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Link Star left, and he left without hesitation.
After convincing Viktor to turn away from his dangerous path, finalizing Zaun's future development plans, and sending out invitations for the banquet three days later, there was no reason for him to stay any longer.
It was better to return to his underground workshop and focus on his scientific research projects.
After Link's departure, the group that had gathered because of him also dispersed.
Ekko and Zeri returned to the Firelights' base, Sevika went back to The Last Drop, and Jinx, with Isha in tow, strutted away under Jayce's resentful gaze.
As for Heimerdinger, he chose to stay in Viktor's community to catch up with his two former students.
"What a remarkable man," Viktor murmured, standing on a high platform and gazing in the direction Link had left.
Jayce, however, crossed his arms and grumbled, "I don't have a good impression of him. His aggressive demeanor made me uncomfortable."
"But he did point out our problems and provided solutions," Viktor replied, turning to Jayce with his staff in hand. "Jayce, we've already made one mistake. We can't afford to go down the wrong path again."
"I know, Viktor," Jayce said, taking a deep breath. "I won't repeat the same mistakes."
"That's the Jayce I remember," Viktor smiled. "From today, we'll close the community to outsiders and focus on finding a path that suits us."
"What do you plan to do?" Jayce asked.
Viktor thought for a moment. "Don't you think Link's creation, Pride, is an excellent concept?"
"You mean—" Jayce's eyes widened.
Viktor looked around, his eyes filled with compassion. "Zaun isn't just plagued by poverty. There's also pollution, tectonic shifts, and landslides—both natural and man-made disasters. I think we should develop a creation for disaster relief and reconstruction."
"That's a great idea. What should we call this project?"
Viktor pondered, his eyes scanning the area until they landed on the rising smoke from the community's kitchen chimney. His eyes lit up. "How about... Steam-Powered Golem?"
"Steam-Powered Golem..." Jayce mused. "That sounds like a solid plan!"
"Gentlemen!" Heimerdinger approached, hands behind his back and chest puffed out. "I believe you might need a mentor's guidance to complete this project."
Viktor and Jayce exchanged a glance, both smiling.
"Of course, Professor. We'd be honored!" they said in unison.
Bluewind Manor, Underground Workshop
As soon as Link returned, he released Pride from its containment, allowing it to roam freely.
Pride had been well-behaved today and deserved a reward.
Sitting at his workbench, Link pulled out rolls of blueprints and the book of runic equations gifted to him by the Nameless Traveler.
He had previously conceptualized a Hextech drone, a Hextech orbital particle cannon, and Hextech flying swords. Now, he planned to turn these ideas into reality to enhance his combat capabilities.
At the same time, he needed to redesign and improve his exoskeleton, prioritizing physical enhancement.
"Looks like I have a lot on my plate," Link muttered, listing all his tasks.
Suddenly, Pride let out a low growl, its gaze fixed on the workshop door.
Link set down his designs and looked toward the opening door.
"What a rare guest," Link said with a smile. "I thought you wouldn't show up for a while."
"I've only stepped back from the spotlight, not retired completely," Camille replied, her leg-blade tapping the ground as she approached the workbench.
Throughout this, Pride kept its eyes locked on Camille, unblinking.
"New invention plans?" Camille picked up a blueprint—a sketch of Link's Hextech drone.
Link nodded. "My personal strength is still lacking. I plan to use research to improve and advance."
"Dear, you're underestimating yourself," Camille said, placing the blueprint back on the table. "Your achievements surpass what most craftsmen could only dream of in a lifetime."
"You should relax a little." Camille tapped Link's forehead.
Link chuckled. "You're right, but I can't stay cooped up in Piltover and Zaun forever. The world outside is vast and full of wonders. I need to see it for myself."
"Ah, the curse of genius," Camille sighed. "Never satisfied, always striving for greater heights."
"But I like that about you," she added with a smile. "Go ahead and do what you must. Daciana has already prepared the invitations for the banquet. Whatever you plan to do, know that House Ferros will always have your back."
"For my family, I give my all," Link stood and bowed slightly.
Camille tapped his forehead again. "You little rascal."
"Alright, I'll leave you to your inventions." Camille turned and walked away, her gaze lingering on Pride. Every time she saw it, the core within Pride resonated with the Hextech crystal in her chest, even though hers far outnumbered Pride's.
Camille gave Pride a slight nod before leaving. Pride watched the door close and let out a puff of steam in disdain.
"Show some respect to Camille," Link said without looking up.
"Yes, Father," Pride replied.
"Go play. In three days, you'll be free to explore the world outside."
"I'll wait, Father."
Pride wandered off to another part of the workshop, leaving Link to his work.
Link looked at the pile of blueprints and sighed.
"Camille's visit cooled my restless mind. Maybe I should contact Perfect Viktor and report my progress. Maybe I can even get something out of it."
Link opened the dimensional mailbox and began drafting a letter to Perfect Viktor.
Dear Viktor,
I've fulfilled your request. I've intervened and altered the fate of Viktor in my timeline.
After my persuasion, the Viktor of this timeline will no longer pursue arcane magic. Instead, he'll focus on scientific and technological advancement.
As a researcher at heart, science is a more suitable path for him. What magic can achieve, science can accomplish as well.
Science, compared to magic, is gentler and more beneficial to society. As a child of Zaun, you understand the importance of serving the people.
Viktor has now returned to the path he was meant to walk.
I'll continue to report his progress, hoping it brings you some comfort.
Sincerely,
Link Star
After reviewing the letter, Link sent it off and picked up the book of runic equations.
The Hextech Gate's principle was to create a pathway for long-distance teleportation. Applying this to the Hextech drone and flying swords required precise calculations of the pathway's size and duration.
While the Hextech Gate was designed for airships, Link believed that a pathway as thin as a strand of hair could power the drone and swords.
The challenge lay in the design and control.
As he pondered, Link's eye twitched.
A reply from Perfect Viktor had arrived.
The message was brief:
Thank you for your efforts and for guiding another version of me. If I had someone like you in my time, perhaps I wouldn't be standing alone in this dreamless solitude.
As a token of gratitude, I've sent you a new reward. I hope you like it.
Let's stay in touch.
The attachment blinked, indicating a new reward from Perfect Viktor.
"I wonder what it is this time," Link muttered, opening the attachment.
A rune stone, the size of a baby's fist, fell out. Unlike the previous one, this was larger and covered in more intricate runes.
Link reached out to touch it, and the moment his fingers made contact, a jolt of energy surged through him. His body stiffened, and his eyes widened as streams of light and runes flooded his vision.
A vast amount of knowledge poured into his mind, leaving him breathless.
"So... so beautiful," Link whispered.
"Such exquisite knowledge... I can't get enough of it!"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 125 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 200 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.