章 9: Chapter 11: Arriving in Zaun, the Spectral Cloak Demonstrates Its Power
Unlike the upper city of Piltover, what lies beyond the door is a completely different scene.
There is no daylight here; it is perpetually night due to the absence of the sun.
However, this city hasn't lost its vitality from the lack of sunlight.
Brilliant lights of various colors are everywhere. If the upper city can be described as steampunk, then the scene in the lower city gives Lin Feng a cyberpunk feel.
The population density here is even higher than that of the upper city. As Lin Feng looks around, he can see a wider variety of people.
These individuals differ somewhat from those in the upper city; setting aside their clothing, the appearance of the lower city residents seems to be generally more...
Fierce?
Lin Feng isn't sure how to describe it, but the people here tend to have polarizing physiques.
They are either extremely thin, heavily built, or well-muscled.
Moreover, there are even beings that aren't human.
As for what species these "people" belong to, Lin Feng really doesn't know. However, he was aware beforehand that the continent of Valoran isn't limited to just humans; there are also Yordles, Darkin, and many other races.
Now that he is truly experiencing this scene, Lin Feng feels somewhat excited, as if he were encountering aliens, even wanting to approach them for a friendly chat.
But the Zaunites don't share that sentiment.
Upon seeing the two emerge from the gates, especially noticing the enforcer uniform that Caitlyn wears, the nearby Zaunites all display expressions of disdain.
Caitlyn is used to this and steps forward, saying to Lin Feng:
"Let's go."
Lin Feng quickly follows, glancing around like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden.
The world of Zaun is also filled with numerous machines, but unlike the upper city, where the machines have an orderly feel and are seamlessly integrated, the various mechanical devices in Zaun seem pieced together, a mix of old and chaotic.
Lin Feng's actions ease some of Caitlyn's concerns.
It seems he really isn't one of the lower city folks.
But as they navigate through the bustling streets, an unexpected event occurs.
Lin Feng gradually feels a tightening in his throat, as if dust had entered. This sensation, which isn't very pronounced at first, intensifies over time.
He begins to cough repeatedly, and Caitlyn notices something is wrong and quickly asks:
"What's wrong with you?"
"I... I... cough cough!" Lin Feng's face turns red from discomfort. "I can't breathe!"
He initially thought that the gas mask was merely a sign of nobility, but it turns out to be useful.
The air here is much murkier than in the upper city. While it's not as exaggerated as smog, for someone like Lin Feng, who has breathed fresh air his whole life, adapting quickly is indeed challenging.
If only he had brought a mask!
Caitlyn realizes what's happening, and without hesitation, she says:
"I know a place that might have a filter. Just hang in there."
Lin Feng coughs a few more times and forces out a few words, "No need!"
He turns and opens his backpack, pulling out his spectral cloak.
He had previously complained that the cloak was somewhat useless, but now it proves to be handy.
The light blue, translucent cape immediately catches Caitlyn's attention. It's something she hasn't seen in either city, and she becomes curious.
As Lin Feng dons the spectral cloak, its properties activate, and the discomfort he felt vanishes instantly.
He takes several deep breaths, and the rapid heartbeat caused by the coughing gradually settles. The previously polluted air now feels fresh, even carrying a hint of lemon scent that makes him involuntarily take a few more breaths.
This leaves Caitlyn stunned.
She has seen many who are unaccustomed to Zaun, but she has never encountered someone like Lin Feng.
Just moments ago, he was violently coughing, and now, with the addition of something, he's perfectly fine?
Most importantly, this isn't a filter; there's no visible barrier on his face—it's just like wearing clothing.
"What... what is that?" Caitlyn tentatively asks.
In just two days, this scientist named Lin Feng has already given her three intense shocks.
"This is a new technology I developed that perfectly filters toxins from the air," Lin Feng boasts without a hint of embarrassment. He speaks these little lies with the ease of someone who has the skill to back them up; otherwise, trying to get funding for a project would be futile.
However, Caitlyn hasn't received such education. To her, every word from a scientist is invaluable, and the emergence of this technology leaves her in deep awe.
From both an aesthetic and practical standpoint, if this "technology" is implemented, it would significantly reduce the operational pressure on the guards of Piltover, and it could even be widely used in mines or toxic areas and other high-risk situations.
Caitlyn secretly breathes a sigh of relief, glad she didn't return Lin Feng's earlier cold attitude. If they had become enemies, it might have impacted the future of Piltover!
She is tempted to try this magical technology, but after considering it, she decides to keep silent for now. According to past events, Lin Feng is a scientist who dislikes sharing his accomplishments.
To Caitlyn, this isn't selfish; there are many like him in Piltover.
Lin Feng, however, pays little attention to Caitlyn's feelings. Now wearing the spectral cloak, he feels great; this strange outfit might even help him blend into the atmosphere of Piltover.
"So, where are we headed next?" Lin Feng asks.
In typical circumstances, Caitlyn would have the right to withhold her answer. As someone assisting in a case, she wouldn't have to share much. But having witnessed Lin Feng's "invention," her view of his standing in Piltover has changed dramatically.
"I think we should first find Professor Heimerdinger," Caitlyn says.
Lin Feng is taken aback.
"Professor Heimerdinger?!"
Caitlyn looks somewhat surprised. "Do you know him?"
Know him? Of course! Heimerdinger is the inventor of the iconic Booby; Lin Feng can't possibly not recognize him after being frustrated over a hundred times in the game while playing top lane.
But he's currently in a state of amnesia, so he needs to keep up the act.
"I don't know him... just have a sense of familiarity."
Caitlyn responds with an "oh" and wastes no more time, beginning to lead Lin Feng.
Although the identity of enforcers is quite unpopular, nobody in the lower city wants to provoke a war. Seeing these enforcers is like encountering a plague god, and nearly everyone keeps their distance.
As they proceed, Caitlyn narrates the story of Heimerdinger.
Upon learning about Heimerdinger's numerous accolades, even Lin Feng can't help but admire him.
A great inventor, indeed.
The entire city of Piltover was established by Heimerdinger.
Not to mention, Heimerdinger's inventions have propelled societal progress for countless years.
After turning down several alleyways, Caitlyn leads them into a narrow street, away from the crowds of Zaun.
Just then, Lin Feng suddenly hears the sound of a roaring engine behind him.
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