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"Blitz... in the world... Blitz... in the world..."
The steam-powered robot, Blitzcrank, clumsily mimicked Viktor's words, his electromagnetic voice trembling with a strange charm. It was both endearing and amusing, especially with his childlike innocence.
At least, that's how Link Star felt. Listening to Blitzcrank's voice, Link couldn't help but feel the urge to dismantle him and study his internal mechanisms.
Forgive him—
As a scientist, whenever Link encountered something fascinating, his first instinct was to take it apart and see how it worked.
"Speaking of which, Blitzcrank doesn't seem too bright, does he?" Link circled the robot twice, observing him closely. Jayce snorted, while Viktor chuckled softly.
"Link, not everyone can create a mechanical being with a fully developed mind on their first attempt," Viktor said, his voice tinged with both admiration and resignation.
"Blitzcrank... the name sounds a bit odd," Jayce muttered under his breath. Blitzcrank, however, picked up on the comment and began to parrot, "Odd... odd..."
"Alright, big guy, you don't need to repeat that," Jayce said, tapping Blitzcrank's brass chest plate with his hammer.
"Don't repeat... don't repeat..."
As Blitzcrank continued to babble like a toddler, Link turned to Viktor with a questioning look.
Viktor gestured for Link to follow him, and the two stepped outside the laboratory. They stood together, watching as Viktor's followers worked diligently on the construction of a new research facility.
"After witnessing your creation, Pride, Jayce and I spent a long time debating how to create a mechanical being with independent thought," Viktor explained, his voice thoughtful.
"And?" Link crossed his arms, waiting for Viktor to continue.
"We argued, discussed, and even fought for three whole days," Viktor said, shaking his head. "But then, we turned our attention back to Pride."
"Remember how you referred to Pride as your 'firstborn'?" Viktor glanced at Link, who nodded. With a wave of his hand, Link summoned Pride, his towering mechanical creation. The ground shook as Pride landed, its dark golden eyes blinking slowly, mirroring Link's own habit of blinking after waking up.
"Father—" Pride bowed slightly, and Link reached out to gently touch one of its horns.
Viktor gazed at Pride with a mix of awe and envy. "It was your words that inspired us. If we couldn't create a mechanical being with a fully developed mind, we could mimic the growth process of a human. We could create a machine that learns and evolves through external stimuli."
Link's eyes lit up with understanding. "So that's why Blitzcrank mimics speech like a baby?"
"Exactly," Viktor said with a smile. "The hextech gem matrix inside Blitzcrank allows him to respond to external stimuli by imitating what he hears. Over time, he'll accumulate knowledge and develop his own unique personality, much like Pride."
Before Link could respond, Pride leaned forward, its eyes narrowing as it spoke in a deep, resonant voice. "No creation can compare to me. I am perfect. I am unique. I am the firstborn, the embodiment of Father's vision."
"I meant no offense, Pride," Viktor said calmly, unfazed by the mechanical giant's intimidating presence. "It's precisely because of your existence that I was inspired to create Blitzcrank."
"Are you challenging Father?" Pride's eyes glowed a dangerous red as it loomed over Viktor.
"On the path to truth, Link is the pioneer," Viktor replied, his voice steady but filled with determination. "As a follower, how could I not strive to catch up and surpass him?"
Pride straightened up, mimicking Link's posture by crossing its arms. "Your ambition is as laughable as a sparrow on a branch. My Father is greatness incarnate, a figure you could never hope to surpass."
"Perhaps," Viktor said, leaning on his staff. "But one day, I'll make him acknowledge my achievements."
"I can do that right now," Link said with a grin.
Viktor shook his head. "I don't need your pity, Link. Besides, you've already done enough for me. Once I've repaid my debt, I'll surpass you."
"Alright, I'll be waiting," Link said, extending his hand. Viktor hesitated for a moment before gripping it firmly.
"How heartwarming to see the two of you getting along so well," a clear, teasing voice interrupted.
Link turned to see Caitlyn approaching, her blue uniform pristine and her gun slung over her shoulder. She nodded at Link, her demeanor confident and composed. Her sharp eyes and thin lips gave her an air of authority, but there was a playful glint in her gaze.
"Well, well, look who's here!" Link teased. "The Sheriff of Zaun, gracing us with her presence. Shouldn't you be out on patrol? Or are you skipping work to visit us?"
"Go ahead and report me," Caitlyn said, rolling her eyes. "See if I care."
Viktor chuckled. "Caitlyn, the weapons and equipment you requested are ready. Jayce and I finished them earlier."
"Hextech weapons?" Link raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Viktor confirmed.
Caitlyn stepped forward, her tone turning serious. "Let me explain the situation. A month ago, a Shimmer production facility exploded, causing a massive leak. The area was contaminated, and the local flora and fauna began to mutate."
She sighed, clearly frustrated. "At first, I thought it was just soil and groundwater pollution, but the situation is far worse. The plants have become aggressive, and the insects and lizards have grown to enormous sizes. Some even have wings and can spit acid."
"But the most dangerous mutations are the plague rats. They've grown to the size of hounds, and their reproductive abilities haven't been affected. If we don't act quickly, they could spawn a Rat King—a leader that could unite the entire swarm. That's why I've launched an extermination campaign. It's my first major task as Sheriff."
"So, she asked us to create hextech weapons and tools to help with the operation," Jayce said, stepping out of the lab. He wore a simple shirt that clung to his muscular frame, and Link couldn't help but notice his physique.
I really need to start my physical enhancement program, Link thought. A strong mind needs an equally strong body to match.
"I'm surprised you agreed to help," Link said, teasing Jayce.
Jayce placed his hands on his hips, gazing out at the city of Zaun. "The old me might have refused, but now I want to use my skills to make the Twin Cities a better place."
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.