In the corner of the room, the sofa flickered with several combinations of blue light, resembling a small lamp with a Hextech battery shining brightly.
This voice...
A chill ran through Li Lin's heart.
He quickly reached for the switch of the room's chandelier. The alchemical light illuminated, revealing the full appearance of the unexpected guest.
It was a familiar figure.
Camille Ferros, the Steel Shadow.
Li Lin was somewhat stunned. "Lady Ferros..."
At this moment, Camille was carrying a just-boiled kettle and pouring water into a small teapot containing tea leaves.
Under the light, she slowly lifted her delicate, porcelain-like face and glanced at Li Lin with her blue eyes.
Her expression was somewhat proud, and her Hextech cybernetic eye, seemingly able to see through everything, lingered on Li Lin's face for a moment before retracting.
"I was just preparing tea. The quality of Kiramman's tea leaves is quite good," she said calmly and composed.
Li Lin's forehead and back were covered in a layer of fine sweat.
He pretended to remain calm, his hand reaching for the door handle behind him.
If the situation turned against him, he could quickly unlock and open the door, then run to the workshop in the adjacent residence.
The weight and size of the powered armor were not suitable for storage in the top-floor studio.
So, Li Lin had previously applied to Lady Casssandra for an independent workshop, where he could research the powered mechs. Usually, he would store it there.
As for the Hextech energy crystal, he carried it with him and placed it in the safe when sleeping at night.
However, now, Li Lin regretted his past decision - he shouldn't have parked the powered armor so far from himself.
The usual comfort gave him a false sense of security: Kiramman's house was absolutely safe.
However, the fact that Vi and Powder had infiltrated his room to steal things already proved that the security here needed improvement.
Due to being more familiar with Wey and Powder, he didn't deeply consider security issues.
Also, Li Lin thought that his research on Hextech energy crystals was temporarily undisclosed and that the Ferros family wouldn't find out. Therefore, they wouldn't send Camille to eliminate him.
But he forgot that C, who was killed tonight, was likely seen by Camille. It was clear that Li Lin's powered armor and Jayce's hammer were powered by "Hextech crystals."
In other words, it would be strange if she didn't come knocking at his door...
How careless!
Li Lin inwardly cursed his own foolishness while pretending to be nonchalant and asked, "May I know why you, Lady Camille Ferros, are looking for an insignificant person like me?"
Camille's face carried a faint smile. "Relax, child."
She slowly poured the hot tea into two delicate ceramic cups on the table.
As a wisp of water vapor dispersed into the air, a subtle tea fragrance quickly filled the entire room.
"Before discussing business, there's always time for a cup of tea."
Camille gracefully lifted the teacup and took a sip, gesturing for Li Lin to sit across from her.
Li Lin's throat moved, and cold sweat the size of beans gathered on his temples as they dripped down to his chin.
Since crossing into this world about a month ago, this was the first time he had encountered a situation that caught him so off guard and helpless.
Moreover, it happened after he invented the powered armor...
Ignoring the nanotech armor developed by Tony Stark later, if he had the level of the portable powered armor created by him in the early stages, he wouldn't feel so powerless facing the Steel Shadow.
His progress seemed a bit slow.
Li Lin secretly determined that he must focus on inventing new items to quickly improve his level.
Under Camille's scrutinizing gaze, Li Lin swallowed a mouthful of saliva, sat on the sofa opposite her with a forced calmness, and picked up the tea she had poured.
"A wise choice."
Camille smiled slightly, pushing the second cup filled with tea water in front of Li Lin.
"Have a cup of tea. I believe my tea brewing skills are quite good."
Li Lin, trembling slightly, picked up the teacup, blew on the hot liquid a few times, and then took a slow sip.
Even though Camille's tea brewing skills were exceptional, at this moment, he, who felt his life hanging on a razor's edge, couldn't taste any flavor.
"I wonder what brings you to me tonight?" Li Lin put down the teacup and cautiously asked again.
Camille lowered her gaze to her own teacup. "I want to know if the powered armor is your invention."
As expected!
Calculating the chances of escaping from her, Li Lin nodded while saying, "Indeed, it is my invention. I originally intended to use it for..."
"I didn't ask for other details. Just answer my question," Camille interrupted him directly.
"Uh..." Li Lin hesitated for two seconds.
"If I'm not mistaken, it should be powered by Hextech crystals," he finally said.
Camille emptied the tea in her cup, then picked up the teapot and poured another cup.
"But ordinary Hextech crystals wouldn't be so stable. Otherwise, Talis' would have applied his hammer in practice long ago."
She glanced at the uneasy Li Lin. Her face showed no emotion.
"You've been researching Hextech crystals for so long. Is the energy core of this powered armor the result of your research?"
Li Lin's pupils slightly contracted, and he took a sharp breath. "You..."
"What you want to say is: I actually know about this. Am I right?"
Camille set down the porcelain cup, leaning lightly against the back of the sofa. Her metal hands, encased in brown gloves, crossed over her abdomen. The blade of her right leg angled gracefully over her left, presenting the epitome of a standard and elegant posture expected of high society.
"You need to understand one thing, child. This is Piltover, and the Ferros family is the true ruler of this city. Those council members are nothing more than puppets we put on display," she spoke with an unhurried tone, as if nothing could faze her.
"In Piltover, there is no secret that can escape the eyes and ears of the Ferros family... In other words, in this city, I am almost omniscient."
Li Lin maintained his silence, but his inner turmoil was evident.
The storytelling from his background was misleading.
Camille was far more formidable than he had anticipated...
Now that she knew everything, pretending or acting dumb seemed futile. It might be better to be upfront, perhaps even gain some favor with Camille.
Li Lin took a deep breath and began slowly, "Yes, I have improved upon the Hextech crystal, making it more stable and with higher energy efficiency. I named it the Hextech Energy Crystal."
Camille raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on her face. "Oh? The crystal in your pocket, right?"
Her gaze shifted to the crystal pocket on Li Lin's outfit. She added, "My Hextech core can resonate with the Hextech crystals. The one in your pocket gives me a unique feeling."
Facing Camille's gaze, Li Lin nodded somewhat stiffly and retrieved a delicate metal box from his pocket.
Upon opening the lid, a round and unassuming blue bead lay quietly inside.
"Well, it has indeed stabilized completely, and the energy stored inside is much greater than regular Hextech crystals," Camille remarked as she examined the crystal in her hand.
"Hmm... But it seems there's more to it, doesn't it? My Hextech core senses the flow of energy particles. It seems it can even self-recharge?" To Li Lin's surprise, instead of taking it, Camille placed the crystal back in the box.
"Interesting," she said, the curve of her lips lifting higher. "A 16-year-old boy with such achievements in the field of science... Are you interested in joining the Ferros family?"
"Uh... about that..." Li Lin's expression showed some hesitation.
"Just a joke," Camille chuckled. "I can see you seem to have some interest in Miss Caitlyn from the Kiramman family, so I won't force you to join us."
Li Lin smiled without refuting.
During Camille's speech, he seemed to catch a fleeting sense of sadness in those blue eyes.
Was it an illusion?
He didn't have time to dwell on it, only hearing Camille continue, "However, you cannot produce this kind of crystal on your own; you must cooperate with us."
"Huh?!" Li Lin exclaimed in surprise.
"Do you think I would kill you and take the technology for making the crystals?" Camille lightly laughed.
Li Lin instinctively nodded.
"The Ferros family has reached the pinnacle of power and wealth. Currently, apart from the wealth of the Medarda family, no other family in Piltover can threaten us."
Camille poured hot tea back into the now slightly cooled porcelain cup and drank it in one go.
"And those I killed, some threatened the stability of both upper and lower cities, while others were spies stealing scientific technology and achievements from the Ferros family."
"Your Hextech Energy Crystal is your own invention, and you have also developed a new type of generator."
"I have no reason to kill a genius who can create a new future, making Piltover more prosperous."
Camille's words finally put Li Lin at ease. "Your wisdom, Madam."
"Considering your face, the Kiramman family is qualified to cooperate with us, just like the Medarda family. However, we require ninety percent of the profits."
She extended a finger, "Your profit-sharing will be the same as the Medarda family's. On this point, we won't be biased. You can discuss it further with the Kiramman representative once she wakes up."
A ten percent profit share...
If Lady Cassandra knew about your offer, she would probably wake up from her slumber, find a secluded place, and scold the Ferros family for their greed.
Seeing Li Lin's conflicted expression, Camille smiled, "If you find it difficult, I can personally talk to the Kiramman representative..."
"No, no, there's no need for your trouble." Li Lin hurriedly shook his head in refusal.
"Another step on the path of Progress."
Camille gracefully rose, walking to the window of the small meeting room.
Then, she opened the window, propped one blade leg on the windowsill, and the grooves on the sides of her hips, shimmering with blue light, secured the lock, ready to depart.
Before leaving, she turned back to meet Li Lin's gaze, "I look forward to your future inventions, child."
(End of this chapter)
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