The Arrival of the Clockwork Exoskeleton (update)

A day later, at Riverside Workshop.

Clang... clang... clink!

Link Star, shirtless and drenched in sweat, hammered the final piece of the exoskeleton on the anvil. The glowing-hot component was swiftly plunged into the cooling liquid, sending up a cloud of steam.

Wearing protective goggles, Link silently counted the seconds for the quenching process. Once the time was up, he pulled the piece out and examined it under the light of the forge.

The small gear, no larger than the palm of his hand, gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen.

The black iron from Noxus was truly exceptional.

Just like the empire itself—ruthless, cold, and unyielding.

Since the gears of the exoskeleton needed to endure long periods of operation under heavy stress, Noxian black iron was the only suitable material.

Turning around, Link carried the gear to a workbench behind him.

On the bench lay a nearly completed clockwork exoskeleton.

The outer shell, forged from rune steel, was not only durable but also provided a degree of magical resistance.

The internal gear system, made from Noxian black iron, was meticulously crafted to ensure flawless operation.

The kinetic energy transmission device, forged from Ionian heart-copper, combined toughness and flexibility, almost as if it were alive.

All three materials, sourced from different regions, had been provided by Lady Cassandra Kiramman from another timeline, sparing Link any financial burden.

After installing the gear into the power valve at the exoskeleton's lumbar region, Link sealed the engine casing with bolts and stepped back to admire his creation.

The exoskeleton stood two meters tall, resembling a hollowed-out steel skeleton.

Its backbone was a flexible metal spine composed of twenty-six independent segments, resembling the segmented body of a centipede. This design allowed for fluid movement while ensuring the kinetic energy was transmitted efficiently. It also protected the user from injury caused by excessive motion.

At the base of the spine was a triangular power valve engine, about the length of a man's forearm, with a pull-chain hidden inside the casing. To activate it, the user simply needed to pull the chain, much like starting a chainsaw, to energize the engine.

The energy supply was sustained through the exoskeleton's motion, utilizing the unique kinetic energy recovery technology of clockwork science to create a continuous cycle of energy within the gears.

The engine was secured with gear clasps on both sides, forming a stable triangular connection with the spine.

The shoulders were fully encased in smooth, rounded armor without any sharp edges.

The limbs were also reinforced with overlapping plates for added protection.

Gyroscopes were installed at key points on the limbs and torso to assist with force application and directional correction.

Hydraulic systems in the limbs were connected to the kinetic energy recovery system. Any excess energy generated during movement was recycled and released through the transmission gears, creating a positive feedback loop.

"Finally done..." Link sighed, tossing his goggles aside.

After a full day and night of nonstop work, he had finally completed the exoskeleton.

If it weren't for his experience as a master craftsman in his previous life, he doubted he could have finished it in such a short time.

"I wonder if the invitations for the memorial service have been sent out yet."

After setting the safety lock on the exoskeleton, Link left the workshop and checked the mailbox outside.

The sky was overcast, the air heavy with the promise of an impending storm.

At the mailbox by the estate gate, Link found it stuffed with letters.

Instead of retrieving them immediately, he first went to a nearby eatery to grab some food. On his return, he collected the letters and brought them back to the workshop, where he ate while reading through them.

Most of the letters were from local workshop owners, offering greetings and subtle inquiries.

The rental of Riverside Workshop had sparked curiosity among the neighbors, who were eager to learn more about the mysterious new tenant.

There were also letters from aspiring apprentices, sales pitches, and correspondence from the Workshop District's自治会 (self-governing association).

Finally, there was a blue-gray invitation sealed with the crest of the Piltover Council.

It was the invitation to the memorial service.

In the past, such an invitation would never have reached Link.

But now, having moved out of the apprentice dormitory and into a small estate costing fifteen hundred gold hexes a month, he had effectively risen to the middle class.

While he wasn't quite part of the upper echelons of society, he was no longer the same person he used to be.

The estate was his new calling card, attracting both goodwill and curiosity from all directions.

"Tamara would lose her mind if she saw this," Link chuckled, holding the invitation.

After opening it, he examined the contents and date.

The memorial service was scheduled for the next morning at the University of Piltover.

"Looks like I still have some time to rest," Link muttered, setting the invitation aside.

He hadn't slept in over a day and desperately needed some rest.

After setting an alarm, Link lay down on a folding bed, pulling a thin blanket over himself.

Time flew by, and soon the alarm rang.

Link woke instantly, knowing he couldn't afford to waste any time. He still needed to test the exoskeleton.

After a quick breakfast of cold tea cakes, he returned to the exoskeleton.

Gently running his hand over the armor, which resembled shark teeth, Link felt a surge of pride. Once worn, the armor would instantly lock into place, providing unparalleled protection.

"Fate sets limits for humanity, but the mind can break those limits, unlocking infinite possibilities," Link murmured, a firm believer in the power of knowledge.

If he wanted to establish a foothold in Piltover, Zaun, and all of Runeterra, he would need to rely on the gifts from the mysterious wanderer and his own relentless pursuit of knowledge.

The exoskeleton was just the beginning.

After unlocking the safety mechanisms, Link climbed onto the workbench and lay down inside the exoskeleton.

"Today, Piltover will witness the infinite possibilities of clockwork science!"

"I will make clockwork technology great again!"

With that, the safety locks engaged, and the exoskeleton's armor closed around him. The internal gears began to hum softly.

Slowly sitting up, Link swung his legs over the edge of the bench and jumped down.

The moment his feet touched the ground, the floor tiles cracked like spiderwebs.

To Link, the thick, sturdy tiles felt as fragile as wafer cookies.

Flexing his fingers, he glanced at a workbench reinforced with steel.

With a casual swipe, the hundred-kilogram bench was sent flying like a leaf in the wind.

Ignoring the chaos, Link walked over to a steel target he had prepared for strength testing.

The target, ten centimeters thick and sixty centimeters wide, was made entirely of steel.

As Link clenched his fist, the gears whirred, and the hydraulic system began to build pressure.

Whoosh—

The air whistled as Link's fist struck the target. The hydraulic system silently transferred the force, punching a massive hole straight through the steel.

Shaking his wrist, Link leaned forward slightly. With a single step, the exoskeleton propelled him forward, turning him into a blur as he darted around the workshop.

The rushing wind caused the forge flames to flicker wildly.

After a few moments, Link came to a stop, breathing heavily.

"Strength surpassing a bull, speed rivaling a galloping horse, and the ability to challenge birds in flight—this is the true potential of clockwork science!"

Link marveled at the enhancements provided by the exoskeleton, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"It's time to head to the memorial service!"