Chapter 2

"This... teleportation?!"

Ivankov's large face was filled with surprise. He realized that he and Ginny had struck gold. With this device, the chances of a successful escape could increase exponentially.

"That's right, it's teleportation. This is just a model. Whether it's good luck or bad, this ship just happens to have the parts to build this device.

Slow-moving airships and boats won't make it out, but this kind of teleportation, they can't stop it."

What Orlan held was a model of a Hextech teleporter. In his dreams, Orlan had experienced various times and spaces, but his everyday life was in Piltover, where Hextech was fundamental.

Piltover originally had Hextech teleporters, which used energy bursts from Hextech cores to accelerate airships, reducing travel time.

Orlan took this foundation and developed it further.

Hextech was unique, its energy limited only by the user's imagination, containing infinite possibilities.

From powering machines to creating beams that could cut the hardest steel, Hextech played a role in countless fields.

Due to technical reasons, even Hextech artisans from the same school would have differences in their techniques, making each Hextech work unique.

Compared to the original teleporters, Orlan's goal was direct teleportation, akin to how heroes in games are transported to designated locations.

He had gone to Bilgewater to discuss business in this area, bringing finished parts due to his confidence in the technology.

Transporting goods directly to the warehouse was much faster than moving them from the ship.

"Great, in that case..."

Ivankov seemed to see a bright future, but Orlan quickly doused his enthusiasm.

"Don't get excited yet; I haven't finished. Although my research aimed at directly teleporting humans has succeeded, stable teleportation requires two interfaces.

Currently, we have no way to send the other end out, so it can only teleport randomly. I can guarantee sending people to a general area, but which island within that area will be up to luck."

Shrugging, Orlan looked a bit helpless. After all, the technology wasn't originally meant for emergency escapes, and without preparation, there were limits.

"That's not a big deal. I think no island could be worse than here."

Ginny didn't see it as a problem. The death rate here was 100%; as long as they could leave, anywhere would be better.

Excluding the Red Line and Marineford, their survival rate would be significantly higher.

"The second issue is that I need time."

This was a more pressing concern for Orlan than unstable teleportation.

At least for unstable teleportation, the issue of spatial positioning was solved, ensuring people wouldn't end up high in the air or inside buildings. As long as they weren't extremely unlucky, they'd land safely.

But Ivankov and Ginny didn't understand why Orlan found this so challenging.

"Your ship has the parts. We can help with the assembly."

Ivankov flexed his arm, trying to show he was strong enough to be a laborer.

"You think this technology is as simple as assembling toys? This device was originally for transporting goods. Teleporting humans requires modifications.

Especially the Hextech core driving this device; it's the power source and must be adjusted for human teleportation, which only I can do."

Orlan picked up the model on the table, skillfully disassembling it to reveal a blue crystal the size of a bottle cap floating inside.

"This is the core. Just this small piece can power this fantastic technology, and the real one is much larger."

Orlan put away the mini Hextech core and motioned for them to follow him. He quickly led them to the ship's warehouse, where Hextech teleporter parts were stored.

Dozens of large crates were neatly arranged, the smallest one taller than Ivankov.

"Ordinary people can handle the parts outside the core, but just you two won't be enough."

Orlan pulled off the dust cover and opened one of the crates to show Ivankov and Ginny the massive metal parts inside.

Connecting different city-states, these large devices were far more exaggerated in size than Orlan's model, occupying most of the ship's space.

Seeing gears taller than himself, Ivankov fell silent, but Ginny remained optimistic.

"So besides time, you also need more manpower, right?"

"Yes, preferably skilled technicians. Shipwrights, blacksmiths, carpenters will do. There should be plenty on this island.

My requirements are minimal; they just need to understand blueprints."

With some basic knowledge, teaching them assembly wouldn't be complicated. Orlan missed his crew, who would have made this easier.

But last night, he had sent them to a dockside inn while he stayed on the ship for experiments, leaving him alone now.

"Continue with your plan. Doing both increases our chances. Recruiting some hands is necessary.

No one wants to die here. Many will fight for survival."

Taking some useful items, Orlan began further arming himself. He had a bit of a fear of insufficient firepower, perhaps a national trait.

"That's logical, but they're Celestial Dragons. Not many will dare to resist..."

Ivankov voiced his concerns. Since the World Government's founding, centuries of rule had entrenched the Celestial Dragons' status.

According to Ivankov's information, the Celestial Dragons promised freedom to those who survived three weeks, tricking "prey" into fleeing to increase their fun.

"The false hope given by the Celestial Dragons makes many give up resistance, willing to escape..."

"People like that aren't our concern. Do you want to save everyone?"

Orlan never saw himself as altruistic. He wouldn't risk himself for strangers.

If he had the ability, he'd help those who shared his goal, like Ivankov and Ginny's escape plan.

Orlan respected those who gave up resistance, as long as they didn't hinder him. He wouldn't care about them.

Ivankov understood. Among slaves, some like him and Ginny resisted, while others resigned to their fate, living like the walking dead.

Given the dire situation, time was a countdown to death. They couldn't waste it on those resigned to their fate.

"If I had the ability, I'd want to save them, but that's unrealistic. I believe even if one escapes, it's a victory."

Ivankov sighed but faced reality.

"Then there's no problem. Those who don't strive aren't worth saving. But your goal is too small; I don't plan to escape quietly."

"What do you mean?"

"This world gave me such a unique welcome gift, so I must return it in kind."

His blue eyes deepened, his thoughts unreadable.

"What do you mean by 'return it'?"

Ivankov found the term strange, even for someone with quirky habits.

In time, Ivankov would redefine "gift," seeing it as something that could be both delightful and deadly.

(End of Chapter)