Spring has passed in Zaun and summer has arrived. Because the two cities are close to Shurima, they become very hot in the summer, which is why it rarely snows in the two cities during the winter.
In the snow-covered Freljord, when winter comes, the cold winds blowing from there cross the mountains and reach Noxus. Even the strong and robust Noxians find the winters of the Valoran Continent unbearable.
However, the two cities don't need to worry about this problem because Zaun and Piltover have such excellent terrain conditions, which not only benefit them in trade but also in terms of living comfort.
The cold isn't as intense as the countries near Freljord, and the heat is further averted by the sea, separating the Shurima.
Nestled in the gorge, the cool and comfortable Zaun became a favorite summer destination for Piltover.
With six months of unconditional aid from the nobles and people of Piltover, Zaun restarted its reconstruction and its economy rebounded.
This gradually made the Zaunite let go of their hatred for Piltover, because ordinary people really don't think that much about it.
They wouldn't think about why Piltover was helping Zaun, or where Piltover's goodwill came from.
They gained benefits and their lives became happy and fulfilling; that was enough.
But just because ordinary people wouldn't think about it doesn't mean that the management of Zaun wouldn't.
Just like now, beneath the statue of the King of Zaun in the Mid-level Plaza, on the dark stone plaque above the statue of Senator Li Ke, there is an inscription that reads, "Because I was here."
Yes, because I've been here.
July in Zaun, the parliament building.
With his hair now longer, Silco sat upright at his desk. Not far from him was his own office, which was small and separated by a glass partition, but Renata thought it was pretty good.
At least, it's much better than when she only had a desk.
Now, at least she has her own bookshelf, coffee machine, and cabinets for storing things, doesn't she?
"How's it going?" Silco suddenly asked.
Renata put down her book, looked up at Silco, and replied, "It's a bit difficult. She's too smart. A while ago, she suddenly moved a group of people to another workshop. I guess she figured out that we were trying to sabotage her."
"..." After hearing Renata's words, Silco fell silent, rubbing his temples as he felt discomfort.
"Let's think of another way to stall for time and prevent her from finishing this project," Silco sighed.
"Delaying time? Don't make things difficult for me, okay?" Renata rolled her eyes, slammed her hand on the table, and said, "She arrives at the workshop around 7 a. m., eats lunch in ten minutes, and then starts working again in the afternoon. She leaves the workshop on time in the evening and then spends two hours under the statue of Li Ke. This has been her routine for the past six months, rain or shine."
"How can you expect me to stall for time? She's practically living in the workshop!"
"Silco, your daughter is a genius, you know? I think she actually discovered all those little tricks we were doing a long time ago. I don't know why she didn't confront you, but I think even if she had succeeded, it wouldn't have mattered, right? Wouldn't that be a good thing for Zaun? Hextech rocket launchers, Shimmer shields, with these weapons, I feel like we could even take on Noxus." Renata asked.
Silco glanced at her, shook his head, and said nothing more.
Renata is indeed a very capable person, but she Zaun the Zaun management circle too late. She doesn't understand many things in the circle, and she simply doesn't understand what choices Jinx will make after those things are accomplished.
But Renata didn't know, Silco did.
Creating weapons to help Zaun was not Jinx's own idea.
It was Li Ke's dream; Jinx was helping Li Ke fulfill it, giving Zaun the power to fight. After accomplishing this, Jinx had no more burdens on her shoulders.
Isha will be cared for by Vi, and she will grow up smoothly in Zaun.
Therefore, after Jinx finished this task, Silco thought she would definitely go to Li Ke. She would quietly leave everyone, disappear alone in Zaun, and from then on, no one would be able to find her again.
Silco would never allow that to happen.
Thinking of this, Silco said quietly, "Anyway, you figure it out yourself, I just want the result."
Even though Jinx resented her, Silco wouldn't allow such a thing to happen.
"..." Renata took a deep breath and said with a forced smile, "I understand."
Silco looked at the table and silently stared at a framed picture of two men and a monster.
Li Ke, he, Vander.
It's a photo of the three of them in front of the Fugen Tavern, taken with Sevika's help.
As autumn arrived, Zaun became desolate. Jinx wrapped her coat tighter around herself and led Isha to Viktor's house.
Viktor's health has almost fully recovered. Except for being unable to run, he can now walk like a normal person without crutches. When he saw that it was Jinx who came in, Viktor, who was looking at materials in the mirror at the table, got up and picked up two cups.
"Your idea is brilliant, Jinx. Neither Jayce nor I had ever thought of using Hextech like this." Viktor smiled faintly, handing a glass of juice to Isha and a glass of water to Jinx.
Jinx reached out and took it, brushing the hair beside her ears. In just a few months, her hair had grown quite a bit, and whether it was because she used to have long hair or because she often tied it up in the factory, her hair, when let down, was soft and natural against Jinx's cheeks.
This makes Jinx look less childish. Although you would still think she's a child just by looking at her face, combined with Jinx's overall demeanor, she now has a more intellectual air about her.
Jinx smiled at Viktor and asked, "So, when do you think it will be finished?"
"It will take at least six months, and at worst a year," Viktor said after thinking for a moment.
"The main problem is that the sensors are very complicated to manufacture, and figuring out how to link the Hextech and the robot together also takes time," Viktor said, taking a sip of water.
Jinx's new design incorporates Hextech into the Hextech Shimmer robot.
That's right, the Hextech Shimmer robot. The core of this robot uses Hextech, but the fuel that powers its limbs uses the even more ferocious Shimmer technology.
Jinx envisioned a terrifying killing machine, equipped with all sorts of horrific weapons, but if it were just a weapon robot, Viktor wouldn't think much of it.
Piltover already had a number of industrial robots a few years ago, but Jinx used Hextech to create sensors. This means that with enough funding, the people of both cities won't need to go to the battlefield themselves anymore. They can simply carry the sensors and control the robots to the battlefield.
These robots have bodies of steel, can fly, and are equipped with all sorts of outrageous weapons. To be honest, even if dozens of Zaunite and Piltover swarmed them, they wouldn't be a match for one robot.
If mass production is achieved, forming a large army of robots, then the two cities will truly have the confidence to challenge major powers.
Both Demacia and Noxus are cities that can put up a fight against them.
Because wealth is something Piltover will never lack.
"I understand, then I'll leave it to you." Jinx nodded after hearing Viktor's words.
Then she said to Viktor, "But there's one more thing I'd like to ask you."
"Please speak." Viktor was very grateful to Li Ke, so he would do his best to fulfill any request Jinx made, as long as he could.
This is also why Jinx came to him, because Ekko is currently unwilling to help Jinx at all, and Doctor. Singed has also distanced himself from Jinx under Silco's orders.
Those familiar with Jinx know that they cannot help Jinx with this task, because Jinx will commit suicide after doing so.
Viktor was the only one willing to agree, because he understood Jinx's feelings to some extent; he had also contemplated suicide, so he understood a crucial point—
That is, not everyone is so strong; sometimes, simply surviving is just a curse.
"Viktor, please be Isha's teacher. She's very smart, and I think you'll like her," Jinx said to Viktor.
Viktor was taken aback and looked at Isha, Isha also looked up at Viktor.
Isha had grown quite a bit, and all her teeth had come in. Her eyes were full of calm as she looked at Viktor.
Isha knew everything, but she chose to let go of her sister.
Because of my sister, life is too tiring.
Isha knew what her sister was doing, but she didn't hold any grudges. She used to hate reading, but now she reads every day and learns all sorts of knowledge.
Little Isha didn't want Jinx to worry about her after she left; she wanted to survive in Zaun on her own merits.
"I understand, I will," Viktor said in a deep voice, understanding Jinx's meaning.
"Thank you," Jinx said with a smile, releasing Isha's hand.
"This year, Piltover and Zaun established diplomatic relations, and the two cities jointly developed weapons. Ladies and gentlemen, we are not hostile to Zaun, and everyone should understand that."
"We put aside our animosity and signed an alliance. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the signing of this cooperation agreement between our two cities. Here, on behalf of the Medarda family and the Piltover councilor, let me introduce our allies to you—"
Mel's voice echoed across the grand square and the high platform. She was radiant and beautiful, and standing beside her was Jayce was also dressed in gorgeous attire.
Jayce has indeed grown a beard. In just one year, he has developed a handsome full beard, which has not diminished Jayce good looks but rather added to his charm.
This makes Jayce look less like a big boy and more like a man.
"Please welcome our friends from Zaun-- "
As Mel finished speaking, she introduced everything one by one.
The councilors from Zaun took to the stage, and people from both cities celebrated the anniversary together.
Below the platform, the people of Zaunite and Piltover mingled together. The Zaunite were no longer dressed extravagantly, but they were clean and tidy, unlike before when their clothes were tattered and they smelled strange. Therefore, the Piltover people standing with them did not show the same displeasure as before.
The Zaunite had no objection to them standing with the people of Piltover.
Among the crowd were even people from Zaunite and Piltover, arms around each other, chatting and smiling as they celebrated the first anniversary of the two cities' alliance.
At the long table on the high platform, Silco held a microphone, with a group of Zaun's council members sitting beside him. He said in a deep voice, "Therefore, this year, Piltover's Progress Day will be held together with Zaun's New Life Day. People from Piltover can come to Zaun, Zaunite can Piltover. I hope everyone has a great time at the festival."
"Furthermore, this year, the law enforcement bureaus of Zaun and Piltover will merge. The two cities will each select some law enforcement officers to be sent to the other city to carry out missions and protect the city. This will not only promote cooperation between the two cities, but also strengthen their security and allow them to learn from each other's strengths."
The councilors spoke eloquently from the high platform, outlining their vision for the future of the two cities.
Below the stage, Jinx and Vi stood together, and then a tall figure appeared.
"Sister, we're here to see you." Jinx reached out and patted Vi's shoulder, gesturing for Vi to look.
Wei turned her head and saw Caitlyn, wearing a top hat, striding towards her with long legs. She raised an eyebrow, somewhat pleased, but Wei immediately shook her head.
"No, don't talk nonsense. I'll stay by your side." Vi turned to look at Jinx and said seriously.
"No need, sister." Jinx shook her head at Vi and said softly, "You shouldn't be tied down by me. You should have your own life. I'm all grown up now."
"Go ahead, sis, hit on this female cop and show her what the Zaunite are all about." Jinx smiled and gave Vi a shove.
Then, without waiting for Wei to speak, she squeezed through the crowd and left Wei.
Vi turned around, wanting to chase after her, but Caitlyn was already in front of her.
"So, are you going to continue working as a law enforcer in Zaun, or are you going to come to Piltover for a period of study?"
Wei was taken aback, then said, "Of course I want to be in Zaun."
Caitlyn nodded and said softly, "Then, I'll go to Zaun to study for a while."
Jinx walked away from the crowd, away from the hustle and bustle, with her hands behind her back, and tiptoed through the streets of Piltover, her figure rising and falling with each step.
Then she went to a park in Piltover, sat down on a bench, kicked the pebbles in front of her with her booted calves, squinted her eyes, and began to mutter to herself as the wind blew through her.
"Hmm, a year has already passed."
"This year has been going by so slowly."
Jinx stretched her arms and yawned, feeling a little sleepy.
Then, she simply lay down on a park bench, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
During the year that Li Ke disappeared, everything in Zaun was getting better, and everything was developing in a positive direction.
Silco and Vander accepted the fact that Li Ke was gone, Vi and Ekko began to look forward, and even Isha cheered up.
The people of the two cities united, and the name of the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce resounded Valoran Continent. Piltover was crafting weapons, Zaun was also producing powerful weapons. Truly, everything was getting better.
Jinx rolled around on the stool like a cat, and then suddenly felt a little happy.
She alone remained in the past; her time had been frozen the moment Li Ke left.
However, she will be able to see him soon.
Soul Blossom Land--
On the calm, waveless surface of the transparent lake, a body lay in the center of the water. The creatures in the lake were already used to this, because this strange creature had appeared three years ago and had been lying motionless on the lake surface.
Even if a fish tries to bump into it, it will only bump into the transparent protective shield.
Suddenly, the body abruptly opened its eyes—
A pair of dark pupils looked up at the sky.
Li Ke woke up.