After the brief incident with Caitlyn, Li Lin dismissed the idea of meeting Lady Cassandra.
Later, he returned to his room to get the Hextech energy crystal, informing Caitlyn that he would equip the Power Armor to the Undercity again.
Reflecting on the recent kidnapping and the attacks targeting the Kiramman family last night, Caitlyn understood that it was not the time to roam aimlessly.
To avoid causing trouble for Li Lin and the family, she decided not to accompany him to the Undercity.
Li Lin went to the workshop, inserting the Hextech energy crystal into the groove on the chest of the Power Armor.
With the filling of the core energy, the metal gaps of the Power Armor were covered by blue energy light, one by one.
He pressed several buttons on the armor's arm, gears rotated and locked, and mechanical parts on the back of the Power Armor quickly separated and expanded, revealing the cabin for him to enter.
The events of last night had caused a stir throughout the city. With orders from the Council and strict law enforcement by the enforcers, the situation was somewhat under control.
However, in the lawless Undercity, maintained by a loose alliance of Chem-Barons, the situation was uncertain.
If the batch of Shimmer potions from Silco were still available, the sudden appearance of a few domineering Chemtech-modified individuals in the streets would be something his non-armored body couldn't handle.
Although there were law enforcement officers investigating the events of last night, relying on oneself was better than relying on others.
Even a group of trained enforcers would not provide the same sense of security as this set of armor did for him.
After preparations, Li Lin controlled the Power Armor and headed for the Hex Gates.
Unlike previous years, the afterglow of Progress Day faded quickly this year.
Yesterday, the streets were lively, decorated with lights, and street vendors were trying to make extra money during the festival.
Today, regardless of the street, citizens tried to stay indoors as much as possible. The few figures seen on the streets were enforcers patrolling in groups, fully armed and in uniform.
Due to hearing about the events of last night, the enforcers mostly recognized Li Lin's armor as belonging to the Kiramman family.
Therefore, Li Lin reached the Pressure transporter without hindrance after paying the fees for two people and taking the elevator down to the middle layer of Zaun.
The atmosphere in the Lanes, compared to the past, seemed no different on the surface.
Narrow streets and alleys were still bustling with people going about their business. Everyone seemed to be doing whatever they needed to do as if nothing had happened.
However, upon closer observation, the air was filled with a haze that seemed to carry a subtle and unknown meaning.
Struggle.
Not a struggle against the upper city but internal conflicts within the Undercity.
The struggle between Vander's leadership in the Lanes and the factions led by Silco, particularly the Hextech-powered battlesuits, presented a different kind of tension.
On his way, Li Lin felt a variety of complex and intertwined gazes. He arrived at Vander's tavern.
As it was still early, the Last Drop was not open yet, but the internal noise, resembling arguments, indicated that there were at least twenty people inside.
The armed thugs guarding the entrance, upon seeing this huge Power Armor, widened their eyes. Their throats moved slightly as they swallowed saliva.
Their faces did not show fear but rather a kind of astonishment at encountering something extraordinary for the second time.
Clearly, they recognized the Power Armor, and the person driving it was the one who had helped Vander last night.
"Is Vander here? I have something to discuss with him," Li Lin's mechanically resonant voice came through the mask.
"He's inside, discussing last night's events," one of the more discerning thugs hurriedly replied, "Please wait a moment, I'll go inform him."
Saying that, the thug rushed into the building, and Li Lin seemed to hear him being scolded by several people.
However, after a short while, Vander and others, led by him, rushed out of the tavern.
Seeing the familiar yet still shocking Power Armor, Vander, with a purplish-black swelling on his left eye and only his right eye visible, showed a joyful expression.
As his subordinates caught sight of Li Lin, their expressions varied.
They had experienced the power of this powered armor last night.
Vander had returned and described to them the extent of the transformation undergone by those subjected to alchemical technology enhanced by Shimmer serum.
This armor effortlessly annihilated those clearly beyond the realm of humanity, instilling a sense of awe in them.
"Li Lin! You've finally come. I waited for you last night and even considered sending someone," Vander exclaimed.
Vander seemed relatively unharmed, though an occasional flicker of pain crossed his face.
Li Lin lifted the visor of his armor, observing Vander's nearly closed left eye. He inquired, "How's your injury?"
"Ah, just a minor scratch. In my younger days, I was often worse off. This is nothing compared to that," Vander replied casually.
Waving off his concerns, Vander motioned for his subordinates to make way, inviting Li Lin into the tavern.
As they walked, Vander continued, "Benso found a doctor for me last night. He insisted I lie in bed for at least two weeks. I can't stand being inactive for a day, let alone two weeks. Aside from a bit of headache and nausea, I don't think it's a big issue."
"Sounds like a concussion," Li Lin, familiar with such symptoms, couldn't help but ask.
"Concussion?" Vander raised an eyebrow, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
"It's when your head receives a blow causing damage to the brain," Li Lin explained. "You should listen to the doctor and rest; otherwise, it might lead to complications."
Vander didn't seem to take Li Lin's advice seriously. "Let's talk about it later."
Behind the bar, Vander poured a quality beer for Li Lin, who politely declined, pointing to his powered armor.
"No one else here; why not take off this iron guy?" Vander suggested.
"It's inconvenient to wear, too much trouble," Li Lin casually gave a reason, not because he distrusted Vander, but he had overheard arguments inside and was wary of potential mischief during the armor removal.
Vander didn't dwell on it, lifting his own glass, downing it in one go, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, and releasing a satisfied sigh.
The tavern's patrons maintained silence, over twenty pairs of eyes fixed on the bar, listening intently to the conversation.
Recalling what he overheard earlier, Li Lin asked, "I heard some arguing when I came in. Was it about Silco's matters?"
"Ah, it's related to the incident," Vander sighed heavily. "Last night, that monster killed thirteen of our brothers. Now everyone's debating how to retaliate."
Perhaps fearing that discussing this topic further would reignite the anger among his subordinates, Vander preferred not to delve too deeply into it.
After a brief mention, Vander locked eyes with Li Lin, changing the subject, "You're fully armed today. Need my help with something important?"
Speaking of business, Li Lin became more serious and nodded slightly, "I do need your help."
Vander patted his chest, "No problem. As long as it's within my capabilities, I'll do my best."
"With your influence, it shouldn't be too difficult," Li Lin added.
Pausing for a moment, Li Lin's expression turned serious as he continued, "I believe Zaun needs reform."
(End of this chapter)
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