Neeko

When Yuumi arrived earlier, Neeko had already sensed the magical fluctuations from the portal.

Noticing this, she wanted to come and investigate.

But unexpectedly, even from a distance, she heard a strange commotion.

So, she approached the area, hiding behind some bushes to observe first.

Neeko couldn't understand the language spoken by this scantily clad person.

But the word "Neeko" sounded very much like her own name. Could this person know me?

Ever since Neeko's home was destroyed and she became a wanderer in Ixtal, she had no one familiar around her.

Her only friend was a huntress she had recently met, who could transform into a Cougar.

Neeko longed to get news of her people.

Therefore, when Neeko heard the word that sounded like her name from Jia Ruo, she didn't hesitate to activate her magical energy and throw a seed at the Rift Scuttler.

The seed was magically nurtured in the air, growing into several vines that bound the large bird tightly.

The large bird cried out incessantly but couldn't break free.

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the smaller birds scattered, watching the commotion from afar.

Neeko then turned to Jia Ruo.

Jia Ruo was both delighted and surprised: "Are you really Neeko?"

Neeko still couldn't understand his words, but she wasn't in a hurry.

She had a way.

Here, we must first talk about Neeko's background:

Neeko was originally a member of the Wu Wei Clan from an island in the East.

The Wu Wei Clan was one of the branches of the Vastaya, inheriting from the Shapeshifter lineage.

The Wu Wei Clan possessed unparalleled potential.

Their souls—which they called "Shuoma"—could merge with surrounding creatures, even allowing them to mimic corresponding forms.

In the Wu Wei Clan's tribe, members could share everything through soul contact: sights, memories, feelings...

It was like forming a soul's regional network, where each soul could connect with others.

Therefore, there were no secrets among the Wu Wei Clan members, which was also the reason for the exceptional harmony within the Wu Wei Clan's tribe.

Neeko naturally possessed this peculiar ability.

She approached Jia Ruo, touching his with her own "Shuoma."

Soon, having read Jia Ruo's memories, Neeko fell into shock.

She was so shocked that she even began to doubt the ability she was born with and had used all her life.

Jia Ruo's life experiences, the world he lived in, and the game that used his world as its backdrop all impacted Neeko's worldview.

"Are you... a prophet?"

Neeko acquired Chinese from Jia Ruo's memories, but she couldn't use it fluently and often needed to refer back to his memories.

Jia Ruo's god-like understanding of Runeterra made Neeko feel as if this strange person was a descended prophet.

"Prophet?"

Why would Neeko call herself that? Jia Ruo didn't know.

What he did know was that he was saved.

"I'm not a prophet, I'm just an Earthling who transmigrated."

"Then do you know if Neeko's people are still around?"

Why was Neeko asking this so suddenly?

Let me think...

Jia Ruo began searching his mind for related information.

"I don't know either."

Jia Ruo really liked the game League of Legends, and he was very interested in the lore of Runeterra.

Although Neeko's backstory didn't explicitly state whether her people were wiped out, based on the description, it was highly probable that they were.

And given Riot's typical style, there were too many tragic heroes with dead families.

But in the current atmosphere, Jia Ruo really didn't dare, nor did he want to, say such a thing to this pitiful girl.

However, Neeko at this moment had already bitten her lip tightly, her large eyes brimming with tears.

"Neeko, Neeko will never, see them again..."

After saying that, tears streamed down her face.

She sobbed uncontrollably.

Jia Ruo understood. It turned out Neeko had already connected with his soul.

He knew Neeko had the ability to read others' souls.

But he hadn't expected Neeko could do it so easily, without him even noticing.

"Neeko, don't cry. I was just guessing. They might still be alive."

Jia Ruo comforted her softly. Just as he was about to reach out and wipe Neeko's tears, he moved his wound.

"Hiss~"

Jia Ruo gasped sharply.

He hadn't felt it when the wound was first made, but when he came to his senses, the pain was truly piercing.

He had lived a comfortable life for twenty years, never having suffered such an injury.

If Neeko weren't by his side, he would have long since abandoned all pretense and rolled on the ground in pain.

"Neeko, can you help me treat this wound?"

"Neeko?"

Jia Ruo called out again. Only then did Neeko wipe her tears with her wrist and pull Jia Ruo up.

"I'm here. I have a good friend who can heal."

Jia Ruo looked down at his chest: a wound nearly twenty centimeters long, the flesh ripped open wide.

A large area had bled out, almost dyeing half his body red. His entire chest had gone numb from the pain.

Jia Ruo quickly grabbed Neeko's hand: "Hurry and take me to her! I need treatment!"

"Okay. Can you still walk?"

Jia Ruo took two steps with Neeko, feeling weak, but he could still move.

Even without professional medical knowledge, Jia Ruo knew that with this amount of bleeding, if he didn't get treatment in time, he would probably be done for.

Without further ado, Neeko identified the direction and helped Jia Ruo walk.

At the same time, Neeko didn't forget to dispel her magic.

The restrained giant bird regained its freedom and quickly led the little birds away.

Moving through the primeval jungle was a strenuous task, especially for a human like Jia Ruo.

At this point, Jia Ruo's mind was already starting to blur.

He felt his body growing heavier, only able to wrap his arms around Neeko's slender shoulders.

They walked even slower.

A fresh scent, like grass and trees, Neeko smelled so good.

This was Jia Ruo's last thought before he fainted.

Jia Ruo fainted unceremoniously.

And at this moment, a faint rustling sound came from the jungle.

It was a pack of agile Cougars.

Jia Ruo's earlier commotion and the strong smell of blood had attracted them.

Even though Cougars preferred to be active at night, they had already begun to gather.

The leading Cougar was the first to spot Neeko and Jia Ruo.

Its emerald-like eyes swept over Neeko and fixed on Jia Ruo.

An astonishing scene unfolded. As a glow enveloped her, the Cougar actually stood on its hind legs, transforming into a woman with long black hair tied in a ponytail, only a tight-fitting animal skin covering her large chest and lower body.

She was the wild huntress, Nidalee, a friend Neeko had made in this jungle.

"Neeko, who is this human? Humans are not welcome in this jungle. Take him away quickly, or leave him for my brothers and sisters to feast on."

"No, Nidalee, you can't hurt him. This human is special. He's not like those hunters," Neeko quickly explained. "Please save him first."

A large patch of her body was also stained red with Jia Ruo's blood.

"He's going to die!" Neeko said.

Nidalee didn't reply, her green eyes filled with doubt.

"Don't you believe Neeko? Neeko explored this person's Shuoma. He won't harm the jungle."

Nidalee was aware of Neeko's abilities.

And having spent so much time with Neeko, she knew very well that Neeko was pure and kind.

Despite her prejudice against humans, after a moment of hesitation, she chose to believe Neeko.

Nidalee took Jia Ruo from Neeko's hands.

"Let's go,"

She said.