Jayce's Research
Yuan Chen Camille with a serious expression.
"If your purpose in coming to Piltover is to start a war, then Piltover is willing to oblige."
"Even if we are ultimately destroyed, it will be our own choice. You should know how resolute those who benefit from the status quo will be in protecting their interests and rule."
"If it's a collaboration, please don't interfere too much in Piltover's internal structure. Piltover has its Piltover rules of operation, and disrupting them will only provoke the collective hostility of the city."
Upon hearing Camille's words, Yuan Chen's lips curled up slightly. "This time, her attitude is quite good; she's no longer as aloof as before."
Yuan Chen could understand Camille's implication: it was nothing more than "mutual destruction." Although "mutual destruction" seemed very forceful, it actually implied that he was in a weaker position in the game and weighing of the options between the two sides.
Undeniably, Piltover possesses extraordinary potential, but as of now, none of Piltover's funding comes from maritime trade via the Sun Gate Lock.
For a special city-state like this, which lacks a strong military but has sufficient funds, there is only one way to be active in Runeterra and maneuvering.
"Compared to military power or the wealth brought by trade, your only source of confidence is to fight to the death."
Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, a hint of helplessness flashed in Camille's eyes, but after a moment of silence, she finally shook her head and said:
"Pretending to be innocent is a waste of time... My mission is to ensure the survival of the family, and that has nothing to do with my attitude."
Upon hearing Camille's words and glancing at her lower body, which was concealed by a long dress, Yuan Chen's eyes revealed a hint of amusement:
"You seem to have already guessed Piltover's fate?"
"The more detached you are, the clearer you see things." Camille shook her head, offering little comment on the attitudes of the four major families, only saying:
"Your aim is to promote exchange between the two city-states. If that's the case, there's no need to be so hostile towards Piltover. A little show of force will naturally make the wise choice for the families in Bluewind Court."
Bluewind Court, the residence of all the major families in Piltover, is also the highest building in the entire Piltover, overlooking the entire Sun Gate Seagate.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Are you giving me advice?"
"Recommendations based on reason."
"Then who exactly are you loyal to?"
Piltover.
The two exchanged words quickly and clearly, reaching a consensus. Camille's attitude was obvious—the survival of her family and the prosperity of Piltover were inextricably linked. Rather than confrontation and sowing discord, cooperation was the optimal solution between the two city-states.
"I'm planning to open a workshop here, could you help me with the arrangements?"
"I've already instructed my men to prepare the paperwork." Camille had already made preparations when she heard Yuan Chen's interest in Hextech Works on the second floor.
Now, Camille stated bluntly, "Do you need manpower? The Ferros Family has many outstanding craftsmen willing to dedicate their genius for our friendship."
"Need not."
Yuan Chen shook his head and said, "More importantly, I'm here to learn and observe... Mr. Jayce, have you done any new research lately? If you tell me, I might be able to offer some good suggestions."
In response to Yuan Chen's question, Jayce merely glanced at him. After a moment of silence, Jayce turned his gaze to Camille beside him:
"What he just said about Viktor... is it true?"
"In what way?" Camille raised an eyelid, her gaze calm.
"Every aspect!" Jayce gritted his teeth and said, "From self-operation to the alchemical gas leak, to the toxin release, to the energy defect... Is what he's saying true?!"
"The truth is no longer important." Camille shook her head, showing no intention of elaborating further. "Criminals against humanity or guardians of the future... the outcome is already decided. This world has no black or white; it's all just gray."
As she spoke, accompanied by the sound of a sharp blade hitting the ground, Camille's figure gradually disappeared into the distance.
Seeing this, Jayce remained silent for a moment, then shook his head wearily. He then looked at Yuan Chen, his gaze no longer filled with pride, but rather with a hint of bitterness, and said:
"Then let's begin... about my... job... um."
Yuan Chen was not surprised by Jayce's reaction, given his arrogant and conceited nature.
Often, a certain degree of setback can actually be a good thing for such a genius. Just like Viktor, after his enlightenment in Longchang, he now stays properly in Zaun, conducting his own research and ignoring the Outside World.
Somewhat dejected, Jayce regained his composure after returning to his workshop. While still slightly downcast than at the beginning, he was clearly much better now.
"I've been working on research and development of spatial phase stability and spatiotemporal anchoring technology recently."
Perhaps because it involved his expertise, Jayce's eyes revealed a resolute determination. "This will be a groundbreaking invention! If successfully established, the people of Runeterra will be able to travel rapidly using the spatial phase jump device."
Jayce pointed to the sea chart beside him and said, "Even with the Sun Gate and favorable winds and currents, it would still take at least two months to transport ore from the Shurima Desert to the Immortal Bastion in Noxus."
"But now, even with only preliminary calculations, once the space phase jump device is fully established, this time will be shortened to within three days!"
Upon hearing about Jayce's research project and its effects, Yuan Chen was momentarily filled with doubt and uncertainty.
"Is this thing you've been fiddling with... called Hexgates?"
"Hexgates?" Jayce seemed somewhat surprised upon hearing Yuan Chen's words.
Jayce stroked his chin and nodded in agreement. "A good name! Concise and to the point! I hate pretentious names the most!"
Well, you can tell from the fact that Jayce calls his weapon "Mercury Hammer"... Compared to Vi's "Atlas Gauntlets" and Caitlyn's "Peacemaker," Mercury Hammer just sounds so low-class.
But Yuan Chen has absolutely no time to pay attention to such things right now... because during the War of the Two Cities, Jayce successfully developed the Hextech Gate.
The War of the Two Cities universe is different from the main League of Legends universe. In this case, the universe where Yuan Chen resides is also different from the main universe.
But regardless of which universe it is, Yuan Chen is certain that the success of the Hexgates is inevitable.
Because this is fully qualified to be the catalyst for the next big event!