If Link were a girl, she would buy herself a pair of black stockings, take beautiful photos with a camera, edit them, and then post them, waiting for money to roll in.
Unfortunately, he is a handsome guy.
So, the black stockings strategy won't work.
However, asking for help boils down to three key points: boldness, attention to detail, and thick skin.
But to ask for help from beings in a parallel universe through dimensional mail, these three qualities alone are not enough.
Other things are needed.
Link thought for a moment, and his eyes brightened.
Got it, emotional value!!!
Only by offering emotional value to beings in parallel universes can you gain substantial returns.
But how can he provide emotional value to someone in a world far apart?
Link scratched his head, trying to remember, think, and make connections.
Suddenly, he recalled an episode from the second season of Arcane.
In that episode, Vi and Powder traveled to a world where Upper City and Lower City were peacefully coexisting, harmoniously living together.
In that world, there was no Vi.
And because there was no Vi, the people of that world had followed a completely different future path.
The question is, in that world where Vi doesn't exist, would anyone miss her?
Yes, and quite a few.
Jinx, Ekko, Benzo, Vander, Ole, Megger, maybe even Silco.
If Link could help these people who miss Vi, give them a chance to see her again, or even promise that he could make her future better, this could console their longing sadness, right?
So—
Link clicked on the letter writing module, letting his thoughts flow into words.
Three Principles for Asking for Help in a Parallel Universe:
Be bold, pay attention to details, and have thick skin.
Provide emotional value to beings in parallel universes.
Collect payment first, then act. Keep your promises and deliver results.
After writing these principles, Link saved them in his drafts as a reminder to always follow them.
"The tone is set, now it's time to write the letter!"
Link took a deep breath, opened a new letter, and began writing.
[Hello, friends from the parallel universe.
I am Link, Link Star.
A young apprentice with a heart for the twin cities.
Listen, I need your help.
After Jinx killed Silco, she went insane.
She blew up the Piltover Council building, and there were many casualties. Piltover is in chaos, and people are afraid.
Without Silco's restraint, Zaun is bound to be thrown into conflict, smoke rising, with civilians suffering.
And Noxians are lurking nearby, the Black Rose quietly blooming in the shadows.
I don't know who will read this letter.
But I beg you to help me. Whether it be money, knowledge, strength, or some small gadgets for self-defense, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Of course, I won't accept your help without giving something in return.
If you help me, I will repay you.
In my world, you might have loved ones who are no longer with you, perhaps a beloved one who you couldn't have, or a respected elder who's passed away—
I will help you fulfill uncompleted wishes, ease regrets, and mend the cracks in your heart.
So, please help me.]
After writing the letter, Link reviewed it a few times, found a scenic photo saved by the original owner, and attached it before sending the letter out with satisfaction.
"Asking for help, huh? The letter should be short and to the point."
"Now, the real work begins!"
Link took several deep breaths, copied the letter ten times, and then chose to send it.
Throwing a wide net, hoping to catch a fish.
The letters were folded in the interface, sent in an envelope, like leaves caught in a blue vortex.
[Letter sent. Please wait for a response.]
"Done. Now, it's time to wait."
Link clasped his hands together, stretching his arms overhead while sighing in contentment.
"Now, it's time to focus on Link Star's life. Let's see what the original owner was up to."
Link sat down at the desk, picked up the design blueprint, and began to carefully examine it.
"Clockwork Technology—"
Link furrowed his brows as he looked at the design.
Clockwork technology, he knew, was a unique technological system in the Twin Cities, alongside Hextech and Alchemy, known as the three major tech systems.
The clockwork golem was the epitome of clockwork technology.
However, Clockwork technology had never been mentioned in the original Arcane plot.
Yet, in the design blueprint left by the original owner, the term "Clockwork technology" appeared. Could it be that the timeline of the Arcane world where Link found himself was different from the original plot?
If so...
Champions like Camille, Ezreal, Seraphine, Janna, Heimerdinger, Mundo, and others might also exist in this world.
If not, then the term "Clockwork technology" shouldn't appear in the original owner's design.
It seemed that Link would need to explore Twin Cities further, to see how this world differed from the Arcane timeline he knew.
Lost in thought, Link was interrupted when a new notification popped up.
[You have a new message, please check.]
"Already a reply?" Link felt nervous, his heartbeat quickening, and as he summoned the interface, he saw the reply.
[A reply from an unknown sender.]
Link eagerly clicked on the letter, his fingers trembling as he opened it.
This was the moment that would determine whether he could settle in this world.
The letter opened with a simple line:
[Help me save the twin cities, change everyone's destiny. The price has been paid.]
Link's eyes widened, nearly popping out of their sockets as he glanced at the attachment at the end of the letter.
This... is it time to eat?!
His mind moved, and the attachment opened.
[You have received a gift from the Unknown Sender: Talent—Cursed Knowledge.]
[Talent—Cursed Knowledge]
Talent Effect: Cursed by knowledge, you will be relentlessly pursued by knowledge, with limitless learning and comprehension abilities.
Note: The more you know, the more you will feel how ignorant you truly are.
[Do you wish to accept this talent?]
"Yes." Link didn't hesitate.
The moment the entry flashed, his hands instinctively closed, and his head tilted back as his eyes whitened. His entire body shuddered as the gift was written into his being, causing intense pain.
But after the pain, a sense of indescribable joy and ease filled him.
It was like a blind man regaining sight, a deaf man hearing again, a mute speaking for the first time.
When Link opened his eyes, everything around him became clearer.
It was as if he had been seeing through a fog all this time, and now, with this gift, the fog was swept away. The world was bright and clear.
"Everything is simpler and clearer now!"
Link muttered to himself as he quickly walked to a nearby shelf and randomly grabbed a book.
"Introduction and Advanced Guide to Clockwork Technology."
Without hesitation, he opened it, skipped the preface and contents, and began reading.
The words flowed into his eyes and heart, and the knowledge and skills of the original owner were now at his disposal.
In no time, Link finished reading the book.
He then picked up the next one.
"Applications of Clockwork Technology"
Finished in thirty minutes, and then the next book.
"The Top Ten Creations of Clockwork Technology"
Done in twenty-five minutes, and then the next book.
"The Past and Present of Hextech."
Finished in twenty minutes, and then the next one.
"Hextech Memoirs"
"The Unbreakable Bond between Runes and Hextech"
"The Comprehensive Guide to Hextech Applications."
...
One after another, Link devoured the books, and when he threw the last book onto the ground, he looked up to realize there were no more books left.
He closed his eyes in thought, turned back to the desk, and began reviewing the original owner's design blueprints.
The more he looked, the more he furrowed his brows. The original owner had been trying to design a clockwork enhancement device to help the disabled walk again.
To make those with leg disabilities walk again, those paralyzed stand again, and the weak enjoy life freely.
However, the original owner had hit a bottleneck, unsure of how to design an energy source.
After reviewing the manuscript, Link began modifying and perfecting it.
The energy source was simple; he just needed to add a few power valves, incorporate a kinetic recovery gear system, and then—
Half an hour later, Link set down his quill, gazing at the perfected design blueprint on the table, exhaling deeply.
"Link Stutt, I've completed your design, I'll fulfill your dream, so rest easy."
"Now, everything ahead is my life."
Knock, knock, knock—
A knock at the door interrupted him. Link put away the manuscript and went to open the door.
Standing at the door was a female apprentice.
She was well-built and attractive, but her fingers were stained with oil and rough with calluses.
Tamara, one of the few friends the original owner had.
"Link, did you hear?" Tamara said, looking uneasy. "The council building was attacked, half of it exploded! This is crazy and terrifying!"
"If you mean the commotion from a while ago, I heard about it."
"Link, I feel like you're... different?" Tamara leaned closer to Link, uncertain. "Have you changed somehow?"
"Maybe it's because my all-night work has paid off?" Link raised an eyebrow.
Tamara's eyes widened, "You finished it?"
"Well, it's pretty much done, just need to buy materials to make the final product." Link shrugged, showing no intention of inviting her inside.
Tamara didn't mind, even if Link had invited her, she wouldn't go in.
There were many cases where design blueprints were stolen by other apprentices due to carelessness. She didn't want to bring trouble upon herself.
"Alright, congratulations in advance." Tamara smiled, but her expression quickly darkened. "But with the council attack, the interviews for the family selection might be delayed."
Link blinked. The interview was the selection test where the apprentices of Piltover showcased their inventions. If they caught the attention of the major families, they could secure funding and rise to success.
Because this year's Evolution Day had been ruined by a little madman from the Lower City, the interviews had been delayed repeatedly.
"It's okay, just a delay, no big deal."
Link shook his head, unconcerned.
Tamara squinted. The boy in front of her had indeed changed.
"Since you're so carefree, let me ask you: How are you going to handle your living expenses and rent for next month?" Tamara crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe with a mischievous look.
Link's calm expression shattered instantly. That's right, the original owner's savings weren't much. If the interview was delayed again, he might not be able to pay rent and would be kicked out of the apprentice dormitory.
"Haha—" Tamara laughed, slapping Link on the shoulder. "Just kidding! But I'm not here just to tell you about the council attack, there's also—"
Tamara raised her eyebrows, rubbing her hands together. "An opportunity to make money!"
"Mrs. Nolin on Gold Coast Street had a clockwork watch left by her deceased husband, but it's broken. She's been looking for someone to fix it, but several people have tried and made it worse."
"She's raised the price and is asking for someone capable to help."
"So, interested?"