It could only be said that Renata was a seasoned manipulator.
Even when questioned so harshly by Li Lin, she remained exceptionally calm.
"Heh, Master Li Lin, everyone must be responsible for their actions. If we were in Piltover, could I sue you for defamation?" she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Li Lin snorted, unwilling to waste any more words with her.
The crimes of Glasc Industries were already confirmed. The explosion at the Zaun Chemtech facility still needed further investigation, but the mechanical engineers had already ruled out the possibility of an "accident."
No matter how flawlessly an act is carried out, it always leaves some trace.
While cleaning up the site, the mechanical engineers found tiny fragments of a Chemtech bomb among the debris. These fragments included traces of short hair, clearly belonging to a man. Without the scanning capabilities of the mechanical engineers and the AI's database comparison, even the most expert investigators in Piltover would have missed this crucial evidence.
In Zaun, there was only one person capable of producing such a nearly trace-free Chemtech bomb—Renata. Not even Silco had access to such a weapon.
Li Lin had already instructed the mechanical engineers to collect the evidence and deliver it to Sheriff Grayson, who was also overseeing the rescue operations in the lower city.
It wouldn't take long for Piltover's authorities to analyze and determine the specific materials and components, identifying who used it.
Li Lin's AI locked onto Renata and her floating device. He prepared to fire a "stun round" and a regular energy blast to incapacitate her and destroy her weapon.
But Renata seemed to anticipate his move. Her Chemtech-augmented left hand twitched, triggering the device into attack mode.
[Warning! You have been locked onto by Renata's device. Biochemical missiles have been launched!]
[Warning! The device has vaporized a significant amount of Shimmer. Biochemical poison gas will be released shortly!]
As the AI's warnings blared, Renata's device launched several missiles filled with Chemtech chemicals at Li Lin. Following the missiles, a wave of purple toxic gas surged from the device, filling the small room almost instantly.
Before Li Lin could react, the AI had already locked onto the airborne biochemical missiles and activated the defense system. It launched several ultra-compressed mini energy blasts, obliterating the missiles without causing any explosions.
As for the toxic gas filling the room, it was known for its strong neuro-stimulating effects and bodily enhancements. Thanks to the filters in his armor, Li Lin was unconcerned.
However, the room wasn't airtight, and the toxic gas began leaking outside. Renata's men, stationed outside, started fighting each other under the influence of the gas.
At that moment, Renata, who had rushed to the window to escape using her floating device, was shocked when a blue-white energy glow from Li Lin's suit illuminated the room. She hadn't expected his armor to be so powerful.
Renata acted swiftly, gripping the handle of her device with her left hand. She stepped off the window ledge, letting the floating machine carry her into the air.
Seeing Li Lin standing motionless, she ordered her device to target the entire dance hall and fire biochemical missiles to destroy it.
She believed that given the choice between capturing her and saving innocent lives, Li Lin would choose the latter.
Unfortunately, her plan was flawed.
Hearing the AI's alert, Li Lin decided not to waste any more time. He activated "Overload Charge," now instantaneous thanks to Janna's blessings and protection. His suit glowed with a brilliant blue light.
With the AI's assistance, his speed increased significantly. In a blink of an eye, Renata noticed Li Lin had disappeared from the room, her heart filled with dread.
"Damn! Where did that bastard go?"
She quickly scanned her surroundings.
Renata had heard about Li Lin's ability to fly and had considered creating a similar flying defensive armor for herself. However, despite her top-tier craftsmen's efforts, they couldn't replicate the technology by mere observation.
Li Lin memorized the schematics mentally, never sharing them, ensuring no risk of leakage.
Seeing no trace of Li Lin, Renata frowned deeply, "Has he left?"
Then she shook her head vigorously, causing her device to wobble. "No, impossible! He wouldn't let me go…"
"Exactly, why would I let you go?"
As her words trailed off, Renata heard a familiar voice, cold as death, whispering in her ear.
Renata took a sharp breath, her violet eyes narrowing in shock. When did he...?
Before she could react, Li Lin had already swung his "high-frequency vibrating blade," severing her mechanical left arm and cutting off her connection to the Bionic Extractor. As she began to fall, stunned, Li Lin pondered briefly on how to handle the device. Ultimately, he decided to keep it as evidence against Glasc.
Destroying the extractor's propulsion system, he swiftly caught the falling Renata, using precise energy control to knock her unconscious. The next step was simple: contact Sheriff Grayson and have Renata locked up. He wasn't particularly concerned with the subsequent charges and trials against Glasc.
Capturing Renata was significant. She was currently Zaun's most powerful Chem-Baron, far surpassing the second. Of course, Silco and Vander weren't Chem-Barons and didn't count in these rankings.
Li Lin handed Renata over to the hurriedly arriving Sheriff Grayson and her elite enforcers from Piltover's middle square, instructing her to secretly transport Renata without any leaks. They couldn't be sure what other plans Renata might have.
Zaun's stability had to be ensured. Li Lin needed to quickly gain control over all of Glasc Industries. With time running short, he called Silco, informing him of Renata's capture and asking him to summon all the Chem-Barons for an emergency meeting.
Silco, understanding Li Lin's intentions, agreed immediately and notified him to meet in the border market's building conference room in an hour.
Li Lin then had the AI redistribute tasks, deploying about a hundred idle mechanical soldiers in groups of three to five to stand by at Glasc's twenty-plus factories.
They were to scan for any hazardous items like bombs. If found, the soldiers would take control of the factories, cut off external communications, and disable any bombs without waiting for further orders. If no dangers were found, they would await Li Lin's post-meeting instructions to simultaneously secure all factories.
Li Lin prioritized monitoring certain alchemical workshops, leaving places like dance halls, bars, and restaurants to Silco's men.
Half an hour passed quickly. With nothing pressing to do, Li Lin arrived early at Silco's office to discuss the upcoming Chem-Baron meeting.
Silco had already decided not to spare Bonnie, despite their past ties. He had sent modified soldiers enhanced with Shimmer and Chemtech to deal with her. The dance hall was sealed by Piltover's enforcers and Li Lin's mechanical soldiers. Bonnie was unaware of Renata's capture and was en route from the middle square, only to be intercepted.
Based on Li Lin's understanding of Silco, Bonnie would likely end up in the waters of Watcher Bay by the end of the night, keeping company with devilfish.
Silco also had evidence of Chem-Baron Middlestock's secret dealings with Renata, planning to present it at the meeting and deal with him openly.
Li Lin intended to dismantle the Chem-Barons' control over Zaun's districts, a move Silco supported. The Chem-Barons were no longer necessary. Even without Renata, Silco's rule faced obstacles from the other Barons.
Li Lin anticipated Silco's ambitions and planned to counter them by grooming Mundo as his representative in Zaun. Once the Chem-Barons' control was lifted, Mundo could emerge from the armory to play a more prominent role.
Together with Vander in the Lanes, Zaun could establish a tripartite balance of power. Vander wasn't interested in power struggles, focusing only on his territory. Mundo, with Li Lin's backing, could balance Silco's influence, preventing him from dominating Zaun entirely.
Li Lin and Silco discussed various plans until the AI reminded them it was time for the meeting. They then headed leisurely to the conference room, exchanging casual conversation.
Opening the conference room door, they found the Chem-Barons waiting. Unlike the last meeting, all the Chem-Barons were present this time.
Ernie, Barrett, and Longfellow, old acquaintances of Vander and Silco, controlled the botanical cultivation center, the Academy of Mystical Arts, and the Elevated Plaza, respectively.
Voslann, connected to the upper city, managed multiple mines and the robot manufacturing industry in the Undercity. They were members of the previous meeting.
In addition to the returning "Firelighter" Finn and Bonnie, three new faces joined the group.
Middlestock, thin and slick-looking with sparse hair and pale skin, bore an alchemical augmentation, giving a conniving impression.
Spindle, a Vashtaya with electric batons on his belt and wearing Chemtech leather armor, bore a slight resemblance to a Pekingese.
Adrien, with his head transplanted onto a Chemtech body and encased in a clear anti-explosion breathing mask, was covered in deadly weapons, his bronze alchemical claws menacingly sharp.
Spindle had killed his boss, Lyon Nickfer, the previous Chem-Baron, and now controlled a commercial empire. Adrien, who discovered oil after Renata, managed numerous alchemical workshops, mines, and refineries.
Upon entering, the Chem-Barons turned their gazes to Li Lin and Silco. Spindle and Adrien noted Li Lin walking ahead of Silco, a surprise evident in their eyes. Ernie, Barrett, and Longfellow looked concerned and tense, worried about Bonnie's absence.
Rannal, also a Chemtech-modified individual with her head transplanted onto a machine body, had a good relationship with Li Lin and remained at ease. Vos had dark circles under his eyes, his face filled with anxiety and fear, as if facing a difficult problem.
Li Lin quickly assessed their expressions and took the main seat, with Silco sitting opposite him. Meeting the Chem-Barons' surprised looks, Li Lin tapped the table, "Since everyone is here, let's begin the meeting."
(End of Chapter)
When Li Lin declared, "Let the meeting begin," silence blanketed the room.
The Chem-Barons weren't fools. They sensed that Silco seemed to defer to Li Lin, implying this meeting would revolve around him. For those who had only read about Li Lin, such as Midstokke, Spindle, and Adrian, this was particularly startling.
Tension hung in the air, the silence broken only by the rhythmic tapping of Li Lin's fingers on the long conference table, each tap echoing in the hearts of those present.
Apart from Silco and Lanar, anxiety crept over the others. "You called this meeting, got us all here, and now you say nothing? Are you toying with us?" This thought surfaced in both the impatient Spindle and Adrian's minds.
Just as Spindle was about to lose his temper, Enni broke the silence. "Where's Bonnie? Why isn't she here?" Her voice trembled slightly as she glanced at Li Lin and Silco.
Zaun's citizens would never imagine that the once-mighty Chem-Barons, who lorded over them, could show such fear.
"Yes, Bonnie is usually punctual. She shouldn't be late," added Longfellow with concern.
"Could something have happened? I heard there was an explosion near the mid-level plaza and the Undercity border last night. Many refugees flooded into Dancehall," Yordle Barrett remarked, turning his gaze to Silco. "Silco..."
He barely uttered Silco's name before Silco cut him off coldly. "Bonnie won't be coming."
Silco's tone was icy, as if he was speaking about a stranger.
Enni, Longfellow, and Barrett frowned, not understanding Silco's implication.
"Did something happen to her?" Enni, who was closest to Bonnie, asked anxiously.
"Oh, didn't you hear?" Silco's voice was laced with mock surprise, as if they should already know. Leaning forward, he propped his elbows on the table and rested his face in his hands. "That traitor is currently on her way to meet the Guardian's Sea. By tonight, she might be greeting devilfish."
Shock painted the faces of Enni, Longfellow, and Barrett. Even Spindle and Adrian looked surprised. Despite her limited power, Bonnie was still a Chem-Baron in Zaun, and Silco had just dealt with her like that?
Midstokke's face paled as he realized the implications, but Enni's subsequent question drew everyone's attention away from him.
"Why? I don't understand. Silco, Bonnie always listened to you. We were brothers and sisters in arms. Why...?"
Silco's face darkened, and he let out a cold laugh. "Brothers and sisters? And then betray me to join Glasc?"
Silence fell over the room again.
Everyone knew of the animosity between Silco and Renata. Despite any misgivings about Silco, no one had thought to side with Renata. Besides, Silco had long claimed to have evidence of Renata's crimes and would soon send her to Stillwater Prison.
Though months had passed without this happening, none dared to switch allegiance to Renata, except for Midstokke. Bonnie's sudden betrayal had caught everyone off guard.
"That's impossible..." Enni muttered, stunned by the news of her friend's betrayal.
"Bonnie never even met Renata... You must be mistaken, Silco," Barrett squeaked.
Longfellow remained silent, his face grave as if he had expected this.
"This matter is better explained by Li Lin," Silco said, unwilling to elaborate on his former comrade's betrayal.
All eyes turned to Li Lin, who was watching with mild amusement. Clearing his throat, he began, "Today, I found Renata hiding in Bonnie's dance hall. I called in the enforcers to arrest her."
The room was shocked into silence.
"..."
Li Lin's words cast the meeting hall into silence for the third time.
A powerful Chem-Baron in Zaun had just been arrested...
Midstock pinched himself discreetly, grimacing in pain. It wasn't a dream.
Ernie bit her lip, hesitated for a long while, and then said weakly, "But this doesn't prove Bonnie betrayed us..."
She was interrupted by a hard poke from Longfellow, who warned her with a stern look.
Silco had been searching for Renata recently, only to find her in Bonnie's club. The charge of treason was irrefutable.
Ernie's defense of Bonnie at this critical moment, regardless of their relationship, would surely incur Silco's displeasure, if not suspicion. Silco ruled Zaun with both wisdom and ruthless iron fist. Even siblings weren't spared if they were deemed traitors—just like Vander.
So, what chance did a small Chem-Baron like Bonnie stand?
Ernie dared not speak again. Midstock bowed his head, sweating profusely, breathing lightly, fearful of drawing Silco's attention.
"Today, you called us together mainly to discuss this matter, right?" Spind's hoarse voice, filled with malice, broke the silence. "With Mrs. Glasc taken care of, no one in the lower city can challenge us."
"Heh, don't forget we still have Lady Grey above us. Do you want to attract her attention?" Adrien sneered, disdainful not only towards Spind but also the families in the upper city.
Though Spind was displeased by Adrien's tone, he had no retort. Even Silco feared Lady Grey, let alone the Chem-Barons.
"With Glasc gone, what will happen to Glasc Industries? Silco, you must have a plan, right?" Lanner, who had been silent, spoke, glancing at Li Lin. "If Glasc Industries collapses, thousands will lose their jobs."
"I'll take over," Li Lin's words surprised the Chem-Barons, "but that's not your concern."
He paused for a few seconds, then added something that confused everyone, "After all... you don't need to worry about Zaun anymore."
Adrien frowned, skeptical, "We don't need to worry about Zaun?"
"What do you mean by that?" Spind blew his white beard, eyes flashing with anger.
Ernie, Longfellow, and Barrett glanced at Silco, who seemed to tacitly endorse Li Lin's words, and felt a sense of unease.
It seemed that after dealing with Renata and Bonnie's betrayal, these two planned to turn against the Chem-Baron alliance.
Voss remained as lost as before, unaffected by the events. Lanner shifted from shock to indifference, her role in Zaun being minimal. Her position as a Chem-Baron was due to her robot factory and alliances with some upper-city families.
Since the last Chem-Baron meeting, Lanner had paid close attention to Li Lin, knowing he wouldn't betray easily. Power didn't matter to her.
"I think I've made myself clear," Li Lin said cheerfully. "You don't need to worry about Zaun."
"So, you're dissolving the Chem-Baron alliance?" Adrien demanded.
"Whose idea is this? Yours? Silco's?" Spind's golden eyes scanned Li Lin and Silco, his hands moving to his waist, "Or those upper city families?"
"It's mine and Silco's," Li Lin replied.
In reality, the idea was Li Lin's. He didn't want Zaun's current chaos to hinder his future plans. The Chem-Barons were a liability, especially Adrien, Spind, Midstock, and Voss. He didn't want traitors in his midst during a future crisis.
Silco glanced at him, silently approving.
Spind exploded. Born in Zaun, orphaned young, he had clawed his way up. Unlike Ionia, Zaun treated a Vasto with disdain. Only through ruthless determination did he reach his current status.
"Damn it! You can't do this!"
Spind stood abruptly, drawing an electric baton in an instant. He dared not target Silco, who was distant and intimidating. The nearest target was Li Lin, the "weakling" from the upper families.
Unfortunately, he misjudged.
Enhanced by gene serums and Janna's blessing, Li Lin was far more formidable. Even without his battle armor, he was more than a match for Spind.
As Spind charged, his baton crackling with electricity, Li Lin moved faster, grabbing Spind's wrist and crushing the bones.
"—Ah!"
Spind screamed, dropping his baton, nearly hitting Adrien. Li Lin followed with a powerful kick, shattering Spind's kneecap, blood spraying from the wound. Before Spind could react, Li Lin slammed his head onto the table, splintering it and embedding a shard into Spind's skull.
Spind wouldn't rise again.
Li Lin wiped his hands on Spind's clothes, then calmly returned to his seat, noting the shock on the Chem-Barons' faces, including Silco's.
"Why are you all staring? Speak now if you have objections," he said casually.
Who would dare object now?
Adrien, who had considered attacking, was now grateful he hadn't. One more step, and he might have joined Spind in death.
Silco, Ernie, Longfellow, Barrett, Voss, and Lanner were all stunned by Li Lin's display of strength. He had evolved from needing powered armor to kill an ordinary man to defeating a strong Vasto barehanded.
What had this man experienced?
The room reeked of blood, silent and tense.
Li Lin gave them a few minutes to process, then smiled. "It seems everyone is in agreement..."
He stood, alarming Adrien and Midstock. Ignoring them, he fetched a bottle of whiskey from a Hextech cooler and poured drinks for everyone.
His footsteps echoed in the room.
Li Lin filled their glasses, then returned to his seat, raising his glass.
"Therefore, I hereby reclaim your control over Zaun."
He smiled, toasting the Chem-Barons, who shakily raised their glasses, forcing smiles.
Li Lin's gaze swept the room, meeting theirs in a toast.
"To the future of Zaun!"
...
...
(End of chapter)
=========================================================
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