Arcane : Begging for Help in a Parallel Universe!

"Surprises really come out of nowhere!"Link licked his lips, slid open the mailbox, and started skimming through the messages.

Friend, is this the latest arcane scam?

If so, I must say, it's incredibly creative!

Parallel universe! My god, I never thought anyone would use a parallel universe as a gimmick.

I admit, you've piqued my interest, so I'm sending you one of my latest signed posters as a small token of encouragement.

After all, you've provided a rare afternoon joke for the most handsome and greatest adventurer in Runeterra.

Link's face darkened as he read the letter. The arrogant tone, the pretentious words. Without even opening the attachment, he knew who this was.

You've received a gift from the most handsome adventurer in history—an insanely good-looking signed poster.

He yanked the poster out of the attachment, and as soon as he saw the flashy blonde hair, he rolled it back up and tossed it in the trash.

He remembered that guy's backstory too well. Wealthy family, famous archaeologists for parents, living with his uncle... easy to track down in this world. He'd handle it offline.

Mock him all you want, but don't disgust him!

Breathing deeply to calm himself, Link opened the second email.

Listen, I don't know how you got that letter into my head!

I don't care if you used arcane magic or whatever kind of weird sorcery!

But if you dare to deceive the head of the Gillaman family, you'd better be ready to pay the price!

However, I admit!

The mysterious Link Statt, you've definitely piqued my interest.

You said your timeline is after Jinx, that damn little madman, attacked the council building, so I'll ask you...

In your timeline, is she, Caitlyn, my daughter, still alive?

Link raised an eyebrow. This was clearly Caitlyn's mother, Cassandra Gillaman. From her tone, though, it seemed like Caitlyn was dead in her timeline?

After a moment of thought, Link began drafting a response.

Dear Madam Cassandra Gillaman, as a citizen of Piltover, I offer you my deepest respect.

As for your inquiry, I can confirm that in my timeline, Miss Caitlyn is still very much alive.

However, in return, you are no longer here.

I trust someone as wise as you can understand what I mean.

Now, let me update you on my situation. Noxus's Anbesa is planning an attack. If her scheme succeeds, there will be enough justification for Noxus to intervene in Piltover's affairs.

And she wants more than just that—being an ambitious invader, even if she gains the right to intervene in Piltover's matters, she won't be able to control everything.

So the question is, who will she choose as her pawn?

Who will Anbesa use to fuel her hatred and anger toward Jinx, and relentlessly pursue revenge?

A wise woman like you must have the answer.

Link hit send and waited for a response. While he waited, he glanced at the poster again, pulled it from the trash, and quickly typed out another message.

Read, guess whose parallel universe counterpart is about to get into big trouble? {smile}

Just after hitting send, Cassandra's reply popped up.

Link Statt, I admit, you've piqued my curiosity and stirred a mother's anger and worry.

I will fund you, just like I did for Jayce!

The Gillaman family's wealth is limitless, not to mention that I am now the ruler of Piltover!

As long as you can let me see her again, let me see my daughter, my beloved!

I will give you everything you want!

Link grinned wide and quickly started drafting his response.

Madam Gillaman, I'm sure Miss Caitlyn would love to see you again as well. I will arrange to take her photo and report back to you as soon as possible.

However, please forgive my rudeness.

As a humble apprentice, I don't have the funds to support such an endeavor, so I kindly ask for your necessary assistance.

I will have Caitlyn's photo for you by midnight tonight at the earliest, or by noon tomorrow at the latest.

By the way, would you like to see your husband as well?

He misses you a lot!

Click, send.

Within thirty seconds, a reply came. No words, just an attachment.

You've received a gift from Cassandra Gillaman—1000 Gold Seashells.

"Whistle—" Link whistled, eyebrows raised in impressed surprise. A full thousand Gold Seashells.

With Caitlyn's photo and some of her personal items, not only could he cover the costs, but he'd also have enough to set up his own workshop.

Well, memo updated again: save the twin cities, change fate, and help a grieving mother heal.

But how to do it?

Link thought for a moment, then knocked on Tamara's door.

No answer.

Link clicked his tongue. Looks like Tamara wasn't back yet.

Better buy the camera first.

He left the dorms, grabbed some money, and bought the best camera and film, ready for the task ahead.

Just as he was finishing up, Tamara knocked on his door.

The drunken female apprentice leaned against the doorframe, flipping her medium-length hair and reeking of alcohol.

"Hey, our little genius, I heard you were looking for me!"

"Tamara, my best friend!"

Link opened his arms, but Tamara smacked his forehead and rolled her eyes. "Spit it out, how much do you need to borrow? And just so you know, my savings are running low!"

Link grabbed her hand, feigning a pitiful expression. "You think I'm just asking to borrow money?"

"Thirty Gold Seashells, that's my limit," Tamara said flatly.

Link coughed. "Well, I've got enough money, just need you to help me with something."

"What is it?" Tamara eyed him suspiciously. Even tipsy, she could tell Link was about to ask for something troublesome.

"I want to attend Cassandra Gillaman's funeral," Link said seriously. "As a Piltover citizen, I think it's my duty to see her off."

Tamara froze, then cursed loudly.

"Link, did you burn your brain with alchemy waste?"

"You, a random little apprentice, going to Cassandra Gillaman's funeral?!"

"What are you thinking?"

"Do you even know who attends funerals like that?"

"Upper-class elites, nobles! People like us, forget about entering— we wouldn't even have the right to stand at the door and peek!"

"You've lost it!" Tamara threw up her hands and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Link grabbed her. "I'll pay more!"

Tamara stopped, took a deep breath, and said earnestly, "Link, I know you've made a breakthrough in your craft and want a better future, but you can't attend the Gillaman family funeral!"

"And in that kind of setting, do you think it's appropriate to promote yourself?"

"Is there really no way?" Link asked again.

Tamara shook her head. "No way!"

"Hmm—" Link thought for a moment, then asked, "Can you help me get a press pass?"

"Or—" Link's eyes lit up, "Help me buy a bankrupt newspaper!"

Tamara froze, mouth hanging open.

"Link Statt!" she screamed, voice echoing down the corridor. "You're truly a genius!"