Over the next few days, Li Lin found himself constantly on the move, rarely taking a break. Most of his time was spent at Piltover University, engaging in discussions with Jayce and Viktor.
Before the Progress Day conference was disrupted by Corina's pollen attack, Jayce and Viktor had already formed a bond, acknowledging each other's extraordinary intellect. Despite Jayce's somewhat arrogant demeanor, their collaboration in scientific research had been fruitful, and they maintained a harmonious relationship.
Unfortunately, Piltover University currently lacked a notable Primordial Crystal, halting Viktor's progress in researching "Blitz." However, thanks to an agreement between the Kiramman and Ferros families, Li Lin and Jayce received a batch of 24 Hex crystals.
With Viktor's assistance, they successfully upgraded all the Hex crystals into Hextech energy crystals, dividing them into three parts. Eight energy crystals were allocated to Jayce for his research on "Hex Gates," a revolutionary concept aiming to control magic through technology, achieving an "arcane teleportation" effect.
This invention was gaining considerable attention from the Council, major families, and even Piltover University. Sponsors and investments poured in, anticipating the completion of a project that could potentially surpass modern Earth transportation, such as planes and high-speed trains.
Li Lin entrusted eight energy crystals to Viktor. Although creating an independent intelligent mechanical life form without a Primordial Crystal was challenging, Viktor could, at the very least, develop a more practical, fully automated machine than the Chemtech robots.
The remaining eight energy crystals were kept by Li Lin. It was time to perfect the current prototype power armor and integrate a weapon system into it.
This would likely come in handy at the upcoming Chem-Barons meeting.
With approximately two weeks since the completion of the power armor and inspired by Viktor's automated mechanical devices, Li Lin began conceptualizing new features for the power armor.
Firstly, he planned to use the principles of automated machinery to conceal all weapons beneath the armor. This would prevent the weapon system from being easily destroyed by skilled opponents during combat.
Considering the ample space on the power armor, Li Lin intended to install two energy launchers on the shoulders, similar to Jayce's "Mercury Cannon."
Additionally, on the left forearm and palm, he planned to install a laser emitter and a manually aimed energy cannon. With long-range weapons in place, melee weapons were equally essential.
Recalling a foldable high-frequency vibration blade he had seen near Corina's corpse, Li Lin decided to modify and mount it on the back of the right forearm. This blade could be concealed within the armor and deployed when needed. Powered by the energy crystals, the vibration blade would vibrate particles at a high frequency, heating the blade enough to cut through iron like butter.
This technology was invented by the chief mechanic from Piltover University, a woman named Zevi, when she was just five years old. When Viktor shared this information with Li Lin, he couldn't help but be amazed.
Comparing his achievements at the age of five to Zevi's, who had created such groundbreaking technology, Li Lin couldn't help but feel a pang of surprise. What was he doing at five? Probably playing in the dirt, watering plants.
In addition to these features, Li Lin planned to install an electrostatic force field device on the back of the armor, similar to Blitz's ultimate skill. By stimulating the energy crystals and scattering their energy, it would create a powerful shockwave, similar to the effect of Hextech technology revolver, useful when surrounded by numerous enemies.
As for the lack of an intelligent chip, manual control was too cumbersome, and unexpected incidents might occur during combat. Li Lin had a solution: his "Neural Network Connection" skill. By installing a "neural connection device" inside the helmet, connecting the entire machine to his nervous system, the control issue would be effortlessly resolved.
Without hesitation, as soon as he reached level 8, Li Lin discovered that the skill was now available for activation. He invested three skill points, leveling up "Novice Mechanic," "Mechanical Affinity," and "Mechanical Enhancement" to level 2, boosting some attributes.
Subsequently, he immersed himself in work for three days and nights without rest. Apart from bathroom breaks, he stayed in his workshop, even having meals delivered there by servants.
Finally, in the early hours of the second day, he completed the blueprint for the first generation power armor. The following day, he crafted several other items.
Thud, thud, thud...
Just as Li Lin was about to collapse on the table from exhaustion, a knock on the door jolted him back from the edge of sleep.
He rasped, "Who is it..."
Despite his words, he knew exactly who was outside looking for him.
Li Lin, dragging his weary spirit and exhausted body, opened the door.
As expected, standing at the doorway was Caitlyn.
At this early hour, the only person who would come looking for him was this somewhat idle young lady.
The moment Caitlyn saw Li Lin's disheveled appearance, untidy clothes, covered in mechanical oil stains, and his eyes, resembling smudged makeup with dark circles and redness, she widened her eyes in shock.
Covering a yawn, Li Lin asked, "Why are you here?"
As he was about to rub his crimson bloodshot eyes with hands stained with pencil marks, Caitlyn grabbed his wrist.
"Ugh!... Look at your hands. Don't you mind the dirt? Rubbing your eyes like that can cause eye inflammation!"
Though her expression and tone carried a hint of disdain, she did not shy away from physical contact with Li Lin.
Then, Caitlyn's gaze moved past him, into the messy workshop, and her mouth twitched slightly.
"Don't tell me you've been researching your power armor for the past three days, even skipping sleep..."
Caitlyn's voice grew quieter, and by the end, even she seemed stunned.
Seeing Li Lin in this state, coupled with not seeing much of him in the past three days, it was indeed possible that he hadn't slept for three days.
"Have you really not slept for three days?"
Seeing Li Lin open his mouth but not answering, a clearly affirmative expression on his face, Caitlyn sighed in frustration.
"Are you an idiot? Do you think you're a robot? Not sleeping for three days is seriously harmful to your body, and also..."
Her nagging tone was just like my mom scolding me when I stay up all night...
Li Lin stared deeply into Caitlyn's eyes, filled with a worried gem-like color, remaining silent.
After a while, when she became uncomfortable under Li Lin's somewhat intense gaze, her face blushed slightly, and she turned away.
"Why, why are you looking at me like that..." Caitlyn's words were a bit stuttered.
For some reason, being stared at by Li Lin like this made her small heart pound incessantly, and her whole body tensed up.
She really couldn't understand.
Li Lin still didn't speak but instead turned his right hand, holding her small hand.
A flash of surprise and shyness passed through Caitlyn's eyes.
But before she could react, Li Lin exerted a bit of force, pulling her into the room.
"I have a gift for you..."
(End of this chapter)
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