-40- No specific reason

"Linwin, put me down, you're embarrassing me!" 

Standing at nearly two meters in height, Jayce was being carried by Linwin, who was less than five feet tall. The scene was somewhat amusing.

Jayce covered his face, shouting loudly in protest. But what was the use of his strength against Linwin's? In this past month, Linwin had not only created the initial version of the Hextech "walkie-talkie" with Zevi but also successfully activated two new champion cards.

His power had increased significantly. The method for enhancing his abilities was to increase the affinity with champions. At Piltover University, Linwin could interact with four different champions, but only three of them had steadily improved their affinity.

These three champions were Professor Heimerdinger, Jayce Talis, and Viktor. 

After all, she only occasionally came to the academy to see Jayce. And lately, Jayce has been busy researching Hextech technology with Viktor, so he has no time to interact with her. Consequently, she simply stopped coming to the academy.

Linwin activated champion cards for two champions, which wasn't surprising since he had known Jayce and Viktor from the beginning. Both Jayce and Viktor were four-star champions.

[Defender of tomorrow ★★★★]

[Machine Herald ★★★★]

This increased Linwin's stats by 60 points. However, it puzzled Linwin that Jayce was indeed a strength-based champion. Although he was aware of it from the League of Legends game, seeing Jayce in person as a scientist made it hard for him to accept. Jayce was a scientist with muscles, and this scientists primarily had strength as his main attribute. 

This just didn't seem logical!

Could it be that Jayce, after obtaining the Mercury Hammer, has become a different person? Or is it that the hammer has added numerous attributes to Jayce? Otherwise, this just doesn't make scientific sense!

A four-star card Jayce should undoubtedly have higher combat power than Vi, but from the looks of it now, Jayce is undeniably weaker. 

As for Viktor, his four-star rating was understandable. Looking at his background, it wouldn't be a surprise if he approached five stars in the future. As the Machine Herald, Viktor had limitless potential.

But what about Jayce? He didn't undergo any alchemical transformations and had a regular human body. 

Speaking of Jayce's current combat power, to be honest, despite his muscular physique sculpted from hammer training, Linwin envied it, but when it came to actual combat ability, well, to put it bluntly, Vi could probably pin Jayce to the ground within three minutes in a freestyle fight. What did being 1.9 meters tall matter? Even being 1.9 doesn't mean he want to get hit?

Viktor's intelligence type was unsurprising, and his appearance finally pushed Linwin's intelligence past three digits. Now, Linwin's stats were as follows:

Player: Linwin

Level: 21

Strength: 186

Agility: 186

Intelligence: 121

Mana: 0

Skills: [Advanced Repair], [Advanced Swordsmanship], [Penetrating Force]

Champion Cards: [Piltover Enforcer ★★★], [The Loose Cannon ★★★]

//// When I search up wiki, jinx had two titles, the demolition diva and the loose cannon. I don't know which one is better. Y'all choose.////

Items: [Chrono Ring], [Doran's Blade ★], [Damaged Unknown Rune Fragment x1], [Raptor Cloak ★★]

Remaining Draw Attempts: 0

Linwin still only had two champion cards, with his Strength and Agility both reaching 186, while his Intelligence had reached 121. As for his level, he didn't care about it anymore, at least as it stood now, his level seemed to be completely useless. 

The activation of a three-star champion card added 20 points to his three stats, making it equivalent to level 20 attributes, not to mention the direct effect of adding one hundred to the main attribute after obtaining it.

Level, huh! 

Including the lottery chances Linwin obtained from Powder earlier, he has used three lottery chances in total, resulting in receiving the "Raptor Cloak★★,"along with intermediate swordsmanship and then up to advanced swordsmanship. 

Well, he got three-star skills, which should indicate good luck, but why didn't he receive them directly?

In any case, Linwin has become stronger, and he can clearly feel this newfound strength. Therefore, how could Jayce possibly escape from his grasp?

"Enough, Linwin, put me down! This is too embarrassing. Linwin, if you don't put me down right now, I swear I'll get angry!"

Jayce vigorously patted Linwin's back, unafraid of hurting Linwin since he was a veritable beast, comparable to the monsters from the Shurima desert!

Hearing the cries behind him, Linwin chuckled and shook his shoulders forcefully, causing Jayce to almost vomit his breakfast. 

With a loud "Uh," he pushed his body up and away from Linwin's shoulder, trying to feel a bit better.

Linwin didn't care about the onlookers and their judgment. Now, it was Jayce who was the more embarrassing one. 

He continued, "Do you even know what's embarrassing, Jayce? I've told you countless times, please don't disturb me and Zevi during work hours. But what have you done?"

Linwin carried Jayce through the campus, and along the way, this duo attracted numerous glances. Some girls covered their mouths and giggled as they observed the pair.

On one side was Jayce, the most famous student in the academy right now. On the other was Linwin, the academy's most dashing handyman. 

Plus, with Linwin carrying Jayce in a way that completely disrespected the future star Jayce, it naturally drew countless looks and attention.

In response to those amused glances and laughter, Jayce quickly spoke, "I didn't come this time to disturb you and Zevi in your research. I came to invite you."

"Oh?"

"In a few days, it's Progress Day. I'd like to invite you to attend the Kiramman family's dinner with me."

Linwin paused. "I can go? I'm just a Zaunite."

"What's the problem with that? Viktor is also a Zaunite, isn't he? Linwin, you've managed to get Zevi to work for you, which has attracted a lot of attention to your Hextech phone. They are closely watching you now. Are you ready to join a major family?"

Having spoken, Jayce awaited Linwin's response. 

He thought Linwin would be excited about this opportunity. 

After all, Victor had worked hard for many years to gain the support of Piltover's prominent families in the field of Hextech technology. 

Yet Linwin, who had only been in Piltover for a few months, was already being considered for investment by one of the major families.

Linwin was even being recruited by a major family. As long as Linwin agreed to sign an agreement, he could become part of Piltover!

But... Linwin's response was silence.

Linwin remained silent for a long time. Then, he finally spoke with a tone of regret, saying, "I'm sorry, Jayce, but I don't plan to join a Piltover family."

"Why, Linwin? Research requires funding. Professor Heimerdinger can't sponsor you indefinitely, and Zevi doesn't have the capacity. Hextech crystals are currently invaluable! While our relationship is great, and I'm more than willing to help you, Linwin, it's evident that the quantity of Hextech crystals you need is too substantial. The family standing behind me won't approve of me blindly supporting you, unless you're also willing to join them."

"There's no such thing as a free lunch, right?"

Seeing Linwin still silent, Jayce grew agitated and said, "Join the Ferros family with me. Isn't that a good thing? Do you know how many people in Piltover want the Ferros family's sponsorship?"

"Jayce, that's enough."

Linwin interrupted Jayce and took a deep breath. He continued, "Has Viktor already joined a Piltover family?"

"No, not yet. They're currently investing in me, and there are families trying to recruit Viktor, but he declined. And you're in a similar situation now. What's the matter with you guys? Linwin, what's the reason behind you and Viktor's refusal?"

Jayce was quite puzzled. 

As someone who had grown up in Piltover, he understood the city's rules well. Now, Piltover's rules were willing to open doors for two Zaunites, but they refused?

This isn't reasonable!

"No specific reason," Linwin replied with a smile.

"Jayce, I come from Zaun; I'm a Zaunite," Linwin continued. 

He breathed a sigh of relief. 

Viktor was still connected to his roots.