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"Father?"
Pride, who was spiritually connected to Link Star, was the first to notice his unusual state. He quickly approached Link, his massive form casting a shadow over the young inventor.
"Father, are you alright?"
Pride cautiously reached out to Link, his clawed hand gently touching his shoulder. The moment Pride made contact, the runestone Link had been holding crumbled into dust.
At the same time, Link emerged from the torrent of knowledge and memories the runestone had imparted. His legs wobbled, and he nearly collapsed, but Pride's quick reflexes saved him. Crystals materialized beneath Link, forming a chair that caught him before he could hit the ground.
"Father…" Pride lowered his head, his voice filled with concern. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Link waved him off, closing his eyes as he tried to process the overwhelming flood of information. "It's just… a lot to take in. Perfect Viktor shared more than I expected."
The knowledge gifted to him by Perfect Viktor was nothing short of a miracle. A being who had ascended beyond mortal limits, capable of manipulating time itself, had shared his accumulated wisdom with Link. For a scientist like him, this was an invaluable treasure.
With this knowledge, Link's theoretical designs could now become reality. His mind raced with possibilities, his earlier blueprints no longer confined to paper.
"I'll have to keep a closer eye on Viktor from now on," Link muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I can't let Perfect Viktor's gift go to waste."
He opened his eyes and glanced at the crystalline chair beneath him. "Did you make this?"
"I… panicked," Pride admitted, his voice low. "It just happened."
"Well, you did a good job," Link said, reaching out to pat Pride's horn. The ability to create crystals was likely derived from the Hextech crystal they both shared. Camille, another user of the original crystal, could create similar structures. Whether it was her adaptive shield or her Hextech ultimatum, both relied on the crystal's unique properties.
"Alright, go on," Link said, pulling a vial of Shimmer from his coat and downing it in one gulp. "I've got work to do."
"Father, please… take care of yourself," Pride said, slowly rising to his feet. Link chuckled. "Don't worry about me. Go on, enjoy yourself."
Pride hesitated, then turned and lumbered away, his heavy footsteps echoing through the workshop. Link stood up, stretching his arms. "Time to get to work."
Three Days Later
The Ferros Manor was ablaze with light. Carriages drawn by majestic horses streamed through the gates, each bearing the elite of Piltover. Merchants, nobles, and influential figures—anyone who held sway over the city—had been invited. Tonight, the entire upper echelon of Piltover had gathered under one roof.
Amidst the opulent arrivals, a group of travelers on foot stood out like a sore thumb.
"Do I really have to wear this?" Ekko tugged at the collar of his black suit, clearly uncomfortable. Heimerdinger, leading the group, didn't even turn around. "This is no ordinary gathering, Ekko. Link has invited the entire city's elite. As representatives of Zaun, we must present ourselves properly."
"But—" Ekko started to protest, but Jayce cut him off. "He's right, Ekko. This is a formal event. We need to look the part."
"Some of us didn't even bother dressing up," Ekko muttered, glancing at Viktor, who was clad in his usual tattered robes. Viktor simply smiled, unfazed.
"Viktor's different," Jayce said, his tone defensive.
"Different how? He's got two eyes and a mouth, just like the rest of us," Ekko shot back.
Jayce opened his mouth to retort, but Viktor intervened. "Let's not argue. We're almost there."
Heimerdinger quickened his pace. "The Ferros Manor is just ahead. Let's move."
The group approached the grand gates of the manor. The walls were made of pristine white stone, and the roof was constructed from refined steel. Niches along the walls held bronze busts of the Ferros family, including the recently deceased patriarch, Stefan Ferros, and the newly appointed leader, Dacoria Ferros.
Guards in gray uniforms stood at attention, armed with swords and rifles. As the Zaunite group approached, one of the guards stepped forward. "Are you the representatives from Zaun?"
"Indeed," Heimerdinger replied. "We've been invited by Link."
The guard nodded and stepped aside. "Please proceed. The mistress has instructed us to escort you to the banquet hall."
"Thank you," Heimerdinger said, leading the group inside. A butler, assigned by Dacoria, guided them through the manor. They passed through rooms filled with priceless artifacts—gold-framed portraits, ancient Shuriman relics, and exotic weapons from Ionia. The floors were polished marble, and the grand staircase was made from solid Freljordian ironwood.
"This place is… something else," Zeri whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
"Typical Piltie showmanship," Ekko muttered, but Sevika was more observant. "It's hard to believe someone from this family would dedicate themselves to helping Zaun."
"Everyone has their own dreams," Viktor said softly. "It's rare to find someone who acts on them."
"Still, it's strange," Ekko said. "If Link is part of this family, why haven't we heard of him before?"
"The Ferros family has always been reclusive," Mel said, appearing beside them with her assistant, Elora. She greeted Heimerdinger first, then nodded to the others. "Viktor, it's good to see you in better health."
"Just fortunate timing," Viktor replied, deftly avoiding the topic.
Mel turned to Jayce. "Where have you been? You disappeared without a word."
"I had some things to figure out," Jayce said, his gaze shifting to Viktor. "And I found my answers."
Mel raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Just don't forget about me, Jayce."
The group soon arrived at the banquet hall. The room was a spectacle of wealth and power, filled with Piltovan elite. As the Zaunites entered, the room fell silent. Eyes turned toward them—some curious, others disdainful.
Whispers filled the air.
"Who are these people?"
"Isn't that Heimerdinger? I thought he was removed from the Council."
"Look at them—dirty, uncivilized. They reek of the undercity."
"That little one's glaring. How amusing, like a petulant child."
The murmurs were cut short by the sharp clink of a spoon against a crystal glass. All eyes turned to the source of the sound.
Dacoria Ferros stood at the center of the room, her gray gown trailing behind her. She raised her glass, her voice clear and commanding. "I, Dacoria Ferros, welcome you all to this historic evening."
The guests raised their glasses in response, their attention fully on her.
"And now," Dacoria continued, gesturing toward the grand doors, "let us welcome the man of the hour—Link Star Ferros!"
The doors swung open, and Link stepped into the room, his white lab coat stark against the opulent backdrop. Behind him, Pride loomed, a shadow of power and protection.
Link walked to the center of the hall, his hands in his pockets. "Thank you all for coming. Tonight is a night that will be remembered—not just by Piltover, but by both cities."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "Because tonight, the future of Piltover and Zaun will change forever."
As if on cue, Pride let out a thunderous roar, shaking the very foundations of the manor. The room erupted into chaos and awe, as Link's declaration echoed through the halls.
Tonight, history would be made.
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.