Sponsorship

[Check Out My P4treon For +40 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]

===

"So it's you—"

Ekko's face showed clear annoyance, but he still let his guard down and introduced Link to Zeri.

"Zeri, relax. This guy isn't one of the Chem-Baron's lackeys."

"Oh." Zeri dissipated the electric sparks at her fingertips, though her eyes continued to linger on Link.

His steel armor clung to him like a hermit crab's shell, and the matte-black leather suit accentuated his tall, imposing figure.

The spider-like helmet added an indescribable air of mystery, evoking an involuntary sense of awe in anyone who saw it.

"How did you get in here?" Ekko glared at Link, who simply turned his gaze toward the towering tree. "With Janna's help, it was easy to slip in."

"You might want to beef up your security and surveillance," Link kindly reminded him. Ekko clicked his tongue. "Only someone like you could sneak in without triggering the alarms. You think everyone gets blessed by a true god like you do?"

"Ekko, what are you talking about?" Zeri looked confused. "What do you mean by 'blessed by a true god'...?"

"This." Ekko pulled out a bluebird talisman from his collar and showed it to Zeri. Her eyebrows shot up. "That's...! I've seen something like this at my grandma's place. She said it was a symbol of Zaun's guardian deity from the past."

"Exactly. Zaun's guardian deity, the Storm's Fury—Janna!"

Ekko's expression grew complicated as he glanced at Link. "He's Janna's chosen, her preacher."

"Wow—" Zeri's eyes widened as she stared at Link, flustered and stammering, "Chosen one... preacher... that's amazing!"

"You're quite impressive yourself, young mage." Link nodded toward Zeri, his gaze falling on her fingers, which had sparked with electricity earlier. "Your talent is extraordinary. I hope you'll use it wisely."

"This—" Zeri flexed her fingers, tiny arcs of electricity crackling between them. She smiled shyly. "It's nothing special."

Seeing Link's friendly demeanor toward Zeri, Ekko's attitude softened as well.

"I may not like him much, but I have to admit he's really capable."

"It seems your tree has recovered from the pollution and is healthy again."

Link plucked a leaf carried by the breeze and examined it. Ekko nodded. "The potion you gave us worked wonders. In just a day and a night, the tree we depend on not only healed but became even healthier than before."

"Anyway, thank you."

"Hah, such an ungracious kid!"

Link pocketed the leaf. He planned to have Singed analyze it later to see if the potion had caused any mutations in the tree.

After all, the potion wasn't designed to cure but to enhance a species' adaptability to its environment.

Plus, with the source of the pollution being the Hextech Gates, Link couldn't afford to be careless.

"So, what brings you here uninvited today?" Ekko crossed his arms, eyeing Link suspiciously. Heimerdinger emerged from the shadows where a fried banana had fallen, quickly interjecting, "Ah, young Ekko, remember to show respect!"

Ekko sighed, glancing at Heimerdinger. The professor was great in many ways, but he was too timid.

"One reason is to provide follow-up service," Link explained. "To check on the tree's condition."

"The other reason—" Link smiled. "Janna said you've run into some trouble and asked me to come help."

"That's wonderful!" Heimerdinger cheered. "We could really use the assistance!"

As he spoke, Heimerdinger nudged Ekko's leg. Ekko reluctantly added, "We've taken in too many homeless civilians, and now we're running low on supplies. Food, medicine, clothing—basically everything we need for daily life. We're in desperate need of more."

"That's not a problem. I can sponsor you with ten thousand gold hexes worth of supplies."

As soon as Link finished speaking, Zeri gasped. "T-ten thousand?!"

"Oh my gods, that's way too much! A fried banana only costs a few copper coins. How many fried bananas could ten thousand gold hexes buy?" Zeri started counting on her fingers but quickly became overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the number.

"I can't even calculate it."

"By my mechanical ancestors, ten thousand gold hexes! That's a huge help," Heimerdinger exclaimed, clapping his hands. Ekko, however, remained skeptical. "You're really this generous?"

"It's not free," Link clarified. "This isn't support in my name, but sponsorship from Janna herself!"

"In return, you and everyone you help must pledge your faith to Janna."

Ekko nodded slightly. He had expected there'd be a catch.

Zeri scratched her head, confused. "But shouldn't gods be selfless?"

Link glanced at the cheerful girl and chuckled. "As a god, Janna is selfless. She helps her followers without expecting anything in return, treating every person in Zaun as her own child, giving selflessly!"

"But!" Link's tone grew serious. "Just because Janna is selfless doesn't mean her chosen and preacher have to be!"

"In some ways, I have to be a bit selfish, a bit pragmatic."

Link stepped forward, standing before the two humans and the yordle, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed up at the towering tree.

"Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to Janna."

Zeri nodded, though she only half-understood. Heimerdinger scratched his head, falling silent.

Only Ekko stepped forward, addressing Link directly. "So, this is a transaction?"

"You can think of it as one," Link replied without turning around. "Spread Janna's faith, build her churches, and share her gospel. In return, I'll provide you with the supplies and support you need."

"And this support is indefinite. If you do well, I'll increase the investment and sponsorship in the future!"

Link turned to face them. "Building bridges, paving roads, constructing schools, hospitals, and housing—providing jobs and ensuring a better life for the people of Zaun, so they're not just struggling to survive but have something to strive for."

"As long as you meet my requirements, I'll make all of this happen!"

Ekko didn't hesitate. "If it helps more people, I'll accept this deal!"

"Good, that's the spirit!" Link patted Ekko's shoulder. "Then let's start by building a small church in your community. I'll arrange for the supplies to be delivered within three days at most."

"Alright."

"Also—" Link thought of Viktor. "I need you to do me another favor."

"Go on."

"Someone's established a community in Zaun, welcoming anyone who wants a new life. I need you to intercept the people he's recruiting and prevent too many Zaunites from joining his community."

At this, Ekko frowned. "What's your angle? No matter his intentions, helping Zaunites in times like these is a good thing. Why should I stop him?"

"I'll explain the reasons later. Just do this for me. If you do it well, I'll sponsor you with an additional five thousand gold hexes."

Link looked at Ekko. "Deal?"

Ekko's lips twitched. Finally, he gritted his teeth. "I'll see for myself what he's doing before I give you an answer!"

"Suit yourself. Just don't accept his blessings, Ekko." Link's tone was意味深长 (meaningful). "It won't end well for you."

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 100 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 160 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.

At this moment chapters 49,50,51 are available totally free on my patreon so take advantage of the fact that they are blocked again at any time