Li Lin apologized to Kassadin and explained that scientists generally share a mutual fascination, creating a unique bond among them. Hence, he had to inconvenience Kassadin.
Despite Kassadin's recent decline in temperament due to daily alcohol indulgence, regaining a sense of purpose made him less concerned about trivial matters, especially when dealing with a stubborn Yordle like Rumble.
After exchanging greetings with Li Lin, Kassadin mentioned he would prepare the necessary supplies for their journey. He believed that, in the limited daylight, food and water were finite resources, and non-perishable items should be treated as emergency supplies.
Li Lin agreed with his perspective, instructing him to ask Kiramman's head accountant for funds and proceed as he saw fit.
Following this, Li Lin, with brisk steps, accompanied Rumble to his workspace, also referred to as his "home."
The term "home" was casually uttered by Rumble during a moment of self-praise. His expression immediately changed, realizing what he had said. He quickly covered his mouth, diverting the conversation.
Li Lin merely smiled, choosing not to delve deeper into the matter. Judging by Rumble's reaction, it seemed likely that his small shack held a portal to Bandle City.
However, Li Lin was uninterested in Bandle City's location within the spiritual realm. Its time flow differed from reality, making it unpredictable—either significantly faster or slower. Anyone entering it had a minimal chance of returning with time unchanged. The most probable outcomes were either the Rune Terra changing significantly over time or individuals aging rapidly or even dying inside.
Amidst the varied gazes filled with emotions, a peculiar duo strolled through the dusty streets of Nashramae—a small Yordle and a taller "human."
Rumble's workshop was situated in a corner of the port town, close to the market area but far from the harbor tavern where Li Lin was earlier.
As for why Rumble had ventured there...
According to Rumble, he was scavenging in the market and overheard someone mentioning that a group of Piltover residents had arrived at the harbor, two of whom wore peculiar mechanical armor. For an outstanding inventor like him, any novel mechanical device was an opportunity not to be missed.
After a ten-minute walk, Rumble led Li Lin to a "junkyard" nestled in a corner of Nashramae, right beside the city walls.
"Is this your so-called shack?" Li Lin gaped at the area filled with various discarded metals and miscellaneous items. Apart from the lack of the noxious odor present in Zaun's waste disposal area, everything resembled a typical "junkyard."
"What? Do you think my stuff here has no value?" Rumble's eyes narrowed, his tone growing somewhat annoyed.
Every eccentric Yordle had something they cherished, something they couldn't bear being belittled or insulted.
Li Lin quickly grasped Rumble's sensitive point, aside from his mech "Tristy," it was these seemingly "worthless" items.
"I didn't mean that." Li Lin hurriedly explained, "Even discarded metals, when used rationally, can be turned into treasures, assembled to create what we desire."
Hearing this, Rumble's expression shifted to joy. "Exactly! It's rare to meet a human who shares my thoughts."
He pulled out keys, unlocking a rusty, low door—one that even a child could easily block. Urging Li Lin to watch his step and not disturb his "treasures," Rumble guided him into the yard.
Due to the diminutive stature of Yordles, the space for Li Lin to walk was extremely limited. After overcoming Rumble's prized "treasure" zone, they arrived at a small house. Apart from a mini workstation and some relatively valuable junk, it was empty.
"Wow, your house is truly Spartan. Liu Yuxi would compliment you if he saw it." Li Lin couldn't help but sigh.
Rumble turned around, his eyes filled with confusion. "Liu... What Xi? Is he famous? What does he do?"
"Uh, he's a sage from my hometown, just a poet, nothing important."
"Oh..."
Rumble seemed to perceive that Li Lin deliberately changed the topic or simply wasn't interested in this person. His attention quickly shifted elsewhere.
On the cluttered worktable filled with discarded mechanical parts, he rummaged for something.
Soon, he pulled out a toolbox stained with oil. Not exactly small, it contained wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and similar tools—no different from the general-purpose mechanical tools in Piltover.
It seemed like these tools were specially designed for humans.
Rumble made room for Li Lin, pointing to the worktable. "Alright, I have plenty of components here. Show me how you plan to demonstrate your skills."
In the small workspace, Li Lin shook his head in response to the apparent dilemma. However, he wasn't greatly affected by this issue.
"Can I use the parts in the room?" he asked.
"Of course, help yourself," came the casual response.
"That's good..." Li Lin controlled the power armor, opening the visor and activating the "Data Mind" skill, scanning the room.
"You're not taking off that power armor?" inquired Rumble.
"No need," Li Lin waved off Rumble's concern, then, with a subtle movement, retrieved various gears of different sizes from the scrap pile.
He tore a piece of cloth from Rumble's shelf, wiped the gears clean, and placed them on the table. Following that, he meticulously organized various components, placing them on a small table.
Observing the seemingly unrelated parts, Rumble grew increasingly curious. "What are you planning to make?"
Li Lin remained silent, shaking his head without responding to Rumble. Once he finished his tasks, he took out a universal wrench, screwdriver, and hammer from the toolbox, swiftly manipulating them.
With the skills of "Advanced Manufacturing" and "Mechanical Affinity," Li Lin's speed in crafting mechanical devices was exceptional. The level 6 upgrade of "Mechanical Affinity" enhanced his precision in controlling powered armor and floating robots. This, coupled with his mastery over various tools, made him highly efficient.
Li Lin's rapid and intricate maneuvers left Rumble dazzled, his pupils reflecting only amazement.
It wasn't until Li Lin asked for a welding machine that Rumble snapped back to reality, fetching the welding gun.
A few more minutes passed, and Li Lin placed a mini "Rumble" about 20 centimeters tall in front of Rumble.
"How's that?" Li Lin asked.
"This..." Rumble stared at the mechanical figurine of himself, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
However, his past bias against humans made him reluctant to admit Li Lin's prowess too quickly.
"It's just a motionless robot; nothing special," Rumble dismissed with a casual tone.
Li Lin chuckled and shook his head. "Who said it can't move? Do you have a Hextech battery?"
"Humph, who uses that junk!" Rumble scoffed, displaying a disgusted expression.
"Fine, no need for a battery." Li Lin scanned the scrap pile and found a spring-loaded device. Twisting it about twenty times, he placed it on the robot's back and released it on the ground.
As the mechanical gears began to turn with a "click-clack," the mini Rumble started to dance on the floor.
"It's a pity. With a Hextech battery and some more sophisticated materials, I could create a semi-intelligent fully automatic robot," Li Lin remarked.
Rumble looked at Li Lin with a face of regret, then suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind. Excitement appeared on his face.
"I admit it; you're indeed a remarkable scientist. So, I'll allow you to visit my greatest creation!"
(End of this chapter)
=========================================================
DROP THEM POWER STONES AND KINDLY LEAVE REVIEWS AS WELL!
SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS
PAT REON.COM/TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).