-177- Advice from Linwin

March 10th, a clear day.

At the Hex Gate Center in Piltover, Powder is swiftly pushing Linwin's wheelchair towards a destination.

Ahead, the silver lion banner has unfurled, and several elite soldiers of Demacia have already boarded the airship. 

Although they took their positions on the airship early on, a hint of reluctance is visible on their faces. After all, during these days in Zaun, they've lived quite comfortably.

Zaunites aren't exclusive from this; in their essence, they pursue freedom. As long as there's a common topic, the wine will flow without stopping. 

In this regard, Piltover residents can't match Zaunites. While they also enjoy freedom, there's an aristocratic pride ingrained in them.

Therefore, in Zaun's taverns, soldiers only need to share some stories about Demacia – like the giant eagle, heroic deeds, and even their training experiences – and these stories become favorites among the people and someone will then buy them drinks.

"We're leaving...."

"Yeah, I hope we'll have a chance to come to Zaun again."

"The journey isn't far, the speed of this Hex Gate far exceeds our imagination. The only trouble is the issue of travel permits."

The soldiers on the airship engage in conversation.

On the empty platform at the Hex Gate Center, Lux is holding hands with Zeri, wearing a reluctant expression.

"Sniff, Lux, you must come back to play again." Zeri looks sad; she really likes Lux, likes this girl who radiates light.

During these days, whenever Lux came to see Zeri, Zeri would take Lux everywhere to play. They've developed a deep friendship.

"Sorry, Zeri, I can't promise you that. After all, Aunt Tianna won't allow me to leave her side. But if there's a chance to come to Zaun, I will definitely seize it!" Lux looks up, facing Zeri seriously.

Zeri nods, somewhat disappointed but understanding Lux. "Then don't forget me, don't forget your friends in Zaun."

Seraphine, standing nearby, looks at her band's guitarist and lighting technician, somewhat speechless. 

She remarks to the two girls, "Actually, you might be able to contact each other through Hex phones? The Hextech gemstones brought from Demacia to Zaun are supposed to be used for this purpose, right?"

"Ah right!" Zeri claps her hands, but the next moment, she looks at Seraphine with confusion. "But, Sera, are you sure we can make calls from Zaun to Demacia? I heard from Powder that as long as there are enough Hextech stations, you can broadcast signals anywhere in the world. So the only question is whether there are Hextech stations on the way from Demacia to Zaun. After all, calling Noxus from here is no problem at all."

"Hextech stations?" Lux blinks, ruefully saying, "Oh no, this batch of gemstones definitely won't be installed outside the country. Just as I've always said, Zeri, Zaun and Demacia are both great countries, but at the same time, it is a closed country. Coming to Zaun is my first time leaving Demacia."

"Who said they won't be installed outside?!"

A voice suddenly interrupts the girls' conversation.

Lux turns her head, seeing Powder happily pushing Linwin over. Linwin, with a somewhat helpless smile on his face.

Although being pushed by Powder is very dangerous, what can he do?

Can Linwin refuse Powder?

If he doesn't let Powder push, then she might resort to the "I'm feeling upset" tactic.

Powder:...

Being looked at like this by Powder, who can withstand it?

"Lux, I have a letter here. Please deliver it to His Majesty King Jarvan III."

Looking up at Lux, Linwin extends a letter with a red vial-like seal. The seal is crafted with red wax, resembling a medicine bottle. Lux looks at this small design and thinks it has the style of Zaun.

"Demacia wants to talk about more business with Piltover. We've accepted Demacia's forging technique, and Hextech gemstones will be sold to you at the lowest price. But at the same time, we want your Petricite. Fiora mentioned to me that you have more say in this matter than she does now since the Laurent family is currently in a peculiar situation."

Taking a deep breath, Lux puts away the smile she had when Linwin arrived and the girlish appearance she showed while communicating with Zeri and Seraphine. 

She looks at Linwin with a serious face. "Linwin, I will deliver this letter to His Majesty the King. However, I can't promise you on the matter of Petricite. This also requires the king's approval."

"I hope you won't be angry about this. Of course, I want to help you. I really like you all, but I am a citizen of Demacia."

Linwin, hearing Lux's words, looks at Powder who's pushing him with a wry smile. "Lux, why are you thinking so much? The matter is mentioned in the letter. Me, or Silco, will personally negotiate this business with King Jarvan III."

With a letter in one hand and pointing to himself with the other, Linwin questions Lux, "So, I only need to deliver the letter?"

Linwin nods, "Of course, but this letter is very important, Lux. It involves whether Demacia and Piltover will be enemies or allies in the future."

There are only two situations between nations – enemies or allies.

They don't even have the luxury of being neutral friends.

The so-called allies are only because of common interests and goals, a temporary handshake.

However, as long as we can ensure the fair distribution of benefits, this relationship will become very solid.

After all, Zaun and Piltover don't need such vast land, and the Twin Cities won't engage in aggressive wars. After all, what use is the land conquered through aggression?

Upon hearing Linwin's words, Lux tilts her head.

Indeed, Zaun and Piltover are about to establish a new nation.

Twin City Day?

Lux feels that the term Twin City Day is not quite fitting. In reality, it should be something like – Nation Founding Day!

And in front of Lux,

Linwin proudly smiles, "In the eyes of Demacians, perhaps Zaun and Piltover are just small city-states. But I hope Demacians will know that it's this small city-state that stopped the Noxian army's invasion. The once destructive Sion, who ruined a city in Demacia, fell here."

"It's this small city-state that nurtured Hextech technology, making human life better. It's this small city-state that became the world's trade center."

"Someday, the Twin Cities will truly become the center of the world."

"We will be the brightest twin stars in the world."

Lux nods, then looks at Linwin strangely, asking, "But, what does this have to do with Hex phones?"

"That's because Demacia and us can't always rely on letters to convey information. A letter takes months for a round trip. I believe King Jarvan III will agree to Zaun's request."

Linwin says with a smile.

Lux brightens up after hearing this.

Right, if Demacia and the Twin Cities really form an alliance.

Then, can she come here to play whenever she wants?

Lux suddenly gets excited, "What about the Hex Gates? Can we build a Hex Gate Center in Demacia too?"

It takes several days to travel from Demacia to Zaun by airship, but if you take an airship from Piltover's Hex Gate Center to Demacia, thanks to the acceleration of the Hex Gate, it only takes a few hours to reach Demacia.

So, if they can build a Hex Gate Center in Demacia, can Lux take an airship from Piltover in the morning, play in Zaun in the afternoon, and then take the airship back to Demacia at night to sleep?

Wow. If that's really possible, it would be so awesome!

A excited blush appears on Lux's face.

She's super excited right now!

"Lux, this is quite difficult."

Linwin pours cold water on her enthusiasm, dispelling Lux's excitement. "Can you make Demacians agree to build a Hex Gate?"

Lux pauses, then shakes her head.

It's challenging. Demacia is a closed country, and the existence of the Hex Gate implies that Demacia is opening up to the outside world. 

But Demacia has always followed a self-sufficient governance strategy. If not for the Hex phones breaking through to Demacia's aristocracy, and Demacia's current need for Hex phones, they wouldn't have this level of interaction with Zaun and Piltover.

In the present context, engaging with Zaun and Piltover is already an exception for Demacia.

And a Hex Gate?

But Lux doesn't give up. Instead, she rubs her hands together and hums, "No, but I will try my best."

"By then, just wait for my good news."

"Sure, Lux. I'll wish you success in advance."

"Well then, until we meet again, friends from Zaun."

Lux nods.

With the lion flag fluttering in the wind, Lux stands on the airship, waving her hands vigorously.

At the Hex Gate Center, Zeri jumps and waves her hands, tearfully bidding farewell.

Behind Linwin, Powder is holding onto the wheelchair.

"What's wrong? Already feeling sad?"

"Sniff."

Sniffling, Powder's voice buzzes. She shakes her head, stubbornly saying, "No."

"Don't worry, Powder."

"You two will meet again."

The wheelchair is pushed forward, turning around. Linwin looks at Powder, who has her head bowed.

Of course, Powder is sad.

For some people, this might mean never seeing each other again.

But now, with Linwin's assurance, Powder's interest is piqued again. She lifts her head to look at Linwin, "Really?"

Linwin holds Powder's small hand and gently pats it.

"Yes, we will meet again."

"Definitely."

In the distance, the staff at the Hex Gate Center activate the device.

Accompanied by a massive blue light ring, about a hundred meters in size, appearing in the sky of Piltover, the airship disappeared in the moment it passed through the ring — "tong!"

In just a few breaths, they vanished from the sky of Piltover.

Lux and her companions had left.

However, she, along with Fiora, heeded Linwin's advice and headed to Demacia.

As for Demacia, Linwin has made his decision.

Holding Powder's hand, Linwin raises his head, lost in thought as he watches the spot where the airship disappeared.

Demacia, huh?

In his previous life, Linwin had seen various interesting discussions.

If you really crossed over to the world of League of Legends, which country would you want to go to?

In one post, Linwin saw that nearly half of the people chose Demacia.

The reasons given were simple and straightforward — I know I'm just an ordinary person, so I can't go to places like Noxus where I might not survive a week.

Demacia has been criticized for many issues, such as being closed, having a hierarchical society, aristocratic rule, and more.

Ordinary people can't get good opportunities for advancement, and the major families control all the positions.

And the root of all evil — the Mageseekers.

But one cannot deny that Demacia is the only place where ordinary people can live well. 

Even though there are instances of survival of the fittest, where the weak are preyed upon, Demacia is one exception to this rule. This rule, inherited for centuries, has eliminated many problems in Demacia's proud beliefs of justice, honor, and responsibility.

Unlike the environment in Noxus, which lacks justice and only has "fairness," Demacia doesn't have the situation of survival of the fittest.

You see, survival of the fittest is an unchangeable law. Under this law, Demacia, passed down for centuries, has eliminated many issues in the beliefs of its people — justice, honor, and responsibility.

For those with talent, who are unrecognized, Noxus would be a better destination. There, they can quickly rise in status.

People oppressed for a long time, those anticipating rebellion, would look forward to the Noxian Imperial Army coming to their lands.

But for ordinary people, especially those who just want to live peacefully, Demacia is the better choice.

Demacia's nobles control more resources, that's true. But during times of war, the nobles are the ones leading the charge.

The Crownsguard family, with three generations as commanders, and Tiana Crownguard, in particular, has achieved great military feats.

Actually, if Noxus hadn't attacked Piltover, the relationship between Zaun and Noxus would have been quite good. Linwin also supported Zaun building a positive relationship with Noxus.

After all, in the future, Noxus is the most powerful empire in the world.

But now, Darkwill has pushed the Twin Cities to the opposing side.

So, let's choose Demacia as an ally.

As for the various issues within Demacia, Linwin is well aware. King Jarvan III is working to abolish the Mageseekers and change the Demacians' perception of magic.

He is a wise king.

Compared to the late Jarven III, Darkwill was like a pile of stinking dog shit.

Suddenly, a voice interrupts Linwin's thoughts.

"Lux and the others have been gone for a long time. What are you looking at?"

Powder, who has been led around by Linwin for quite a while, is getting impatient.

Holding hands and hugging are not actions that excite Powder. After all, when she was a child, she used to do this Linwin often.

"Nothing. What about Zeri and the others?"

"They left a while ago."

"Talk about being good friends, huh? Shedding tears while watching the airship disappear, but collecting themselves in the blink of an eye?"

Linwin shakes his head with a smile. "Then let's go too."

"Yeah!"

Little nanny Powder activates the wheelchair!

---

"You guys remember to keep this a secret. Don't tell my Aunt that I released magic in front of so many people."

On the airship specially designed for Demacians, Lux is muttering.

"Otherwise, Aunt Tianna will definitely say — Luxanna, even if I'm not your mother, if I let you tarnish the family's reputation and do nothing, I'll be condemned."

Lux loudly says, imitating Tiana Crownguard's tone.

But Fiora doesn't pay attention to her.

This makes Lux curious.

She walks up and nudges Fiora, saying, "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

Fiora, who has just woken up, shakes her head at Lux.

"Oh really?"

"Really."

This trip has also changed the relationship between Lux and Fiora.

Upon hearing this, Lux leans against Fiora, not asking further.

But Fiora remembers what Linwin said to her last night.

"If, I mean if, Fiora, if there's ever a rebellion in Demacia, I want you to rush into the palace at the first opportunity. No matter who tries to stop you, you can't hesitate. You need to reach the side of King Jarvan III as quickly as possible and protect him."

"What do I know?"

Linwin just smiled and shook his head. "I don't know what will happen either."

"But this is my advice to you, Fiora."

So, what does this advice mean?

What does Master Linwin want her to do again?

Fiora sighed deeply in her heart.

Charging into the palace during a rebellion. Wouldn't that get her mistaken for an assassin? What exactly is Master Linwin thinking?

However, Fiora's intuition tells her to trust Linwin.

Her intuition tells her that this advice will change something.