59 -59- Domah and Linwin

To the north of Piltover lies the continent of Valoran, while to the south, there is a vast desert land called Shurima. 

This land, once named by a powerful empire, has now become fragmented and fallen from its former glory. 

Shurima is no longer as magnificent as it used to be, and its people suffer as a result. For many, the last Shuriman Emperor Azir has become known as a tyrant in the hearts of most Shurimans.

In the northernmost part of the Shuriman continent, there is a human port city named Bel'zhun. The Shuriman people who live here have suffered greatly, and many of them have lost faith in their former beliefs. 

Most of them sought refuge here due to the hardships in their homeland, and as a result, they have willingly joined the Noxian Empire for protection. At least in this way, they won't lose their lives in the vast desert due to bandits and dark mages.

In this desert port city, the most prominent building is, of course, Noxstrata. This is one of the most famous structures of the Noxian Empire, second only to the Immortal Bastion. 

Whenever Noxus wins a war and conquers a place, they send their war engineers, who are top-notch engineers, scouts, and warriors. These war engineers construct massive black stone gates near the newly conquered areas. The presence of these towering stone gates dispels any doubts for passing travelers, making it clear who is in control of the territory.

However, in Bel'zhun, this port city known for its black market and wool trade, various fragmented factions exist as well.

The Noxians do not shy away from conflict; in fact, they embrace it. The spirit of struggle runs deep in the Noxian creed.

At this moment, in a chaotic marketplace in Bel'zhun, a group of scavenging Shurimans is gathered in a corner, waiting for their employer. Dressed in breathable sunproof garments, they each carry a long stick - a trusty companion for travel and a defensive weapon.

Among them, Domah sits in the crowd of scavengers, sneaking a yawn. Eye crusts accumulate in the corners of his eyes, and he slaps his cheeks with both hands to stay awake. If an employer sees him half-asleep, he, already facing a lack of trust due to his age, will be even less likely to be hired.

As Domah forces himself to stay alert and scans the area for a potential employer, a robust black-haired young man appears before the team of scavengers. This immediately captures the attention of the scavengers.

"Sir, please look at me! I've been scavenging in this place for many years. Just a few Noxian coins, a bag of water, and some rations are all I need. I'm willing to venture deep into the desert to search for ancient relics for you."

"Sir, I'm more robust than him!"

"Sir, I have more experience in this field. Look at my physique!"

The black-haired young man points to his face with his fingers. His skin is very fair, in stark contrast to the locals who have rough and sun-darkened skin.

Standing at about 1.8 meters tall, the young man with black hair looked a bit embarrassed as he said, "I'm sorry, everyone. I'm not here to hire people for searching ancient relics. I just wanted to ask you all something."

"Ahh..."

"How boring."

"There's no such thing as a free lunch."

Upon hearing that the young man only had questions, the scavenging Shurimans immediately lost their earlier enthusiasm. They went back to their places, some clutching their stomachs, others squinting their eyes, and a few even preparing to take a nap.

Only Domah remained standing, holding his wooden staff. He watched the black-haired young man, swallowed hard, and gripped his makeshift weapon.

He... looked as if he had a lot of money, just like those Noxians.

Although his attire seemed no different from Domah's - tattered clothes and grass shoes - his body looked healthy. Especially the fair skin, a symbol that gave Domah an idea.

He hadn't eaten in two days, and now he just wanted a bite of food, any small portion would do. 

So, with his staff in hand, Domah approached the black-haired young man and whispered, "Sir, I've been in Bel'zhun for nearly two years, and I know this place very well. If you have any questions, you can ask me."

Seeing that the black-haired young man noticed him, Domah immediately stood up straight, puffing his meager chest, and said loudly, "I don't need much, sir. Just a bit of water or a piece of bread."

"What's your name?" asked the black-haired young man, smiling, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

This made Domah even more convinced.

Because healthy teeth are a symbol of wealthy individuals.

The desert dwellers didn't have such good teeth. Even young Domah had cavities.

"I'm Domah, sir."

"Follow me," he said to Domah.

Domah didn't hesitate and immediately walked to the young man's side with his staff in hand.

No one dared to kill without reason in Bel'zhun because this was a territory occupied by Noxians. Noxian law allowed for disputes and brawls but absolutely forbade the senseless killing of the empire's residents. 

In Bel'zhun, no one dared to challenge the authority of the Noxians. This was also why the Shurimans of Shurima were willing to trust Noxus because they were indeed being protected.

"Domah, is it? I'm Linwin."

"Mr. Linwin, what would you like to ask?" The black-haired young man was, in fact, Linwin.

The Linwin Lorant that Piltover had been searching for years.

And now, Linwin, looking at Domah, thought for a moment, and then took out a water flask and a small bag from his backpack.

"Take it."

"No, sir, I haven't helped you yet. I can't take these."

Linwin smiled and pushed the items into Domah's arms.

This young boy didn't look that old, perhaps about the same age as Powder?

Thinking about Powder made Linwin's heart warm. He shook his head and said, "It's alright, take it. I have a simple question for you."

Domah swallowed hard, then decided to accept the items. He looked around before carefully putting them into his bag. He then gazed at Linwin, waiting for his question.

"The Fog Organization, Domah. There should be a small group called the Fog operating here in Bel'zhun. I've been looking for it for a whole circle, and I can't find it."

"Wait, sir, what did you say?"

Domah looked surprised and exclaimed, "You want to find the Fog Organization? I advise you not to. They are too dangerous right now! You're a good person, and I can't let you get involved in this danger."

Linwin was taken aback and hurriedly asked, "Danger?"

Domah replied, "Yes, sir. The Fog Organization you mentioned, are they the group that sells mechanical devices? They've sold a lot of items, including some very expensive ones that Noxians really like."

"That's right, Domah. I'm looking for them. But what do you mean by danger?"

Linwin was getting anxious. He had been wandering in the Shurima desert and lost track of time and had left Zevi and the others in Zaun to fend for themselves.

What if something happened to Zevi and the other Zaunites? He realized that Zevi was extremely important to him, as all his money came from Zevi's research. 

The energy for the Hextech phones was also the result of Zevi's research and development. Now, the batteries had already reached their second generation. 

Zevi was important!

"Recently, a new gang has appeared in Bel'zhun. If I'm not mistaken, the leaders should be the River Folk. These two guys want to take over the Fog Organization. So, Mr. Linwin, it would be a mistake to join the Fog Organization, at least not right now because they have guns!"

"Man, you scared me."

I thought it was something serious, but just this?

Gang Conflict.

Zaun is practically a haven for gangsters.

Scared of a little fighting? 

Besides, despite not having any good weapons with him, given Piltover's technological level, that's already a formidable advantage in a world where guns are considered quite a setback.

Guns? What's that, anyway?

And not to mention, even if he stood in front of gunfire, it would surely hurt a bit, but getting injured? Ha, that's not going to happen.

Taking a deep breath, he patted Domah on the shoulder and said, "It's alright, tell me the location of the Fog Organization."

Domah hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said to Linwin, "Since I've accepted your things, I must personally guide you. The sandfolk never go back on their word, and we'll abide by our agreement with the employer."

"Let's go."

Domah tightened his grip on the stick in his hand and looked at Linwin.

"This..."

"Alright, thank you."

Linwin smiled at him.

Following Domah for about an hour, Linwin and he arrived near the harbor.

Looking at the tents enclosed by a fence in the distance, Domah exclaimed, "Sir, that's the Fog Organization, and those people are members of the Fog Organization. They're dangerous too."

Observing the burly men that Domah pointed to from a distance, Linwin couldn't help but laugh.

"I was wondering why I couldn't find it. We've already left Bel'zhun."

Linwin patted Domah on the shoulder and thanked him.

"Thank you."

"Sir, sir?"

Domah wanted to advise this generous employer, but he had already walked towards the Fog Organization.

For Domah, those burly men, almost two meters tall, well-built, and armed, were extremely dangerous individuals.

However, the scene that unfolded next left Domah dumbfounded.

Domah saw that when the Fog Organization's doorman spotted the generous boss, they immediately surrounded him. However, they no longer had the usual look of shooing people away, but rather excitement on their faces.

The boss was even smiling as he made his way towards one of them and patted him on the back.

"This..."

Domah looked at the young man being surrounded and ushered into the tent.

"They... They're together?"

The young sandfolk figured out the reason.