For more chapters (10+) or if you want to support me, visit https://www.patreon.com/FFAddict. Thank you!
Since the last battle with Jinx on the bridge, Ekko's leg had been injured in an explosion. Fortunately, he encountered Heimerdinger, and with his help, Ekko managed to return to his Firelights. "It's incredible that in such a short life, you've created all this," Heimerdinger remarked, wearing a small cloak as he walked ahead. "Such grand inventions in such a limited time."
Ekko leaned on a cane, supported by a member of the Firelights. "Desperation can drive people to do anything," he smiled, though his expression twisted in pain as his companion tended to his leg wound.
"Why design it this way? Surely there are safer modes of transportation?" Heimerdinger looked perplexed, holding a skateboard taller than himself. "Survival isn't enough; there needs to be hope and freedom too," Ekko replied, reaching out his hand to catch a firefly. "Look, this is wildlight. As small as it is, it brings hope to us here in the undercity."
As he lifted his hand slightly, the wildlight flew away, and countless fireflies emerged from the large tree. "This is the future of Zuan." He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the pain in his leg. Each time he closed his eyes, he was reminded of the scene from that night. What he saw in Jinx's eyes wasn't the madness he remembered but solitude and relief.
"Should I tell Vi?" he hesitated, unsure of how to begin. He thought Powder was long dead, but on that bridge that night, he saw traces of Powder in the stubborn girl. "Sigh." He let out a breath. That man named Phil must be dead, right? At such a close distance, it was impossible to avoid the explosion. That night, Phil took the brunt of the blast, and Ekko's injuries weren't just a leg sprain. Phil had left behind a broken stopwatch.
Looking at the increasingly thriving Firelights, he shook his head. "Professor Heimerdinger, I'm a bit unclear about this device's use. I might need your help." "I'm curious about your alchemical technology too, young man," Heimerdinger replied, generous with his knowledge and willing to help this promising young man.
The next day, on the boat, Phil leaned over the side, watching Zuan and Piltover grow smaller in the distance. "Finally, time to see other parts of Runeterra." It's undeniable that the Shimmer potion, despite its addictive qualities and toll on the body, was a miracle elixir for healing. Just a small bottle could heal wounds and revive someone bedridden within three days.
Jinx, beside him, was fumbling with two balls, one black and one white. Strangely, she was hovering slightly off the ground, flying alongside Phil. Yesterday, at Phil's insistence, Jinx finally used the card. Her affinity with the card had reached 70% the previous day. A 70% card fusion allowed her to enter a state where her skin adapted at will, consuming energy. This small adaptation transformed her Pow-Pow gun and Fishbones into two spherical objects now orbiting her, and it also came with a pink sailor suit.
Phil shook his head; he was a bit seasick. Just five minutes on the deck, and he was already dizzy. "Barth, how long until we reach Bilgewater?" He was originally from Bilgewater's Buru tribe, but he had ended up in Zuan for certain reasons. Silco had specifically sent Barth to assist Phil with this transaction. "Ah, without including supply stops, it'll be two or three days," Barth replied, scratching his head. He had a fierce appearance but spoke with a naive demeanor.
"So, why did you come to Zuan? Isn't Bilgewater better than Zuan?" Phil asked, tossing Barth a cigar and lighting one himself. Barth lit both their cigars as they continued their journey.
Hearing Phil's question, Barth was at a loss for words. Should he admit that he came to Zuan because he couldn't survive in Bilgewater? Jinx, nearby, finally managed to catch the troublesome little Black and White. She rounded up the two winged, rotund creatures that resembled small sprites and whispered, "Let's see where you run now." It seemed their relationship wasn't exactly amiable, or perhaps this was Jinx's way of showing affection.
Responding to Phil's question, she chimed in, "Isn't it obvious? Couldn't survive there." Barth awkwardly scratched his head. Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Phil gave the big guy a reassuring pat on the arm before heading back to the cabin with Jinx. Phil found it embarrassing to stand on tiptoe to reach Barth's shoulder, thus settling for his arm.
"Didn't I tell you to be mindful of what you say around our people?" Phil whispered with clenched teeth. "You're the one asking risky questions! Isn't the answer obvious?" Jinx replied, not bothering to keep her voice down, much to Phil's chagrin.
"Whatever," Phil said, slapping his forehead. He wasn't worried about his comrades getting upset; it just felt a bit awkward. "Fine, let me teach you how to fish." Phil brought out two fishing rods from the cabin. The sun outside wasn't too harsh, but precautions against sunburn were still necessary. Phil seemed to genuinely treat this as a vacation. After all, he had the primary armor with him, and Jinx had gained control of the Star Guardian skin, mastering a form of magic. Additionally, with Silco having arranged for ten combat machines wearing alchemical engines to ensure security, the journey seemed safe. Even if they clashed with Gangplank, both Jinx and Phil could safely retreat, as long as they didn't encounter any mythical beings.
But unfortunately, Phil wasn't very familiar with sea fishing. Though he often fished by lakes or reservoirs before his reincarnation, sea fishing was a different game altogether. The two spent over an hour clumsily preparing on the deck, one teaching and the other learning. After a morning with no catches, Jinx finally snapped.
"Little Black!" After just a morning of intense training, Little Black and White had become quite obedient. Hearing Jinx's call, the little creature flapped its wings and flew into her hand with some effort. "Spit out my fish!" Little Black transformed into a cannon form, and Jinx aimed at the fishing area, firing several magic missiles, causing the sea to erupt. Surprisingly, some big fish floated to the surface, belly up.
"Caught them! Caught them!" Jinx exclaimed, patting Phil on the shoulder and pointing at the sea. Upon hearing the explosion, the crew, who had been having lunch, rushed out with weapons, thinking they were under attack. Phil waved them off, signaling it was nothing serious, then directed the sailors to selectively gather the stunned but intact fish.