"This matter, I'll bear the consequences when the time comes, Professor. You can rest assured."
Linwin looked at Powder, who was sitting there dazed, and said, "Powder's affair is my affair. I cannot give you an accurate answer on how the future will turn out. But, Professor, I have to say, with it, our future will definitely be better than it is now."
Void monsters reside deep beneath Shurima, and by now, they might have become active. Kai'Sa assumes those monsters are still in slumber, but in Linwin's memory, those group of excavators, led by Rek'Sai, were tirelessly working.
The Void race is the most diligent, without a doubt.
From Shurima's head to its tail, given the diligence of these bugs, it wouldn't be surprising if they dug through Shurima. Truth be told, it's strange that they haven't dug through and collapsed Shurima so far.
Hence, for Linwin, his current enemies might be Noxus, and later maybe Demacia or Freljord. Anyway, there's a possibility of conflicts arising. But in the future, Linwin's enemy will undoubtedly be those Void creatures.
This is an inevitable event, just like Zaun and Piltover's situation before. No matter how we fight and clash, it concerns both Zaun and Piltover.
Who cares about Noxus?
Just like how Zaun and Piltover are not on good terms with Noxus, no matter how much they fight, when facing the Void, they will first unite against the common enemy.
Therefore, if this fishbone weapon can be mass-produced, then at that time, ordinary people can truly fight against Void creatures.
Isn't that the charm of science? Arming ordinary people with intelligence, using human strength to fight against monsters.
This is why this thing may not be suitable to be mentioned now. After all, at this stage, the hypothetical enemies of Zaun and Piltover are still Noxus.
If suddenly telling the people that there are creatures from beyond the stars beneath the world's surface, it will undoubtedly lead to wide spread panic, won't it? After all, the gap between humans and "gods" is still too great.
Moreover, these are a bunch of gods who entertain themselves by using human lives and future as bets.
Hence, the fishbone may not necessarily be used against humans, but it will definitely be used to fight Void creatures.
Heimerdinger stood there, hearing Linwin speak earnestly. Although Linwin's tone was gentle, his attitude was unquestionable. Heimerdinger blinked his big eyes helplessly.
Blowing his mustache, Professor Heimerdinger seemed somewhat helpless.
Linwin rarely shows this kind of attitude; he has always been gentle. However, once Linwin decides on something, it's challenging for others to change his mind.
This is also the reason why he's often called the patriarch by Vi and Powder.
Jayce knows this, Viktor knows this too. In simple terms, Linwin has an overly "domineering" stance on significant matters. But from what we can see now, Linwin has never been wrong. With the help of the goddess Janna, Linwin somehow has the ability of foresight.
Even Silco is aware of this.
Back in Zaun, when Silco was still a gang leader and Linwin was still an Enforcer in the sewers, Linwin didn't hesitate to go and knock on his door.
Seeing this, Silco shook his head against the wall, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
Now that he thinks about it, time really flies.
"We must go through repeated scrutiny; we absolutely cannot be careless," Heimerdinger stated firmly.
Seeing no turnaround in the situation, Heimerdinger finally continued, "You can't refuse me twice. What she wants to create is too dangerous; there are many aspects I find difficult to fathom."
Powder and Linwin exchanged glances. A hint of joy appeared in Powder's blue eyes, then immediately she looked at Heimerdinger.
However, Heimerdinger didn't even look at Powder but continued to gaze at Linwin.
The professor's intention was clear; Powder's experiment could proceed, and he would assist, but it required thorough scrutiny, leaving no room for negligence.
"This is an explosive matter, literally! It's not a trivial thing," Linwin acknowledged. "Of course, thank you, Professor," he added with a smile.
That's the Big Head for you—denied, questioned, but never angered.
If Heimerdinger were to stop an invention, it wouldn't be because he feared others surpassing him. On the contrary, he wouldn't refuse someone surpassing him. His selfless dedication to imparting knowledge has confirmed him as a selfless person. However, Heimerdinger genuinely worries about Powder's experiment.
Yet, after Linwin gave his assurance and Viktor, who was usually composed, also endorsed Powder's idea, Heimerdinger changed his mind.
"No, this is not enough."
"Linwin, Silco, Jayce," Heimerdinger repeated, "I have a small proposal, don't know if you can agree."
Silco and Jayce glanced at each other, then nodded.
For Heimerdinger, this pure scientist, even Silco, who initially held animosity towards Piltover, had to admit he had a good impression of Heimerdinger.
"Professor, please go on."
"For explosive matters like this, I'm not too familiar. Therefore, I need the help of my friends. But like me, they are all Yordles. I know... humans aren't very fond of us, so I don't know if you can agree."
Heimerdinger looked at Linwin, saying seriously, "I want my friends to come here."
"They also love science. I believe in Piltover and Zaun; they can find jobs they like and contribute value to these two cities."
After Heimerdinger finished, he looked expectantly at Linwin and Jayce.
These two people—one is the backbone of Zaun, and the other has subtly surpassed Camille, gradually becoming the controller of Piltover.
Moreover, Linwin and Jayce are very young, and they are close friends.
"Of course, no problem, Professor," Jayce agreed. He spread his hands, looking at Heimerdinger, and said, "Piltover welcomes anyone, welcomes anyone who loves science and pursues science. Wasn't that what you told me?"
"Zaun is also fine," Linwin turned his head, smiling. "Right, Silco?"
Silco lifted his head, saying, "You make the decisions, no need to involve me."
Heimerdinger nodded and said happily, "I knew you would agree."
With that, Heimerdinger closed his eyes, murmuring softly, "So I will set out this afternoon. The nearest hex gate seems to be..."
"Wait, Professor, can I know who you are bringing over?" Linwin immediately asked.
It's not difficult to guess; since it's related to the explosion, Ziggs is undoubtedly going to be brought to the Twin Cities by Heimerdinger.
But Professor Heimerdinger mentioned his friends.
So, it's definitely not just Ziggs coming.
Yordles, huh? Beings of magic, mostly comical characters.
Although their combat strength varies greatly, four-star cards are guaranteed.
Moreover, they are simple and cute Yordles; they would be the best choice for Linwin to gain cards.
After thinking for a while, Heimerdinger answered, "It's Ziggs and Corki, as well as Tristana and Lulu."
"Do you know them?" Heimerdinger asked Linwin.
Regarding Linwin's ability to foresee, Heimerdinger was already accustomed to it.
If he could hold the chubby Wind Goddess in his hands, what else couldn't he do?
"I certainly don't know them," Linwin said with a smile.
So it's cute little Lulu. So she's coming too.
Suddenly, in Linwin's mind, an image appeared—a Yordle carrying a wand less than a meter long, shouting about something while wearing a huge hat almost as big as her.
Linwin wondered how Lulu would look like; after all, if the often detested Heimerdinger in the game could be so cute, then Lulu, known for her cuteness, must be even more adorable, right?
Addressing Heimerdinger, Linwin said, "Professor, I look forward to their arrival, and both cities will welcome them."
Heimerdinger immediately exclaimed happily, "Thank you! But please don't make it too extravagant; they... can be quite noisy."
Jayce, who overheard this, looked puzzled.
The always loudly speaking Heimerdinger saying others are noisy?
"Powder, when I come back, we'll conduct experiments together," Heimerdinger said, looking at Powder, awaiting her response.
"Of course, no problem, Professor Fuzzy!" Jinx immediately replied.
She understood Heimerdinger's meaning.
But Powder indeed needed Heimerdinger's help!
She and Viktor were already struggling to change the internal state of Hextech. Still, if Heimerdinger got involved, with his academic knowledge, Powder and Viktor wouldn't need to research into all of them. They could just tell the professor, and he might directly instruct them on what to do.
That's Heimerdinger—a living encyclopedia of science.
"Now I'll set off; the nearest hex gate is on the sea."
After saying this, Heimerdinger disappeared with small steps.
Leaving a few people in the laboratory.
Although he called them, he was the first to leave.
After Heimerdinger left, Silco and Jayce also departed.
One a city lord, the other a councilman; how could they possibly stay idle?
As Viktor saw Powder continuously staring at Linwin, he smiled and walked out, shaking his head.
Now, only Powder and Linwin were left in the room.
Putting down the cannon she had been tightly holding, Powder approached Linwin.
With hands behind her back, looking up, her hair tied up for the experiment, her blue hair formed a long high ponytail naturally swinging behind her.
"You must be careful. Although I agreed, it doesn't mean I'm not worried."
"I know you've liked inventing strange weapons since you were little, but this time is absolutely different. You must conduct the experiment with the consent of Professor Heimerdinger and Ziggs, understood?"
Linwin looked at Powder and said softly.
Ziggs. The Hexplosive Expert Ziggs.
When Heimerdinger said he was bringing friends to help, Linwin's first thought was Ziggs.
In theory, Ziggs should be in Zaun, and he was brought to Zaun by Jinx. However, the current situation and background story in Zaun are completely different from the Zaun mentioned earlier. It can even be said that it's completely different worlds.
Zac and Twitch, the two alchemical products, Linwin has not been able to see them yet, and the guy like Dr. Mundo would not appear in Zaun.
Ha, carrying a kitchen knife everywhere to perform surgery?
In today's Zaun, if Dr. Mundo dares to swing a knife with his purple, fat tongue, he can only wait to be captured by the enforcers and thrown into prison!
Dr. Mundo is, of course, not an ordinary person, but Linwin doesn't think Dr. Mundo can withstand the pursuit of the enforcers, especially when there is Vi, equipped with Hextech gears, among the enforcers.
That's Vi, fully armed with Hextech.
Can Dr. Mundo fight against Vi like that?
Linwin thinks it's impossible.
Dr. Mundo's strong recovery does not mean that knives and guns can't hurt him; he is still a mortal, and even an ordinary pistol can cause harm to Dr. Mundo, not to mention powerful Hextech weapons.
"So, because Powder didn't turn into the insane Jinx, it's normal that Ziggs didn't appear in Zaun?"
"Ziggs is a very talented person. Like you, he loves explosions. As for why Professor Heimerdinger asked Tristana to come, I think it's because she also likes weapons?"
"But when the time comes, you mustn't listen to her. Just listen to Ziggs."
Linwin lowered his head, looking at Jinx, and said to the blue eyes looking up at him, "Ziggs and the professor are both talented scientists, and he excels in what you love—explosives."
Speaking of it, Ziggs and Jinx have a good relationship.
In the League of Legends universe, the crazy Jinx unexpectedly took Ziggs as her conscience, and after wreaking havoc at Piltover all night, Ziggs was convinced by Jinx and chose to move to Zaun.
That's how the Hexplosive Expert came about.
"You just said you don't know them," Powder said speechlessly.
Linwin, the big fat liar.
"Accurately speaking, I know them, but they don't know me."
"Isn't mutual understanding means knowing each other?" Linwin touched his face and said.
Well, fortunately, Janna is helping to cover for me.
Powder was even more speechless.
Here comes Linwin's twisted logic!
But...
Powder didn't follow up with more questions.
Because right now, she just wants to hug Linwin.
She wanted to do it when there were many people around, but she held back.
Because Silco was there, Powder didn't care how others viewed her relationship with Linwin. Still, if she hugged him suddenly, Silco would definitely scold her.
Saying that Powder is already a grown-up.
Girls must learn to be more reserved.
Anyway, it's just annoying!
But now, there's only her and Linwin, so she doesn't have to hold back anymore.
Lifting her head, the girl opened her hands, saying softly, "I want a hug."
"..."
In a tavern in Zaun, a man carrying a large shotgun on his back sat at the bar and silently raised the glass in front of him.
Pouring strong alcohol mixed with juice into his stomach, Graves comfortably squinted his eyes.
"Can you not make such a creepy expression when you're drinking?" A man walked up to Graves, folding his trench coat neatly on the bar. He took off his large hat and covered it.
Twisted Fate revealed his iconic smile, the one that made people feel irritated just by looking at it.
Graves glanced at Twisted Fate, ignoring him, and instead, he tapped the table with his fingers together.
The bartender quickly added more alcohol to Graves' drink.
After a few rounds, when Graves felt a bit tipsy, he stopped.
"We planning to leave this place anytime soon?" Graves turned his head and asked Twisted Fate.
The bartender, standing in front of the two, heard their conversation and quickly gestured to the bouncer at the door.
Twisted Fate saw it but didn't comment on the bartender's actions. Instead, he reached out, patted Graves on the shoulder, and said with a smirk, "Soon, we'll be on our way."
"Good, I've had enough of this place. We need excitement, and that's the real reason why we stick together," Graves said seriously. "Zaun is good, but it's not for us."
The gambler nodded with a rare agreement to Graves' words.
Yes, Zaun is indeed good.
It accommodates Twisted Fate and Graves, giving them a place to rest without worrying about their safety.
But Zaun is not suitable for them.
Because it's too safe—safe to the point that it makes the two thrill-seekers feel bored. The current Zaun is prosperous and secure, even in gambling establishments, there are various rules like opening hours and gambling funds.
Is this still Zaun?
Is this the Zaun that Twisted Fate once heard of and knew?
In the past, in Zaun, not to mention opening a gambling den during the day, even street murders could happen during the day. Is it still like that now?
Walking on the streets of Zaun at night, there's no need to worry about safety issues.
Enforcers with powerful weapons, riding on hextech hoverboards, patrol Zaun all night.
To put it this way, Twisted Fate thinks that the current Zaun is just a slightly better Bilgewater.
Although the city is not as chaotic as Bilgewater, the entire island is full of desperados, but it's all about gangsters doing evil deeds.
The two men sat side by side, chatting with each other, and the drinks kept flowing.
Twisted Fate and Graves worked in Zaun like teachers, one teaching enforcers the street ruffian's boxing style, the other teaching enforcers to recognize human nature and judge right from wrong.
And because of that, the two didn't need to steal, deceive, or rob, and they saved quite a bit of money.
—Thanks to Linwin.
"I'm thinking, why don't we try going to Noxus this time? That place is poor, but the nobles are rich. The poor are just the commoners and peasants."
Twisted Fate took a sip of low-proof beer, asking Graves, "Why do you want to go to Noxus?"
Twisted Fate naturally knew the reason Graves wanted to go to Noxus.
Nothing more than a matter of guts.
Twisted Fate knew that Graves was such a person.
But now, Noxus isn't really a good choice.
The place has become chaotic again. Although it's convenient for us when things are chaotic, getting involved in warlord conflicts is not a wise decision.
Even with our Hextech weapons as protection, Twisted Fate can't guarantee a safe escape every time.
"Hey, even though we're leaving Zaun, I'll always remember this place. When I'm tired, I think I'll come back here to rest for a few days," Graves said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Since I have a good relationship with Zaun, it naturally means I have a bad relationship with Noxus! I can't rob the people of Piltover; I can't lower my face like that. Friends of my friends are my friends too, but when it comes to robbing Noxus, I have no problem. The enemies of my friends are my enemies!"
"Twisted Fate, am I standing up for my friends here?" Graves continued, lifting his glass and finishing a drink.
In front of him, the young bartender promptly poured another drink for Graves. However, this time, the alcohol in Graves' glass was a bit lower, more of a fruity wine.
"What's the meaning of changing it to this kind of drink, kid?" Graves noticed the bartender's action and immediately expressed his displeasure. "Are you afraid I'll get drunk? Don't joke around; I've only had a few drinks!"
Downing the fruity wine, Graves made an unhappy face and slammed the empty glass on the bar, loudly shouting, "Buckston, what's the idea of changing it for me!"
Buckston was about to speak when Twisted Fate, sitting beside him, raised his left hand, propped his chin, and stretched out his right hand to block Graves.
He smiled and said, "Don't blame Buckston, he's just following orders."
"Orders? Whose orders? Who dares to manage my drinking?" Graves was already a bit tipsy. Before Twisted Fate arrived, he had already had quite a few drinks. Although he had a good tolerance, Zaun's alcohol was no longer purchased from various places. Now, the people of Zaun brewed their own drinks.
And they were high-proof drinks because the residents of Zaun were former members of gangs, and enjoying alcohol was a normal thing for them.
Therefore, Graves was a bit dizzy now.
Also, he wasn't good at drinking. If he drank too much, Graves wouldn't be the kind of person who would fall asleep snoring; he would be the kind of person who, with a gun in hand, a cigarette dangling, and fueled by alcohol, would go looking for trouble.
"Linwin's orders," Twisted Fate said calmly.
"Uh..." Graves immediately quieted down, coughed, and slowly sat back. He said with some confusion, "What does it have to do with me drinking a bit? "
Twisted Fate saw that Graves was immediately intimidated and shook his head, smiling with some helplessness.
Graves was really afraid of Linwin.
That guy is a real monster.
"Haha, Graves, don't worry. I think it won't be long before that stinky kid Linwin will want you to come over," a man's voice sounded nearby. Twisted Fate and Graves looked over and saw a plump man with a stubble walking over.
"Mr. Benzo, it seems like you know something?" Twisted Fate immediately spoke up.
Graves also looked at the man and then burped loudly.
"I know a little bit. Vander told me when we were drinking. His mouth has always been big," Benzo sat down next to Twisted Fate, gestured twice, and the bartender promptly poured him a drink.
This bar belonged to Benzo.
It was also a bar often visited by the upper echelons of Zaun.
Therefore, the waiters in the shop were all former members of Vander's gang.
As for why they became waiters in a bar, it's because not everyone can successfully become an enforcer.
And now, Zaun doesn't tolerate the existence of gangs.
Vander and Silco are the most clear about what gangsters can do, and they understand what their existence represents for a city.
So, two guys who were former gang leaders have now become the people who most actively combat the existence of gangs.
This is ironic, isn't it?
"Tell us about it," Twisted Fate raised his glass, toasting Benzo.
"I only know a little bit." Benzo chuckled, nodded after finishing a glass of strong liquor, and began to speak.
"Piltover and Zaun are currently expanding outward. They plan to establish more Hextech stations in Shurima to facilitate communication between the two cities. Also, if conditions permit, they're considering sending a permanent force to Shurima to protect a group of people involved in procurement and academic research."
"We severed the connection between Noxus and Bel'zhun. During this time, I heard that the Noxian garrison in Bel'zhun also returned to the Immortal Bastion. It seems like something big is about to happen in Noxus."
Benzo paused and then continued with a smile, "But as long as it doesn't involve us, let Noxus do whatever it wants."
"Shurima..."
Twisted Fate's eyes lit up, connecting the dots with Benzo's previous words. Linwin wants to meet him and Graves. Twisted Fate immediately senses something significant is about to happen.
"So, Graves and I need to prepare to become the force stationed in Shurima, protecting Zaunites?" Twisted Fate inquires.
Upon hearing Twisted Fate's words, Graves widens his eyes, stands up, tilts his head, looks past Twisted Fate at Benzo, and exclaims, "What? Linwin wants me and Twisted Fate to go to Shurima?"
"We had already decided to go to Nox..."
Twisted Fate reaches out to cover Graves' mouth.
"Quiet down, Graves. Listen to Mr. Benzo," Twisted Fate says.
"Of course not," Benzo shrugs. "The places for development are not just Shurima. Zaun has never had the intention of occupying cities in other countries. Even Bel'zhun, which is currently unclaimed, Zaun has never thought of conquering. At least not now."
"Demacia in the west has agreed to an alliance with Piltover and Zaun. They have also approved the construction of Hextech stations and Hex gates within Demacia. So, in mid-April, a group of students from Piltover and Zaun will be sent to Demacia to build Hextech stations. This will be their first test."
Twisted Fate listens quietly to Benzo's words but is internally sarcastic.
Benzo claims to know only a little, but can it really be called "only a little"? Or does Mr. Vander indeed have a big mouth, capable of revealing everything?
However, Twisted Fate knows that Vander's big mouth is different from Graves'. Mr. Vander will only confide in those he trusts, while Graves?
This guy often unintentionally reveals the duo's next plans, disrupting Twisted Fate's plans countless times.
One is a false big mouth, the other is a true big mouth!
"This is really interesting."
Twisted Fate raises his glass to Benzo. "To Zaun, Mr. Benzo."
Benzo nods, raises his glass, and declares, "To Zaun!"
"As a closed country, it's difficult for outsiders to witness the magnificence of Demacia's capital. Even entering Demacia's territory is a challenge. But now, they willingly agreed to let people from Piltover and Zaun enter Demacia."
Smiling, Twisted Fate continues, "I think Graves and I are willing to take on this task."
Graves immediately nods and says, "What he said."
Graves is not a fool; he's quite intelligent. It's just that compared to the smarter Twisted Fate, Graves' impulsive nature makes him appear a bit foolish.
"The team to go to Demacia has already been selected," Benzo shakes his head.
Twisted Fate: "."
"So, Mr. Benzo, what does Linwin want us to do?" Twisted Fate decides to ask directly. After all, Linwin definitely wants them to do something. Otherwise, the bartender wouldn't have stopped Graves from drinking, and Benzo wouldn't have spoken these words.
"The seas."
Benzo, who only knows a little, looks at Twisted Fate seriously. "Zaun intends to have Hextech stations appear everywhere in the world. The goal is to be able to contact people all over the world with just a phone call."
Twisted Fate's pupils suddenly contract, falling into surprise.
The whole world?
Twisted Fate certainly uses Hextech phones, and Graves has bought several, saying that when one is used up, he'll use another.
As for changing Hextech gems and replacing energy sources...
Well, Graves selectively forgot about those.
"And if you want to reach Ionia, there are only two places to go."
Recalling Vander's words, Benzo pauses before continuing, "One is to depart from the port city in Noxus, which can go directly to Ionia. The other..."
"Is to go through the Guardian's Sea and reach Bilgewater."
Twisted Fate and Graves are both stunned.
Bilgewater?
That's Graves' hometown!
"Linwin wants us to go to Bilgewater?" Graves shouts, "And also bring a construction team to that place?"
"He's gone mad!"
"Mr. Benzo, if it's just going to Bilgewater, Graves and I fully agree. After all, Zaun has helped us a lot. But if it's about taking scholars to Bilgewater, then please excuse us for refusing!" Twisted Fate calmly says, "Bilgewater is very dangerous, a lawless and chaotic zone. Graves and I alone don't have the ability to protect them in such a place."
"I know Bilgewater is dangerous, Vander knows it too, and all of us Zaunites are aware of it."
Benzo nods with a smile, "We are well aware of the dangers of Bilgewater, Twisted Fate. Do you think I used to do what? I used to have frequent contact with those people."
He grins, "In my view, they're nothing more than a bunch of pirates who bully the weak."
Are pirates frightening?
Certainly, they are.
Even the merchant ships bound for Piltover fear them.
But Zaunites are definitely not afraid.
On the contrary, sometimes Zaun even engages in private transactions with the pirates of Bilgewater. At times, driven by interests and survival, Zaunites may even clash directly with the pirates of Bilgewater.
"As for this matter, Lin..."
Benzo is about to say that Linwin will explain it to you, and two enforcers suddenly push the door open.
They salute Benzo first and then look at Twisted Fate and Graves with seriousness, loudly announcing:
"Twisted Fate, Graves."
"Sir Linwin has instructed you to go to the office of the Piltovan Council in Piltover now."
"He has urgent matters to discuss with you."
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