If Li Lin were to evaluate their behavior back then, the only word he could use would be "stupid".

But after all, there are no great thinkers and revolutionaries in this world.

Apart from some genius inventors, there are basically no people in Zaun who can receive higher education, which is understandable.

After Li Lin pointed out his intention so directly, Hilco's breathing stopped and he quickly reacted.

"If everything is for Zaun, I am indeed more suitable than Vandel..."

Li Lin chuckled and shook his head, "I think you don't understand at all."

Hilco's expression changed. "...I don't understand?"

It was the first time that he was told something he didn't understand by a young boy who was a dozen years younger than him.

"Hehehe..." After a pause of a few seconds, Hilco laughed a few times.

However, his voice was filled with endless indifference. "I really don't understand. I don't understand what you are trying to say."

"Do you really have to let me point it out?"

Li Lin turned around, his eyes devoid of any emotion staring coldly at Hilco through the metal mask.

"You want to be the leader of Zaun, you want to be on equal footing with Piltover, but we know in our hearts that with you and the current state of Zaun, you can't do that.

"That's why you want to win me over, use me, or the forces behind me, to quickly strengthen Zaun's power so you can launch another 'Day of Ashes'."

Hillco's right hand, which was stroking his chin, stopped moving, and a flash of astonishment flashed across the pupil of his clear right eye.

"Forget it, I won't let you do that." Li Lin said in a cold tone.

"Since you have spies under Vandel and know about our conversation a few days ago, you should know exactly what I'm thinking.

"I asked the parliament to fight for the opportunity for Zaun to develop, not to let you continue to hate Piltover, but to let you ease the conflict.

"Although you are more willing to support me than Vandel, in my eyes, you are a tyrant. Your ideas are too extreme and you will never develop peacefully according to my wishes.

"So, compared to the peace-seeking Vandel, you are not the most suitable partner for me... Do you understand what I mean?"

Hilco stood there with a dazed expression, silent for a long time.

"If there's nothing else, I'll leave. I'm in a hurry."

With that, Li Lin turned and walked along the haze-covered path towards the Fugen Tavern.

But after taking a few steps, he stopped again and left a last message to Xierko without turning back:

"Everything is for Zaun, but Piltover was once part of Zaun, wasn't it?"

Hilko's pupils shrank slightly, and he looked in shock at the power armor that disappeared into the gray haze, flashing with blue light.

He heard a slightly different meaning in Li Lin's last sentence.

A meaning that only someone like him could understand.

"Li Lin..."

Hilko rubbed his face with the palm of his right hand, murmuring Li Lin's name, as if thinking about something.

After a long moment, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, "You really surprised me..."