CHAPTER 261 - Chem-Barons? They Are No Longer Necessary

It could only be said that Renata was a seasoned manipulator.

Even when questioned so harshly by Li Lin, she remained exceptionally calm.

"Heh, Master Li Lin, everyone must be responsible for their actions. If we were in Piltover, could I sue you for defamation?" she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Li Lin snorted, unwilling to waste any more words with her.

The crimes of Glasc Industries were already confirmed. The explosion at the Zaun Chemtech facility still needed further investigation, but the mechanical engineers had already ruled out the possibility of an "accident."

No matter how flawlessly an act is carried out, it always leaves some trace.

While cleaning up the site, the mechanical engineers found tiny fragments of a Chemtech bomb among the debris. These fragments included traces of short hair, clearly belonging to a man. Without the scanning capabilities of the mechanical engineers and the AI's database comparison, even the most expert investigators in Piltover would have missed this crucial evidence.

In Zaun, there was only one person capable of producing such a nearly trace-free Chemtech bomb—Renata. Not even Silco had access to such a weapon.

Li Lin had already instructed the mechanical engineers to collect the evidence and deliver it to Sheriff Grayson, who was also overseeing the rescue operations in the lower city.

It wouldn't take long for Piltover's authorities to analyze and determine the specific materials and components, identifying who used it.

Li Lin's AI locked onto Renata and her floating device. He prepared to fire a "stun round" and a regular energy blast to incapacitate her and destroy her weapon.

But Renata seemed to anticipate his move. Her Chemtech-augmented left hand twitched, triggering the device into attack mode.

[Warning! You have been locked onto by Renata's device. Biochemical missiles have been launched!]

[Warning! The device has vaporized a significant amount of Shimmer. Biochemical poison gas will be released shortly!]

As the AI's warnings blared, Renata's device launched several missiles filled with Chemtech chemicals at Li Lin. Following the missiles, a wave of purple toxic gas surged from the device, filling the small room almost instantly.

Before Li Lin could react, the AI had already locked onto the airborne biochemical missiles and activated the defense system. It launched several ultra-compressed mini energy blasts, obliterating the missiles without causing any explosions.

As for the toxic gas filling the room, it was known for its strong neuro-stimulating effects and bodily enhancements. Thanks to the filters in his armor, Li Lin was unconcerned.

However, the room wasn't airtight, and the toxic gas began leaking outside. Renata's men, stationed outside, started fighting each other under the influence of the gas.

At that moment, Renata, who had rushed to the window to escape using her floating device, was shocked when a blue-white energy glow from Li Lin's suit illuminated the room. She hadn't expected his armor to be so powerful.

Renata acted swiftly, gripping the handle of her device with her left hand. She stepped off the window ledge, letting the floating machine carry her into the air.

Seeing Li Lin standing motionless, she ordered her device to target the entire dance hall and fire biochemical missiles to destroy it.

She believed that given the choice between capturing her and saving innocent lives, Li Lin would choose the latter.

Unfortunately, her plan was flawed.

Hearing the AI's alert, Li Lin decided not to waste any more time. He activated "Overload Charge," now instantaneous thanks to Janna's blessings and protection. His suit glowed with a brilliant blue light.

With the AI's assistance, his speed increased significantly. In a blink of an eye, Renata noticed Li Lin had disappeared from the room, her heart filled with dread.

"Damn! Where did that bastard go?"

She quickly scanned her surroundings.

Renata had heard about Li Lin's ability to fly and had considered creating a similar flying defensive armor for herself. However, despite her top-tier craftsmen's efforts, they couldn't replicate the technology by mere observation.

Li Lin memorized the schematics mentally, never sharing them, ensuring no risk of leakage.

Seeing no trace of Li Lin, Renata frowned deeply, "Has he left?"

Then she shook her head vigorously, causing her device to wobble. "No, impossible! He wouldn't let me go…"

"Exactly, why would I let you go?"

As her words trailed off, Renata heard a familiar voice, cold as death, whispering in her ear.

Renata took a sharp breath, her violet eyes narrowing in shock. When did he...?

Before she could react, Li Lin had already swung his "high-frequency vibrating blade," severing her mechanical left arm and cutting off her connection to the Bionic Extractor. As she began to fall, stunned, Li Lin pondered briefly on how to handle the device. Ultimately, he decided to keep it as evidence against Glasc.

Destroying the extractor's propulsion system, he swiftly caught the falling Renata, using precise energy control to knock her unconscious. The next step was simple: contact Sheriff Grayson and have Renata locked up. He wasn't particularly concerned with the subsequent charges and trials against Glasc.

Capturing Renata was significant. She was currently Zaun's most powerful Chem-Baron, far surpassing the second. Of course, Silco and Vander weren't Chem-Barons and didn't count in these rankings.

Li Lin handed Renata over to the hurriedly arriving Sheriff Grayson and her elite enforcers from Piltover's middle square, instructing her to secretly transport Renata without any leaks. They couldn't be sure what other plans Renata might have.

Zaun's stability had to be ensured. Li Lin needed to quickly gain control over all of Glasc Industries. With time running short, he called Silco, informing him of Renata's capture and asking him to summon all the Chem-Barons for an emergency meeting.

Silco, understanding Li Lin's intentions, agreed immediately and notified him to meet in the border market's building conference room in an hour.

Li Lin then had the AI redistribute tasks, deploying about a hundred idle mechanical soldiers in groups of three to five to stand by at Glasc's twenty-plus factories.

They were to scan for any hazardous items like bombs. If found, the soldiers would take control of the factories, cut off external communications, and disable any bombs without waiting for further orders. If no dangers were found, they would await Li Lin's post-meeting instructions to simultaneously secure all factories.

Li Lin prioritized monitoring certain alchemical workshops, leaving places like dance halls, bars, and restaurants to Silco's men.

Half an hour passed quickly. With nothing pressing to do, Li Lin arrived early at Silco's office to discuss the upcoming Chem-Baron meeting. 

Silco had already decided not to spare Bonnie, despite their past ties. He had sent modified soldiers enhanced with Shimmer and Chemtech to deal with her. The dance hall was sealed by Piltover's enforcers and Li Lin's mechanical soldiers. Bonnie was unaware of Renata's capture and was en route from the middle square, only to be intercepted.

Based on Li Lin's understanding of Silco, Bonnie would likely end up in the waters of Watcher Bay by the end of the night, keeping company with devilfish.

Silco also had evidence of Chem-Baron Middlestock's secret dealings with Renata, planning to present it at the meeting and deal with him openly.

Li Lin intended to dismantle the Chem-Barons' control over Zaun's districts, a move Silco supported. The Chem-Barons were no longer necessary. Even without Renata, Silco's rule faced obstacles from the other Barons.

Li Lin anticipated Silco's ambitions and planned to counter them by grooming Mundo as his representative in Zaun. Once the Chem-Barons' control was lifted, Mundo could emerge from the armory to play a more prominent role.

Together with Vander in the Lanes, Zaun could establish a tripartite balance of power. Vander wasn't interested in power struggles, focusing only on his territory. Mundo, with Li Lin's backing, could balance Silco's influence, preventing him from dominating Zaun entirely.

Li Lin and Silco discussed various plans until the AI reminded them it was time for the meeting. They then headed leisurely to the conference room, exchanging casual conversation.

Opening the conference room door, they found the Chem-Barons waiting. Unlike the last meeting, all the Chem-Barons were present this time.

Ernie, Barrett, and Longfellow, old acquaintances of Vander and Silco, controlled the botanical cultivation center, the Academy of Mystical Arts, and the Elevated Plaza, respectively.

Voslann, connected to the upper city, managed multiple mines and the robot manufacturing industry in the Undercity. They were members of the previous meeting.

In addition to the returning "Firelighter" Finn and Bonnie, three new faces joined the group.

Middlestock, thin and slick-looking with sparse hair and pale skin, bore an alchemical augmentation, giving a conniving impression. 

Spindle, a Vashtaya with electric batons on his belt and wearing Chemtech leather armor, bore a slight resemblance to a Pekingese.

Adrien, with his head transplanted onto a Chemtech body and encased in a clear anti-explosion breathing mask, was covered in deadly weapons, his bronze alchemical claws menacingly sharp.

Spindle had killed his boss, Lyon Nickfer, the previous Chem-Baron, and now controlled a commercial empire. Adrien, who discovered oil after Renata, managed numerous alchemical workshops, mines, and refineries.

Upon entering, the Chem-Barons turned their gazes to Li Lin and Silco. Spindle and Adrien noted Li Lin walking ahead of Silco, a surprise evident in their eyes. Ernie, Barrett, and Longfellow looked concerned and tense, worried about Bonnie's absence.

Rannal, also a Chemtech-modified individual with her head transplanted onto a machine body, had a good relationship with Li Lin and remained at ease. Vos had dark circles under his eyes, his face filled with anxiety and fear, as if facing a difficult problem.

Li Lin quickly assessed their expressions and took the main seat, with Silco sitting opposite him. Meeting the Chem-Barons' surprised looks, Li Lin tapped the table, "Since everyone is here, let's begin the meeting."

(End of Chapter)