vncnus Page 72
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Hearing Lina's words of comfort, Sarah could somewhat guess what Lina was thinking. After gritting her teeth, she lowered her head and said, "How could I possibly accept this outcome so easily... I prepared so much for revenge, I've waited so long, my mom and dad..."
Seeing Sarah's heartbroken and desperate expression, Lina felt a pang of regret. Just as Lina was thinking about how to comfort her good friend, there was a sudden knock on the door.
The sound immediately alerted Sarah and Lina.
Sarah raised her head and looked at Lina. After a tacit nod, the resentment on Sarah's face turned into calmness. She did not rush to deal with the makeup that had been washed away by tears. Instead, she immediately drew the two pistols from her waist and carefully pulled the triggers.
"who is it?"
"It's a guest~" LeBlanc's voice came from outside the door.
211. First Meeting with Sarah
Hearing the sounds from outside the door, Sarah and the Yodl gunslinger Lina exchanged a glance, then silently gripped their muskets and replied, "I don't recall ever inviting anyone, and in Bilgewater, showing up uninvited is never a good thing... Who are you looking for? And what's your purpose?"
Hearing Sarah's wary voice, LeBlanc chuckled. Before Sarah could react, a magical breeze flashed by, and Lina, a Yordle, tensed up, quickly looking at Sarah and shouting, "Watch out! Sarah! Behind you!!"
Behind me?! When?!
Upon hearing this, an incredulous look appeared in Sarah's eyes. She quickly turned around, and before her eyes could fully see, she only caught a glimpse of LeBlanc out of the corner of her eye. Sarah immediately raised her musket. Unfortunately, the difference in strength was too great. Before Sarah could pull the trigger, she felt a powerful restraining force coming from all directions. When she regained her senses, she saw chains, shimmering with magical light and existing between energy and matter, firmly binding her in place.
Not to mention pulling the trigger, Sarah could even clearly feel that, if the other party wished, those magical chains could grow countless thorns, turning him into a blood-soaked figure in the literal sense.
Thinking to herself, Sarah slightly loosened her fingers, indicating that she had no intention of fighting. Seeing this, LeBlanc did not press further, but instead waved her hand to release the chains surrounding her.
“Very good, I really like smart girls like you.” Looking at the sensible Sarah, LeBlanc nodded in satisfaction and said, “There are always people who think that as long as you have enough courage and are fearless, you can change everything. In comparison, I appreciate your pragmatism even more.”
Upon hearing this, Sarah's face remained expressionless as she coldly stared at LeBlanc and asked, "Who are you? And what is your purpose in coming here?"
"Uh... Sarah, how about we be a little nicer?" Looking at the cold Sarah, the Yordle Lina was also a little helpless.
Sarah, though ruthless and merciless in battle, is generally quite easygoing. However, Planck's sudden death has clearly had a significant impact on her. While Lina is confident Sarah can gradually adjust her mindset, the problem is that this woman is far more formidable than any enemy Sarah or Lina has faced before…
Without exaggeration, Lina could clearly sense that the woman in front of her could, with just a single thought, reduce Sarah to ashes.
Knowing what Lina meant, Sarah's face showed embarrassment. She then took a deep breath and said, "I apologize for what I just did, but that's just how Bilgewater is..."
Seeing Sarah forcibly suppressing her emotions and trying to express her apology, LeBlanc stared at Sarah's face for a while, then nodded in satisfaction and said, "If it were before, I probably wouldn't have paid any attention to you. But judging from your current reaction, it's no wonder that Master values you so much... Hmm, you have a good figure too. Let me tell you a secret, this is a good way to win Master's favor."
Upon hearing LeBlanc's words, Sarah's face showed a look of confusion, as if she didn't quite understand why LeBlanc would suddenly say these things.
LeBlanc didn't waste any words. Instead, she immediately spread her arms, and with surging magic, a magic circle formed on the floor. Soon, a mark that looked strangely alluring and corrupting took shape. Before Sarah could even see what the mark looked like, she felt a strange emotion spreading through the air the moment the spell was completed.
Feeling the ethereal scent in the air, Sarah could clearly sense that her condition had improved considerably. Her previously gloomy mood seemed to brighten with a ray of sunshine, and even the unease and tension she felt from facing LeBlanc were relieved.
As a cool mist rose, Sarah could see a tall and robust figure emerge from within. LeBlanc, mindful of her duty as a servant, spoke gently, "Now, let me introduce you to the Savior of Zaun, the Corrector of Piltover, and my great lover, master, and savior, Fain."
"Huh? So many people? I might not be able to fit everyone here." Sarah looked bewildered upon hearing LeBlanc's words.
In response, Farn patted LeBlanc's head helplessly and said, "Alright, and when did I get so many nicknames? If I remember correctly, there are still people in Piltover who call me the Tyrant of Zaun."
"That's just because fools don't understand your true nature, Master." Hearing Fain's words, LeBlanc chuckled and said, "If they understood your true nature, they would realize through your actions that your real purpose is to bring happiness to everyone."
"Then forget it. Letting a few idiots be happy will only cause more people to suffer."
Shaking his head, Fane also looked around. There wasn't much to say about Sarah; she was just an ordinary person, and among ordinary people, aside from her decent marksmanship, her only redeeming quality was her intelligence. As for her actual combat ability... it's no exaggeration to say that even if they kept their distance, Riven could withstand Sarah's long-range fire and quickly close the distance, then slice her into pieces with just a few strikes.
To be fair, Sarah's figure is indeed excellent, perfectly capturing her appearance from the original artwork. She has long, wavy red hair, wears a captain's hat, and is dressed in tight leather pants and a lace camisole. Her full hips and shapely, rounded breasts go without saying, and her beautiful waist truly embodies the term "waist goddess," which explains why she underwent numerous revisions in later League of Legends artwork.
Meanwhile, Lina, the poor Yordle, had already crawled under the table the moment she saw Fain.
As the little elves of Runeterra, Yordles possess an incredibly keen sensitivity to magic and spiritual energy. Under these circumstances, Lina was already terrified the moment Fain appeared.
212 Conversation
Upon noticing the little Yordle beside him, Fain smiled.
The Yordles, as the little elves of Runeterra, reside in Bandle City, which lies between the spiritual and material realms—essentially still part of the spiritual realm.
These little lives possess innate talents. Once they find their life's purpose, they will tirelessly learn and strive forward. Take Poppy, for example. Because she promised someone that she would find a true hero to master her holy hammer, she wandered in Demacia for thousands of years, constantly searching and waiting.
For example, the great inventor Heimerdinger, having witnessed the devastating lessons of the Rune Wars and experienced the civilization spawned by technology and machinery, stayed in Piltover for centuries, laying the most solid foundation for Piltover's prosperity. Another example is the foul-mouthed Poppy, who, because of his admiration for war, violence, and conflict, helped the Noxians fight on the front lines even before Noxus was called Noxus, simply to experience the most primal violence and war.
Of course, not all Yordles crave conflict, nor do they all aspire to achieve great things. At least, in the lore of League of Legends, the vast majority of Yordles pursue their interests and do what they love—whether it's being a pirate or a bounty hunter.
In Fain's memory, Bilgewater had a relatively large Yordles population. Naturally, bounties related to Yordles were common there. However, even with substantial offers, few people would willingly accept such bounties, because throughout Runeterra, there were widespread rumors and traditions that harming Yordles would bring misfortune. For example, in the short storyline involving Twisted Fate and Graves, Twisted Fate openly stated that he never accepted bounties related to Yordles.
As a special type of magical life form, Yordles possess a far greater sensitivity to magical and spiritual energies than ordinary people. This is a key reason why Lina, the sharpshooter, immediately covered her head and hid the moment Fane appeared.
Huddled cautiously under the table, Lina gave an awkward, forced smile when she noticed Fain looking at her. She waved her hand, her face full of embarrassment as she laboriously greeted him, "Ha, ha... hello..."
Seeing Lina's strange reaction, Sarah, who was standing next to her, also became puzzled.
Others may not know or understand Lina. But as the captain of the Siren, Sarah knows very well how sharp Lina's intuition is—it's no exaggeration to say that even if a seagull flies behind the clouds on a stormy sea, Lina can immediately and clearly detect the trace it leaves.
In Lina's words, this is the super intuition that every Yordle sharpshooter needs. Similarly, in terms of shooting accuracy, Lina's precision is so high that even Sarah herself can't match it—that's the Yordle's talent.
And now... this is the first time Sarah has seen Lina look so nervous and timid.
Although she couldn't see Fane's entire form, Lina could sense an ancient and twisted aura emanating from him. This aura was filled with a morbid madness, a feeling that made Lina feel formidable, yet also extinguished any fighting spirit or will to battle within her. Because Yordles, also being beings with a predominantly spiritual nature, could more clearly perceive the antiquity and power represented by this force.
Seeing Lina's timid appearance, Fane comforted her, "Don't be so afraid. In fact, I am a good person, not a demon or evil spirit."
Upon hearing Fain's words, a hint of suspicion crossed Lina's brow—Eh? Your aura is like this, how could it not be? But if it is, judging from this strange aura, you could just devour me directly, so there seems to be no need for you to lie to me?
Thinking this, Lina cautiously asked, "Then...where does that aura on you come from? It feels a bit strange..."
"Hmm, you can understand it as a contractor with a demon?" Upon hearing this, Fan stroked his chin and said frankly, "It's just that the demon's plan went slightly wrong, resulting in some of her power coming to my possession."
"Really?" Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Lina's face, but seeing Fan's calm and casual expression, she still carefully crawled out from under the table.
Seeing that Lina was less nervous, Fain turned to Sarah and said, "Let's get acquainted. My name is Fain."
As he spoke, Farn extended his hand. After a moment of silence, Sarah also extended her hand in a simple handshake.
Perhaps it was because Fane seemed so easygoing? Or perhaps it was because Fane hadn't resorted to force like LeBlanc had immediately, so Sarah realized something and, after a moment's thought, said, "If I remember correctly, the person rumored to have killed Plank... was named Fane. Was that you?"
“It’s me,” Fane nodded. This made Sarah’s gaze gradually become complicated—Sarah’s desire to kill Gangplank was already well-known, and Gangplank’s murder had truly angered and even driven her to despair. Based on this, if one were to be a little more mentally unstable, like Jinx, it wouldn’t be incomprehensible if Sarah wanted to kill Fane.
But Sarah doesn't have Jinx's neuroticism when it comes to making a living on this vast ocean using her brain. Even so, when she learns that the enemy she desperately wants to tear to pieces was the one whose kill was stolen by the man in front of her, Sarah's feelings are still incredibly complex.
After a moment of silence, Sarah took a deep breath and said, "You... did well."
As Sarah spoke, Farn could clearly sense the reluctance and inner conflict in her words. However, judging from the final outcome, Sarah clearly knew that Planck's death, regardless of the circumstances, was a good thing for the vast majority of people in the world. Sarah's only regret was that Planck hadn't died at her hands.
In response, Farn calmly replied, "I did kill Planck, but his soul still exists."
"Soul?" Sarah was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then said, "You mean... his soul wasn't taken away by the wolf spirit?"
213 Good Solution
Wolf Spirit, one of the most widespread death gods in Runeterra, represents war and death. Although he is paired with Kindred in the game, people in different regions have different interpretations of this death god.
In stable, peaceful, and prosperous places like Demacia and Piltover, people mostly worship sheep spirits. In places like Noxus and Freljord, people more often worship wolf spirits, hoping to face their glorious death as warriors. And in Bilgewater, a land rife with outlaws, it's natural that the people there mostly worship wolf spirits.
Of course, besides the Wolf Spirit, there are other miscellaneous deities, but those who come from the continent of Valoran basically have to choose between Kindred and the Wolf Spirit.
Thinking about it, Farn also said, "Do you know the Baru people of the Blue Flame Islands?"
“Of course I know.” Sarah nodded matter-of-factly. “That’s the second home of the Bilgewater pirates, and the only place they can stay and resupply after leaving Bilgewater.”
“Do you know the Temple of Nagakaporos?” Farn asked.
“…I’ve heard of it.” Hearing this, Sarah thought for a moment, though she didn’t know why Fane was suddenly bringing this up. “According to those monks and attendants, Nagakaporos represents the movement of this world, stirring up storms in the depths of the sea and the direction of the sky, flowing endlessly…But why are you bringing this up?”
Feeling Sarah's gaze, Fane continued, "The current true one of Nagakaporos, the one in charge of the temple, is named Illaoi. She and Gangplank are old flames. As Nagakaporos's agent, Illaoi possesses the ability and right to conduct soul trials. When I killed Gangplank, I could clearly feel that Gangplank's soul was not taken away by the wolf spirit, but by the 'movement' in the deep sea."
Upon hearing Fan's words, Sarah was slightly taken aback, then said in disbelief, "You mean, you killed Plank, but he came back to life?"
"Pretty much." Upon hearing this, Fane nodded and said, "Although Plank is a scumbag, he still has some ability to become the uncrowned king of Bilgewater. Although the soul trial of Nagakaporos is harsh, it is not torture for those with strong spirit and tenacious will, but a gift."
Fane was also quite concerned about Naga Kapoorus. After all, the Blue Flame Isles—also known as the Python River Delta or Python Isles—are located on the northeastern edge of the Shurima continent, very close to the place where Fane cleaved Gangplank in two. Although it cannot completely block off the passageways like the Sun Gate, the complex waters and numerous reefs make it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is the best place for pirates to break up and retreat when facing a large force after completing their plunder.
Now, Fain is, after all, the uncrowned king of Piltover and Zaun. Involving trade between these two cities, Fain is prepared to handle matters concerning the Blue Flame Isles carefully. Especially since the Blue Flame Isles are located on the outskirts of Shurima, gaining control of them will greatly facilitate future access to both Shurima and Ixtal.
With that in mind, Fan refocused his attention on Sarah.
“In fact, the sea monster priesthood is also waiting for you,” Farn said.
Upon hearing Farn's words, Sarah looked puzzled: "Waiting for me? Waiting for what? I've never even met the True One you mentioned."
“While I’m not entirely certain, Nagakapolos doesn’t want her faith to remain confined to the Blue Flame Islands.” Fain appeared relaxed in response to Sarah’s question.
"In fact, Illaoi has been trying to take over Bilgewater Bay, and has even built the Temple of Nagakaporos on Bilgewater more than once. But you know, it's really hard to ask pirates, bandits, criminals, and those who also risk their lives and walk on the edge of a knife to have a wholehearted belief in something."
Although Illaoi had always wanted to spread the faith of Nagakaporos to Bilgewater, in reality, apart from Illaoi, all the monks and sages in the temple of Baloo opposed this practice. Even the people of the Serpent Delta found Bilgewater utterly repulsive.
“Bilgewater isn’t a big place, and there are only a few people who are worth considering. Whoever can get the alliance of the King of Bilgewater will get everything in this lawless land,” Farn said. “If I remember correctly, Illaoi’s next target is you.”
Sarah responded with a suspicious look, "Targeting me? What a joke... Why would she target me? Do I have any grudge against those priests of Baru?"
Farn's words were not unfounded, because in Illaoi and Planck's short story "The Burden," after seeing Planck successfully pass the soul trial, Illaoi had already assumed that Sarah would fail miserably and was already preparing to subject Sarah to the soul trial.
If before this, Fane didn't quite understand why Illaoi did what she did, then after becoming a being in the spiritual realm himself, Fane gradually realized the reason behind it all.
“Faith,” Fain said crisply. “If you can’t understand it, you can think of it as an emotion itself. The gods behind Illaoi need more faith in the act of ‘movement’. Perhaps you should feel fortunate that Runeterra is at the beginning of a great era of upheaval, where even mortals who haven’t mastered true power and mystery can open the door to truth if they have talent.”
"Bilgewater is a great choice. It is far from the mainland, but it is able to access the direction of every shipping route. It is the best fulcrum to leverage the entire world's movement."
Upon hearing this, Sarah hesitated at first, because she had no relevant memories. Thinking it over, Sarah looked to Lina for help, hoping her Yordle companion could offer some reliable advice.
Lina wanted to say something, but then she saw Fain make a throat-slitting gesture. Seeing this, Lina shrugged helplessly, indicating that she was powerless to help.
Seeing Farn make the throat-slitting gesture without even pretending, Sarah blinked, then said somewhat helplessly, "Uh...you seem to...have some good ideas?"
“Of course~” Farn nodded with a smile, a smile like that of a demon about to successfully sign a soul contract with someone.
Extend your finger, and a drop of milky white, viscous solution emerges from under the skin.
"Things in the spiritual realm, what others say are ultimately just what they say. Why don't we experience them for ourselves?"
214. Sarah's Price
Looking at the strange liquid, Sarah's face showed a hint of disgust, and she couldn't help but ask, "This stuff... doesn't look like anything clean."
"That's incredibly rude. In terms of purity, nothing in this world can surpass the purity of these happiness factors." Hearing this, Fain waved his hand, then frankly stated, "However, the side effects are indeed significant, especially for a young girl like you with rather average abilities."
As he said this, Fain looked around, then casually picked up the rum on the table, added the "happy factor" to it, and frankly told Zhang about the side effects of the liquid.
Upon hearing about the side effects of these liquids, a hint of seriousness flashed in Sarah's eyes, as if she realized that this matter was somewhat beyond her expectations. However, after pondering for a long time, Sarah then looked at Fane and asked bluntly, "If that's the case, why did you tell me about this? For you, it would be most beneficial for me to consume it without knowing anything, wouldn't it?"
“The reason is actually quite simple: you have enough ambition—” As he said this, a smile appeared on Farn’s lips: “but you don’t have enough power.”
Upon hearing this, Sarah's eyes narrowed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and turned to look at Fane in front of her, saying, "So, you believe you possess this power?"
Fann shook his head slightly in resignation, then raised his arm, and a magnificently decorated musket, inlaid with gold thread, was pointed at Fann's head. At that moment, Sarah's eyes trembled, and she subconsciously looked down at her waist. The twin pistols that should have been tucked behind her, belonging to her mother, were now reduced to just one.
As the trigger was pulled, Sarah only felt a blur flash by, and then she saw Farn's other hand land on the side of her cheek. He then opened his palm, and a round copper ball was radiating warmth in his palm.
After catching the bullet, Farn showed no pride. Instead, after glancing at the bullet twice, he couldn't help but click his tongue twice and shake his head slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with the way it was displayed.
"I'm getting more and more backward as I get older; I actually have to resort to these kinds of street performer tricks to prove myself..."
It wasn't intentional; Fane was simply feeling genuinely helpless. Compared to Piltover, Bilgewater's strength level was actually even lower. Take Sarah, who would later become the Empress of Bilgewater, for example. Before becoming Empress, after orchestrating the first killing of Plank, she negotiated with the island's pirate council. The process involved a grand banquet with exchanges of benefits, but the final result was still war. During that process, while Sarah displayed exceptional marksmanship, frankly, it was just so-so…
If placed in Noxus or Demacia, places teeming with young Captain Americas, Fahn even doubted he could break through their defenses...
Just like how Riven could single-handedly dominate Gangplank's Dreadnought, these local tyrants might be adept at cunning schemes, but their raw strength is often lacking.
Thinking this, Farn clenched his hands together, and as he slowly clenched them, the originally blazing copper ball gradually turned into fine dust in Sarah's narrowed eyes.
"Forget it, let's just say it directly."
Fane shook his head, then leaned back in his chair and beckoned LeBlanc over. LeBlanc nodded knowingly, then, with a smile, removed her heavy cloak, revealing a robe that resembled lingerie, and nestled into Fane's broad embrace. Following Fane's gaze, she looked at Sarah with a flirtatious, almost pet-like, look, as if gazing at a future sister.
Turning his gaze to Sarah, Fane stated bluntly, "While your strength is weak, you possess ambition and are intelligent enough. More importantly, you are not a pure villain—a rarity in Bilgewater. With so few options available, I am willing to give you a chance to manage the future of Bilgewater for me."
Upon hearing Fan's words, Sarah's eyes flickered a few times, but she then chuckled and shook her head, saying, "You're giving me a choice, but do I really have a choice?"
As she said this, Sarah picked up the glass and downed it without hesitation. Almost the instant the drink entered her body, Sarah felt an unprecedented sensation surge through her. Her blood surged, and a warm feeling spread through her lower abdomen. Sarah could clearly feel her body cheering, throbbing, and growing. This caused a hint of surprise to appear in Sarah's eyes—to be honest, she didn't believe everything Fane said was true. At least, she hadn't expected the enhancement effect on her body to be so obvious.
However, Sarah was aware of the situation, so she didn't indulge too much in the physical sensations. Instead, she licked the wine that had fallen to her lips and said quietly:
“Your power is what allows you to do whatever you want in Bilgewater. Although I don’t want to agree to your demands, I don’t want to die yet. I don’t want to die before I’ve personally carried out my revenge. Similarly, I don’t want to risk my life over something so trivial. So whatever you want, take it. I just want to live. I want power. I want… revenge.”
When Sarah said these words, her eyes did not flinch, but were filled with determination, even a subtle obsession.
"If you can let me take revenge, then whatever you want, you can take it."
Upon hearing this, looking at Sarah, whose face was calm but whose eyes concealed a stubbornness, Fane nodded and then said, "It seems that you have long been prepared to sell your life for a good price."