Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

After completing the third phase of body enhancement, Li Lin's physical attributes had increased more than 3.5 times. His average strength now exceeded 100 tons, and his maximum speed was close to covering 100 meters in just 1 second. 

However, this was merely the baseline data provided by the AI and did not factor in the enhancements brought by his "Advanced Traits."

Li Lin couldn't help but frown slightly. His heightened clarity of thought, the surge of power within his body, and the way his surroundings seemed to move in slow motion, as if entering a "bullet time" state, all left him feeling a bit disoriented after his genetic enhancement surgery.

What stood out most was the addition of the "Super Intelligence" trait. It wasn't just his cognitive abilities that improved—his sensory perceptions had also become significantly sharper. 

Even the nearly silent mechanical hum of the lab equipment sounded unbearably noisy to Li Lin, causing his eardrums to throb. This was after adjustments had been made to dampen the effects, thanks to his increased tolerance. 

Li Lin couldn't help but feel grateful that he hadn't opted for traits like "Super Vision" or "Super Hearing" this time. If his enhanced brain alone was this overwhelming, specialized sensory enhancements would have been unbearable.

He mused inwardly, "How did Superman ever adapt to hearing the constant noise of an entire world...?"

Fresh out of surgery, Li Lin had a strong sense that he could easily overpower an average Nasus without breaking a sweat. This wasn't mere delusion caused by his newfound strength; it was corroborated by the [Data Mind] system interface, where his combat power now displayed a question mark—having surpassed the detectable threshold of 100.

By his own calculations, Li Lin estimated that if he could fully master the newfound strength within him, he could knock Nasus out cold with a single punch before the latter even had time to cast a spell.

The AI had already disengaged the restraints from the operating table. As Li Lin tested the strength coursing through his body with a slight flex of his upper body muscles, the once-sturdy operating table—crafted from reinforced alloy—emitted a low creak before cracking open entirely.

Startled, Li Lin froze for a moment as the table suddenly collapsed beneath him.

"My weight hasn't even increased..." he muttered, perplexed. When he instinctively tried to push himself up, the floor beneath his palms cracked audibly, forming a web of fissures radiating outward.

[Master, your strength is currently unstable,] the AI cautioned. [Based on our initial calculations, your strength floor is approximately 873 tons, while the upper limit has exceeded 2000 tons. However, your body is not yet fully synchronized with these changes, which could lead to unpredictable consequences. I recommend temporarily restraining yourself using the Infinite Armor until further acclimatized.]

"Do as you suggest," Li Lin agreed after a moment's pause. "Oh, and make sure to replace the equipment in this lab, my workshop, and the garage with Zero Element materials."

[Understood,] the AI replied.

At Li Lin's command, the clothing placed on a nearby chair transformed instantly into a dark silvery metallic sheen. Swarms of nanomachines scuttled across the floor, climbing up from his legs and rapidly converging until his entire body was encased in armor.

[System is now online. Master, please remain relaxed,] the AI advised. [I will guide you through adapting to these changes, but the Kiramman estate's training grounds are far from ideal.]

The AI's subtle suggestion was clear. After a brief moment of thought, Li Lin made his decision. "Let's head to Piltover's mountains."

The AI pulled up a map of the Piltover Mountain Range on a holographic display by his face, selecting a familiar location—the same mountaintop where he had once tested the Titan. 

The area was spacious and isolated, perfect for training. Additionally, it would allow mechanical workers to use portable short-range teleporters to deliver large boulders for his strength exercises.

After setting the coordinates, the teleportation sequence initiated. Within seconds, Li Lin found himself transported over a hundred kilometers away from Piltover's bustling cityscape to a peak over 2000 meters high in the Piltover Mountain Range.

The AI's training plan was simple, drawing inspiration from the strength-training methods of Ionian monks, as recorded in Piltover's archives and the Academy's grand library.

Initially, the AI used the armor to assist Li Lin in performing basic exercises: meditating to sense his internal changes, holding stances like horse stance, and practicing balance. 

When the time was right, the AI would retract the armor, letting Li Lin attempt the exercises independently.

Of course, destruction was unavoidable during the process.

With strength exceeding 2000 tons, even though Li Lin tried to suppress it, the mountaintop was soon riddled with craters. Parts of the mountainside crumbled and slid away entirely.

Fortunately, the surrounding area was uninhabited, and wildlife was scarce. The AI had accounted for such outcomes and prepared sufficient contingency plans to mitigate the impact.

Three hours passed quickly. The first light of dawn broke over the horizon.

Thanks to the AI's guidance, Li Lin was able to adapt to roughly 50-60% of his enhanced capabilities in this short time. The next stage of his training involved climbing from the base of the mountain to its 2000-meter summit—without relying on the armor.

As the teleportation system prepared to relocate him, the AI issued another reminder: [Master, remember to control the strength in your hands. Fragile marble cannot withstand your grip.]

Standing at the mountain's base, Li Lin gazed up at the towering peak shrouded in mist. The near-vertical cliff face, smooth and sheer, would pose a formidable challenge even to professional climbers.

But Li Lin was no ordinary person.

The earlier training had served as a warm-up. Taking a deep breath, he wasted no time, launching himself forward at breakneck speed. With a powerful kick, he propelled himself off the ground, leaving two small craters in his wake.

In the blink of an eye, Li Lin had soared six or seven stories high. The cliff, once hundreds of meters away, now loomed just before him.

Li Lin prepared for the impact, carefully controlling his strength as he extended his arms and legs. With a slight application of force upon contact with the rock face, he effortlessly created footholds on the smooth cliff. 

Due to his inexperience in controlling the force, faint cracks spread outward from the points where his limbs met the surface. 

Some stones above him dislodged, but compared to three hours ago—when Li Lin had nearly shaved the mountaintop into a peak—this was a significant improvement. 

[Not bad!] 

Encouraged by the AI's praise, Li Lin looked up once more and continued his swift climb, hands and feet working in tandem. 

He encountered a few surprises along the way, such as a loose rock falling towards him. However, these were deliberate tests from the AI, which had detected the risks in advance. 

If Li Lin could handle such situations, it would further refine his coordination. Even if he couldn't and faced life-threatening danger, there was no need for concern—his training suit could instantly transform into a nano battle armor to protect him. 

Fortunately, Li Lin's actual performance exceeded the AI's calculations and predictions. 

Nimbly evading rocks and navigating the precarious cliff face, he soon reached the mountain's summit again. This time, he took just over two minutes, though it was still slower than he had expected. 

With a light leap, he landed gracefully on the marble peak, standing on one leg as he stretched his body. Despite the rigorous climb, there wasn't a single bead of sweat on him, only an empty stomach gnawing with hunger. 

For Li Lin, such climbing exercises were now little more than a warm-up. 

[Based on current scans, your body adaptation level has reached approximately 70%. Further progress through training alone is no longer possible.] 

[The remaining adaptation will require time and adjustment through daily activities. Please take note of this in your routine.] 

[I've already prepared high-compression protein energy bars to replenish the energy you've expended.] 

[Shall we return to the Kiramman estate now?] 

"Let's head back." 

Hextech teleportation couldn't pinpoint an indoor location; the uncertainty risk, such as materializing inside a wall, was too great. 

With his battle armor enveloping him, Li Lin shifted his gaze, instantly returning to the Kiramman manor. 

It was close to 8 a.m., but since it was a Saturday, Caitlyn didn't need to head to the detective agency. 

Moreover, she had left a public contact number at the office for emergencies. 

A mechanical steward promptly delivered various flavors of energy bars. Li Lin swiftly ate several, filling his growling stomach, and stuffed the rest into his pockets. 

After his third-stage body enhancement, his energy consumption had skyrocketed. Even if he devoured one or two Freljord Urnuk bulls weighing four to five tons each, it would only partially replenish his energy. 

Filling his hunger through regular food was no longer viable—much like Kai'Sa when she was encased in Void symbiote armor. At most, Li Lin could enjoy the flavors. 

To truly restore energy, he had to rely on gene-engineered protein energy bars. 

While munching on one, he took the elevator from the side wing back down to the underground training area. 

The training grounds, now significantly reduced in size, echoed with the spirited cries of Caitlyn and Kai'Sa as they sparred. 

Hearing footsteps in the corridor, both women turned toward the source of the sound. As soon as they spotted the familiar figure, Kai'Sa broke into a bright smile and eagerly waved. 

"Li Lin!" 

Li Lin smiled back, raising his hand in response. He was surprised. "You two are training this early?" 

The area was off-limits to servants during use, so Caitlyn stood barefoot on the rubber flooring, dressed in a dark purple training tank top and leggings, as was Kai'Sa. 

"We've been at it for two hours," Caitlyn replied. "For the past two months, we've trained every morning." 

Kai'Sa quickly added, "And with only about ten months left before we face Bel'Veth, I can't afford to drag everyone down." 

Seeing the fleeting worry on her face, Li Lin reached out to tousle her hair. "There's no need to fret. Leave everything to me." 

As they chatted, Caitlyn walked to the side of the training area, grabbed her towel from the rack, and wiped her forehead and pale neck, where no sweat was visible. She handed Kai'Sa a pastel purple water bottle. 

"But you," Caitlyn said, her tone curious, "when I got up to find you, the AI said you went to the Piltover Mountains to train?" 

"I underwent a gene-enhancement procedure." 

Since Li Lin had mentioned this to Caitlyn the day before, she wasn't too surprised. 

Kai'Sa, on the other hand, seemed taken aback. "Why would you go through something like that?" 

Her expression quickly darkened as realization struck. "It's because of me…" 

"What are you talking about?" Li Lin gently lifted her chin so she would meet his eyes. "Even if we weren't facing Bel'Veth, I'd still need to strengthen myself. The Void's threat is imminent, and we must prepare accordingly. That said, it's not just about me—you two will also need to undergo genetic enhancement for my peace of mind." 

Kai'Sa, eager to grow stronger, didn't argue. Caitlyn, however, raised a brow in surprise. "What? Weren't the first two enhancement serums enough?" 

It wasn't fear of pain or potential side effects that made her hesitate—Caitlyn was equally eager to support Li Lin however she could. Her question was simply out of curiosity. 

Li Lin chuckled softly. "The third-stage enhancement can crush even standard-form Ascended Warriors." 

[End of Chapter] 

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