at least a few more years to complete his resurrection. Furthermore, at the beginning of his resurrection, he will still be a killing machine acting solely on instinct, lacking any self-awareness.

But coincidentally—

“I also have some unique insights into the spiritual realm,” Farn said. “If I can find a body where Vander still has vitality, I can pull his lost soul back into his body by activating the beautiful memories that remain within it.”

Upon hearing Fane's words, Jinx fell into a brief silence before turning her gaze to Vander beside her: "Where is Singed?"

In a sense, Jinx's reaction was somewhat ruthless. Perhaps initially, Shirco only wanted to mold Jinx into a killing machine because she felt a shared sense of loss at having lost her family. However, in practice, Shirco unconsciously came to regard Jinx as family in the truest sense.

Now that Hield has returned, Jinx's reaction is so decisive... Hield's face doesn't show any extra emotion. Because even for Hield, killing Vander was one of the things he regretted most in his life—especially after witnessing the gap between Piltover and Zaun after Vander's death. Hield quickly understood the pressure Vander had been under while carrying the burden of Zaun.

The most ridiculous part is that, despite having given everything for Zaun, Vandal was ultimately killed by his own people. Before his death, countless people viewed him as a cowardly coward. Only at the end did people realize that Vandal was right.

And now...

“I don’t know,” Hilko shook his head and said, “Singed disappeared a year ago. I guess he raised enough funds to start a new round of research. He won’t come out until the relevant research is completed.”

Upon hearing this, Jinx frowned in dissatisfaction: "You don't even know where his base is?!"

“Nobody knows.” Even before Hilko could answer, Sevika, arms crossed, said, “Singid is incredibly cunning and never trusts anyone. Every experiment takes him to a different region, searching for new secret bases. I reckon even he doesn’t know how many secret bases he has. Unless he comes out on his own, nobody can find them.”

Seeing everyone trapped in a dead end again, Zeli tilted her head and asked curiously, "Why don't you go ask the amazing Fan?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback, and then they all looked at Fain.

“I know,” Farn shrugged.

Feeling the gazes directed at him, Fain casually said, "In Zaun, wherever there's wind, nothing can escape Janna's eyes."

Regardless of the purpose, alchemical technology inevitably produces severe pollution. In such cases, factories and laboratories can cut corners in other areas, but not in pollution emissions and ventilation systems. A slight mishap could turn a laboratory into a gas chamber. In this context, if Janna so chooses, Zaun is practically under her watchful eye.

Upon hearing this, Janna nodded, then closed her eyes and remained silent for a moment. A short while later, Janna reopened her eyes and summoned a bluebird to land on Fain's shoulder.

"If you want to find him, just pat this bird, and it will lead the way."