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

Page 16

"That's good. Cheer up, Vi." Hearing Vi's words, Caitlin nodded and said, "There are quite a few celebrities from Zaun who will be attending the banquet after the concert. Try to make a good impression. It will save you a lot of trouble with your identity issue."

"Oh, oh." Upon hearing this, Wei stopped daydreaming and continued to survey the area from above.

Among the crowd, Zeli noticed that Fain was staring into the distance, and curiously followed his gaze. Finally, after Fain looked away, she asked curiously, "What's wrong? Why are you staring at those two Piltover cops? Are they dangerous?"

Upon hearing Zeli's question, Fain shrugged and said, "That pink-haired law enforcement officer is Wei."

“Vi?” Zeli blinked, feeling like she’d heard the name somewhere before. Fain replied, “Vi Ori. Daughter of the previous leader of Zaun, Vander, and Jinx’s sister. After Vander’s death, she was supposedly imprisoned in the Cleanwater Prison, but it looks like she’s been released.”

Upon hearing this, Zeli nodded thoughtfully, then said with a distressed expression, "Looks like it's related to Zaun again? Should we investigate first? This doesn't sound like a small matter."

"What about the concert?" Farn asked with interest.

“Concerts can happen anytime, but this is clearly a serious matter.” Zeli said with a hint of helplessness, hands on her hips, “Are you testing me? I’m not some ignorant child!”

"Haha~ No, no, I just asked because you've been looking forward to the concert for so long."

As he spoke, Faen put his arm around Zeli's bottom and said, "Don't rush, there are plenty of interesting people here."

As he spoke, Farn also looked around.

If at the beginning, Fain thought this concert was just an ordinary one, then after arriving at the venue and as the concert was about to begin, Fain realized that this concert was definitely not that simple.

The central plaza marks the border between the two cities. Even from the top of Zaun, a faint haze still hangs in the air. This haze, combined with the rocky spires, forms the dominant color scheme of Zaun. Looking down, all that can be seen are the alchemical bridges crisscrossing the Zaun Rift. Some of these bridges are made of rock and wood, while others are powered by alchemical technology or Hextech crystals; the different materials used subtly indicate the different users.

Above that, Piltover's brass paint gleams. Alchemy streetlights from Zaun project their light upwards, reflecting layers of color through Piltover's stained-glass domes. Through the shadows, one can vaguely see Piltover residents gazing down at the amphitheater from their upper-level buildings, marveling at its grandeur. Their voices differ from those of the Zaunites, often filled with optimism and pride, yet subtly tinged with disdainful mockery.

The shouts from Zaun were equally loud, filled with vulgar curses and roars amidst the chaos. In the end, they were clearly divided into two halves.

Just as the tension in the air was escalating, a gentle prelude suddenly drifted across the stage. Though it was only a prelude, accompanied by the girl's humming, a strange harmony silently seeped into everyone's hearts.

This caught Farn's attention, and a hint of repression appeared in Farn's eyes.

"It sounds so beautiful..." Zeli couldn't help but say, "I feel my heart calm down!"

“Yes, although it’s just a simple humming, her melody cleverly blends into people’s emotions.” In the crowd, Fain said with a look of surprise in his eyes.

"Ionia cherishes harmony, and the essence of this harmony lies in taming the intense emotions expressed within the spirit. The conflict between Piltover and Zaun is already sharp and intense, yet Seraphine's voice has penetrated into the spiritual realm..."

As he spoke, Farn suddenly fell silent and looked quietly at the platform—Salepney had entered.

Like a depth charge exploding, accompanied by a gentle yet lively song, an invisible force spread through the spiritual realm, almost instantly tearing apart the invisible barrier between Zaun and Piltover.

The stage floated in the center of a vast plaza at the border of the two cities. A hexagonal crystal-encrusted platform refracted a rainbow-like halo of light as the girl rose from below. The stage equipment illuminated her face, her pink hair flowing like a nebula. Her azure eyes were filled with tenderness and joy. When her cherry-like lips uttered the first note, the twilight shrouded in Zaun's smog seemed to be cleansed by the sound waves, even the solemn brass of Piltover was imbued with a dreamlike quality.

At first, the crowd was clearly divided, but as the songs filled the air, people almost involuntarily forgot their anger and hatred, and instead instinctively cheered and danced wildly in response to the joy in their hearts.

Her singing voice radiated colorful light on the Hextech hoverboard—not just for aesthetic purposes, but to truly transform the girl's voice into visible ripples.

As the chorus began, translucent musical notes swept across the audience like a swarm of fireflies, and the entire square was filled with Hextech blue resonance patterns. Not only others, but even Vi and Caitlyn, who were patrolling the Piltover arch, couldn't help but tap their feet to the beat.

As an Ionian, and as a semi-spiritual being, Fain could clearly sense that the song contained true magic—but this magic was not as tangible as Hextech crystals.

Rather, it was like gentle hands caressing people's minds and spirits in the spiritual realm, a silent, large-scale spiritual massage taking place under the cover of song. This song calmed the people of both cities; it resonated with them. Although this resonance couldn't make them understand each other's pain, it allowed them to sense each other's inner resentment…

The enchanting song didn't last long. Before people could even recover from the music's dreamlike quality, the girl raised the microphone and declared firmly in a gentle voice, "My name is Seraphine. My parents are from Zaun. I hope Zaun can escape suffering and usher in prosperity. I deeply hope that the people of both cities can understand each other! Unite and stand together!"

"Oooo!!!"

People responded to the girl with enthusiasm, which brought a happy smile to the girl's face, who had just finished singing and still had a little sweat on her face.

"It's so dreamy! It's like magic!" As the song ended, Zeli excitedly waved her glow stick and happily smacked her butt.

“It is magic, but she’s going in the wrong direction.” Farn listened quietly and easily found the discordant note.

"People are inspired by her passion, but once the concert is over, that passion quickly fades away amidst the hardships of reality and the atmosphere of society."

Frowning, Farn said with some emotion, "This girl... ultimately grew up in Piltover. She doesn't understand the true suffering of Zaun, nor the despair and numbness it breeds. Of course, it's not her fault."

The fact that Seraphine was even aware of the conflict and tension between the two cities already proved that she was ahead of many Upper Town residents. And according to Farn's conjecture, Seraphine's abilities, if used properly or in the right place, could certainly be of even greater value.

But just as Fain was still thinking about it, Salafine on stage had just changed into a new outfit and was preparing to continue singing—

"Those bastards from Piltover! Daring to hold a concert in Zaun? Did the Alchemist Baron allow it? But did they even ask me, the Blue Devil?!"

A giant alchemist, three meters tall, descended from the sky.

Farn: "?"

27. Concert Slaughterhouse.

"I finally found you."

Just as Fan was still in a daze, a slightly tired voice came from the side.

Turning around, I saw none other than Sevika, who was drenched in sweat.

He glanced at Fain, then at Zeli beside him. Relieved that they resembled Jinx in the drawing—at least in terms of features—he then spoke seriously:

"That guy is a thug sent by Spindlough. Ignore them. This sudden attack is the work of those alchemist barons trying to sabotage your plans and force Piltover to put pressure on you so that Hilcor will deal with you!"

"No, who are you?!" Zeli asked blankly. "We don't think we've seen you before."

“Her name is Sevika. She’s one of Hilk’s most trusted subordinates and a native of Zaun who comes from the lowest rungs of society and hopes for a better future for Zaun.” Hearing this, Fane, who was standing next to him, also introduced her in a calm and unhurried manner: “She’s similar to our mother, except that she still works for Hilk.”

"Oh! That's it!"

Upon hearing Fane's introduction, Sevika raised an eyebrow—though she wasn't entirely sure whether Fane's account was hearsay, something Jinx had told him, or something Fane had seen in a prophecy. At least Fane's quick recognition of her gave Sevika a bit more faith in him. But now wasn't the time to consider that.

"Now is not the time to discuss this. The important thing is to get out of here as soon as possible. The rest will be handled by Hilko..."

"No need, we can handle it ourselves." Hearing Sevika's words, Fan shook his head and said, "Do you think I contacted Hilko because of Hilko's strength?"

Upon hearing this, Sevika was slightly taken aback—wasn't that right?

As a close confidant of Hillco, Sevika knew very well that although Hillco appeared to be weak and lacked the support of other alchemist barons, in reality, under Hillco's management, his subordinates held an absolute advantage in both number and strength among the alchemist barons, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the entire Zaun.

The reason Zaun is currently subject to restrictions and undermining by other alchemist barons is largely because the trading families of Piltover can use Zaun's trading channels to coerce its operation. Even so, Zaun still maintains a degree of independence.

From Sevika's perspective, Fane and his group were outnumbered and outmatched. Although their ideas and philosophies aligned with Zaun's current situation and the future envisioned by Sevika and Hilk, frankly, without sufficient support, such ideas alone... would take at least several decades to develop and gain any real traction.

Hilcor's ability to overthrow Vander's rule and seize power within a few years after his break with Vander was due not only to Vander's own 'weakness' which aroused the dissatisfaction of the Zaunite Rise Alliance, but also to Hilcor's performance in the previous bridge-taking war, which gave him sufficient prestige. Otherwise, the mere struggle for who should be the leader of the Zaunite Rise Alliance would have been enough to make many alchemical barons fight tooth and nail.

Sensing the confusion in Sevika's eyes, Farn didn't say anything, only saying, "Zeli, it's time for the performance."

"Oh! Here it comes!" Upon hearing this, Zeli chuckled and then quickly activated the emotional resonance motor located on her back.

As the motor activated, the magic within the girl's body gradually came into play, with clearly visible arcs of electricity shooting out from between her hair strands. Then, with a whoosh, she transformed into a blur and flew away.

Meanwhile, on the other side, on the stage.

When Salafine saw the burly man suddenly appear, her face was filled with bewilderment.

Salafine harbored many kind, beautiful, but overly naive fantasies about the future of the two cities. While she knew what the Alchemist Baron was, she was unaware of the conflict between the so-called Blue Demon and the Alchemist Baron. Moreover, what did their conflict have to do with her?

Meanwhile, Vi, positioned above, nervously donned her simple combat armor and shouted, "Damn it! Caitlyn! Get ready to cover me!"

"Wait!" Before Vi could even put on her full brass knuckles and rush out, Caitlin squinted and said, "Someone's already gone!"

Similarly, from her high platform, Salafine clearly sensed two auras, completely different from the current environment, rapidly approaching.

"You actually impersonated one of us?! Farn isn't nearly as ugly as you!"

As she spoke, electricity surged around her, and Zeli raised the Spark Gun in her hand, unleashing her inner magic. The next moment, amplified by the Hextech Crystal, the seemingly weak electric light was greatly amplified, and the emerald green beam of light slammed into the burly man like a cannonball. The burly man was clearly wearing appropriate defensive equipment; the alchemical pistons on his shoulders activated, and with a puff of black smoke, he turned and threw a punch in the direction from which the beam of light had come.

bump! ! !

Unsurprisingly, the burly man was blasted away. But even with the powerful force, he appeared unharmed.

Upon seeing this, Zeli couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "So hard!"

While alchemy may not be as sophisticated as Hextech crystals, alchemical compounds born in Zaun are primarily known for their durability and resilience. Even without outer armor, the physical activation provided by a large dose of the luminous potion makes it immune to ordinary bullets and magic.

Upon seeing Zeli's appearance, the burly man's lips curled into a ferocious smile.

"You actually dared to come?! That's perfect! I'll take your extra earnings too!"

As he spoke, the burly man didn't lay a hand on Zeli. Instead, his gaze hardened, and he pointed his arm at Salafine, who was still standing there stunned. His thick arm bent backward from the wrist, revealing the dark barrel of a cannon inside.

"I won't let this money go either!"

Sensing death imminent, Seraphine's eyes narrowed, but before she could even open her mouth, or even begin to channel her magic, Fane, tall and athletic, appeared on the stage with an incredibly graceful movement, his feet resting on flowing water. The flowing water grips on the back of his hands, like protective handguards, emitted a soft, shimmering light, and, combined with Fane's manipulation of water, quickly formed a thin curtain of water.

The high-speed water curtain, mixed with the high-purity magic of Hextech crystals, left a blue-green trail in the air as it passed by.

From the perspective of the alchemical giant and Seraphine, a dashing figure leaped onto the stage, stepping on the flowing water and accompanied by a leisurely arc of light. He released the remaining force into the ground with a side-pressing leg movement, then swept his right arm into a sword-like gesture. The thin curtain of water burst forth, transforming into a beam of light that passed directly in front of the alchemical giant. As the force of the flowing water seeped into his massive body, his towering figure was split in two, swept into the crowd.

Because the series of events happened so quickly, even Salafine herself didn't see clearly what was happening. She only heard two afterimages flying out and a lot of terrified screams.

But immediately afterward, a joyful roar came from the surrounding high platform.

"Haha! This idiot actually jumped out!! He's a walking 100,000 gold coins and a ton of glimmer of light!"

Upon hearing the voice from the high platform, the crowd, who had been standing there stunned and unaware of what had happened, quickly came to their senses. Their gazes toward Fain were filled with the excited look of someone who had spotted prey.

Salafine's singing might offer some solace, but such emotional comfort is utterly useless in the face of real-world problems. People need to eat to live, and listening to music won't solve that. And right now, in their eyes, Farn is clearly a golden opportunity!

Seeing this, a smile appeared on Farn's lips, and then he said with a nonchalant grin, "Haha, looks like I'm quite popular!"

"Huh? What happened—"

As they were talking, before Seraphine could even react, Vi and Caitlin had already descended from the sky, grabbing Seraphine's arms and shielding her behind them. They then quickly said, "The concert is over. The rest is an internal matter for Zaun. Don't get involved!"

Having grown up in a prestigious family, Caitlin knew very well that the current situation was far beyond what she and her companions could handle.

As Caitlin pulled her away from the stage, Salafine stared curiously at Fain.

In the past, Salafine had concealed her talent, even regarding this ability to hear the voices of all things as a curse. Because in the environment of Piltover, Salafine could clearly hear sounds completely different from what appeared on the surface. Those secret, private songs were inaudible to ordinary people. Even the streets she once loved were filled with an overwhelming cacophony of dissonance, as if telling Salafine in various ways that Piltover was not paradise, but a chaotic symphony of desire and strife.

To address this, his father, an acoustician named Visalifini, commissioned a soundproofing device made from expensive Hexagonal crystal.

Within this Hextech crystal, Seraphine heard many things. Among them were painful cries and wails.

As Seraphine gradually learned to endure, to discern, and to get along with others, and to sing with them, she slowly began to break free from the silencing device. With her father's help, the device was reversed, transforming into a portable speaker-equipped scooter that enhanced Seraphine's magical abilities.

With the help of this Hextech Amplifier, Seraphine not only gained the ability to amplify her voice, allowing more people to feel the beauty and hope contained within it, but she also gained the ability to perceive the voices of others more clearly.

And now, it's happening to Fain...

He must be a ruthless and decisive person, right? He sent that burly man flying with a vengeance, without even a hint of emotion in his expression. But why... why is his melody filled with joy?

Each person's melody was different in Seraphine's eyes. Between the two female enforcers protecting her, Seraphine sensed the pink-haired enforcer's bewilderment and the long-haired enforcer's solemnity. The surrounding environment, initially imbued with harmony and beauty through song, had been somehow corrupted into fanaticism, extremism, and greed. But from this tall figure, Seraphine sensed intense joy, boundless energy, and…

hope?

Salafine didn't know how to describe the feeling, but it was the first time she had experienced such a special feeling, and almost subconsciously she memorized Fain's back and his leisurely profile.

She suddenly became curious—she wanted to know what kind of Zuan had given birth to such a melody.

Feeling the malice surging from all directions, Farn could clearly sense and see the concert crowd descending into chaos. However, it was obvious that those who planned the concert had made extensive preparations beforehand; before a large-scale stampede could occur, Caitlin at the back shouted through the megaphone, "Silence! Get the citizens of Piltover out!"

Upon hearing this, the people of Zaun turned their gazes to Caitlyn behind them, their disdain and ferocity instantly solidifying. Caitlyn raised her emblem and declared, "I am the First Inheritor of the Giramanne Family of Bluesmoky Manor in Piltover! And the Captain of the Piltover Police Department. In the name of progress, I will immediately issue orders to shoot anyone who attempts to harm the residents of Piltover!"

As Caitlin spoke, the Zaunite thugs who were about to rush into the crowd hesitated.

Seeing this, Caitlin's eyes remained unmoved, and she continued coldly, "Don't think I don't know who your master is! But whoever it is, they can't shake the Giramann family's determination to protect the residents of Piltover!!"

Caitlyn's words undoubtedly won the favor and pride of many Piltover residents, but by repeatedly emphasizing the 'Giraman' family, it can be seen that Caitlyn's actions were also to put pressure on the alchemist barons behind these alchemist thugs through the power of her family—as the largest shareholder of the Piltover Police Department, if they were targeted by Giraman, the income of any alchemist baron would be sharply reduced.

Smuggling is something that depends on the whims of the city officials.

It was at this moment that Fane calmly added, "And the civilians of Zaun."

Upon hearing this, Caitlin frowned, looked at Farn, and said coldly, "This is your Zaun—"

Before Caitlyn could finish speaking, she saw Farn turn to Vi and say, "Is she one of us from Zaun too?"

Upon hearing Farn's words, Vi's eye twitched, but she remained silent. Realizing that Farn seemed to know some of the inside story, Caitlin paused for a moment before reiterating, "Evacuate all civilians."

Nodding in satisfaction, Fain waved to Wei.

"I'm sending my greetings on behalf of Jinx... or rather, Boom."

As he finished speaking, Fain turned his head and looked at the gradually clearing venue, a smile he made no attempt to hide on his face.

"When all the things you hate are gone, all that's left is happiness."

28. Massacre

As the crowd began to clear the area, leaving only the rioters in the middle plaza of the concert venue, Farn didn't seem particularly concerned.

Not even Fain, let alone Zeli, showed the slightest fear on her face. Her vibrant eyes blazed with boiling electricity, dazzling arcs of electricity shot from her hair and connected to the ground, her emotional motor resonated with Zeli, and the engine made of Hextech crystals roared.

"Wow! So many people!!" Zeli couldn't contain her excitement. "This is the first time I've ever seen so many alchemical thugs! The Alchemist Baron really went all out."