Cyberzaun, Machinarium

"Did you sound the alarm when you were looking for someone?"

"No, this is an upscale residential area, and we didn't find any problems, so we just turned on the police lights. What's wrong?"

"It's okay," Caitlin sighed, "but I know who to ask for compensation. Make a list and someone will handle the bill. And I guess he doesn't care."

After exchanging a glance with Caitlin, Enoch calculated the time he had been here, nodded resignedly, and gently pinched the girl's cheek. "How many times has this happened? Little rascal?"

"I didn't do anything." Jinx didn't care at all. Instead, she tilted her head slightly and bit Enoch's finger. "By the way, do you feel anything like this?"

"Of course, otherwise I wouldn't wear this skin, and don't change the subject."

"Okay, I apologize. What are we having for dinner tonight?"

With a distressed sigh, Enoch watched the law enforcement officers who came over to withdraw their troops and temporarily gave up the idea of sorting out the problem. He looked at the depressed Wei, thought for a while, and asked: "What color do you like? I'll give you a brand new one someday. Now, do you want to go for a ride?"

"This time, nothing will go wrong, right?" Wei asked uncertainly, tapping the car frame with the key in one hand.

"will not"

………………

All in all, except for some minor accidents, the dinner that day went very well, and the red-painted sports car was given to Wei the next day. As for minor issues such as fuel, Enoch was very confident in Wei's salary.

Everything seemed to be on the right track, Evolution Day passed smoothly, large-scale transactions were basically negotiated, and Zaun also successfully sold normal alchemical potions and a large number of mechanical furniture, and a lot of weapons were smuggled into several surrounding countries.

Enoch returned to his life in the factory. Everything was the same except that Jinx took him for a drive. Even Hilco and the others began to quiet down. Everything was fine except for the growing differences between the people on both sides.

Just when Enoch was lamenting that there had been no trouble in Noxus, Tamara gently knocked on the door, reminding Enoch that someone was visiting.

Seeing the weak man in front of him, Enoch wisely did not choose alcohol, but slowly brewed a pot of tea for him and said, "Please enjoy it slowly."

"Thank you," the man said, coughing a few times. "Thank you for your help."

"It's nothing. I like making tea for my friends." Glancing at the heavy dark circles under the man's eyes, Enoch was a little worried. "Are you okay?"

"Not too good." Victor squeezed his cane, as if grasping the last glimmer of hope. "Teacher Singed recommended you to me. He thought I might be able to get help from you." Looking at the man sitting behind the large desk, Victor quickly added, "I will pay, Mr. Baron."

"Ha, Singed... I haven't seen him for a long time. I always thought that Silko had hidden him. I didn't expect you to be able to find him. Is he okay?"

"It looks good. He has returned to the original laboratory... Thank you, Mr. Baron." Victor took the sugar bowl that Enoch pushed in front of him and scooped a few spoonfuls politely.

Looking at Victor's weak body, Enoch waved his hand and said, "No need to be so rude. There's no need to call me Baron. This is just a self-entertaining name used by the Lower City to demonstrate their power. Just call me Enoch. Judging from your accent... you should be from Zaun. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"It's like this. Due to my physical condition, I am studying the symbiotic ability of Hextech Gems." Victor paused. "Do you know Hextech Gems?"

"Yes, I have a Hexstone mine. Do you need high-quality Hexstone?"

"Um, no thanks. What I meant is, Mr. Singed said you might have something to replace human tissue?"

"Yes, I can customize prosthetic limbs," Enoch said as he looked at Victor, whose eyes suddenly lit up. "But I'm not sure if my product can meet your needs. Come on, let me show you."

Enoch took Victor to a small room deep in the factory. The room was locked with an old-fashioned padlock that looked like it hadn't been opened for some time.

Signaling Victor who was following behind him to step back a little, Enoch easily cut the chain with his mantis knife.

“These are my previous designs. I am very satisfied with them. Unfortunately, most people cannot appreciate them.”

As he spoke, the light came on, interrupting Victor's quiet observation of the prosthesis. Following the direction of Enoch's finger, various organs with complicated wires were immersed in a strange solution.

"My previous works were not as popular as they are now. Most of them were made into individual products for display, but most people didn't like them very much. They would rather look for breathing filters everywhere in times of crisis than replace themselves with a stronger electronic lung that can better adapt to harsh environments."

“It’s the same with the girls in my family.”

Chapter 115 Prosthetic Transformation

The scene in front of him looked shocking, and then an inexplicable sense of fear gripped Victor's heart.

Under the light, the organ floating in the container bottle that had accumulated a lot of dust was still slowly expanding, simulating Mo Yan's normal work. The originally mechanical structure looked more like a living human organ under the dim glass.

This place doesn't look like a normal laboratory, but rather a crazy slaughterhouse, where humans are disassembled and placed in bottles, as if showing off the trophies.

Victor endured the physical discomfort, carefully wiped away the dust outside, and observed this sophisticated bionic organ.

"How much have you modified yourself?"

"About 7%. These things require a lot of effort to maintain. In fact, I have to thank you and Jace for your research. Hextech gems have helped me solve many energy-related problems."

Victor looked back at Enoch behind him and asked hesitantly, "I thought you admired these things."

"Yes, but like I told you, I have to consider the adaptability issue... Strictly speaking, I only had prosthetic hands a long time ago, and I only started to upgrade myself recently." Enoch leaned on the jar behind him nonchalantly, allowing Victor to inspect his products. In fact, he was very excited now, because finally someone interested came.

Seeing Victor's eager look, Enox thought about it and gave his own advice: "Based on my experience, don't upgrade yourself too much at once."

"Why? Is it a rejection reaction? I can use medication."

"No," Enoch shook his head. "Prosthetic limbs, enhanced weapons, artificial organs, whatever you want to call it, its essence is a kind of human enhancement."

"When you first upgrade, you will feel that you have become stronger and your reactions are faster... This feeling will make you think you are a superman, and it is easy to get addicted to it. You will constantly upgrade and transform. Eventually, your physical body will be unable to support the enhanced mechanical part, and your nervous system will misjudge and eventually drive you crazy... With the means we have now, we cannot transform a person into a pure mechanical form. The outcome will not be good."

"Is this your inference?"

"This is what I have seen and heard... I personally think my approach is the right path, but it is clear that this path is far from wide enough and there are still many problems that need to be addressed."

After a moment of silence, Victor quietly asked, "May I know what the problem is?"

Enoch reached out and tapped his head: "Soul, consciousness, spirit, intention, whatever you want to call it, but it is this aspect that makes it impossible for machines, no matter how human-like, to create a poem on their own. They will respond to whatever design we make and will never jump out of the framework."

After a pause, Enoch used a silly joke to ease the heavy atmosphere, "Maybe this is a good thing? We don't have to worry about rebellion. Besides the high cost, they are all the most loyal cannon fodder."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Enoch." Victor turned and said goodbye to Enoch. "I want to think about it carefully. Maybe I will come to bother you again in a while."

After shaking hands with Victor, Enoch took the opportunity to extend his invitation, "You are welcome at any time. In fact, my laboratory welcomes your visit. Maybe you can help me solve the problem."

"It's my honor." He turned around and walked a few steps with his cane, then turned back as if he remembered something and asked the generous host, "Based on experience, how many enhancements can a person go through at most?"

"If you want to keep your brain clear, I suggest you don't exceed 60%. At the same time, you have to take it slow and give yourself time to adapt... Why don't you try Hex magic? It seems that some people use this thing to keep their bodies active."

"I have conducted experiments in this regard." Victor tightened his fingers and tightly grasped the handle of the cane. "But I haven't found a suitable combination yet. Hex gems don't have the effect of prolonging life. This may just be a slogan used by merchants."

"Maybe. Maybe you need to study more than just Hex Gemstones. You can try Primordial Crystals... This is a name I just heard about. The yield is very small and hidden deep in the mines."

Victor, who was leaving in a hurry, met Jinx. The girl looked at the sickly man curiously and greeted her, and nodded subconsciously.

"Where did that sickly fellow come from? Is he dying?"

"Your adjectives are as impolite as ever. He is a scientist from Zaun, and he is desperate." Throwing the cup on the table into the sink, Enoch looked at Jinx who lay down on the sofa, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Whatever." The girl kicked her feet lightly, her boots falling on the carpet, and she stretched her body comfortably. Jinx asked Enoch curiously, "Is he here to ask for sponsorship? When did you become a councillor?"

The spoon tapped lightly on the edge of the cup, and Little Finger handed the freshly brewed cocoa to the lazy girl. Then he sat down beside her, pulled Jinx's little feet over his legs, and helped her stretch the muscles in her calves.

"When did you start being so sarcastic? He's a rare person who comes here to see his prosthetic organs. I have a feeling he'll have a lot to talk about with me."

"Is there really someone who wants to turn himself into a robot? He's not talking nonsense because of a little light."

"That's my work. I'm really sad that you comment on it like that." Raising his eyebrows, Enoch deliberately tickled the soles of the girl's feet.

Jinx giggled, and after a while she hugged Littlefinger and begged for mercy, "Please forgive me. I don't appreciate it anyway, and I don't want to see you rushing to upgrade yourself..." Jinx tilted her head and thought for a while, a little unsure, "You used this word, right? We have all seen the fate of the cybernetic lunatics who were modified all over the body."

"That's right. I just haven't solved the compatibility problem. However, I don't deny that I have to take it step by step." After smelling the smell of gunpowder on the girl, Enoch was a little confused.

"Where have you been?"

Jinx gently lifted her bangs and deliberately moved closer to Enoch, "I went to Piltover and saw the people there fighting again. They set the store on fire... It wasn't me who did it this time. If you don't believe me, go ask the cops.

Both sides have been quite lively recently. I also heard that Fulgrim's bar was smashed. I really want to see what kind of expression that stupid big guy Sevika has."

"Do you know who did it?"

"I don't know. Usually it's drunk people causing trouble. When the mobile team arrives, things are basically settled. There's no trouble."

Seeing Enoch frown, Jinx gently hooked Littlefinger's neck: "What are you worried about?"

"It's nothing. I hope I'm overthinking it." He lowered his head and responded to Jinx's lips. No problem was important now.

Chapter 116 A New Round of Conflict

Since the change of owner, the style of Fulgrim's Tavern has suddenly become more flamboyant and radical. It is hard to say which style is a better cover for a conspirator and smuggler.

But it doesn't matter now. Everyone in Zaun knows about the popular "Eye of Zaun" Hilco. The upper city has recognized his true face, but they can no longer reach out to the lower city.

Especially when all his sheriffs were contracted by an arms dealer from Zaun.

Enoch never liked noisy environments, so he was a rare guest at the Fulgrim Tavern.

If the thugs at the door hadn't seen Jinx following them obediently, they probably wouldn't have recognized Enoch. Fortunately, the "big lady" of Zaun was famous enough, so the two thugs opened the door respectfully.

Jinx seemed to have some magical power, walking around in circles in the tavern. Basically, wherever she walked, the surroundings became quiet. If it weren't for the record player still playing rock music, just looking at the surroundings, you would have thought you were in a theater watching a symphony.

Pulling out a pool cue at random and rubbing it in his hands, Jinx and Sevika sat opposite each other, staring at each other without blinking an eye: "Interesting, what are you playing?"

"none of your business"

"Well, you have to give me some fun, right?" Jinx didn't care, poking the pile of cards in front of Sevika with the pool cue. "I've always felt that you're a little prejudiced against me. We can take this opportunity to have a good chat."

"Are you here to chat or to cause trouble? I don't mind asking your parents to discipline you."

Sevika leaned back in her chair, lit another cigarette, and sneered at Jinx: "Look at my memory, your parents seem to be dead?"

"I'm really surprised. You finally learned to use your brain to satirize others? I thought you just relied on your fists to get through everything." Enoch slowly walked behind Jinx and gently patted the angry girl. "I'm going to see Hilco, so I won't disturb the two ladies from exchanging feelings."

"You can stay up there for a while. I have a lot to talk to Sevica about." Jinx slowly put away the pool cue and held it in her hand like a spear.

Enoch turned and went upstairs, ignoring the other drinkers who were running out as if they were being chased by something, and knocked heavily on the door of Hilco.

This was a rare sight, as Hilco finally didn't hold a cigar or a glass of wine, but just leaned back in his chair, admiring the streets of Zaun.

"Long time no see, Mr. Hilco."

"You always keep on saying polite things. Forget about it and tell me what you are going to do." Hilco did not move at all. He waved his hand casually to signal Enoch to find a place to sit.

Enoch didn't care too much, he pulled over a chair and asked about Hilco's fun. "I heard your place was smashed?"

"I've already dealt with the few drunks who were causing trouble. You don't need to worry about them."

"No, no, no, I think you misunderstood. I'm not worried about this at all. I'm just curious. I didn't see you warn anyone."

"I'm not interested in dressing up all day long. Remember this, one action is worse than a hundred protests." Hilco turned his chair slightly, and his scarlet left eye looked quietly in the direction of Enoch.

"That's fine. I was just wondering if I should help you solve it... Speaking of which, the people of Piltover have been a bit restless these past couple of days. I heard that the two sides have been in conflict. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?" Enoch smiled as if he didn't notice, playing with the exquisite ornaments on the table.

"What? Have you been playing house for so long that you really think you are a law enforcement officer? Where do you get the confidence to come to me and talk nonsense like that?" Hilco sneered and turned back. He was not interested in answering such questions.

Enoch raised his eyebrows. It seemed that this was indeed not done by someone sent by Hilco. After all, although this guy was as cunning as a fox, there was no need to hide such things.

"It seems that I was overthinking it, because many businessmen have been a little bit abnormally enthusiastic these two days. It seems that it is just the post-holiday syndrome of Evolution Day."

"I'm leaving now. Contact me anytime if you have anything."

Enoch said as he left Hilco's office. The chair he had just sat on turned twice slightly with Enoch's strength and stopped near its original position. Seeing that Hilco still had no reaction, Enoch maliciously guessed what the outside was like now.

The soundproofing in Hilco's office was very good. He opened the door and heard the loud rock music again. Jinx and Sevika stared at each other, neither of them spoke, like two bulls fighting for the same red cloth, neither of them gave in. However, the surrounding environment was much better than he thought, at least the record player and the bottles on the bar were intact and looked like they could still be used normally, but the tables and chairs were overturned on the ground.

He walked around behind Jinx and patted the girl on the shoulder. "We have other things to do. Let's not join in the fun for now."

Enoch carried Jinx on his shoulders and walked out of Fulgrim's Bar. Seeing the girl's slightly raised mouth, Enoch was a little curious. "Did you fight? Who won?"

"Ha, there was no fight. Sevika was scared and didn't dare to start a fight in the newly renovated tavern. I pissed her off and she's not as fun as before. It's a pity. I really want to see what it's like to hit her on the head with a pool cue."

"Why are the tables overturned?"

"That was me who smashed it. I can't compete with that big idiot in strength."

"I guess I have to praise you?" Enoch rubbed Jinx's head gently and walked towards the sports car parked in front of the bar. "Next, let's go meet our Noxian friends in the upper city."

"It doesn't matter, I'll drive" the girl quickly slid into the cab and happily started the engine.

Enoch turned half a circle obediently and sat in the passenger seat, "Let's go, some music."

Jinx nodded, put the disc in first, and smiled at Enoch: "The driver chooses the music."

………………

"What a rare guest. I didn't react for a moment when I heard someone visiting... Should I say it's an honor? As far as I know, you have left a lady alone for a long time." Mel walked forward gracefully, shook hands with Enoch and Jinx, and invited them into the garden.

"Perhaps it's because the lady didn't want you to be so elegant and wise," Enoch said meaningfully, nodding slightly to the man next to him, "Good day, Councillor Tallis."

"You too, Mr. Enoch." Jace nodded deeply. To be honest, he felt that it was a mistake to come here today. The series of events really embarrassed him.

Chapter 117: Recruitment from Noxus (Part 1)