Heimerdinger led the way with a brisk, almost comical, pace, taking small and lively steps. Li Lin tried to match his speed, suppressing the urge to carry him and rush ahead. In less than ten minutes, a journey that should have taken half the time was completed as they exited the Council building, reaching the waiting carriage.
A young man with a cane descended from the carriage, none other than Viktor, who had been the first to support Li Lin during the meeting.
"Professor, are we heading back to the academy?" Viktor inquired, noticing Li Lin. A faint smile graced Viktor's face as he nodded in acknowledgment.
Li Lin, perceiving the subtle signs of weakness in Viktor's words and the issue with his right leg, speculated about the reasons behind his future "mechanical ascension."
"Oh, yes, indeed. Back to the academy. This meeting today has consumed quite a bit of my time for exploring new ideas."
As Heimerdinger assisted Viktor onto the carriage, a white, fluffy Poro with a single eyeglass appeared out of nowhere, leaping onto Heimerdinger.
"Hehehe, you mischievous little fellow."
Heimerdinger chuckled, gently patting the Poro's belly and offering it a biscuit from his pocket.
As they settled into their seats, Heimerdinger suddenly remembered something. He leaned halfway out of the carriage, addressing Li Lin and Viktor.
"I forgot to introduce you two. Viktor, my assistant and former research partner during my studies."
He pointed at Viktor, then proceeded with the introductions.
"This is Li Lin, the one who spoke at the center of the council table earlier."
Viktor shifted his cane to his left hand, extending his right to shake hands with Li Lin as they took a step forward.
"Of course, I remember Mr. Viktor. He was the first to support me back then."
"Since Mr. Li Lin is willing to take such risks to speak for the Undercity, as a resident of the Undercity, I won't hesitate to offer my modest assistance."
Li Lin and Viktor exchanged smiles, releasing their handshake simultaneously.
"Just call me Li Lin."
"And just call me Viktor."
A brief silence settled in the air.
Heimerdinger scrutinized the two for a moment, until the Poro finished its biscuit and nudged him. He then withdrew his head, waving his hand dismissively.
"I can't fathom what you young folks are thinking, but it does save me some effort. Anyway, let's get on the carriage. Geniuses always have some interesting thoughts to share. If you have anything to discuss, feel free to do it on the way or wait until we return to the academy."
...
...
After some time, the carriage halted in front of Piltover University's administrative building.
Heimerdinger hopped off the carriage, with a Poro following him. Li Lin and Viktor, overcoming any slight inconvenience in Viktor's movements, followed closely and descended from the carriage. They then joined Heimerdinger on their way to his office.
Given Heimerdinger's short legs, there was no need for Viktor, who used a cane, to worry about keeping up.
After several twists and turns, they took an elevator to the top floor.
Obtaining the key from Viktor, Heimerdinger unlocked the bottommost door and invited them inside.
Li Lin proactively fetched two chairs from the adjacent room, placing them in front of Heimerdinger's miniature desk.
"Thank you, but I should have done this work myself," Viktor said, feeling a bit embarrassed as he watched Li Lin take care of things.
"No problem, just a small favor," Li Lin waved his hand casually, then turned to Heimerdinger. "So, Professor, what brings me here this time?"
"I primarily want to discuss a question with you," Heimerdinger pondered, "regarding electricity."
Li Lin straightened up, his expression instantly becoming serious. "Please, go on."
"You mentioned during the meeting that you plan to build a power plant in Zaun, using your invented electricity-generating devices, correct?"
"Absolutely. Zaun currently relies on alchemical and chemical technology for power, causing severe pollution and frequent accidents due to its instability."
Li Lin had thoroughly contemplated the development of modern technology in Zaun. Given the city's current situation, using Hextech technology was financially unfeasible. However, he aimed to gradually change the environment by replacing alchemical technology with modern science. Electricity generation was the foundation, and the initial goal was to replace alchemical power.
Viktor nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging Li Lin's perspective.
As a child growing up in Zaun, he frequently moved with his parents due to various chemical leaks, accidental explosions, or the erosion of alchemical gases.
Though he later invented automated devices in an alchemical workshop that kindly accommodated him, solving many problems.
But since he was invited to leave Zaun and come to Piltover University, alchemical accidents there started to occur frequently again.
"Professor, Zaun's alchemical technology indeed needs improvement, and it could be replaced by similarly affordable but safer and more stable technology," Viktor's voice was somewhat weak, "I think Li Lin's design is excellent. Although there is still pollution from thermal power generation, it's almost negligible compared to alchemical technology."
"Plus, we have other power facilities as alternatives, such as wind and water power generation, which are extremely suitable for Zaun's geographical location."
Heimerdinger lowered his head in contemplation for a moment, then nodded gently.
Viktor's words were indeed correct.
Heimerdinger had witnessed alchemical technology over a decade ago when a colleague professor was advocating for its development.
But due to its high risks, not only had it just begun to develop, but there were also more practical alternatives like Hextech technology, which almost no one at Piltover University supported.
Later, because the university's board withdrew funding, forcing him to go to Zaun.
At that time, Zaun's alchemical technology industry was just beginning to rise.
Heimerdinger also heard that his former colleague later worked for Noxus.
He researched an extremely unstable high-explosive alchemical bomb, causing Council members to be on edge for quite some time.
If Li Lin could read people's thoughts, he could probably guess that it was Singed.
In Heimerdinger's view, any scientific technology, as long as it could be continuously improved, had its necessity.
Alchemical technology was no exception.
But for now, it seemed that alchemical technology couldn't find a perfect solution to its own problems.
In this case, temporarily replacing it was also a good choice.
"Hmm..."
Heimerdinger's brain rapidly turned, and suddenly a new problem arose:
"Having ideas is good. A scientist must have ideas first, and then put them into practice... But have you considered how much funding is needed to replace these already constructed industrial facilities?"
Heimerdinger stroked his beard and said slowly, "I can sponsor you some funds as the headmaster of Piltover University, but I heard that the rulers of Zaun, those Chem-Barons, are not easy to deal with."
As soon as he heard this, not only Li Lin but also Viktor were delighted.
"If you are willing to sponsor, it would be excellent. As for the Chem-Barons, I have my ways."
With Vander's presence, persuading those Chem-Barons should not be a problem.
If there were any issues...
Then another form of "persuasion" would be employed.
However, Li Lin considered himself quite amiable.
As long as those people were willing to cooperate, he didn't want to ruin the harmony.
"Since you say so, I believe you can do it," Heimerdinger said with a smile, "Oh, by the way, there is one more thing."
He pointed to Viktor, "My assistant happens to be from Zaun, and he might provide you with a lot of help. What do you think?"
Li Lin's eyes lit up and then looked at Viktor, "Of course, I'm willing. But we can't force the party involved..."
"I have no problem. As long as it contributes to Zaun, I'm willing to do anything," Viktor said with a sincere smile.
Viktor and Li Lin exchanged glances, shaking hands.
"Happy cooperation."
"Well, time is tight, only five years. You can discuss the plan and start preparing."
Saying that, Heimerdinger's eyes turned, and he said to Li Lin, "Have you thought of a name for your plan? This is a long-term development project, and it can't go without a name."
"A name?" Li Lin lightly stroked his chin.
After a moment, a smile curved his mouth.
"Let's call it... 'Industrial Revolution.'"
(End of this chapter)
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