Surprises really do come out of nowhere. Link licked his lips, slid open the mailbox, and began skimming through the messages.
Friend, is this the latest arcane scam?
If so, I must say, it's incredibly creative!
Parallel universe? My god, I never thought anyone would use a parallel universe as a gimmick.
I admit, you've piqued my interest. So, as a small token of encouragement, I'm sending you one of my latest signed posters. After all, you've provided a rare afternoon laugh for the most handsome and greatest adventurer in Runeterra.
Link's face darkened as he read the letter. The arrogant tone. The pretentious words. Without even opening the attachment, he already knew who it was from.
You've received a gift from the most handsome adventurer in history—an insanely good-looking signed poster.
With a sigh, Link yanked the poster out of the attachment. As soon as he saw the flashy blonde hair, he rolled it back up and tossed it in the trash.
He remembered that guy's backstory too well—wealthy family, famous archaeologist parents, living with his uncle... Easy to track down in this world. He'd deal with him offline.
Mock him all you want, but don't disgust him!
Breathing deeply to calm himself, Link opened the second email.
Listen, I don't know how you got that letter into my head!
I don't care if you used arcane magic or some other weird sorcery!
But if you dare deceive the head of the Kiramman family, you'd better be ready to pay the price!
However, I must admit...
The mysterious Link Star—you've definitely piqued my interest.
You said your timeline is after Jinx, that damn little madwoman, attacked the council building. So tell me this—
In your timeline, is she, Caitlyn, my daughter, still alive?
Link raised an eyebrow. This was unmistakably from Caitlyn's mother, Cassandra Kiramman. From her tone, though, it seemed Caitlyn was dead in her timeline?
After a moment of thought, Link began drafting a response.
**Dear Madam Cassandra Kiramman,
As a citizen of Piltover, I offer you my deepest respect.
Regarding your inquiry, I can confirm that, in my timeline, Miss Caitlyn is still very much alive.
However, in return, you are no longer here.
I trust someone as wise as you can understand my meaning.
Now, let me update you on my situation. Noxus's Anbesa is planning an attack. If her scheme succeeds, it will provide justification for Noxus to intervene in Piltover's affairs.
But her ambitions extend far beyond that.
Even with the right to intervene, she won't be able to control everything.
So the question is: who will she choose as her pawn?
Who will Anbesa use to stoke hatred and anger toward Jinx, relentlessly pursuing revenge?
A wise woman like you must already know the answer.**
Satisfied, Link hit send and waited. While waiting, he glanced at the poster again, hesitated, then pulled it out of the trash and typed another message.
Guess whose parallel universe counterpart is about to get into big trouble? :)
Just after hitting send, Cassandra's reply came in.
**Link Star,
I admit, you've piqued my curiosity and stirred a mother's anger and worry.
I will fund you, just as I once did for Jayce!
The Kiramman family's wealth is limitless, and I am now the ruler of Piltover!
As long as you can let me see her again—let me see my daughter—I will give you everything you desire!**
Link grinned wide and quickly began drafting his response.
**Madam Kiramman,
I'm sure Miss Caitlyn would love to see you again as well. I will arrange to take her photo and report back to you as soon as possible.
However, please forgive my rudeness. As a humble apprentice, I lack the funds for such an endeavor.
I humbly request your assistance.
I'll deliver Caitlyn's photo to you by midnight tonight at the earliest or noon tomorrow at the latest.
By the way, would you like to see your husband too? He misses you dearly!**
Click. Send.
Within thirty seconds, her reply arrived—a single attachment.
You've received a gift from Cassandra Kiramman—1,000 Gold Seashells.
"Whistle—" Link let out a low whistle, eyebrows raised in impressed surprise. A full thousand Gold Seashells.
With Caitlyn's photo and some personal items, not only could he cover costs, but he'd also have enough to set up his own workshop.
Memo updated: save the Twin Cities, change fate, and help a grieving mother heal.
But how to do it?
Link thought for a moment, then knocked on Tamara's door.
No answer.
He clicked his tongue. Tamara wasn't back yet.
Better buy the camera first.
He left the dorms, grabbed some money, and bought the best camera and film he could find. Ready for the task ahead.
As he finished up, Tamara knocked on his door.
The drunken apprentice leaned against the doorframe, flipping her medium-length hair and reeking of alcohol.
"Hey, our little genius, I heard you were looking for me!"
"Tamara, my best friend!"
Link opened his arms, but Tamara smacked his forehead and rolled her eyes. "Spit it out. How much do you need to borrow? And just so you know, my savings are running low!"
Link grabbed her hand, feigning a pitiful expression. "You think I'm just here to borrow money?"
"Thirty Gold Seashells. That's my limit," Tamara said flatly.
Link coughed. "I've got enough money. I just need your help with something."
"What is it?" Tamara eyed him suspiciously. Even tipsy, she could tell trouble was coming.
"I want to attend Cassandra Kiramman's funeral," Link said seriously. "As a Piltover citizen, I think it's my duty to see her off."
Tamara froze, then cursed loudly.
"Link, did you burn your brain with alchemy waste?
You, a random apprentice, going to Cassandra Kiramman's funeral?!
Do you even know who attends funerals like that? Upper-class elites, nobles! People like us wouldn't even have the right to stand at the door and peek!"
"Is there really no way?" Link asked again.
Tamara shook her head. "No way!"
"Hmm—" Link thought for a moment, then asked, "Can you help me get a press pass?"
"Or—" His eyes lit up. "Help me buy a bankrupt newspaper!"
Tamara froze, mouth agape.
"Link Star!" she finally screamed, voice echoing down the corridor. "You're truly a genius!"