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6.94% Arcane: Champion Witness System / Chapter 25: -25- Ways

Kapitel 25: -25- Ways

"You say, is this considered deceiving them?"

Before separating for their mission, the Black Alley members were gathered together, and Vander stood at the forefront. He lightly tapped his fists together and looked at Linwin, who was slightly shorter and wearing a faceless mask, dressed in a clean white robe.

"Of course not. You should know that guarding the Black Alley is an extremely important task. It's because I believe in Vi that I let her and Powder stay."

Linwin didn't really believe his own words.

But, you know, it's just talk.

..

Vander extended a big hand and patted Linwin's back, saying with complexity, "Linwin, has someone ever told you that you're very good at arguing?"

Linwin shrugged indifferently, smiling, "Of course. But becoming like this, I owe it all to old Zoran."

"Zoran, huh." Vander gave a smile and nodded. "He indeed is a persuasive talker. You share this trait with him. Both of you are people who can argue without reason but still be righteous about it."

Leaving Powder and Vi at the last drop was a thought Linwin had last night.

He wouldn't bring Vi and Powder along, not because he couldn't protect them, but because Linwin didn't want to.

Because if it was just Vi accompanying him, that would be okay, but if Powder insisted on coming too, Linwin would definitely refuse.

Linwin wouldn't wanna let Powder face "death" too early.

But looking at Powder's innocent expression, if he didn't agree, she would definitely cry, so Linwin pretended to have made up his mind.

Now, taking a look... Hm, it's not a bad thing to have the two little ones stay at the tavern.

After all, Vi wanted to accompany Linwin to gain more experience, to join him in setting rules and reasoning with people. Vander would definitely not agree. He wouldn't let Vi go to dangerous places. The reason he put on his gauntlets again was precisely to ensure Powder and Vi could live more safely.

And this time is different.

Fighting and killing are fundamentally different. For this mission, Vander was very clear; it was destined that a few people would die.

He wasn't afraid of deaths, and neither was Linwin.

Vander might look like a goofy uncle, but the number of lives he and his subordinates have taken is easily in the dozens. Linwin, on the other hand, is even more formidable. Although he rarely resorts to killing, he has given a good beating to many who violated the rules over the years.

After all, he was the enforcer of the Undercity.

This title holds much more weight than being an enforcer of Piltover.

Early exposure to life and death is undoubtedly helpful for Powder and Vi's growth. It helps them mature faster, be more obedient, and learn to survive in Zaun sooner.

But is it necessary? Absolutely not.

Considering Linwin's current rate of growth, he believes that with the addition of Ekko card, he could easily stride through both cities.

Initially, Linwin thought his attribute growth was slow, even a six-star card onlg give a total of 100 to all stats. But later on, he realized he was wrong.

With a 100 increase in all stats, an ordinary person would become a superhuman.

The impact of attribute enhancement is not something a mere number can capture. Crossing the threshold of 100, Linwin felt like he had broken through a barrier. What changes would occur when he crosses a thousand?

In any case, Linwin's rate of growth is accelerating.

However, at the same time, he becomes more cautious.

Because in terms of strength across the continent, Piltover and Zaun are undoubtedly at the bottom, and this is not Linwin being pessimistic.

Piltover, known as the "City of Progress," is the technological hub of the entire continent, with various titles such as the core of maritime traffic, the bridge between Valoran and Shurima, and more. 

At first glance, Piltover seems impressive, far surpassing the impoverished tribes of the Freljord or the pirate city of Bilgewater. But when comparing comprehensive strength, Zaun and Piltover are undeniably at the bottom.

Especially the monsters from the Freljord; leaving aside the three demi-gods (Probably Volibear, Anivia and Ornn) of the elements or the ancient tri-sisters(Avarosa, Serylda, and Lissandra) and their formidable abilities, even some local residents with ice-born bloodlines, those individuals with magical abilities, are like atomic bombs in both Piltover and Zaun.

Most individuals with ice-born bloodlines in the Freljord possess magic. Considering Piltover's fear of magic, anyone with magical abilities already surpasses the category of "human."

In Bilgewater, while their overall strength is lacking due to low-level technology and magic, the individual soldier's quality is high. In the horrifying event of the Harrowing, they resisted it, but in reality, it was just one person who resisted the Harrowing, the Kraken Priestess—Illaoi.

Behind Illaoi stood an omnipotent unknown god.

And Zaun? Piltover?

Let's forget about Piltover.

As for Zaun, there is a god too, albeit her prestige doesn't seem as high as the one on the island.

However, Zaun and Piltover have tremendous future potential.

Piltover is developing Hextech technology in the Upper City, while the Under City is actively pursuing alchemy science. The two unparalleled geniuses, Jayce and Viktor, will later empower Zaun and Piltover.

So, although weak now, it doesn't mean they will always be weak.

"Alright, I'll go alone."

Linwin patted Vander on the back and said to him, "Stay safe, don't get shot."

"The normal spray guns isn't much, it's the machine guns and gas-operated rifles that are worrisome," Vander said in a serious tone.

Zaun has very few firearms, mostly old-fashioned spray guns. Those require getting quite close to be lethal, but because of this, people from Piltover look down on people from Zaun.

Not to mention that they don't even have decent weapons. Dreaming of independence? What a joke!

Vander looked ahead at his trusted subordinates. They were carrying slim, oiled machine guns. "Fiden's guns are quite handy. Look, you don't even need to fire, and they already have a good deterrent effect."

Linwin nodded, acknowledging, "Anyway, I'll go talk to those few individuals first. I think they'll agree."

Fiden's body was found by someone yesterday, and the news quickly spread throughout various parts of Zaun through various "rats." Many people now knew that the enforcer of the Undercity had returned.

He didn't sever ties with Vander.

And his return indicated a warning to those who wanted to make some moves, especially those who had already been up to something in secret.

Vander nodded.

Linwin immediately added, "After this, I'll go talk to Silco."

"Silco? You might be disappointed. I've had people searching for information about him for four days now, but we haven't found anything. Linwin, since you last met him, he's vanished and we don't know where he's hiding."

"It's alright; I have my ways."


Kapitel 26: -26- He's here

"Everyone, fall back!"

Grayson received a stern order from Councilor Mel, once again exerting pressure on the Undercity. But when they approached the vicinity of the Undercity, Grayson signaled for a group of over a dozen to return to the elevator leading to the Upper City.

"Captain, why are we..."

One of the enforcers questioned Grayson with confusion, but his words were cut off by a displeased look from Grayson.

"I said fall back. Can't you understand?" Grayson responded sharply.

---

"Sevika, why didn't you go with Vander?"

Sevika glanced at Vi, who was being closely watched by Greg, and remained silent.

"Are you also left behind by Vander and Linwin? Sevika, you're a formidable fighter, and you don't..."

"That's enough, Vi." Sevika shook her head while holding a glass of liquor, and said in a hushed tone, "Keep your thoughts to yourself. You're not the type to think with your head."

Sevika had a sharp tongue, as always. "I wasn't left behind; I was forced to stay behind to keep an eye on those who were actually left behind."

"You!"

Powder sat there, seemingly indifferent. In reality, she didn't mind staying in the tavern or what she did, as long as she was with Vi. She didn't particularly enjoy fighting.

Sevika placed a hand on Vi to restrain her attempts to resist and sneered, "Be a good kid and sit down."

---

Upper City.

A large room at the University of Plitover, a space that was initially meant for experimental equipment, was now the exclusive research lab of Mr. Talis.

A spacious laboratory, covering hundreds of square meters in size.

This was an accommodation usually reserved for funded professors, but now, it was allocated to two students who had recently gained some recognition.

"Lin... damn it! Viktor, why hasn't he returned yet?"

"Calm down, Jayce. He's only been gone for a day," Viktor said, setting down his magnifying glasses, looking at Jayce's frustrated outburst with resignation.

"He will return once he's done with his own matters."

"What could be more important than the groundbreaking research of Hextech? And I specifically asked him to be part of it!"

Jayce took a deep breath, still discontent.

"Hello, gentlemen."

The sound of footsteps echoed, and the door swung open. Professor Heimerdinger stood there, stroking his beard.

"Oh? Where's Linwin?"

"Professor, he's dealing with some personal matters."

"Oh, what about moving those heavy items of mine? Who will help me?"

Professor Heimerdinger stood there, stroking his beard, looking first at Viktor and then finally fixing his gaze on Jayce.

Jayce's intellect was certainly not lacking. He immediately spoke up, "Let me handle it, Professor."

"Are you sure you're up to the task?"

"Of course, I come from a family of hammer makers. I'm strong in this area."

Jayce patted his chest with confidence.

Ten minutes later.

Heimerdinger clasped his hands, looking concernedly at Jayce. "My boy, are you really up to this task? You must be very careful; these are my precious experimental apparatus. Please, don't break anything."

Jayce blushed and said, "I'm sorry, Professor."

"It's okay, my boy. Your strength doesn't have any bearing on your academic capabilities. You don't need to apologize."

Jayce nodded, but his fists were clenched.

Linwin, you rascal, come back soon!

Only one day without Linwin, and Mr Talis was already missing him. 

While Linwin might not assist with research directly, his physical capabilities were exceptional. He possessed immense strength, comparable to a cart's, and keen observational skills. Now, Jayce realized just how important Linwin was.

---

At three minutes past three in the afternoon, in a trendy and bustling tavern deep within Zaun, three individuals with distinct appearances sat separately in the closed-off owner's room.

"Vander is different now."

"I have eyes; I can see."

"Fiden died yesterday, killed by Sevika."

The fat man with one eye chuckled, "Sevika? She doesn't have that kind of strength. You've all seen the effects of Shimmer; it's not something ordinary people can withstand. I admit Sevika can fight well, but even if she had a gun, she couldn't possibly take on dozens of those monsters who've taken Shimmer."

"I know; I'm only saying that Fiden died by her blade."

The tavern's owner, a tall woman with prosthetic limbs, adjusted her thigh, stretching it forward, and spoke, "Now, what should we do?"

"Silco only gave me a dozen vials of Shimmer."

"I have about the same."

"He gave me only nine vials."

"Fiden had several excellent guns from the Upper City, and Silco provided over a dozen vials of Shimmer. Moreover, based on the scene, they all used Shimmer, but even so, they couldn't handle him."

"He did it alone."

The woman took a deep breath, raised her hand, and said loudly, "I propose that we surrender, join Vander."

"What are you thinking? Join Vander? Are you out of your mind?" The fat man objected, "Join him? Joining him will only make us poorer; he doesn't allow his people to sell that stuff. Without the goods, how will we make money?"

"Do you have a better plan? Or are you planning to be his enemy?" The alchemical Baroness looked at him, speaking coldly.

The fat man, known as Yaji, broke out in a cold sweat and stuttered, "W-w-we can remain neutral, like we used to."

"Jinkray, what do you think?" Yaji looked towards the other person.

"I-I don't know." The third person, known as Jinkray, said, stuttering, "But I don't think this plan will work."

"On the Day of Ashes, when Vander asked us to join him and cross the bridge, we refused, and he didn't say much when he returned. But now, he wants to unite Zaun, and we want to stay neutral. I don't think he'll accept this proposal."

Yaji got a bit angry. "He went to die, and he wants us to go with him? Who's as stupid as him?"

"But Vander has results. After all, Black Alley has been the most stable place in Zaun in recent years," Jinkray spoke.

The alchemical Baroness was feeling a headache. She rubbed her temples and looked down at the table.

Just like Yaji said, if they joined Vander, her business would surely decline, as Vander would never allow his people to sell their 'products'. Her tavern couldn't thrive based on alcohol alone. No, that stuff didn't make any money. Her establishment thrived by selling to the poor of the Undercity. 

However, Vander wouldn't permit the sale of that product. Her tavern was only able to flourish in this generation because of it.

Vander changed when he returned, causing a lot of people to worry.

He was now fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their alliance. He could unite the whole of Zaun.

This is also one of the reasons many people are unwilling to let Vander become the leader. So, of course, she didn't want to join Vander.

But if they didn't join Vander, Yaji and Jinkray were still arguing. Jinkray felt that if they didn't join Vander, when he came looking for them, losing a leg or an arm would be a minor issue. Losing their lives, just like Fiden, was also a real possibility.

Yaji, on the other hand, was more concerned about his business. Without his business, those under him wouldn't heed his orders.

These two guys...

She looked at her glass helplessly. In the glass, yellow liquid trembled as the two men occasionally slammed the table.

While thinking about the situation, she watched.

Then, a bead of sweat, the size of a bean, rolled down her cheek, dropping onto the table.

She felt her body growing cold and stiff.

She slowly retracted her extended prosthetic leg, feeling a hidden pain radiating from her leg. She had been using this leg for three years now, but at this moment, she felt pain from the prosthetic.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, and she was afraid.

On the ceiling...

There was someone.

But she dared not look up.

She could only cautiously watch her glass.

In the reflection of the liquid, she saw him.

He sat leisurely on the beam, wearing a white mask. He had his legs crossed and playfully swung them. The mask was lifted upward, revealing his lower face as he nonchalantly took a bite of a piece of bread, but no sound came out.

He looked so relaxed.

Yet there was still a bit of yellow debris falling in front of her eyes, dropping onto the table.

Near her ears, the two fools were still arguing.

Completely oblivious.

He was already here.

Right above them.

////About the names of the Chem barons, I've tried to search their names but nothing close came up. The names were probably made up since there's many nameless baron. So names like Fiden, Yaji and Jinkray are all my own translation////


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