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Deep in Zaun, in Singed's laboratory.
"Behold, my finest creation to date."
Singed guided Link Star into his lab. Suspended from the ceiling was Vander, heavily altered by experiments, his eyes closed.
"Vander's survival instinct and resilience are remarkable!"
Singed's voice carried a mixture of admiration and pride. "Most would perish under such mutagenic experimentation. But not him. Not only did he endure it, he evolved under its stimulus."
Link didn't respond immediately. Instead, he circled Vander, observing closely.
Vander's current state was identical to his monstrous form from the series: a hybrid of man and beast. His massive frame was covered in coarse, steel-like bristles. His muscles looked like they were forged from iron, radiating an overwhelming aura of menace.
His limbs were fully mutated, and on his back, an alchemical pump bubbled occasionally, its tubes connecting to his steel-enforced right arm. Cooling fans and vents were mounted near his shoulder blades, completing the grotesque transformation.
Link frowned as he examined Vander, his silence speaking volumes. Singed waited patiently, sensing that Link was deep in thought.
After a moment, Link sighed audibly through his respirator.
"Doctor, I doubt Vander's transformation was as effortless as you make it sound."
Singed's eyes widened slightly. "You noticed?"
"I understand your methodology," Link said in a calm tone. "You identified the symmetrical line between the scapula and spine, drilled through the bone plates to secure the pump, and stitched its tubing into his arteries and veins."
"Furthermore, you likely connected the pump to his spinal nerves. Such precision... It's hard to imagine a single person executing this."
"Indeed," Singed admitted, his hands clasped behind his back. Link interjected, "But the real challenge wasn't the installation, was it? It was maintaining stability in the mutations."
"Exactly." Singed nodded. "During one experiment, his right arm detached at the elbow. At first, I thought the test had failed, but to my astonishment, the catalyst in the serum began altering his blood, granting him extraordinary regenerative abilities."
"His arm grew back as a budding stump. I acted as a gardener, crafting an alchemical enhancement to guide its growth."
"The process was grueling. I can't count how many times I had to break his bones to ensure proper skeletal development."
"But it was worth it. Now, he's a true beast."
Singed's eyes gleamed with pride. Such a masterpiece was unmatched across Piltover and Zaun.
Yet a shadow crossed his face. He thought of his daughter.
Despite his brilliance, he couldn't overcome the boundary between life and death to bring back the one he loved.
As Singed delved into his memories, Link continued to examine Vander.
Vander hadn't fully transformed into the beast of Zaun yet.
This meant there was still hope for him.
If Singed succeeded in completing the mutation, Vander's humanity and memories would likely be erased forever.
"Doctor, I admire your technical skills," Link said, turning to face Singed. "But I'd like you to shift the focus of your experiments—to awakening his humanity."
"Awaken his humanity?" Singed was visibly puzzled. "Why? Vander is now a formidable weapon, a living bioweapon. Why wouldn't you use him to achieve your ambitions?"
"No, Doctor," Link shook his head. "I have no ambition for domination, only a vision for creation."
"Vander is useless to me as a weapon."
"Instead of turning him into a tool for slaughter, I'd rather have him help a lonely little girl rediscover the warmth of family."
"Besides—" Link removed his cloak, revealing his exoskeleton, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've got something better!"
Singed's eyebrows twitched as he stepped closer, scrutinizing the exoskeleton.
Moments later, he exclaimed in awe.
"What an exquisite design! Such ingenious craftsmanship! This is an extraordinary masterpiece. I've never seen clockwork technology pushed to such heights!"
"What's its name?"
"Clockwork Exoskeleton," Link replied, running his hand over the protective armor. "It's just a prototype—version 0.1. More upgrades will follow."
"Focusing on energy sources?" Singed noted the triangular engine on Link's lower back, crouching to inspect the gears' soft clicks.
"That's part of it," Link sighed. "The current model requires a high physical aptitude to use. Overloaded gears can cause burns, and its attack patterns are limited. The engine isn't as efficient as I'd like."
"Even with its flaws, it's a weapon capable of arming an army."
"You're a genius," Singed declared.
"Thank you, Doctor," Link said with a nod.
"But in my eyes, its potential extends far beyond warfare. Applied to civilian use, it could revolutionize daily life."
"Are you aiming to challenge Hextech?" Singed raised an eyebrow. Link shrugged. "No. They're not even on the same path."
"Hextech is humanity's attempt to harness magic and arcane power. Clockwork technology is about the pinnacle of physics, mathematics, and mechanics!"
"You're an exceptional scientist," Singed admitted. "And exceptional minds never settle. You'll challenge Hextech someday."
"Who knows—" Link dismissed the topic and shifted focus. "Doctor, how long would it take you to relocate your lab?"
"Excluding necessary materials and specimens, if I have enough manpower, less than a day!"
"Then start preparing. I'll secure a new lab for you—and a new room for your daughter."
Singed glanced toward the iron door and nodded. "Fine, but I'll need updated experiment logs."
"Consider it done," Link assured.
"One more thing, Doctor," Link asked as Singed shifted his gaze from the exoskeleton.
"Do you know Janna?"