120 Blood and Flesh Parasite

Upon hearing Camille's words, Yuan Chen also fell silent.

Loyalty, determination... these are things that cannot be quantified.

Just as Camille already knew that Yuan Chen would not choose to weigh sacrifice and life against gains and benefits.

Yuan Chen also knew that Camille was demonstrating her determination.

Camille is ready--

And conduct their transactions.

However, this transaction is no longer an exchange of benefits like before, but something that is difficult to quantify or even explain, such as promises, trust, and loyalty.

Thinking this, Yuan Chen raised his hand, and the Flowing Water delivered the Darkin Harp to Camille's front.

Looking at Camille, Yuan Chen said:

"Your life is now deeply bound to the Hextech Heart; this high-purity energy crystal has a natural inhibitory effect on the corrupting power of Blood Magic."

"If you cannot control your own consciousness, then I will immediately sever your connection with the harp."

"Okay." Camille nodded, without any fear in her eyes.

"My body has been modified by machines; even if it's severed, it can be repaired."

As she spoke, Camille's hand landed on the Darkin Harp.

That is, the moment it made contact, the original harp began to wriggle, grow, and expand violently.

Above the harp, a scarlet eye suddenly opened, accompanied by swirling flames, and Styraatu let out a hearty laugh:

Runeterra! I'm back!!!

As she spoke, rapidly growing flesh quickly covered Camille's arm, and one after another, her eyes opened, crimson and fiery. In that instant, the already dry ground erupted with dancing flames.

Within it, Camille could clearly feel a violent power raging within her body. But Camille was not nervous.

On the contrary, her own cognitive processes were enhanced by the Hextech Heart, and this extraordinary sensitivity allowed Camille to be certain that her consciousness had not been compromised in any way.

It was certain that half of his body had lost control. Even though it had undergone mechanization, the flesh, nerves, and other structures that formed its foundation were still parasitized in an instant by the Blood Magic.

How are you feeling?

A question came from Yuan Chen's side.

Camille nodded in agreement and said:

"It's alright... I can feel that my consciousness hasn't been corrupted."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen also unleashed a reduced version of his reconnaissance technique.

The so-called "reduced version" of reconnaissance techniques is actually a reconnaissance technique with some of its effectiveness omitted.

Although the reduced version cannot directly show all of the opponent's attributes, traits, equipment effects, and Class Level like the full version.

However, it allows you to directly understand the other person's state.

While not as comprehensive as the full version, it has the advantage of not arousing any malicious intent from the other party who feels spied on.

Name: Camille / Styraatu

Status: Peak/ Dark Descendant Parasite.

Dark Descendant Parasite: The Dark Descendant is fusing with the body through Blood Magic to achieve resurrection. When the parasite index exceeds 80%, the Dark Descendant will take control of the body.

When the threshold of 90% is reached, the host's consciousness will fall into a deep slumber. When it reaches 100%, the host will become part of the Dark Descendant.

Parasitic index: 60%.

Seeing Camille's current condition, Yuan Chen breathed a sigh of relief.

Because after reaching 60%, Styraatu stopped eroding.

Even so, Camille's will and even her physical body were severely affected by Styraatu's near-absolute power.

The body, originally made of alloy, has now grown a layer of bright red flesh.

Especially the blade, where dense blood vessels drilled through the sturdy hybrid prosthetic limb, regenerating on the original nerve structure and intertwining with the original steel parts to form a twisted, fleshy blade.

His right arm had been completely transformed by Blood Magic. The once slender arm was now covered in crimson, as if the skin had been peeled off, and the bright red muscle lines were directly exposed to the air, giving it a cruel and grotesque appearance.

As flesh and blood proliferate, between the muscle fibers, countless eyes open and close, gliding around greedily as if trying to take the whole world into their gaze.

The growing flesh extended along Camille's right side of her body, spreading continuously. The slippery, slightly itchy sensation sent shivers down Camille's spine.

Despite feeling a long-lost fear at being called the Grey Lady, Camille showed no sign of cowardice. She simply raised her head and looked at Yuan Chen with her cool, clear eyes.

"Don't worry, Styraatu is just trying to regain her original form."

Yuan Chen saw through Styraatu's intentions, and after confirming that the parasitic index had not continued to increase:

"Your parasitic index has reached 60%. As long as it hasn't reached 80%, you'll be fine."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, a hint of relief appeared in Camille's eyes.

For Camille, the reason why Dark Descendant parasites are so terrifying is largely because the extent of the parasitism cannot be quantified using common sense.

Having determined that her current parasitic index was 60%, Camille, relying on the mind enhanced by the Hextech Heart, could quantify it and master the means to control it.

The only problem is that this calculation method takes a very long time...

If the opportunity arises, the craftsmen employed by the Ferros Family can be asked to perform the calculations.

Thinking this, Camille nodded.

As she relaxed, Styraatu chuckled softly, and then the proliferating flesh quickly took over Camille's right half of her face, forming a sharp fleshy horn above her head, giving the impression of a "witch" skin in a game.

However, unlike the witch's skin, the Dark Descendant- parasitized Camille only completed the parasitism on her lower body and the right half of her upper body, while her upper left body remained unchanged.

The parts covered by parasitic flesh are not elegant; in fact, they are rather ugly.

The bulging veins resembled the dense, intertwined roots of an old tree. And because he had fallen into the Dark Descendant realm, Styraatu's posture was far from sublime; his flesh and blood were twisted and corrupted by a dark red.

Its power is fire, and this power is directly manifested on the surface of its body.

Like embers that haven't completely burned out, fragmented embers flickered on its surface, adding to the already bizarre appearance of its body.

Her true form was originally that of a goral demon god, and her current appearance is actually quite consistent with the original Egyptian texts.

Another one is the Grappling Hook on the outside of Camille's hip bone --

The original skin features Hextech Grappling Hook, while the Bewitching skin features Grappling Hook made of magic.

Now, however, it is proliferating dark red flesh and blood, or something like blood vessels. Even the ends are no longer barbs or sharp points, but proliferating claws.

This formed half of her face, Styraatu became exceptionally excited after sensing the outside world.

She has been sealed away for over three thousand years. During this time, even though she kept repeating the prophecy left to her by the "master," her spirit inevitably suffered severe corrosion over the long period of time.

Now, having finally left that hateful sealed entity, even in the stench and poisonous air of Zaun's underground, Styraatu can still feel a refreshing sweetness!

Having briefly experienced the outside world, Styraatu did not forget why she was there. So, after experiencing it, she couldn't wait to turn her gaze to Yuan Chen.

Then, a look of surprise and hesitation flashed in Styraatu's scarlet eyes.

He said:

"You... are not a master."

"Um?"

Not only Yuan Chen, but even Camille raised an eyebrow in confusion. Looking at Yuan Chen, Styraatu said with a serious and puzzled expression, "You're too young... In my memory, a master should be older, more mature... around fifty years old."

Over fifty years old?

Upon hearing Styraatu's words, Yuan Chen nodded thoughtfully... So, he unexpectedly returned to the past more than twenty years later?

"However, you are indeed a master, there is no doubt about that." Looking at Yuan Chen before him, Styraatu said:

"As far as I can remember, although the master was favored by Empress Wu, he was not recognized by the Sun Priesthood and did not undergo the Ascension Ritual."

"It may sound strange... but perhaps you are the reincarnation of the Master? Or perhaps a descendant?" Styraatu said hesitantly.

"The master seemed to have given me some advice about the future... but I've forgotten too much during the time I was sealed away."

"While I cannot confirm whether you are the reincarnation of the master, I am certain that you have an extremely close connection with him."

"... Because you and the master are so alike."

Looking at Yuan Chen in front of her, Styraatu a mix of emotions, including some hesitation and regret.

It was fine as long as I didn't see Yuan Chen.

Now that she has seen Yuan Chen's appearance, Styraatu inevitably recalls some things from the past.

When the master once earnestly advised him, hoping he would not forget the glory of Shurima, he disregarded it and even spoke sarcastically...

Yes, who could have imagined that humans, who could be killed with a single glance, would be able to banish, kill, and seal away the Dark Descendant...?

Yuan Chen simply noted down the timeframe "around fifty years old," and then inquired:

"If that's the case, did I say something to you in the past that you were asked to pass on to me?"

"I've said a lot, but I've also forgotten a lot," Styraatu said with some self-reproach. "However, after seeing your face, I've remembered some of it again."

Which part?

"It wasn't much, but back then... perhaps it was you in a past life who very earnestly let me have my way a few times."

Styraatu said:

"That means that after I awaken, if anyone wants to take me away, please don't stop them. Before embarking on my journey home, let the people of the Twin Cities make their own choice."

Upon hearing Styraatu's words, Yuan Chen was slightly taken aback, then subconsciously looked at her—or rather, at the other half of Styraatu, the face that belonged to Camille.

Realizing what Yuan Chen was thinking, after a moment of silence, Camille nodded hesitantly, then said somewhat uncertainly:

"I did consider taking the harp... but that was before I decided to pledge my allegiance."

Upon hearing Camille's words, Yuan Chen's brows furrowed in thought.

According to Styraatu, these are words from his past self—more precisely, advice left to him by his future self.

However, Yuan Chen was not entirely sure what this suggestion actually meant.

After all, even if a Dark Descendant weapon retains its sanity and doesn't degenerate into a completely evil entity, its essence as Ascended still doesn't place itself on par with mortals.

If they truly understood mortals, the millennia-long era of Dark Descendant warlords and the centuries-long Darkin War would not have occurred.

In the past, Yuan Chen would have definitely chosen to keep Styraatu by his side. But now, faced with the advice his future self had given him, Yuan Chen ultimately chose a compromise, saying:

"Until I return to Yishuaoken, you shall be in charge... no, you shall be the vessel of Styraatu."

Upon hearing this, Camille nodded and said, "I have no objection."

Then, Yuan Chen turned his gaze to Styraatu: "I can't be sure why the 'master' you mentioned left such advice, but I hope your relationship with Camille can be as harmonious as possible... This is no longer the era of the Darkin War; reckless chaos will only attract unnecessary attention."

"I know," Styraatu patted her ample chest as she assured him.

"Master, please don't forget to let me know before you head to Shurima. I remember you mentioned that Emperor Azir is preparing for a second attempt at establishing a new dynasty..."

Although Emperor Azir's trust in that lowly slave led to the downfall of his great empire, his abilities were undeniable; he was the most outstanding descendant of Queen Setaka.

"If the golden bloodline still exists, then revitalizing Shurima is my inescapable mission!"

Upon hearing Styraatu's words, a complex expression flickered in Yuan Chen's eyes.

After a moment of silence, Yuan Chen asked:

"How many other Dark Ascended share your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, after a moment of silence, Styraatu shook her antelope head and said:

"I understand what you mean, Master... although I'm not entirely sure, Varus should be considered one."

Styraatu said:

"Varus was consumed by hatred for the Void before the Darkin War, losing his sanity and becoming a killing machine driven only by vengeance..."

"How hateful and depraved we have forgotten the glory of being Ascended, and have merely used it as a weapon to throw onto the battlefield."

Styraatu said with some self-reproach:

"Reason and consciousness were clouded, leaving only instinct to drive him to endless slaughter. He was unaware that Shurima had already fallen..."

I was a bit busy the past few days, so updates were less frequent. Now that I've finished everything, I'll resume 6k updates daily starting tomorrow.