When Will You Step into the Spotlight? (update)

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Later that evening, in Singed's warehouse.

"Doctor, I've finished the design for the exoskeleton. How's the potion coming along?"

Link pushed open the door to Singed's lab, holding the freshly completed design. Singed, who had been reviewing his experiment logs, looked up and said, "Link, you must understand that good things take time."

"So, it's not done yet... huh."

Link walked over to Singed, and the two exchanged documents.

Singed's experiment logs contained records of past human experiments. He was hoping to find inspiration and references to develop a new potion.

Link frowned as his knowledge of chem-tech automatically surged, comparing itself with the contents of the experiment logs.

Singed's experimental approach and techniques sparked a flood of ideas in Link's mind. As he cross-referenced these with his exoskeleton design, a plan for the potion began to take shape.

Meanwhile, Singed was scrutinizing Link's design. Link's design style was straightforward and logical, with each part connecting seamlessly to the next.

From the moment the design was completed, no one but Link himself could overturn it.

The exoskeleton resembled a pair of overalls, but with only one strap. This strap was segmented like a centipede, made up of numerous joints.

"You plan to stimulate the patient's spinal nerves, allowing them to regrow and bypass the damaged areas, restoring mobility," Singed remarked with genuine admiration. "A clever and brilliant idea!"

"As expected of you, Link."

"It's nothing," Link shook his head, placing the experiment logs on the table. "Doctor, I have an idea for the potion's direction."

"Coincidentally, I just had a new idea as well!"

Singed and Link exchanged glances, both smiling.

"You go first," Singed gestured for Link to speak. Link nodded. "We can stimulate the patient's spinal nerve plexus, encouraging it to regrow and form new connections, bypassing the damaged areas and restoring movement."

"Hmm, my thoughts align with yours. However—" Singed looked back at the exoskeleton design. "If we go this route, the spinal support section of your exoskeleton will need a redesign."

"That's simple. We can add micro electric engines for electrical stimulation and hollow needles that penetrate the skin to connect directly to the spine. These can guide nerve growth and inject the potion."

"Agreed." Singed nodded, approving Link's design.

"But we need to consider the potency of the potion," Link glanced at the blue sunflowers Singed had carefully preserved in a special glass container under chem-lights. "The patient needs healing, not enhancement."

"If the potion is too potent, the exoskeleton won't just heal—it'll become a form of augmentation."

"True."

"So, how long will it take to prepare the potion?" Link asked.

"With your help, we can finish in a day at most."

"Good, I'll assist."

The next night, Medarda Estate.

Wind blew through the observation deck, causing the curtains to flutter. Link, carrying a briefcase, used the wind to slip into the estate's art studio.

"Divine Emissary, you've arrived."

Mel, who had been waiting, stood and bowed slightly. Link waved his hand. "Ms. Mel, there's no need for such formality."

"We both serve Janna. No need to be so distant."

"If you say so, I'll relax." Mel smiled, and Link gestured for her to do so.

"I've read the letter you sent me. As per your instructions, I invited Salo to my estate this evening. He's resting in the guest room now."

As Mel spoke, Link nodded.

"How's your mother doing?" Link inquired about Ambessa. Mel sighed. "Since your last meeting, my mother has been praying to Janna almost constantly, seeking her protection and guidance."

"She's also promoting Janna's faith among her soldiers. She's commissioned the stonemasons to create statues and amulets to spread the faith throughout the army."

"Hmm." Link nodded. Ambessa's reaction wasn't surprising.

After all, she was someone who had faced the Kindred and survived their trial.

In her backstory, Ambessa had nearly died on the battlefield while pregnant with Mel. At the brink of death, she entered the boundary between life and death, undergoing the Kindred's trial.

She succeeded, escaping the Wolf's claws and gaining a second chance at life, along with the Kindred's blessing.

However, the blessing wasn't just for Ambessa—it extended to Mel in her womb.

In Link's view, Mel's magical talent was a result of the Kindred's blessing.

As for the so-called "truth" the Black Rose had fed Mel in the original story, Link didn't believe a word of it.

As the mastermind of the League, LeBlanc and her Black Rose were notorious for their lies.

"Also—" Mel glanced at the briefcase in Link's hand. "My mother said that if you're willing, she'd like to fully support you in spreading Janna's faith."

"Do you have any interest in this?"

Mel waited anxiously for Link's response. She had spoken at length with her mother the previous day, discussing everything from family to the future, from Noxus to Piltover.

That conversation had helped Mel resolve many of her long-standing issues, with only a few lingering doubts left to fade with time.

Ambessa had also advised Mel to seize the opportunity Link had brought them.

The favor of a true deity could ensure the Medarda family's prosperity for centuries, if not millennia.

Link looked at Mel, noting her anxious expression. He understood her intentions perfectly.

Ambessa had seized this opportunity and wanted to deepen their collaboration.

Helping him spread Janna's faith was an excellent way to do so.

Janna's current situation in the Twin Cities was well-known. That's why Ambessa was so eager to help.

Adding flowers to a brocade was never as valuable as offering coal in a snowstorm.

However, helping Janna spread her faith would mean Link, as her chosen, would have to step into the spotlight, becoming the focus of attention in the Twin Cities.

For now, it was far too early for that.

As for the reason—

To put it grandly, "A wise man keeps his tools hidden, waiting for the right moment to act."

To put it simply: Don't show your face until you've firmly grasped the gun.

To put it academically: Show 1, use 2, hide 3, research 4.

"Please tell General Ambessa that I appreciate her offer. But the time isn't right yet. When the moment comes, I'll step into the spotlight."

"Is that so?" Mel's eyes showed contemplation, but she didn't press further.

"Then please follow me. I'll take you to Salo."

Link nodded and followed Mel.

They arrived at the guest room where Salo was resting. As soon as they entered, Link frowned.

The room was brightly lit, but Salo, sitting in his wheelchair, had a vacant look in his eyes, filled with self-loathing. He held a glass of alcohol, and the bottle beside him was more than half empty.

"Mel, is this the doctor you found for me?" Salo raised his glass, his gaze shifting to Link. Mel frowned as she approached Salo, looking at the nearly empty bottle. "How much have you drunk?"

"Not much, just a bit." Salo chuckled. "I must say, the Noxian liquor you have here is excellent."

"Introduce me to the merchant later. I'll place a big order."

"Salo, you—" Mel was about to scold him, but Link raised a hand to stop her.

Mel glanced at Link and stepped back. Link walked up to Salo, looking down at him.

"What are you staring at?" Salo's drunken eyes glazed over as he smirked. "Oh, I see, you—"

Before he could finish, Link kicked him, sending him and the wheelchair tumbling to the floor.