-13- Stay safe

After Ekko fell asleep, Mylo was the first to wake up.

Linwin patted a ring on his hand and then reached into his pocket, taking out a small bag and handing it to Mylo. Inside were some deliciously roasted meat slices that Linwin had prepared in advance.

This was Linwin's reward for Ekko.

"Take it, give it to him when he wakes up. You and Claggor aren't allowed to sneak a bite. These are all for Ekko," Linwin instructed.

Mylo took the bag, smelling the enticing aroma of food emanating from it. He knew exactly what was inside. But seeing Linwin's serious expression, Mylo stood up straight, saluted, and said, "Yes, big bro. Rest assured, I'll give it to Ekko safely."

"Of course, you can also ask Ekko for some. He's not a stingy person," Linwin suggested. 

Linwin knew Ekko wasn't a stingy guy.

In fact, despite his young age, Ekko already exhibited the potential of a great leader. This was largely due to him spending time with Linwin, Vander, and Benzo. 

Compared to Vi and Powder, who were always fooling around in the streets or doing reckless things like stealing from the Upper City, little Ekko was better at bargaining and tricking people out of their money.

Was this good? Of course not... but Linwin deeply understood that this was the survival method of Zaunites.

In Zaun, 'quality' was a rather ironic term. When survival became a problem, people turned into beasts. Vander was suppressing these beasts, struggling to maintain order in the Undercity.

Mylo listened, a bit downcast. "My relationship with him isn't that good. Claggor gets along with him better."

"That's your own fault, Mylo. I've told you several times to treat Powder and Ekko well, especially Ekko. Can't you see he's a genius?"

"He... Alright big bro, Ekko is a genius," Mylo nodded. He didn't really dislike Ekko and Powder. He just had a tongue and couldn't control it. Unless he faced someone who could beat him up, he would always badmouth others.

When fighting in the streets, if someone targeted Powder, Mylo would fight fiercely to help her. But he would only do this silently; he wouldn't speak out loud about it.

He and Powder and Ekko had always clashed.

"If you don't improve your relationship with him, when he grows up, he could very well be the one to lead all of Zaun," Linwin said after considering.

"?"

Mylo gave Linwin a confused look.

Lead all of Zaun... Vander couldn't truly achieve this, but Mylo believed that big bro could. And big bro said Ekko could achieve it? 

Ha, what a joke. Scientists should focus on researching technology, not getting into fights.

"In any case, you and Claggor stay here, stay put, and don't go out during the day. If the Enforcers find you, you're done. Understand?"

"I understand."

Linwin nodded and took the piece of paper that Ekko had written on.

After greeting Benzo, the chubby Benzo nodded at him.

He pushed the door open, put on a white hat that covered his entire head, and his figure quickly disappeared into the dark alley.

——————————

"Jayce Talis."

"You are charged with illegal possession of equipment and endangering citizens of Piltover."

"Do you have anything to defend yourself?" 

The sturdy young man lowered his head, looking at the ground, the spotlight shining on him, with countless people watching.

"That... the danger level of those scientific equipment far exceeds my understanding. But now, I realize I violated the rules of the Academy..."

After the "trial," Jayce was drenched in sweat.

Walking out of the council, a young man behind Jayce pursed his lips, holding a notebook in his hands.

——————————

Black Alley, Zoran's Repair Shop.

As Linwin pushed open the door, a small iron canister flew towards him. He extended his hand to catch it, pursed his lips, and looked at Zoran, who was wearing an iron mask and repairing equipment. 

Linwin spoke, "I've been wanting to ask for a long time, Zoran. Why do you always throw things at me when I enter? Aren't you afraid you might hit someone else?"

"No one in Zaun walks like you, hesitant yet with a trace of delight. A gutter rat is just a gutter rat, can't even walk properly. Why are you back? Only remember to come back when you're hungry? Why don't you just go die?"

With just a few words, old Zoran started to 'attack' Linwin again.

"At home, of course, you don't have to be careful about your steps. Do I have to be cautious when I return to my own home?"

Linwin moved a chair and sat beside Zoran, watching him meticulously repair a piece of equipment - to be precise, it was a gear.

"Tell me, where are you planning to go this time?" Zoran didn't turn around but continued his repair work. However, the critical gears were already disassembled. He disassembled a gear the size of a pinky into dozens of smaller components and placed them all in a small box.

Who would've thought that a gear could have so many parts?

"Not clear yet, but this time is different from the past. I'm heading to the topside." Linwin said with a smile.

"But don't worry about me; I won't be in danger. I'm very strong now; firearms are useless against me."

"Yeah, yeah, of course, you've beaten that... that Vander guy to a pulp," Old Zoran lifted his head, wrench in hand, and said, "But I'm gratified by this. Well done, you little brat. Vander should have had a beating a long time ago. I know what he's been up to, we all do, but I don't want to get involved."

"He's been... very tired over these years, but dedication and fatigue aren't his reasons for doing what he's about to do."

"The Undercity needs to find a way out. Vander hasn't found the right path. Many people in Zaun know this, but everyone hopes Vander will wake up again and lead us to rebel against the upper city. However, it's clear we've been waiting for four years, and he still hasn't awakened."

"What do you plan to do?"

Linwin answered, "Create weapons, a kind that will make Piltover citizens acknowledge us. Only when we have blades in our hands will they truly listen to us."

Linwin continued, "Actually, Silco has already developed a kind of weapon. However, it's harmful to humans. I destroyed several of his factories and warned him not to spread that thing in Zaun."

"Is it very powerful?"

"Yeah, it allows an ordinary person to easily kill enforcers after consumption. Even military machine guns might not harm them."

Old Zoran nodded, "If you don't allow it, it means that this thing is very dangerous. Trust your own judgment."

"Yeah..."

"Linwin, I've always wanted you to go to the upper city, but I didn't expect it to be in this way. When you came to me years ago, you were just this small," Old Zoran gestured to his waist, "now, in the blink of an eye, five years have passed, and you've already grown into an adult."

"You said your name is Linwin, but I've added a surname... Lorant."

Linwin was speechless. "You always want to send me to Piltover, just like that genius you saw years ago."

"Don't flatter yourself; you foolish lad. Viktor is much smarter than you."

Old Zoran raised his hand and gave Linwin a strong pat.

Linwin's mouth twitched, "...."

"Oh, by the way, here's this for you."

Linwin took out the rejuvenation bead and handed it to Old Zoran.

"What is it?"

"Good stuff. Just keep it."

Upon hearing Linwin's words, Zoran took it and then felt something warm and soothing.

"It's good for your body," Linwin said, looking at Old Zoran.

Zoran looked at the bead for a short while then he returned to his usual attitude.

"Get lost. I can tell what you're about to say from your expression." 

Linwin nodded.

But as he opened the door, Old Zoran spoke again.

"Stay safe."

Linwin turned back and saw the frail Old Zoran engrossed in tinkering with equipment.

It was as if... nothing had happened.