-56- Another year

On the third day of Progress Day, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Linwin arrived at a room in Vander's temporary research facility dedicated to studying Hextech technology. 

The room was typically occupied by exceptional Zaunite alchemists, including Singed, Ekko, and Powder. Their future would keep them stationed in this place. Besides these three, Silco was also present, and he had practically made Black Ally his home during the past three days.

Knocking gently on the door, Linwin entered to find a group of individuals inside. A large blackboard occupied the room, with Singed bent over it. Seated in front of him were Powder and Ekko, who were both startled by Linwin's entrance.

Linwin took on a nurturing tone and said, "Powder, it's time to go home for dinner," and then he turned his attention to Ekko, "And Ekko, Benzo wants you home early too."

With the materials Linwin provided, theoretically, they could begin their research on creating Hextech gems. However, Singed explained that the actual research on Hextech gems had not yet started.

In Singed's view, although Ekko and Powder were both geniuses, they lacked the necessary knowledge in this field, especially Powder. While Ekko had received some mechanical education under Benzo, Powder had never been to school, and her understanding of everything was based on "instinct." This aspect of her character was greatly appreciated by Singed.

She was a natural scientist.

She had a keen sense of "creation."

In Singed's eyes, Ekko and Powder represented two different directions. Ekko seemed more adept at pioneering and creating, while Powder was more suitable for applying rules to create things.

When Singed mentioned this to Linwin, Linwin's first reaction was that it sounded like Jayce and Viktor, didn't it? Jayce created Hextech technology, but Linwin believed that Viktor's research in this field had now caught up with Jayce's. 

The distinction was between creation and application, and Linwin thought Zevi Reta's future would be on par with Jayce in terms of the application of Hextech technology. 

Jayce was a pioneer in Hextech, and his task was not to figure out how to apply well-made devices using Hextech, but to continuously explore and discover the possibilities of Hextech technology.

"Alright, everyone, it's time to head home." When Linwin arrived, Singed waved his hand, indicating that the day's lesson was over.

Powder and Ekko both nodded and gave deep bows of respect to Singed, their teacher.

Knowledge was a precious commodity in Piltover, and even more so in Zaun. Knowledge could truly change a person's destiny. Singed was passing on his knowledge to these two children, and Ekko and Powder respected him for it.

However, the moment the lesson was over, Powder quickly turned to Linwin.

"What are we having for dinner today?"

Taking Linwin's hand, Powder looked up at Linwin.

Linwin, holding both Ekko and Powder's hands, replied, "We'll have some meat tonight."

"Wow, what kind of meat? I don't want fish!"

"It's not fish. I had Vander's people buy some beef from the topside."

"Beef!" Powder's eyes immediately lit up.

Ekko, who was standing nearby, also drooled a bit and said, "Big brother Linwin, can I join you for dinner?"

"No, you can't. Benzo wants you to get back home right away," Linwin replied with a hearty laugh.

Thinking of Benzo and Silco, Linwin found it amusing. Silco didn't care what Benzo thought of him, as his sole mission was to revive Zaun. However, with Benzo, well, Silco couldn't stand his constant scolding.

After all, Benzo had a habit of bringing people's mothers into the conversation.

Silco had almost forgotten what his mother looked like, and he didn't want her to be the topic of discussion.

That's why he had been talking back lately.

And Benzo?

He just didn't trust Silco. He had argued with Vander about it twice, but Benzo couldn't deny Vander's trust in Silco. After all, he had once betrayed Silco, and this time, no matter what, he had to trust Silco.

So, when he learned that Ekko was going to study under Silco's subordinates, Benzo was in quite a dilemma. On one hand, he didn't want Ekko to get to know Silco, but on the other hand, he was afraid of jeopardizing Ekko's future due to his own selfishness. He was afraid of obstructing Ekko's prospects.

In the end, Benzo chose to compromise.

His dissatisfaction with Silco and concern for Ekko's future led Benzo to ultimately choose the latter.

After all, he was a father.

But he had one condition: Ekko had to be back home before nightfall; otherwise, he would go to Silco with a stick to retrieve him.

That guy was too good at brainwashing!

As a result, Linwin could only apologize and say to little Ekko, "Benzo gave a stern warning. You know how he gets; he even scolds me when he's angry."

"Oh," Ekko replied, looking somewhat dejected.

He hadn't had beef before.

He only knew that it was a food enjoyed by topsiders.

But soon, Ekko's spirits lifted again.

Because Linwin patted her head, "Don't be sad; I'll have Powder bring some for you to eat tomorrow."

"Really?"

"Really."

Ding: Time Tinkerer's favorability increased significantly, and you gained 2000 experience points.

Ding: You have leveled up.

Linwin chuckled silently.

Well, it seems that the future of Zaun can be swayed by beef?

Ekko ran back home by himself.

The Black Alley was relatively safe these days, so Linwin didn't need to escort him.

Instead, he held Powder's hand and walked step by step back to the Last Drop.

"Linwin, are you leaving again?"

On the way, Powder suddenly asked.

She felt it.

She was quite intelligent.

She was just still very young, and while she could think of many things, she couldn't always act on them.

"Yeah, I'll be going back to the topside tomorrow."

"Again, for Zaun?"

"That's right."

"Vi told me not to keep bothering you. She said you're working on something big, and I'd only distract you and mess things up," Powder said carefully with her head bowed.

She knew that clinging to Linwin all the time wasn't good.

But she liked Linwin.

That's why she always wanted to be close to him.

"Your sister is teaching you useless things again," Linwin said, stopping in his tracks, crouching down to look at Powder.

He moved her arms away from her face, gazing into her eyes, and said with a cheerful smile, "She herself won't stop bothering me, yet she's telling you not to cling to me. I'd say your sister is just jealous."

"It's not like that. Why are you so conceited?" Powder laughed.

"You don't need to listen to Vi," Linwin said as he reached out and patted Powder's little head. "I don't want you to grow distant from me, Powder."

"You are important to me."

Powder looked at Linwin and asked, "Really?"

"Of course, it's true."

Linwin asked back, "Why do you think I keep going to the topside?"

Powder pouted and tucked her little face, "Vi said that you're doing something big for Zaun."

"It's for Zaun, but it's also for all of you."

Linwin patted her little head.

"Boom!"

Overhead, the sky lit up with Piltover's fireworks.

Looking up, it was evening, and even in the depths of the Undercity, Linwin could see the bright fireworks.

And once again, he heard those voices, "Happy Progress Day!"

Linwin looked at Powder, who had her mouth wide open, staring blankly at the "sky."

The fireworks had captured Powder's fascination.

It had been another year.

Sitting next to Powder, Linwin watched the sky with her.

I'm in Runeterra. 

In Zaun, another year has passed. 

Zaun is quiet, and Piltover is lively.

Powder gazed at the fireworks, her eyes filled with longing.

Linwin, however, was contemplating.

This was his sixth year.

He couldn't be indecisive any longer.

For Zaun.

For Powder.

For Vi.

"It won't be long, Powder, and we'll be able to release our own fireworks."

"Ah, Linwin, what did you just say?"

"."

"I said, these fireworks are so beautiful."

"Yes, they are beautiful!"

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