《Arcane: Thicker Than Blood》


 01 - Hope in Small Calibers

    Read the warningsbefore reading.


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    ---


    Piltover and Zaun were connected by a single bridge.


    The Upper City was celebrated as the City of Progress, resplendent with dazzling lights, wine, and prosperity¡ªa dreamlike grandeur.


    In contrast, Zaun, the Undercity has been poisoned by industrial waste and toxic fumes discharged by the Upper City.


    Clouds drift between the cramped buildings, and the acrid smell of chemicals burns the nose of anyone unfortunate enough to breathe deeply.


    The soil, water, and air were saturated with deadly toxins, and resources, dignity, and even freedom were enslaved. The people there lived in conditions unfit even for vermin.


    Children played in puddles that glow an unnatural color, their clothes threadbare and faces smudged with industrial grime.


    Separated by a bridge, the disparity between the flourishing and the barren was big¡ªtwo seemingly different worlds.


    Ironically, that bridge was called the Bridge of Progress!


    In a small weapons factory in Zaun, workers deftly assemble various components into miniature machines. Each person knew their role.


    The TICK-MK3 Hunter was an autonomous explosive drone designed and developed by Zaun''s brilliant engineer, Cipher, inspired by the deadly devices used in the Frontier Wars.


    Blueprints and technical diagrams cover the walls, showing the complex inner workings of the device.


    Silco stood straight in the workshop, observing the production of the self-destructing machines. His presence alone made the workers'' movements more hurried.


    After a while, he turned to the factory production manager and asked, "How much longer will it take to fulfill this batch of orders?"


    "At least another month." The manager''s voice quivered slightly.


    "Hmm?"


    Silco stared coldly at the manager, his expressionless face accentuated by his disfigured half-face. His mechanical left eye, glowing crimson, exuded a chilling and terrifying presence.


    "I''ve given you a comfortable life. Your family can afford honeyed bread and fresh milk. And this is what I get?"


    His voice was cold, but his tone was calm. The manager, however, knew well the cruelty of Silco''s methods.


    As a simple craftsman earning his livelihood, the manager wasn''t even considered a gang member. He had seen what happened to those who failed Silco.


    Trembling, he replied to Silco''s question. "The Piltovans... they''ve tightened their grip on every shipment. We''ve tried bribes, false papers, even smuggling through the old tunnels..."


    "And?"


    "They''re watching everything now. After the last raid, we lost three of our best runners." The manager''s voice grew quieter with each word. "With the factory''s production capacity, we could meet the order within ten days, but... but the raw materials are strictly controlled by the Piltovans. We''ve really tried everything, but we can''t procure enough. Without materials, the factory¡­"


    Silco withdrew his gaze and raised a hand to interrupt the manager. "The issue of raw materials isn''t your fault. I''ll handle it. Where is Cipher?"


    The relieved manager quickly replied, "He''s in the research lab, working on a new weapon. He specifically instructed us not to disturb him¡ªit''s been a month already. Sometimes we hear explosions, but he ordered us to stay away."


    "Hmm. You may leave."


    Silco dismissed the manager and, accompanied by a blond-haired man, headed toward the research lab. Time to see what our brilliant engineer has been hiding away.


    This time, he was visiting the factory to have a frank discussion with Cipher. The preliminary development of Shimmer had been completed, and Zaun now had sufficient power to demand respect.


    He needed Cipher''s cooperation.


    ---


    Cipher was carefully crafting a special type of bullet, the Explosive Round, in his meticulously constructed weapons lab. Tools and components were arranged on his workbench, each in its exact place.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    This was cutting-edge technology he had "borrowed" from another dimension''s science¡ªgathered from his exploits in Apex. Though he wasn''t yet proficient in its use, he was making progress. Each failed attempt brought him closer to mastery.


    The core principle of the explosive round involves filling the bullet with flammable and explosive substances, allowing for several production methods. The trick was finding the right balance¡ªtoo much power and the bullet would be unstable, too little and it would be useless.


    He had adapted the gas-filled explosive bullet to suit Zaun''s conditions.


    The most challenging part of making these bullets was the collection, production, and compression of suitable gases.


    This required a series of complex chemical reactions, along with the precise addition of multiple catalysts and stabilizers at the right moments.


    Steam hissed and chemicals bubbled as he worked.


    It was an extremely tedious process with highly intricate principles, which Cipher didn''t fully understand. Fortunately, he could simply copy formulas and strictly follow the steps outlined in the blueprints.


    This was the most promising technology he had seen. Once the key points were mastered, mass production would be easy, and the method had a high level of confidentiality.


    TV shows make it look so easy. The hero invents something, and suddenly everything changes. They never show the part where you have to teach a hundred people how not to blow themselves up.


    Once the bullet was fired, it would ignite instantly¡ªeven in a vacuum¡ªleaving almost no chance of being reverse-engineered. The destructive potential was both thrilling and terrifying.


    This type of ammunition could be adapted into various calibers, offering wide applications and high consumption rates.


    Cipher examined each completed round with careful attention, checking for any imperfections.


    The key selling point was the explosive round''s immense destructive power. When crafted to high standards, a single round could melt both armor and the person wearing it into liquid. The war-hungry Noxians would surely be willing to pay handsomely for such weapons.


    This could bring an abundance of desperately needed supplies to Zaun, such as food, cotton, and medicine. Each successful bullet represented hope for a better future.


    The newly established production line could provide nearly a thousand job opportunities. Even better, it could directly use the industrial waste gases discharged by the Piltovans as raw materials.


    The initial steps of purifying and collecting the gases were eliminated, reducing air pollution in Zaun. It was a solution that solved multiple problems at once.


    To achieve mass production, he had stayed in the research lab for nearly a month, often sleeping less than four hours a day.


    Dark circles under his eyes testified to his dedication.


    Today, he finally overcame the major hurdles and completed the preparations for mass production. Dozens of explosive rounds were neatly arranged on the workbench, each one perfect, each one a key to Zaun''s future.


    Next, he would need to hire a large number of workers, personally train them, and set up the production line to achieve mass production.


    The real work was just beginning.


    "In stories, I always roll my eyes at the convenient happy endings. But now that I''m actually here, seeing people suffer... well, maybe those writers were onto something. A little hope goes a long way."


    Cipher picked up an explosive round and carefully admired it under the light. Not only could it bring wealth, but it also offered hope for Zaun''s rise to prominence.


    With it, many of his plans could finally become feasible. Its significance was immense.


    "Beep¡ª"


    The heavy electronic password door to the research lab opened, and Silco entered with a blond-haired man.


    Their footsteps echoed in the quiet lab.


    "Still alive in here, I see," he called out.


    "What do you want?" Cipher continued admiring the explosive round without turning his head. Only he and Silco knew the password to the lab''s door.


    "Just checking on you. I heard you haven''t left the lab in a month, so I was a bit concerned."


    Silco opened a bag he was holding, releasing a strong, sweet aroma.


    "I brought you something you like. It''s... chocolate, right? This stuff is so expensive. Heh, just this small amount could feed a family in Zaun for half a month. Those Piltovans really know how to indulge."


    He deliberately emphasized the word Piltovans, and Cipher knew exactly what he meant. The chocolate was both a gesture and a reminder of the divide between the cities.


    "Get to the point. You know I''m busy and don''t have time for riddles."


    Cipher put down the explosive round and took the bag from Silco. Inside was a bar of rich, dark chocolate. He had brought this for his sister once, and she had loved it.


    Realizing there was no need to continue playing around, Silco fixed his gaze on Cipher and said, "You''re wasting your talents here, working with... traditionalists."


    "Traditionalists who don''t turn children into test subjects?" Cipher examined another bullet.


    Silco''s smile was sharp. "Progress requires sacrifice."


    "Funny how it''s always someone else doing the sacrificing."


    "You know as well as I do that the Piltovans won''t listen unless extreme measures are taken."


    "You shouldn''t be associating with weaklings like Vander. You should join us. Together, we can make the Piltovans afraid¡ªdeeply afraid. We''ll ensure they never dare to discriminate against or enslave a single Zaunite again. Our factories wouldn''t even need to smuggle raw materials from Piltover!"


    Cipher shrugged. He was well aware of the storyline. Silco''s attitude made it clear¡ªthe alchemical drug Shimmer had been successfully developed.


    The blond-haired man accompanying Silco confirmed this. His presence was like a walking advertisement for what Shimmer could do to a person.


    In the original plot, this blond was the first human test subject for the Shimmer drug.


    Silco''s visit likely had two purposes. The first was to convince Cipher to sever ties with Vander and fully join his faction.


    The second was a more sinister one: if Cipher refused to join, he would be eliminated to clear any obstacles to Silco''s goal of unifying Zaun.


    "Your drug is complete? Let me see."


    Cipher appeared relaxed. Most people treated him as a frail researcher who couldn''t hold his own in a fight.


    What they didn''t know was that he had systematically studied and adapted the combat techniques of Apex like Bangalore and Wraith, learning their advanced combat tactics and weapons handling.


    It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that he alone could take down all of Silco''s subordinates, even if they were enhanced with Shimmer.


    "Hmm!"


    Silco didn''t hesitate. With a look, he gestured for the blond-haired man to hand Cipher a vial.


    The test tube contained a swirling purple liquid.

 02 - Drowned in Dreams

    The liquid swirled hypnotically in the light, almost alive in its movement.


    Cipher stared at the faintly glowing potion in his hand as a flood of data appeared on his retinal display.


    ---


    [Shimmer: Unlocks and enhances the potential of the human body. Effect duration and potency are proportional to the user''s physical condition.]


    [Side Effects: Strong dual addiction to both mind and body. Multiple uses by those with weaker constitutions can severely damage brain and body functions.]


    [Evaluation: A masterpiece alchemical potion imbued with arcane power, the work of a genius alchemist. Unfortunately, it remains incomplete, with side effects that are too severe to allow for widespread use.]


    ---


    The potion emitted a faint purple glow.


    Arcane energy was the core that enabled Shimmer to unlock human potential.


    "Madness in concept, brilliance in execution. Shimmer has opened the gateway to the arcane."


    "The power of the arcane flows through this purple liquid. The alchemist who developed this potion is nothing short of a genius." Cipher studied the vial, noting how the liquid responded to even the slightest movement.


    He pretended to give an expert evaluation, then sighed, adding, "Unfortunately, Piltover wouldn''t tolerate such a genius."


    "With the lack of resources in Zaun, he could never find a stage big enough for his talents. He should''ve gone to Noxus. Only there could he truly flourish."


    He handed the potion back to the blond-haired man, then turned to Silco and said seriously, "Promise me, don''t use this potion."


    "Why would I waste such power?" Silco raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "It can bring unimaginable power. As a weapon, it''s perfect."


    "Perfect?" Cipher rolled his eyes and laughed. "Stop joking. Your test subjects¡ªhow many can still form complete sentences? It''ll rot their brains faster than your river rot took your eye."


    Silco''s face darkened instantly, and the red glow of his mechanical eye flared up. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.


    He said coldly, "The human trials for Shimmer just began. Only the doctor and I have access to the data. This is a secret. How do you know about it? Have you been spying on me?"


    "Spying? I don''t need to. You think you''re the first to try enhancing soldiers with such compounds?" Cipher tapped his temple. "My world is something you wouldn''t understand. Don''t tell me you plan to wage war against Piltover with this half-baked product. Are you joking?"


    Cipher shook his head, wearing a haughty expression as if it was beneath him to explain to Silco.


    Knowing he had gone a bit too far, he deliberately shifted the conversation to a topic that would intrigue the man.


    "Let''s talk numbers, shall we?" Cipher said, moving to his workbench. "Their factories run day and night. For every weapon we produce, they make ten. For every chemist we train, they graduate fifty. And those are the ones we know about."


    "Numbers aren''t everything," Silco growled, but his fingers twitched.


    "With Shimmer, and your weapons, we have this in the bag!"


    He looked calm, but behind his back, his fist was squeezed so tight his fingertips went white.


    His chance was right there in front of him¡ªthe one thing he''d always dreamed of. No way he was letting it slip through his fingers.


    Cipher chuckled lightly, "Even with my help, you wouldn''t win against Piltover. The gap in technology and resources is too massive. No matter how many people you sacrifice, you still won''t have a chance. Even with my weapons and your Shimmer, we''d be throwing rocks at a fortress."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Then we''ll throw enough rocks to make those fortress walls crumble!" Silco''s intensity built with each word. "I don''t need to win. I just need to scare them enough so they don''t dare step foot in the Undercity again."


    His confidence was firm. After a lifetime of battling with the elites of the Upper City, he knew the nature of their ruling council all too well.


    They were greedy, bullying the weak while fearing the strong, and cowardly when their lives were at stake. If the Undercity became enough of a threat to their weapons and power, these cowards would surely compromise.


    "War will kill many people. You won''t be an exception. While you may not hold the lofty position of a Piltover councilor, you''re still a prominent figure here. Why risk it all? For power? Ambition?"


    "You know, I never understood why you two split. Was it really just about methods?" Cipher, knowing the storyline, had a good idea of how Silco would answer. Still, he wanted to hear it straight from the man himself.


    In the original narrative, what drew Cipher to Silco''s character was his unyielding will to fight for the Undercity.


    Unfortunately, his path was twisted, his methods too extreme. What was meant to uplift the Undercity ended up harming its people instead.


    "I fight for respect, for opportunities, for everything they refuse to give us."


    Silco stared at the dozens of incendiary bombs on the workbench, his gaze sharp and intense, as if he could feel the heat radiating from each one.


    "You''ve earned Vander''s and the Lanes'' respect before," Cipher said quietly. "That respect was real. But looking at you now, it seems you''re still not satisfied."


    His eyes shifted to the mechanical replacement where Silco''s eye had been. "You and Vander were once like brothers who would risk your lives for each other. He was the leader of the Lanes, you his second-in-command. Technically, I should even call you Uncle. But then you two had a falling out. Why?"


    "A falling out?" Silco''s laugh was bitter. "Is that what they call betrayal these days? Is that how Vander justifies what he did?"


    Cipher''s words seemed to hit a nerve. Silco erupted, his body tense, arms flailing as he clenched his fists tightly.


    "We shared a vision once¡ªVander and I both dreamed of freedom," he said passionately.


    "Not just for the Lanes, but for the unity of the entire Undercity," he declared, his voice filled with conviction.


    He lifted his head and gazed into the distance, his voice resonating as he continued, "The dream of Zaun''s rise!"


    But after a moment, his one intact eye revealed a trace of sorrow. "I trusted him so deeply, yet he betrayed me!"


    This was the first time Cipher had seen him lose his composure in front of him, and he understood why.


    Silco''s brother-in-arms, Vander, had once organized a resistance movement against Piltover.


    That day, later known as the Day of Ashes, ended in a bloody crackdown by Piltover. Many lives were lost.


    "Vander remembers too. That''s what broke him. Made him weak," Silco spat.


    "Or maybe it made him wise," Cipher said quietly.


    The brutality of that day broke Vander. He was tired of watching his friends and comrades die before his eyes. He chose to compromise with Piltover.


    But Silco held firm, determined to fight for dignity through armed resistance.


    In the end, Vander tried to kill Silco, throwing him into a river polluted with industrial toxins. The brothers, once inseparable, were forever divided by their irreconcilable ideals.


    "Do you know what it feels like when your own brother keeps you pinned underwater, watching you struggle while you drown?"


    "No. But I know what it''s like to be pulled from waste by someone who became a father."


    "So what? Can you even imagine how that felt? Can you imagine your blood being polluted by that filthy water, your nerves eaten away by the river''s deadly toxins?"


    "I hated Vander for what he did to me!" Silco roared.


    "That river didn''t kill me. It birthed me. Showed me what power really means. But as time passed, that hatred began to fade. I came to realize one truth."


    "To defeat a powerful enemy, there''s only one way¡ªyou must become the thing they fear most."


    Silco''s voice was low, almost haunting, as he recounted his break with Vander. Yet even as he spoke, he continued his subtle attempts to win Cipher over.


    He knew perfectly well that while he and Cipher maintained a cooperative relationship¡ªhe funded Cipher''s weapons research and provided the smuggling routes to Noxus¡ªCipher''s loyalty had always been to Vander.


    Always.


    Years ago, Vander had rescued a young Cipher from the garbage heaps and raised him. In resource-starved Zaun, he was more than just a foster father¡ªhe was as good as Cipher''s real father.


    "I did hate Vander," Silco admitted, "but I always respected him¡ªuntil he began working hand in hand with the Pilties, becoming their lapdog and forgetting all the suffering we endured!"


    He appeared calm again, but his tone was filled with pain, dulled by years of torment.


    Cipher, unwilling to let his old father figure be completely maligned, spoke up in Vander''s defense. "Back then, he had no choice. The Undercity was too weak. He carried the weight of countless lives on his shoulders."


    "Maybe," Silco replied, dismissively. "But things are different now. Your weapons, my Shimmer¡ªthat''s real power."


    "Together, we could reshape everything. Make Vander see the truth."


    "And what truth is that?" Cipher asked softly, though he already knew the answer.


    "That strength is the only language Piltover understands. That compromise is just another word for surrender."


    "If you and I join forces, the dream is right in front of us, within reach. Vander and I could be brothers again, and you could even call me Uncle once more!"


    As Silco spoke, he watched Cipher intently, trying to gauge his reaction.


    But Cipher''s face remained emotionless, giving nothing away. Silco saw no hint of agreement¡ªor dissent.

 03 - The First Kill is Never a Headshot

    Cipher was in the middle of his fifth energy drink when it happened.


    He''d been playing Apex for sixteen hours straight, climbing the ranked ladder with barely any breaks.


    His room was a mess of snack wrappers and his favorite book, "Ready Player One," was propped open against his monitor stand for good luck.


    "One more squad," he muttered, guiding his character through Fragment East. After thousands of hours, the movements were second nature¡ªslide, jump, perfect recoil control.


    That''s when his cat decided to knock over his drink.


    The energy drink splashed directly into his power strip, the one he''d been meaning to replace because the surge protector was broken. The one connected to his very metal gaming chair.


    Blue electricity arced up through his chair. His muscles locked up, but strangely, it didn''t hurt. Instead, the world started pixelating around him, breaking apart like a corrupted game file.


    The last thing he saw was his character in Apex getting shot¡ªhis first death in hours.


    Everything went white. Then black. Then... digital.


    He was floating in what looked like the inside of a computer, streams of code flowing past him. But the code wasn''t normal¡ªit was mixed with fragments of Apex matches, weapon stats, movement techniques.


    Am I actually dying, or is this just what happens when you drink too many energy drinks?


    Then came darkness.


    ---


    He woke up small. Tiny. His hands were pudgy with baby fat, and the world seemed impossibly large around him. Toxic fumes burned his nose, and everything was dirty and strange.


    "Get out of the way, you little Zaunite rat!" A well-dressed man kicked at him as he passed.


    That''s how Cipher learned where he was¡ªZaun. The Undercity.


    The place where people were less than rats.


    He was three years old, alone. And had no idea how he''d gotten there. His adult mind was trapped in a toddler''s body, trying to make sense of this new reality.


    No parents.


    No home.


    Just the endless maze of Zaun''s toxic streets.


    The first week was the hardest. He could barely reach the edges of garbage bins to find food. His tiny legs got tired quickly.


    Every alley cat seemed bigger than him, and they fought him for scraps.


    But he learned. He discovered that the warmest places to sleep were near the chemical vents, where the toxic fumes were thinnest. The rats became his unlikely allies¡ªwhere they gathered, the food was usually safe to eat. At least, he hoped. But it was better than starving anyway.


    On cold nights, they would huddle around him, their bodies keeping him warm.


    He made his home in an abandoned chemical drum, cleaned out by years of rain. It was small enough that bigger kids and adults couldn''t reach him inside. He lined it with discarded papers and cloth, creating a nest that was almost comfortable.


    "Hey, little one," an old woman called to him one day, seeing him dig through her trash. Instead of chasing him away, she gave him half a stale bread roll. "You''re a clever one, aren''t you? Most street kids don''t last this long alone."


    He learned to read people like that¡ªthe ones who might show kindness, the ones to avoid. The Chem-Barons'' thugs were the worst. They''d hurt children just for fun.


    But some of the working folks would leave their garbage bags slightly open, making it easier for small hands to reach the edible bits.


    Years passed this way. His body grew slowly, but his mind stayed sharp. He watched everything, learned everything.


    How the chemistry works dumped their waste.


    How the smugglers moved their goods.


    How the enforcers could be avoided.


    Then came the Day of Ashes.


    ---


    Standing on the Bridge of Progress, he and two little girls watched helplessly as everything burned.


    The adults who loved him perished one by one. Smoke filled his lungs.


    Screams filled his ears.


    He just watched, unable to do anything. That day taught him the true meaning of powerlessness.


    That suffocating sense of despair and helplessness crushed down on him.


    As the darkness threatened to consume him, something deep within began to resonate with his desperation. His emotions peaked, and in that moment of utter hopelessness, they triggered his dormant ability.


    [Ready Player One] awakened.


    The world shifted. Dissolved. Reformed.


    ---


    When he came to, he found himself in a strange place.


    The sun beat down mercilessly as Cipher stumbled through endless dunes.


    His throat burned with thirst, tongue swollen and dry.


    Three days.


    He''d been wandering for three days, choking down what little moisture he could find in desert plants, learning which ones were safe through painful trial and error.Stolen story; please report.


    His vomit-stained shirt told the story of his mistakes.


    The wound in his side from his rough landing had started to smell bad. Without proper medical supplies, he''d tried to clean it with the alcohol-like sap of a desert plant.


    The burning had nearly made him pass out, but at least the infection seemed to have stopped spreading.


    A rock formation rose ahead, offering shadow.


    Cipher dragged himself toward it, legs shaking with exhaustion. Each step stirred up fine red dust that clung to his sweat-soaked clothes.


    The shade felt like heaven.


    He slumped against the cool stone, closing his eyes. His hands shook as he reached for his makeshift water container¡ªa hollow piece of vegetation he''d learned to use from watching the local wildlife.


    Three careful sips left. Had to make them last.


    "Don''t move." The voice was rough, amused.


    Cipher''s blood went cold. Footsteps crunched in the sand behind him.


    "Turn around. Slowly."


    He turned to see two men. The first was tall, weathered, with a scratched R-99 slung across his chest. The weapon was battered, held together with makeshift repairs and what looked like scavenged parts.


    A far cry from the clean, game-ready version Cipher knew.


    Behind the armed man stood another figure¡ªyounger, maybe twenty, with haunted eyes and chains on his wrists. His bare shoulders were covered in scars, some fresh, some old.


    A slave.


    He carried a heavy pack that clinked with salvage.


    "Thought I saw someone stumbling around out here," the armed man said. "Lucky day for me. Always need more hands for scavenging." He jerked his thumb at the slave. "Ain''t that right, Kev?"


    The slave¡ªKev¡ªlooked away. His chains rattled softly.


    "I''m Reed," the raider continued, smiling without warmth. "And you''re my new worker. Unless you''d prefer to die out here?" His free hand rested on a pistol at his hip¡ªa backup weapon.


    In the game, he''d have options.


    Weapons.


    Abilities.


    Teammates.


    But here he had nothing. Just three sips of water and an infected wound.


    "Smart kid," Reed said, seeing Cipher''s resignation. "Kev, bind his hands. Use the good rope this time."


    The next hours were a blur of walking. The sun climbed higher as Reed led them through the canyon, searching old structures half-buried in sand.


    Remnants of the Frontier War, Cipher guessed, remembering the game''s lore. Now they were tombs full of rusted machinery and sun-bleached bones.


    The rope burned his wrists. Kev had tied them tight¡ªtoo tight. No chances of slipping free. But Cipher noticed how Kev''s hands had shook while doing it, how he''d whispered "I''m sorry" so quietly only Cipher could hear.


    Reed kept them moving, always alert. He was experienced, Cipher had to admit. Never let them walk behind him. Always kept sight lines clear. Watched the high ground.


    This wasn''t his first time handling captives.


    They searched three sites before the sun began to set. A small bit of tech here, some salvageable metal there.


    Each time they found something, Reed''s mood improved slightly.


    Each time they found nothing, his face grew darker.


    They stopped at another rock formation as shadows lengthened across the sand. A small cave offered shelter from the wind that had begun to pick up. Reed pushed them inside, keeping the gun trained on them.


    "Rest up," he ordered. "Long walk to the camp tomorrow." He tossed them each a strip of dried meat. "Eat. You''re no good to me dead."


    The meat was tough and salty. Cipher''s dry mouth could barely handle it, but his stomach cramped with hunger. He forced himself to eat slowly, making it last.


    Beside him, Kev did the same.


    Reed sat by the entrance, R-99 across his lap. The silence stretched, broken only by the wind. The temperature dropped rapidly as night fell.


    Cipher huddled against the cave wall, shivering.


    Hours passed. Reed''s eyes grew heavy. The gun drooped slightly.


    Seeing this, Kev moved.


    The attack was sudden, desperate. He launched himself at Reed, chains swinging toward the raider''s head. The gun clattered away, spinning across the cave floor.


    Reed roared in surprise, wrestling with Kev. They rolled in the sand. For a moment, it seemed Kev might win¡ª


    Bang!


    Kev stumbled back, red spreading across his chest. He looked at Cipher with dying eyes. "Run... when you can..." He collapsed, chains clicking one final time against the stone.


    Reed stood, pistol in hand, breathing hard. Blood ran from a cut on his forehead where the chains had caught him.


    "Stupid," Reed spat, kicking Kev''s body. "Could''ve had a decent life. Instead..." He turned to Cipher, eyes cold. "Let that be a lesson. Behave, you live. Fight..." He gestured at Kev''s corpse. "Ain''t much living as a corpse, is there?"


    Cipher nodded, trembling. But his mind was already working.


    Reed was bleeding.


    Tired.


    Angry.


    People made mistakes when they were angry.


    They spent the night in that cave, the body cooling in the corner. Reed kept the gun close, forcing Cipher to sleep in his sight. But Cipher didn''t sleep. He watched through slitted eyes as the raider fought exhaustion, head nodding before jerking up again.


    ---


    The next day brought more walking, more scavenging. The weight of Kev''s pack was added to Cipher''s burden.


    And the sun seemed hotter, the sand deeper.


    Reed grew increasingly frustrated at finding nothing valuable in the ruins they searched.


    By the third day, his temper was fraying visibly. The sun, the constant disappointment of empty ruins, the need to watch his captive¡ªit was wearing him down. His water was running low. The cut on his head had started to fester in the heat.


    When Cipher stumbled, spilling the day''s water across the sand, something snapped in Reed.


    "You worthless¡ª" he grabbed Cipher by the throat, slamming him against a stone wall. His fingers squeezed with strength. His breath stank of dehydration.


    Cipher clawed at the hands crushing his windpipe. His bound hands scrambled against the rough stone wall behind him, feeling the coarse surface scrape his knuckles raw.


    There.


    His fingers found loose sand and grit on the wall. With his fading strength, he threw it directly into Reed''s eyes.


    Reed howled, grip loosening just enough for Cipher to gasp air. But he didn''t let go completely. His rage seemed to have overtaken his pain.


    Can''t bite. Hands bound. But his eyes...


    His thumbs found Reed''s eyes. He pushed, hard, feeling something burst and split under the pressure. The human eye was so fragile.


    The games never showed that. And the scream was horrible.


    Reed released him completely, stumbling back. Cipher fell, lungs burning as he sucked in air.


    His vision swam.


    Reed was still screaming, hands over his face. Blood and fluid ran between his fingers. The R-99 swung wildly on its strap as he staggered.


    Cipher scrambled away on all fours, searching desperately for something¡ª


    His hand found a rock, sharp and heavy. Not ideal, but it would have to do.


    Reed was still stumbling, trying to clear his eyes. He pulled the pistol from his belt with shaking hands, firing blindly. Bullets kicked up sand around Cipher.


    Cipher gripped the rock with both bound hands and swung as hard as he could. The rock glanced off Reed''s shoulder as the man twisted at the last second.


    One eye, bloodied but functional, locked onto Cipher with pure hatred.


    "You little¡ª" Reed''s hand shot out, grabbing Cipher''s ankle. He yanked hard, sending Cipher face-first into the sand. The rock tumbled away.


    Cipher kicked wildly with his free leg, but Reed''s grip was like iron. The raider dragged him across the ground, sand burning against Cipher''s skin. With his hands still bound, he couldn''t get any leverage.


    Reed pulled him closer, blood still streaming from his ruined eye. "Going to take my time with you now."


    One of Reed''s hands found Cipher''s throat again. The other fumbled for the fallen pistol in the sand. Cipher thrashed desperately.


    His bound hands scraped against something metal in the sand¡ªthe R-99. It had come loose in the struggle, the strap snapped.


    Reed saw his movement. His remaining eye widened. They both lunged for the weapon.


    Cipher''s fingers closed around the grip. Reed grabbed the barrel. They wrestled for control, rolling in the sand.


    Bang!


    The gun went off, and the recoil ripped the weapon upward, the stock smashing into Cipher''s face.


    Everything went dark for a moment.


    When his vision cleared, he was lying on his back. Blood ran from his nose. The R-99 lay in the sand between them, barrel still smoking.


    The raider lay face-down a few feet away, a single lucky shot through through his heart.


    Cipher tried to stand but the world spun. His face throbbed where the gun had hit him. He vomited.


    Then he crawled to Reed''s body, checking for any movement.


    Nothing.


    The last bullet had found its mark.


    He took to the gun with trembling hands. This time, he carefully examined every part, comparing it to his game knowledge.


    Safety. Magazine release. Chamber.


    Everything was similar but different.


    Rougher. Havier. Real.


    Never again, he thought, checking the magazine with shaking fingers. Next time, I''ll know how to use it properly.


    He looked at the body. I''m sorry. But better you than me.


    The sun continued its merciless beat as Cipher shouldered the R-99 and stumbled on. He had a lot to learn if he was going to survive this world.

 04 - The Old Code

    The memory of that first day still burned in his mind, sharp and clear as broken glass.


    Some memories never truly faded. They remained as scars, and sometimes the wounds would open again.


    On the Day of Ashes, he awakened [Ready Player One], and crossed into the world of Apex.


    In that technologically advanced realm, he pursued power, knowledge, and cutting-edge technology to help the Undercity rise completely from the ashes.


    In this regard, he shared a common goal with Silco and Vander. The dream of a better Zaun united them all, even if their methods differed.


    However, he knew very well that both Silco and Vander were on the wrong paths. Their approaches were like two sides of the same rusted coin.


    Vander was too weak, and Silco was too extreme!


    And the middle ground between them seemed as impossible to reach as the stars above Piltover.


    The end result was destined for failure, leading to nothing but a complete tragedy.


    So when faced with Silco''s enthusiastic invitation, he was silent for a long time.


    Finally, he sighed, turned around, and poured both himself and Silco a glass of clean water.


    This world also had tea, but it was exorbitantly expensive¡ªsomething only the wealthy elites of Piltover could afford.


    In Zaun, even a glass of clean water was a luxury.


    Another reminder of the divide between the cities.


    "I still remember when I was young, you scrimped and saved to buy candy for me and my younger siblings." Cipher''s voice softened with the memory. "That candy wasn''t just sugar, was it? It was hope. A taste of what could be."


    "It was sweet. You deserve to be called Uncle Silco."


    Silco''s eyes quivered. He accepted the glass of water and stared at Cipher. "So, have you made up your mind?"


    "My ideals are the same as yours and Vander''s¡ªto see Zaun rise." Cipher took a sip of water but didn''t directly answer Silco''s question. It wasn''t yet time to start a war with Piltover. The pieces weren''t all in place.


    "Microbial fermentation power generation, water purification equipment, self-destructing robots, high-energy explosives, demanding better conditions for workers from the Chem-Barons¡ªyou''ve done a lot."


    Silco narrowed his eyes and rotated the water glass in his hand. He was well aware of Cipher''s contributions to Zaun and his influence among its people.


    Each achievement was like a brick in the foundation of a new Zaun.


    That was precisely why, after the successful development of the drug, Silco had approached Cipher first. His support could turn the tide.


    If Cipher didn''t support him, it would be nearly impossible for him to unify Zaun and launch an armed conflict against Piltover. In that case, Cipher would be an obstacle that had to be removed.


    Ideological conflicts were ruthless and unforgiving, allowing no room for mercy!


    "You want to liberate Zaun, and I support that. But are you truly prepared to be the leader of Zaun?"


    Cipher sensed Silco''s murderous intent. His thoughts weren''t hard to guess.


    "Of course, I''m prepared. Vander is old now¡ªweak and incapable of doing more than surviving day to day. He is unfit to lead Zaun."


    "Zaun needs a new leader."


    "A leader with courage and vision, one who dares to declare war on Piltover and can earn respect for Zaun."


    "Cipher, join us!"


    Silco''s face radiated confidence as he raised his glass, once again inviting Cipher to form an alliance.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    He truly believed he could do better than Vander. But belief alone wasn''t enough. Not for this.


    "Since you aspire to be Zaun''s leader and liberate it, making it independent, then you are its supreme ruler." Cipher''s tone shifted, becoming more focused.


    Cipher chuckled, unleashing a barrage of soul-piercing questions.


    "As Zaun''s supreme ruler, with the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of citizens resting on your shoulders, what is your governance philosophy?"


    "What kind of valuable spiritual legacy do you intend to leave for the people of Zaun? What core ideas and values should Zaun''s children embrace?"


    "How do you plan to establish a governing system and build Zaun''s government? What will your foreign policy be, especially with Piltover and other city-states?"


    "Every city needs three things: food, security, and hope. How many of those can you guarantee?"


    "With Zaun''s increasingly dire living conditions, what measures do you propose for improvement? How will you address the pollution of air, water, and soil?"


    "How will you solve the shortages of essential resources such as food, fabric, medicine, and coal?"


    "In terms of social security, including education, healthcare, elderly care, law enforcement, and justice, how will you establish a basic system? What are your plans for fundamental infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and prisons?"


    "How will you lead Zaun''s people to develop technology and rejuvenate the economy? How will you help the people of Zaun escape poverty and suffering, achieve shared prosperity, and ensure that every child of Zaun has access to milk, bread, and spacious homes?"


    "If Zaun is to rise, do you have short-term and long-term plans? How many years do you estimate it will take to make Zaun truly great?"


    This barrage of questions left Silco completely dumbfounded.


    Some of the questions he could vaguely understand and perhaps even knew how to address, but most of them left him utterly clueless.


    "We can figure it out as we go¡ª" Silco started.


    "Like you figured out Shimmer? Some mistakes you can''t undo."


    In the end, Silco had only ever managed a gang. He had no experience in governance, and trying to apply gang management strategies to running an entire city was utterly absurd.


    "They have universities, we have street smarts. They have labs, we have scrap heaps," Cipher continued, driving his point home.


    Seeing Silco remain silent, he shook his head and said, "Being the leader of a city and guiding everyone toward prosperity and strength sounds simple, but how will you actually achieve it?"


    "If you use your current management methods to govern Zaun, all you''ll achieve is turning Zaun into a giant gang organization."


    "That would simply move Zaun from one cesspit into another smaller one. But it would still be a cesspit, still reeking and hopeless¡ªfar from achieving Zaun''s rise."


    Silco remained silent, furrowing his brow as he thought deeply. His furrowed brow formed lines like a character in pain, but he didn''t speak.


    Cipher placed his glass of water down. He didn''t expect Silco to be able to answer these questions¡ªthese were thorny problems even for him.


    As he packed up the explosive rounds on his workbench and grabbed some chocolate to leave, Silco finally spoke.


    "Many of your questions, I''ve never even considered before, and I still don''t know what to do now. But the first step toward Zaun''s rise is undoubtedly breaking free from Piltover''s control and achieving independence."


    "All the other issues can be addressed gradually after Zaun becomes independent. We can refer to the governance models of other city-states and learn from their experiences¡ªDemacia, Noxus, Shurima, and even Piltover!"


    "In any case, achieving Zaun''s independence will undoubtedly improve the lives of its children compared to now, and that''s enough!"


    Cipher paused mid-step, surprised by Silco''s response. It exceeded his expectations and was, at the very least, a passing answer.


    However, there was no room to avoid this confrontation; otherwise, Silco would act, and tragedy would be inevitable.


    If the situation escalated into violence, all of Cipher''s hard work¡ªyears of nonstop toil¡ªwould go to waste.


    To prevent that outcome, he decided to offer a glimpse of what was at stake.


    "You''ve genuinely exceeded my expectations with that answer. There''s nothing wrong with your principle of seeking peace through struggle, and I support it. But the issue is that you''re underestimating the enemy. Parasites won''t stop sucking blood until they''re completely destroyed."


    "The Piltover councilors are mere tools, puppets for the interests of larger groups. Killing them won''t change the fact that the powers behind them will continue to exploit Zaun."


    "The reason I oppose starting a war with Piltover now is that we have no chance of winning. A pointless sacrifice will achieve nothing! No one willingly makes a losing deal. But right now, we have an opportunity for a highly profitable one!"


    Cipher loaded an explosive round into his revolver with a serious expression and continued, "Please give me a little more time. I promise you that Zaun will truly be liberated. I promise."


    He aimed the revolver at a pile of steel in the far corner of the research lab and fired.


    Boom!


    A massive explosion erupted as blazing flames shot into the air, and the steel melted rapidly into liquid in Silco''s wide, shrinking pupils.


    "This explosive round is the result of years of hard work. It''s ready for mass production. The core raw material? Piltover''s industrial emissions¡ªcompletely unavoidable for them."


    "Noxus wants weapons. We need resources. It''s simple economics."


    "Time is on our side, Uncle Silco."


    "For now, put aside the idea of going to war with Piltover. Your priority should be establishing factories, hiring workers, and negotiating with Noxians to sell these rounds for a good price."


    Cipher walked up to the stunned Silco and said, "As for what Vander did to you, he deeply regretted it. He''s always wanted to apologize but never found the chance."


    "In this life, perhaps the most important thing is learning to let go."


    "He wrote you a letter. It''s in the old place. When you have time, go see it¡ªBlisters and Bedrock."


    Clink!


    Silco felt his heart pounding. The glass slipped right out of his hand, shattering at his feet.


    Blisters and Bedrock¡ªit was a secret code only he and Vander knew. It was the place where their dreams had first begun.

 05 - The Last Drop of Patience

    Cipher, still in shock from his encounter with Silco, left the munitions factory and went home alone.


    His home was a bar located inside the Lanes district of Zaun. The streets grew narrower here, buildings leaning against each other like tired old men.


    On the way, he thought about Zaun''s future. His ideas were far less radical than Silco''s. War wasn''t just about weapons¡ªit was about survival. And right now, they could barely survive peace.


    He would not recklessly disrupt the ecological balance of Piltover and Zaun, nor would he allow the situation to escalate into all-out war. Avoiding the escalation of armed struggles into full-scale conflicts was his priority.


    The reason was harsh.


    Firstly, in terms of military power, Zaun was at an absolute disadvantage. Among Piltover''s council members was Professor Heimerdinger, a figure standing at the pinnacle of science.


    This noble, extraordinary yordle wasn''t incapable of producing weapons¡ªhe simply chose not to. If Silco were in charge, he might taste some fleeting success in armed struggles but would likely lose control of the war machine, pushing Zaun into an all-out war with Piltover.


    By then, Zaun might have the dubious "honor" of witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of Heimerdinger crafting a Hextech mechanical T-Rex by hand.


    Secondly, Zaun lacked a sound economic system. More than 40% of Zaunites eked out a living in Piltover''s docks, factories, and construction sites¡ªindustries reliant on intensive labor.


    If war broke out, what would happen to these Zaunites working in Piltover? Zaun simply didn''t have enough jobs to accommodate them. The streets would flood with desperate, hungry people.


    Moreover, basic necessities like food were entirely reliant on imports, and the docks were under Piltover''s control. Each shipment of grain was another chain binding them to the Upper City.


    Zaun had zero war potential. None!


    Silco was oversimplifying things. War wasn''t the answer¡ªnot yet, and not like this.


    Cipher had long been pondering how to establish a robust industrial economic system.


    In this world, long-distance communication was rare and prohibitively expensive, often reliant on magic. However, he had long since acquired advanced wireless communication technology from the Apex world.


    No faction could resist the allure of communication equipment. Once Zaun began production, these devices could be sold at high prices to any country or region, enough to propel Zaun into prosperity.


    But he was acutely aware that without sufficient power to protect it, nothing could be retained. Oil breeds mold, and the wealthy nobles of Piltover would sniff out the tempting scent of money and come running.


    Those nobles didn''t play nice. They''d strip Zaun bare if given half a chance.


    That was why he was researching weapons and developing military power¡ªto arm himself first.


    Otherwise, all his efforts would only lead to an even better life for those nobles.


    The successful development of explosive rounds was just the beginning. Once the factories were operational and mass production complete, Zaun''s cannons would be assembled, giving them the capability to protect their communication technology.


    As for Silco''s Shimmer, Cipher had never considered that mindless drug as part of Zaun''s military strength. It was a crutch, not a solution.


    Still, he has a point. It''s time to unify Zaun and put pressure on Piltover to fight for our rights.


    We can''t let them strangle our access to raw materials anymore.


    He narrowed his eyes. He needed to visit Piltover soon to garner support from key figures.


    For instance, Viktor, a Zaunite by birth, who had always dreamed of advancing technology to benefit Zaun.


    Unfortunately, his efforts and achievements had never truly reached Zaun; they were all reaped by the nobles.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Additionally, Cipher wanted to try to win the support of Heimerdinger. The yordle inventor''s reputation for fairness was well-known throughout both cities.


    This Piltover councilor was a pure scientist, uninterested in wealth or power. He loved peace and maintained goodwill toward humanity. He was highly likely to support the establishment of a sound industrial economy in Zaun.


    As long as Heimerdinger agreed, Cipher was confident that no one in Piltover¡ªnot even their wealthiest councilor, Mel Medarda¡ªcould stop Zaun''s rise.


    Lost in thought, time flew by.


    He had just sketched out a rough blueprint for unifying Zaun when he arrived at The Last Drop. The familiar scent of spilled beer and wood smoke reached his nose.


    But as he opened the bar door, he found the place was like a powder keg ready to explode.


    A large group of fierce-looking thugs stood up, glaring menacingly at the bar.


    "They''ve been here twenty minutes, boss," a gang member whispered as Cipher passed. "Vander''s just... taking it."


    "And how many are ready to snap?" Cipher asked quietly, surveying the room.


    "All of us."


    Through the gaps in the crowd, he spotted three enforcers from Piltover at the bar. One of them was arguing with Vander, in an extremely rude and arrogant manner. The disdain was written all over their faces¡ªthey didn''t take the bar''s gang seriously at all.


    "You call this an establishment?" The lead enforcer sneered, running a finger through the dust on the bar. "More like a rat''s nest."


    "Say your piece and leave," Vander replied calmly. "We don''t want trouble."


    "Trouble? You ARE the trouble!"


    Piltover enforcers came to Zaun for one purpose only: to arrest people.


    Who?


    Of course, it was Cipher''s four poor younger siblings!


    All they had done was accidentally blow up one of Jayce''s buildings while trying to make some money in Piltover. Was that really worth such a grandiose response?


    "Move aside! Let me through!"


    He squeezed through the crowd. The gang members looked furious, ready to start a fight.


    But as soon as they saw him, their expressions softened into smiles, and they quickly stepped aside to make way. Some nodded respectfully as he passed.


    He approached the bar, set down the rich chocolate he''d brought for his siblings, and overheard the enforcer insulting Vander.


    "You''re nothing but scum, rotting away in this forsaken hole that the world has abandoned!"


    The enforcer wasn''t satisfied after yelling. He pulled out his baton and smashed a glass on the bar. Shards scattered across the worn wood.


    He then turned around, pointing the baton at the others in the bar and shouted angrily, "All your worthless lives will end in my hands sooner or la¡ª"


    Before the enforcer could finish his sentence, Cipher drove a knee into his stomach, driving upward into the enforcer''s solar plexus. The enforcer crumpled, face twisted in shock as he lay vomiting bile, unable to speak another word.


    In one swift motion, Cipher knocked out the other two enforcers with clean, decisive slaps. His movements were sharp, efficient, and effortless. Before the first enforcer''s knees hit the floor, Cipher was already moving, his hands finding their targets.


    Everything happened so quickly that everyone in the bar, including Vander, was left stunned, unable to react for a few seconds.


    Then, cheers erupted like a breaking dam from the gang members in the bar, washing away years of pent-up frustration and fear in a single moment of triumph.


    "Awesome! So damn awesome! I didn''t even feel this good when I was crushing enemies!"


    "Well done! Kill those filthy scums!"


    "These damned Pilties dare to strut around in the dark alleys? They deserve to be beaten so hard that their mothers won''t recognize them!"


    "Holy crap, Cipher is this strong? This is insane¡ªhe''s even more skilled than Boss Vander!"


    The Lanes had been suffering under the enforcers'' relentless raids and searches these past days, with half the shops sealed shut.


    Many people had been severely bullied, and they''d been bottling up their anger for too long.


    The bruises were still fresh.


    If not for Vander''s reputation and authority keeping the peace, they would have already launched violent attacks on Piltover.


    But now, with enforcers bullying them at their very doorsteps, Vander was acting as meek as a pair of underpants, tolerating every insult without a single word of protest.


    Such weakness had deeply disappointed many, causing a serious loss of respect for him. Some core members had even left the dark alleys to follow others.


    Cipher raised a hand, signaling that he had something to say. The bar instantly fell silent, every eye fixed on him.


    He walked up to the bar and studied his father closely.


    Vander was a middle-aged man with slicked-back hair and a thick beard. His temples were streaked with gray, his body was strong, but his expression was one of fatigue and weariness.


    His position as the leader of the Lanes wasn''t inherited¡ªit was earned through brute force and bloodshed.


    But his fighting spirit had been extinguished on the Day of Ashes, ground down by the cruel reality of life. Continuing to lead would only bring more harm to him.


    Ignoring the complex emotions in Vander''s eyes, Cipher spoke without hesitation, "Dad, you''re getting old. Leave the Lanes and Zaun to me. It''s time for you to enjoy a peaceful retirement."


    The once noisy bar suddenly plunged into a deathly silence. The gang members didn''t even dare to breathe loudly, afraid of missing this thrilling scene of father-son drama!


    "A month away, and the first thing you say when you come back is this?" Vander''s voice was tired but firm. "This position will be yours eventually. What''s the rush?"


    He poured Cipher a glass of juice, clearly not understanding what was going on. He thought Cipher was joking¡ªafter all, the boy was only 15 years old.


    But as he stared at the glass of juice Vander poured, he suddenly felt a headache coming on.


    In Zaun, Cipher was already a well-known figure. Even the dangerous Silco treated him with respect.


    Yet the moment he returned home, his father still wouldn''t let him drink alcohol.


    This only solidified his resolve. Vander was a good father, but he was not a good leader.


    If Vander stayed in charge, Cipher might one day find himself fishing his corpse out of a gutter.


    So, without saying another word, he made up his mind. He would bear the burden.

 06 - Chocolate and Iron Fists

    Ignoring Vander, Cipher turned around directly and addressed the people in the tavern with a spirited voice.


    "I''ve heard about recent events. The sons and daughters of Zaun have been wronged, but I have good news¡ªI''ve developed an incredibly powerful weapon." His voice carried across the room, drawing every eye to him.


    "Piltover forces Zaun to kneel with their advanced weapons. I will make Zaun rise, reborn in glory, and replace the decayed and corrupt Piltover as the true City of Progress!"


    In the corner, an older gang member nodded slowly. "Finally, someone with real teeth," he whispered to his neighbor.


    "I promise you that from now on, we won''t need to bow to the Pilties. They''ll no longer dare to strut around the Undercity with arrogance."


    "For the Pilties who don''t understand my words or refuse to follow our rules, I''ll teach them a lesson myself!"


    With that, he kicked the enforcer in the face. His head snapped back, and he dropped like a rock to the floor, unconscious.


    This was the same officer who had insulted Vander earlier. Cipher never let a grudge wait until the next day¡ªevery wrong had to be avenged immediately.


    Let them see what happens to anyone who disrespects our people.


    "Spread the word: tell Piltover''s enforcers to come and pick up these three Pilties. And inform all the Chem-Barons. Tell them to gather in the Black Lanes by midnight. I''m going to redefine Zaun''s rules."


    After a brief silence, the tavern erupted into cheers.


    "Well said! Now this is the kind of leader the Black Lanes need. Vander has grown old; it''s time for him to retire. I support Cipher as the new boss!"


    "Just the fact that he dared to knock out an enforcer makes him worthy of being our boss!"


    "Support! Absolutely support! You have done so much for the Undercity over the years. You deserve this position!"


    "The boy''s earned this," an older member called out. "He''s done more for Zaun in a year than most do in a lifetime."


    "Vander has taken care of us for so long, so of course, we''ll always respect him. But Cipher is his son, and we support him becoming the boss!"


    Cipher''s years of selfless service to Zaun had earned him a great reputation. Coupled with his status as Vander''s son, he had established his authority.


    The gang members in the tavern not only welcomed him taking over Vander''s position but celebrated it enthusiastically. This also revealed dissatisfaction with Vander from many quarters; they didn''t even seem to care about his opinion anymore.


    The old ways were dying, and everyone knew it.


    "Let''s go! Time to inform the Chem-Barons about the Lanes'' new boss."


    "I''ll head to Piltover and tell their sheriff to come pick up these Pilties."


    Eager to take action, they volunteered one after another, itching to leave the tavern and serve their new leader.


    "Hold it!"


    Suddenly, Vander''s voice rang out. No one had noticed him putting on his iron gauntlets.


    He twisted his thick neck, warming up as he walked toward Cipher and struck a boxing stance. His feet planted firmly on the wooden floor, spreading his weight evenly.


    Still trying to solve everything with your fists, old man?


    "You little punk, I''m not done yet. I''m still in charge here. I''ll handle matters involving the Lanes, Zaun, and those enforcers. What you need to do as the elder brother is protect your younger siblings."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Cipher smiled, and said mischievously, "Are you sure you want to fight me now?"


    "Your wings have gotten stiff. I need to teach you a lesson about respecting your elders. You think you can be the boss of the Lanes with your skills? You''ve got a long way to go!"


    Vander swayed his left fist confidently. He was absolutely sure of his own strength. In Zaun, there wasn''t anyone born yet who could beat him in a fight.


    Swoosh!


    His confidence lasted exactly one second longer than his consciousness. The gap between them had grown into an abyss, and Cipher crossed it in a single step.


    Before Vander could even react to what he saw, everything went dark. He passed out in an instant.


    "Oh, my bad¡ªI might have slipped and gone a little too hard."


    Vander always acted like the head of the family, thinking he could handle everything for them. But there were many things he couldn''t understand or figure out.


    Cipher had long wanted to teach him a lesson, and now he had finally gotten his chance.


    The victory felt hollow, somehow.


    He could sympathize with Vander''s desire to protect the Lanes by negotiating with the enforcers, but he was simply too stubborn. Set in his ways like the rusted pipes that carried Zaun''s toxic waste.


    For instance, when Cipher developed his weapon, Vander refused to let him set up a factory to mass-produce it, citing two reasons.


    The first was that he didn''t want to break the peace agreement with the Sheriff of the Piltover Enforcers, potentially disrupting the stability of the Lanes.


    The second reason was much simpler¡ªhe had no money.


    That was right, no money.


    Despite being Zaun''s top gang leader and the fearsome boss of the Black Lanes, he was dirt poor. His own children often couldn''t even get enough to eat.


    This forced Cipher to turn to Silco for investment to build a factory, despite Vander having already fallen out with Silco by that time.


    Back then, Cipher could barely protect himself. There was a real chance he might have been killed by Silco.


    Fortunately, his gamble paid off¡ªSilco still remembered their past relationship.


    Over the years, if it weren''t for Cipher earning a decent amount of money and frequently supporting the family, Vander wouldn''t even be able to afford his favorite Noxian firewater.


    As a side note, Cipher was also broke.


    Although he owned shares in the munitions factory, his research expenses were enormous, especially for the design blueprint of the explosive round.


    That blueprint was something he had acquired by paying a hefty price in another world. He had essentially traveled to the Apex world and bought it through underhanded means at an exorbitant price.


    Even after emptying his wallet, it wasn''t enough, so he had to borrow a significant sum from Silco.


    If Silco hadn''t brought him a box of premium chocolate as a gift, Cipher wouldn''t even have had the money to buy proper presents for his younger siblings on this trip home.


    Thinking about it, he suddenly realized he might be as "abstract" as Vander¡ªneither of them seemed to have much to show for themselves.


    With such a father and older brother, could they really raise their younger siblings well?


    "Sevika, please take my father back to his room to rest."


    Shaking his head to clear away the distracting thoughts, he called out to the gang members in the tavern. But there was no response.


    "Before you returned, Sevika had a fight with Vander," one of the gang members explained. "She said he was too old and left the Black Lanes with her crew."


    Cipher nodded and gave a direct order, "Tell her the edge is back, and it''s sharper than ever. Send someone to call her back. Tell her that the new boss of the Black Lanes, Cipher, needs her help."


    "As for these three enforcers, have her hide them when she returns. For now, you take my father to his room to rest."


    Sevika was the only one among the gang members in the tavern that he paid special attention to. She was fiercely loyal to Zaun and pledged herself to whoever could lead the Undercity to greatness.


    She had always fought for Zaun''s cause, and would always do it.


    In the original storyline, she eventually became one of the council members representing the Undercity on the Piltover Council.


    She was a charismatic and strong leader. With the right guidance, she could become a true fighter for Zaun.


    He skillfully located an unlabeled bottle of alcohol from the bar cabinet and poured himself a full glass. The amber liquid caught the light as it flowed.


    Vander only had two hobbies¡ªsmoking and drinking. The unlabeled bottles in the cabinet were usually his private stash.


    Taking a sip, it was like swallowing a ball of fire.


    "Wow, that''s strong! No wonder it''s one of Dad''s favorites!"


    With a bit of admiration, he grabbed the fragrant dark chocolate he had brought and headed to the basement.


    If he remembered the story correctly, his younger siblings should currently be hiding down there.


    "Hey there! I am back! Did you miss me? I brought you some sweet and delicious chocolate!"


    He opened the sturdy basement door and stepped inside. The air was cooler here, heavy with the scent of earth and old wood.


    With a loud "Bang!", a pink-haired girl jumped down from the ceiling beams.


    Seeing Cipher, she was overwhelmed with excitement. She quickly ran straight into his arms.


    Her usually strong, determined eyebrows were furrowed for once as she tightly hugged him. "They almost took Powder away!"


    Cipher gently ruffled the girl''s short pink hair and spoke softly, "Vi, I''ve already dealt with the enforcers. It''s okay now. Here, have some chocolate."

 07 - Candy-Coated Promises

    On the other side of the basement, a little blue-haired girl turned on a dim light. Beside her were three boys.


    As soon as she saw Cipher, she couldn''t wait to rush over to him. Her small feet stumbled in her hurry, but she didn''t slow down. Being small in stature, she could only hug his leg tightly.


    In the original story, the girl had severe mental trauma after witnessing the tragic death of her parents when she was young. Later, she accidentally killed her family with explosives and experienced a series of misunderstandings with her elder sister, Vi, eventually turning into the deranged and despairing Jinx.


    Jinx''s fate was almost entirely a tragedy, bringing misfortune to those close to her. Each step of her fall had been inevitable, like dominoes lined up by cruel fate.


    But in Cipher''s view, Jinx was actually a product of the irreconcilable class conflict between Piltover and Zaun.


    Only by resolving these class struggles could similar tragedies be avoided. Otherwise, even if Jinx were eliminated, the crushing weight of inequality would create another broken soul, another victim of Piltover''s cruelty.


    The cycle would continue endlessly, turning more children into weapons against the world that had failed them.


    Precisely because he knew of her tragic fate in the original story, he developed a special attachment to her. Among the four younger siblings, she occupied at least half of his affection. Every time he looked at her, he saw both what she was and what she might become.


    "Cipher, I was so scared! I was almost caught just now! I was afraid I''d never see you again!" The girl buried her face against his leg.


    Her voice carried a sobbing tone, and her body trembled slightly, clearly terrified. Her small hands clutched at his clothes like she was afraid he''d disappear.


    Cipher, knowing how sensitive and fragile her mental state was, picked her up and gave her a big kiss on her dirty little face. Her eyes widened in surprise.


    Gently, he said, "Powder, don''t be afraid. The bad guys have already been chased away by me."


    "Huh?"


    Touching the spot he had kissed, she seemed flustered. Her fingers traced where his lips had touched, as if trying to hold onto the moment.


    She had been hiding from the enforcers for the past few days and hadn''t had access to clean water in Zaun, so she hadn''t washed her face in several days. Her body carried a strong odor, the kind that came from living in Zaun''s depths.


    Feeling embarrassed, she snuck a glance at Cipher.


    Instead of showing any disgust, he smiled warmly and pulled her and Vi into his strong arms.


    Quickly lowering her head, Powder began rubbing her little face like a shy rabbit. The more she rubbed, the redder her face became. An unfamiliar emotion rose in her heart¡ªshe was no longer afraid.


    In Cipher''s arms, the world''s darkness seemed to retreat.


    "Claggor, I told you! Cipher prefers Vi and Powder, especially Powder. He likes her so much he never lets go of her!"


    In a corner of the basement, a skinny boy with quick eyes and a quicker tongue, complained bitterly to his companions.


    "Come on, Mylo. Vi and Powder are girls; they need comfort. You don''t need to be jealous," said Claggor, who was chubby and good-natured. His round face creased with understanding as he didn''t envy them at all and even smiled as he tried to console Mylo.


    "Sigh, you''re so open-minded. Sure, Powder and Vi are his sisters, but we''re his brothers! Look at how biased he is! He wears his favoritism on his face, and I just can''t stand it!"Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Mylo kept grumbling, pouring out his jealousy like vinegar.


    His words had no real bite to them; they were more habit than hurt. But he wasn''t genuinely resentful; he just liked to run his mouth.


    To him, Cipher was a much more reliable figure than their foster father, Vander. Now that the danger had passed, he felt completely at ease, which resulted in his inability to keep his chatterbox mouth in check.


    Safety just made him bold.


    Though he tried to keep his voice down, he underestimated Cipher''s sharp hearing.


    "Mylo, what are you mumbling about over there? Come over here right now. Claggor, and Ekko, too¡ªlet''s eat some chocolate!"


    "Coming!" The three boys called out in unison, their feet scuffling against the floor as they hurried over.


    Powder held her chocolate with both hands, munching happily. Her eyes sparkled with each bite, savoring the rare treat.


    "Chocolate is so good! I haven''t had it in days. If only we could eat it every day!" Her voice was full of wonder, like she couldn''t believe such a thing existed.


    "Powder, this stuff is expensive. Be grateful you even got to eat some," Vi said disapprovingly. She was worried that Powder''s words would make Cipher think she was ungrateful, especially since chocolate was a luxury.


    Her protective instincts never rested.


    "Don''t worry. Someday, I''ll make sure you can eat chocolate every day until you''re sick of it!"


    Cipher ruffled Powder''s messy hair and laughed indulgently.


    "Really? Then you''d better keep your word! I''ll eat chocolate every day until I''m sick of it!"


    Powder laughed along with Cipher, leaving Vi feeling like the odd one out. Annoyed, she silently chomped on her chocolate, glaring at Cipher as if she were biting into something much worse.


    Her protectiveness of Powder sometimes made her bristle at how easily he could make her sister smile.


    In front of his younger siblings, Cipher acted like the head of the family. While his two sisters were close to him, his two younger brothers were more reserved and hesitant to speak freely around him.


    Each had found their place in this makeshift family¡ªVi the protector, Powder the dreamer, Mylo the critic, Claggor the peacemaker.


    As for Ekko, it was even worse¡ªhe was Vi''s younger brother and ranked at the bottom of the hierarchy.


    For now, he could only play the role of an accessory. He sat quietly, watching everything with intelligent eyes that missed nothing.


    Mylo watched Cipher playing around with his sisters and couldn''t help but mutter under his breath again. However, he didn''t dare speak up for fear of being scolded by Cipher.


    Instead, he shot Claggor a knowing look, as if to say, "See? I told you he spoils Powder the most."


    Claggor pointed at the chocolate he had shared with Mylo, signaling him to just focus on eating.


    The chocolate was limited in quantity. After being split among the five of them, it was barely enough for a taste. But even that small amount was a treasure in Zaun.


    After finishing her portion, Powder rubbed her belly, tugged on Cipher''s sleeve, and shyly said, "Cipher, I''m hungry. Do you have any bread? I''m not picky!"


    Her eyes were hopeful but uncertain.


    Cipher almost burst out laughing. She claimed she wasn''t picky, yet she specifically mentioned bread. Her little schemes were written all over her face.


    In Zaun, children usually ate things like mutated swamp frogs, oversized sewer rats, rotting fish and shrimp, or the entrails of animals Piltover residents wouldn''t touch.


    These were often boiled together into a paste, emphasizing quantity and "cleanliness" over quality. The smell alone would turn stomachs above ground.


    Bread¡ªeven the low-quality black bread mixed with sawdust¡ªwas considered a rare luxury for Zaun''s children.


    Each loaf was worth its weight in hope.


    But Powder would only make such requests of Cipher. She knew Vi and Vander were too poor to afford bread. Her careful choice of who to ask showed wisdom beyond her years.


    "Alright, let''s head upstairs. I''ll cook something for everyone," Cipher said with a wave of his hand, ready to show off his cooking skills to them.


    When they returned to the tavern, the usual crowd of rowdy patrons had already left. The familiar comfort of home shattered at the sight of the man behind the bar. Standing in the spot where Vander often stood was someone unexpected.


    "Silco? Why are you here?"


    "Where''s Vander? What did you do to him?"


    Before Cipher could do anything, Vi stepped forward, assuming a defensive stance. She protectively placed Powder behind her and stared at Silco with intense vigilance, her eyes never leaving his face.


    Silco was dangerous¡ªsomeone who could harm the alleys of Zaun and disrupt its fragile order. This was what Vander had told her. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to take Powder and hide.


    "Vi, it''s been a few days since we last met. Is this how you greet me? Not even a polite hello?" Silco said, unfazed.


    Knowing Vander''s habits, he reached for an unmarked bottle of liquor and poured a glass for himself. Then he poured another for Sevika, the cold and intimidating woman sitting opposite him. Her eyes watched them all like a hawk studying prey.


    Finally, he spoke in a slow, deliberate tone, "I just arrived. If you want to know where Vander is, you''ll have to ask your brother."


    Vi turned to Cipher with a puzzled look, but his attention was on an envelope Silco had placed in front of him.


    The envelope looked old, with yellowed paper on the outside. Its edges were worn smooth by time and handling.


    "Blisters and Bedrock¡ªyou were right. The heaviest burden in life is learning to let go," Silco said, handing him a glass of liquor.


    He raised his own glass, gesturing for Cipher to join him for a drink.

 08 - Blood and Water

    "What''s wrong with Vander? Speak up!"


    Seeing Cipher drinking with Silco without a care, Vi became anxious and yelled with her beautiful eyes wide open. Her fists were clenched at her sides.


    "Nothing. Vander''s just getting old. He''s been too tired recently, so he''s resting in his room."


    Cipher avoided looking into her eyes, lowering his head and taking a sip of his drink to mask his awkwardness. The bitter liquid burned his throat, but it was better than facing the accusation in her gaze.


    After all, knocking out Vander to seize power wasn''t exactly something he could easily justify.


    "Yeah, Vander''s getting old," Silco said, seemingly agreeing. But then he suddenly changed the tone.


    "When the Hound grows old, his end often isn''t pretty. So, I heard the new boss of the Lanes is Cipher. Vi, what do you think your brother is planning to do with your dad?"


    Though his words were directed at Vi, his eyes stayed fixed on Cipher, his lips curling into a sly smirk.


    He was doing it on purpose¡ªstirring the pot for entertainment.


    Rejecting his my olive branch only to take your father''s power? Are you trying to mess with me? His expression said it all.


    "What have you done? Vander is your father!"


    As expected, Vi took the bait.


    Among her siblings, she was the one most like Vander¡ªthe same slicked-back hair, the same reliance on fists, and, unfortunately, the same lack of wit.


    "He really is just sleeping. Fine, Sevika, take Vi to wake Vander up. He can cook, and we''ll all eat together later to discuss things."


    The more Cipher explained, the guiltier he sounded. To stop Vi from overthinking, he asked Sevika to take her to check on Vander, while he headed to the kitchen to cook.


    Today was one of those rare occasions when the family could gather, so he wanted to make something special.


    Soft white bread, rich mushroom and meat soup, fried eggs and bacon, a small steak, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The ingredients cost more than most Zaunites made in a week, but today was different.


    A typical Piltovan meal.


    He decided to make it for his family today, dreaming of a future where every citizen of Zaun could afford such meals.


    Where children wouldn''t go to bed hungry, where fresh food wasn''t a luxury.


    By the time he returned with the food, the atmosphere in the bar had grown suffocatingly tense.


    Vander and Silco sat across from each other.


    Vander sipped his drink in silence, his head hung low with guilt, while Silco calmly smoked a cigar, speaking not a word.


    The adults were silent, and the kids just sat there awkwardly, sensing the weight of things they couldn''t understand.


    Sevika, not sure what was going on, kept glancing between Vander and Silco. Her lips twitched as if wanting to say something, but she ultimately held back, her face cold as she drank her liquor alongside a smoke.


    Cipher noticed a folded apology letter sticking out of Silco''s breast pocket, just visible enough for Vander to catch sight of whenever he lifted his head.


    How manipulative. No wonder Vander wouldn''t raise his head!Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "Sevika, take the kids to the kitchen and bring the food out. The mushroom soup needs to cook a little longer, so wait for that."


    He realized Vander and Silco needed privacy to talk, so he found an excuse to send Sevika and his siblings away.


    His hint was clear enough, and fortunately, Sevika wasn''t too dense to catch on. She herded the younger ones toward the kitchen.


    "Alright, you two old friends, say whatever it is you want to say."


    Cipher sat in the main seat, poured himself a drink, and prepared to listen to the two old men pour their hearts out.


    Silco struck first.


    "I''ve been watching Powder and Vi for a long time now. Do you even know how long it''s been since they''ve had a change of clothes? They''re filthy, reeking of strange odors, and judging by their pale faces, it''s clear they''re not getting enough to eat."


    "You can''t even take care of the daughters your old friends left behind. That alone shows how much poorer the Lanes have become. If this so-called stability is what you traded for by compromising with Piltover, then I must say¡ªyou were wrong. Completely, utterly wrong."


    "Vander, we came into this miserable world not to let our children live just as miserably¡ªlike stray dogs scavenging for scraps from Piltovans'' garbage bins."


    Dressed in a vest made from fine fabric, he exhaled cigar smoke elegantly as he spoke in a calm, persuasive tone.


    He looked more like an upper-class Piltovan gentleman than a Zaunite rebel.


    Every gesture was designed to emphasize the contrast between what was and what could be.


    "But at least everyone is still alive, alive and well. Do you remember how many people died the last time we tried to cross that bridge? If we hadn''t done that, would Vi and Powder''s parents have died?"


    An old lion is still a lion.


    When it came to his adopted daughters, Vander''s guilt toward Silco lessened significantly. He raised his head, his gaze as fierce as an enraged lion''s as he stared down Silco.


    Even now, Vander remained haunted by the deaths of the girls'' parents. He firmly believed their deaths were his and Silco''s fault.


    Vander, Silco, and the girls'' parents¡ªthey had once been inseparable comrades, and together, they had built the foundation of the Lanes.


    Blowing out a smoke ring, Silco stared at Vander fearlessly. "If it weren''t for your retreat halfway through, we would''ve already crossed that bridge!"


    Vander roared in anger, the sound rattling the glasses on the table. "Silco, you could''ve rushed the bridge alone and died if you wanted to, but did you ever think about those brothers and sisters who died? What about their children? And even if we had crossed that bridge, then what? Would we have won? War has no winners!"


    Silco''s blood pressure spiked. Clutching his chest, he felt like his heart was bleeding.


    "They died for nothing¡ªall because you were too weak, too much of a coward. The rebellion we sacrificed so much for became meaningless."


    "All these years, have you even thought about avenging them? No, you haven''t. All you''ve done is hide in the Lanes, colluding with the Pilties, wagging your tail and begging for mercy. You''ve become their lapdog!"


    "Freedom isn''t something you beg for; you fight for it. A dog will always be a dog¡ªit will never be a person."


    "Vander, if only for the sake of our old friends'' daughters, stand tall and be a person! Wake up! Stop dreaming of Piltovan mercy. We need to fight. We need to win dignity for Zaun!"


    He stood up, taking one deliberate step at a time toward Vander, speaking with every step. His glowing red mechanical eye came so close to Vander''s face that it was nearly touching him.


    That eye¡ªit made the furious Vander clutch his head in pain, unable to utter a word in response.


    Cipher suspected that if he weren''t present, Vander might have actually broken down in tears. The proud Hound of the Lanes, reduced to this by words and memories.


    "I haven''t betrayed the Lanes, I haven''t betrayed Zaun, and I haven''t betrayed our dreams! Everything I''ve done has been for Zaun''s rise, for Zaun''s children to live with dignity, to have everything that Piltovans take for granted!"


    Pointing a finger, Silco jabbed it hard against Vander''s chest. "The one who betrayed us wasn''t me¡ªit was you. You betrayed us in that river. You betrayed our vision of a better future for its people!"


    Silco''s words were like a sharp knife, stabbing Vander in the heart. Vander felt suffocated, barely able to breathe.


    For years, he had been trying to atone for his mistakes, doing his best to shield his old friends'' daughters from harm, to care for them.


    But looking at the results, he had neither protected them well nor raised them properly. His daughters, barely teenagers, had already caused trouble so big that even he couldn''t handle it.


    Thinking about it just made him feel worse and worse. His weary face took on an ashen, lifeless hue. The strong shoulders that had once carried the hopes of Zaun now slumped in defeat.


    "Uncle Silco, that''s enough. I think Dad already deeply regrets his mistakes. We''re family. Families are supposed to encourage and support each other. When someone makes a mistake, we should respond with understanding and forgiveness."


    "Let''s eat. It''s been a while since we all sat down for a meal together."


    Cipher noticed Vander''s abnormal state. He decided to intervene before things spiraled out of control. If this argument went on any longer, something worse might happen.


    Some wounds needed time to heal, and some battles weren''t won with words or fists.


    "The boy''s right. We''re family. Let''s eat!"


    Silco returned to his seat.


    Although he felt awful seeing Vander in such pain, he couldn''t help but vent his grievances. He needed to get all that bitterness out; otherwise, it would fester inside him and make it impossible to mend their brotherhood.

 09 - What Makes a Family

    "Sevika, bring the food in now," Cipher called out, his voice carrying to the kitchen. The clatter of plates and pans echoed through the doorway, along with hushed voices arguing about proper serving order.


    Steam rose from freshly cooked dishes as Sevika tried to maintain order in the cramped kitchen. "Careful with those plates!" she barked, watching Powder bounce near the counter.


    Despite her attempts to keep things organized, Powder was the first to emerge from the kitchen. She was too young, and Sevika worried she might break the plates.


    The food was so plentiful that it made her realize today must be an important occasion. She didn''t want any accidents to cause embarrassment in front of the new boss.


    Sevika had great respect for Cipher. She believed he could lead Zaun to rise again.


    His inventions were groundbreaking¡ªany one of them could have allowed him to leave the poverty and hardship of Zaun behind and live a comfortable life in Piltover. He wouldn''t have had to stay in Zaun, breathing its toxic smog.


    But he didn''t.


    He stayed in Zaun and fought for it.


    He shared a meal with those most if not all in Piltover would consider beneath them.


    Such a person was worth following.


    "Cipher, Cipher! Is today a special day? There''s so much good food! This bread is so soft, like cotton!"


    As soon as Powder arrived, she bounced straight into Cipher''s arms, naturally wrapping her arms around his neck. Her small face rubbed against his chest, leaving smudges of dirt that he didn''t seem to notice or mind.


    He teased Powder by pinching her little nose. "Today''s a family reunion, so of course, there has to be delicious food. Did you sneak some already?"


    Powder vigorously shook her head to deny it. "I didn''t! You''re lying! I just¡­ just had a tiny little bite! That doesn''t count as stealing!"


    Watching Cipher play with Powder, Silco seemed deep in thought. He knew Powder hadn''t bathed in days and smelled¡­ awful. He could smell it even from a distance. Yet Cipher held her close as if she were made of gold.


    He didn''t seem to mind at all.


    Instead, he enjoyed teasing her, even when she smudged soot from who-knows-where onto his face, leaving it blackened.


    Adults playing with kids¡ªthis was something only Piltovians seemed to have time for.


    In Zaun, whether adult or child, every day was a painful struggle for survival. The weight of mere existence crushed any chance for such simple joys.


    Even the most loving parents rarely had the time or energy to play with their children. Too busy trying to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, to think about games or laughter.


    Sevika soon brought out all the food with the other kids.


    After confirming there was nothing urgent, she picked up her coat. "I''ll be off. I''ll come back tomorrow. If there''s an emergency, send someone to find me."


    "What do you mean ''off''? Stay and eat with us."


    Cipher poured a bowl of mushroom soup for Powder, teaching her to dip her bread into it to make it taste even better.


    Sevika gave him a helpless look and said irritably, "You''re having a family dinner. What would I be doing here? I''d just be in the way."


    She had no family. She was an orphan. Or rather, most people in Zaun were orphans. The city had a way of taking parents early, leaving children to grow up fast or not at all.


    "Anyone who''s willing to fight for Zaun''s rise is family. Sit down and eat with us."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Cipher carefully cut a piece of steak and fed it to Powder. He spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, without even turning his head.


    Such simple words, yet they held the weight of mountains for some.


    Sevika found herself unable to take the step forward to leave.


    After hesitating for a moment, she decided to sit in the seat Vi had prepared for her. The chair creaked under her weight, but it felt solid.


    "Family"¡ªfor many in Zaun, this word was warm but distant. Like the lights of Piltover above, visible but forever out of reach.


    Silco watched this scene and fell into deep thought. After sipping some mushroom soup, he finally spoke. "So, this is your definition of family? Not about blood ties, but recognizing those who fight for the same ideals? I think I understand your governing philosophy now."


    "It''s certainly appealing, but it''s a tall order. Are you sure you can pull it off?"


    Cipher casually responded while eating a piece of fruit Powder had fed him. "Of course. As long as a family works together, nothing is impossible."


    The mood shifted like Zaun''s toxic clouds¡ªswift and dark.


    Sevika, who always wore a cold and stern expression, suddenly spoke up. "What about your siblings'' issue? How are you planning to solve that? They blew up a Piltovan noble''s building. Just getting rid of the enforcers won''t solve the problem. They won''t let this go."


    As soon as Sevika said this, Vi, Powder, Mylo, Claggor, and even Ekko''s faces darkened significantly.


    They all knew they''d caused big trouble recently, but in truth, no one besides Cipher fully understood why Piltover wouldn''t let the matter rest.


    The building Vi and the others accidentally blew up was one thing. The real issue was the Hextech gemstone Powder had taken.


    It was this thing that fell to the ground and caused the explosion that destroyed the building. The Piltover Council was worried that the gemstone could be used in Zaun to develop advanced weaponry, which was why they had ordered the enforcers to act so ruthlessly.


    "At that time, I just wanted to teach the Piltovans a lesson. I didn''t expect to cause such a big mess."


    Vi lowered her head in pain.


    The delicious food had lost its flavor. She was the one who had led the charge, so she felt the blame was on her.


    But Cipher smiled faintly. "Sevika, they are also your siblings. We share the same vision. For Zaun''s rise, we are one family. And with family, you need to learn to be forgiving and understanding."


    Sevika''s cool expression darkened. She didn''t like Vi or Powder.


    For a long time, and even now, she believed these two were the reason Vander had become a weak and useless man.


    The strength he once had, dissolved by love.


    But compared to Vi, who had made a name for herself at a young age on the streets, Sevika disliked Powder even more. The girl was everything Zaun couldn''t afford to be¡ªweak, dependent, soft.


    As she saw it, Powder was a child who couldn''t survive alone in Zaun. The harsh reality of their world had no place for such softness.


    And now, Powder had been clinging to Cipher the whole time without getting down. Like a barnacle on a ship, refusing to let go.


    So, she didn''t like Powder at all¡ªnot even a little. They were incompatible in every sense.


    Oil and water, fire and ice.


    "Vi, you don''t need to feel guilty. The fact is, this time you''ve done something incredible. You''re heroes of Zaun."


    Cipher spoke with a cheerful smile, saying words that left everyone present either shocked or skeptical. Then he turned to Powder and asked, "Where''s the glass ball you found in that room? The blue one."


    "It''s with me!"


    Powder reached into her pocket, took out a few blue glass balls, and handed them all to Cipher like she was offering a treasure. Her small hands cupped them carefully, treating each one like a precious gem.


    "Is this thing special?"


    Silco noticed the glint of excitement in Cipher''s eyes. It was the same look he got when working on a new invention.


    "It''s a Hextech Gemstone¡ªthe cutting-edge technology Piltover is currently researching. It''s far more reliable than that brainless potion of yours."


    Silco''s face turned dark. "It''s called Shimmer, not some ''brainless potion.'' It has immense potential!"


    Cipher ignored him and picked up one of the Hextech gemstones to admire it. He held one up to the light, watching it sparkle.


    The thing was indeed beautiful, like a sapphire, but the energy it contained was absurdly high. A gemstone this small was enough to destroy an entire building.


    This scene made Silco, Sevika, and even Vander¡ªwho had been too dispirited to do anything but feign death¡ªopen their eyes wide in shock.


    They realized that Cipher''s words were likely true and not just an excuse to defend his siblings.


    Vi noticed the adults'' unusual reactions. She carefully chose her words and asked, "Is this thing valuable? Did we get something really good from Piltover?"


    "Valuable? Haha, Vi, Hextech gemstones can''t be measured in terms of money. This technology is groundbreaking¡ªit''s a masterpiece of the era. Science has pried open the door to arcane."


    Cipher, thrilled, kissed Powder on the cheek, causing her to blush and hide her face like a shy ostrich. Her giggles muffled against his shirt.


    However, his words made Silco frown. Cipher had also said back then that the Shimmer potion had "opened the gateway to the arcane." Silco had dismissed it as a ridiculous statement.


    But now he was saying the same thing about the Hextech gemstone.


    Since when was arcane magic so cheap? Could anything open the gateway to it? The questions multiplied in his mind like rats in Zaun''s depths.


    "Are you sure? Do you even know what you''re talking about?"


    Silco looked at him with concern, worried that Cipher might have overworked himself and lost his senses.


    The excitement in the young man''s eyes bordered on mania.


    Had the brilliant mind finally cracked under pressure?

 10 - The Maths of Magic

    Cipher paid no attention to Silco''s skeptical, condescending gaze¡ªone that seemed reserved for someone humoring a dimwitted person.


    Understanding them required more brilliance than most could muster.


    "You can think of Arcane as a form of knowledge," Cipher explained, picking up a piece of chalk. He drew simple numbers on a nearby slate. "Using a medium and formula, one can unleash arcane energy¡ªlike 1 + 1 = 2. The Hextech gemstone is the ''1,'' the formula is the ''+,'' and together they produce the arcane energy, or ''2.'' That is what Piltover is working on with Hextech."


    He watched their faces carefully as he spoke. Only Powder and Ekko''s eyes showed that spark of understanding.


    Unfortunately, the adults present were thoroughly baffled, their blank faces betraying their utter lack of comprehension. Vander scratched his head while Sevika crossed her arms.


    "To put it simply," Cipher continued, erasing his chalk marks with a sweep of his hand, "think of it this way: Piltover is on the verge of creating magical tools. In essence, they can now manufacture magic, and the Hextech gemstones are the key to it all."


    "You''re saying they can create magic?!"


    "Not create¡ªchannel. Control. Manufacture." Cipher tapped the slate for emphasis. "Like building a machine to harness the wind."


    The adults fell silent again.


    In this world, magic was overwhelmingly powerful, and everyone believed it was an innate ability¡ªeither you were born with it, or you weren''t.


    Now, Cipher was claiming that Piltover could create artificial magic, an idea that overturned everything they thought they knew.


    "You mentioned earlier that Shimmer also opened the gateway to arcane?" Silco asked, his gaze fixed meaningfully on the Hextech gemstone in Cipher''s hand. His mechanical eye whirred softly as it focused.


    "Correct. Shimmer taps into the potential of the human body. It also utilizes arcane energy, but it does so in a crude and destructive way, causing great harm to the body."


    He placed the gemstone carefully on the table. "In essence, both Shimmer and Hextech use science to pry open the door to arcane energy. However, Shimmer focuses on physical enhancement, while Hextech leans toward the creation of equipment."


    Powder, who had been quietly observing until now, asked, "But what happens to people who use Shimmer?" Her eyes were wide with curiosity, but there was something darker there too¡ªa hunger for understanding that Cipher recognized all too well.


    Vander''s hand came down protectively on her shoulder. "That''s not something you need to worry about."


    "She asks good questions," Cipher said, meeting Powder''s gaze. "Shimmer is like a key that breaks the lock. Sure, you get through the door, but you destroy something in the process. The human body isn''t meant to handle that kind of power."


    "That''s enough," Vander rumbled, but Cipher held up a hand.


    "No, they should understand this." He turned to the children. "Down here, people sometimes think they have no choice. But that''s exactly why we need to find better ways. Real solutions, not quick fixes."


    "Like Hextech?" Ekko''s eyes sparkled with interest.


    "Maybe." Cipher glanced at Silco, whose expression had grown increasingly irritated during this exchange. He doesn''t like me talking to the kids. Especially not about this.


    "All this talk of Hextech and better solutions. Tell me straight¡ªcan you actually master it?"


    "No, my research is worlds apart from Hextech. I don''t have the skills to master it, but I could let that Mad Chemist of yours give it a try." Cipher shook his head.


    All of his so-called research had been plagiarized from another world.


    Zaun''s supposed genius mechanic? Sorry, but he was nothing more than a master plagiarist!


    "This is all we can do for now. Without advancements in technology, Zaun will be left in the dust by Piltover."


    "They have their Academy..." Silco''s face grew grim. He could clearly see the revolutionary changes Hextech would bring.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "That''s exactly what I wanted to address. Piltover has its Academy, constantly producing scientists for their cause, while Zaun has nothing but self-taught tinkerers. Whenever someone with real talent emerges, they eventually defect to Piltover, putting their skills to work for their enemies."


    Cipher sighed deeply. Zaun''s harsh environment made it nearly impossible to retain talent¡ªanyone with potential fled to Piltover.


    "What''s your plan?" Silco asked, sensing that Cipher already had one in mind. His fingers drummed quietly on the table.


    "I''ve gathered all of Zaun''s Chem-Barons for a meeting tomorrow in the Black Lanes. I intend to address five main issues." Cipher stood, pacing as he spoke.


    "First, the establishment of a Zaunite government. We need more than gang territories¡ªwe need a real government. The Black Lanes will serve as the capital, with each baron acting as a district leader. The city government''s provisional headquarters will be located at The Last Drop, and later, a proper government office building will be constructed."


    "Second, the creation of checkpoints and a customs department. All imports and exports to and from Zaun must be inspected, including smuggling."


    "Third, the establishment of a tax department. No more protection fees¡ªreal taxes, real services. Zaun''s rules will shift from collecting protection fees to collecting taxes. All commercial activities must pay taxes based on transaction amounts."


    "The barons won''t like that," Silco interjected, his voice low.


    "They''ll like what comes next even less." Cipher''s mouth curved in a slight smile. "Fourth, the disarmament of private armies controlled by the Alchemical Barons. Instead, a unified military and police force will be formed to oversee security, order, firefighting, national defense, and even personal disputes. Private fights, whether involving Chem-Barons or Zaunites, will be strictly prohibited."


    "Fifth, the founding of Zaun University. Knowledge shouldn''t be a luxury. Every mind in Zaun is a potential weapon against poverty. Its goal will be to nurture talent in all fields and develop advanced national defense technology. All expenses will be covered by the government. Anyone who passes the university''s entrance exam will receive free tuition, room, and board, along with a salary provided by the government."


    "This is my current vision; the rest is still in development," Cipher concluded, returning to his seat.


    The adults present fell into deep thought, evaluating the feasibility of his proposals.


    "Noble ideas, but who pays?" Silco finally said. "How do you plan to implement them? These decisions will require an enormous amount of money¡ªfar more than Zaun currently has."


    "Moreover, the barons will never support you. They won''t agree to disarmament. Even with my full support, it''s impossible. A fragmented Zaunite government is meaningless."


    His skepticism was clear as he laid bare the challenges ahead.


    "I have a technology that can ensure every person in Zaun can afford bread. The barons who support it will gain both profits and a place in the new government. Those who refuse? We''ll kill them and replace them with those who will."


    Cipher thought for a moment, then decided it was time to share his grand vision with him.


    "What kind of technology?" Silco instinctively doubted him but remembered that Cipher had never made exaggerated claims before.


    As long as the rewards were significant enough, and the opportunities vast, all obstacles could be overcome. Even the Chem-Barons could be transformed into loyal allies.


    After a moment of silence, Cipher slowly spoke, "I have a communication technology that allows people to stay in contact across hundreds, even thousands of miles, at any time. The cost of production is incredibly low, but we can sell it at exorbitant prices."


    "Imagine instant communication across far distances."


    The advanced wireless communication technology that he referred to was far more capable than just that.


    "Are you serious?" Silco''s eyes widened in disbelief. If what Cipher claimed was true, the potential of this technology was terrifying.


    Real-time communication over thousands of miles?


    The first thing that came to Silco''s mind was his long-standing client: Noxus. The militaristic superpower that ignites wars across the world would undoubtedly go mad for something like this.


    What would real-time communication over such distances mean?


    The emperor of Noxus, sitting on the throne in the Immortal Bastion, could remotely command armies fighting thousands of miles away. The challenges faced by those armies could be relayed instantly to the empire''s think tank, and the orders they crafted could be transmitted back to the troops in real time.


    Logistics, troop deployments, policy enforcement¡ªall of it could be seamlessly synchronized.


    The entire empire could transform from a slow-moving horse carriage into a high-speed locomotive.


    This would massively boost the war potential of the empire, a capability no nation could afford to ignore.


    Cipher''s communication technology undeniably had the potential to feed every person in Zaun.


    Even Vander and Sevika, who lacked Silco''s foresight, were stunned.


    As uneducated brutes, they didn''t fully grasp the implications. They only understood that this invention would be worth an unimaginable amount of money, though they couldn''t fathom just how much.


    Cipher nodded with certainty.


    "It''s absolutely true. I acquired this technology a long time ago, but at the time, Zaun didn''t have the means to protect it, so I kept it under wraps," he said confidently.


    "Now that the explosive rounds are ready for mass production, all we need is to smuggle in some high-quality steel at a premium price to manufacture the guns. With that, we''ll finally have the strength to protect it."


    The blueprints for wireless communication technology were etched in his mind¡ªhow could he not be sure?


    "You did the right thing. Without sufficient strength, we definitely couldn''t have protected it," Silco said, trying to calm himself, though it was impossible.


    His blood pressure was through the roof.


    Explosive rounds alone wouldn''t be enough. Shimmer would have to be included as well. Wireless communication technology represented Zaun''s hope for a revival; no mistakes could be tolerated.


    Since Cipher didn''t support his research into Shimmer, Silco decided Cipher didn''t need to know about it at all.


    He silently resolved to immediately instruct Singed to accelerate human trials, gather as much experimental data as possible, and push the development of Shimmer forward.

 11 - Blood, Steel, and Promises

    Cipher suddenly asked curiously, "Which big figure from Noxus have you been doing business with all this time?"


    The manufacture of firearms capable of firing explosive rounds required high-quality steel, which Zaun lacked in terms of advanced metal processing.


    Although his weapons research lab could do it, its production output was only enough to supply a few high-level individuals with self-defense pistols.


    Smuggling from Piltover only brought in small quantities, and large-scale imports were impossible. So he thought of Noxus. Their industrial might could be the key to breaking Piltover''s stranglehold.


    This empire had highly advanced steel smelting technology, and he could completely place orders with Noxus through Silco''s connections.


    "It''s a newly rising military noble from Noxus, Jericho Swain, who is highly trusted by the Noxian Emperor." Silco watched Cipher''s reaction carefully as he spoke the name.


    "He''s very interested in the self-destruct robots and advanced explosive technology we have. He even invited us to join Noxus and promised me the position of head of the Mechanical Weapons Development Department, along with sufficient research funding."


    Before reconciling with Vander, Silco wouldn''t have mentioned a word about Noxus. But now that they were all family, he didn''t mind sharing and trusted Cipher to handle it well. The bonds of family had changed many things.


    "It''s actually him? You''ve really given me a huge surprise!"


    Cipher''s pupils widened in shock. He was truly stunned by the name. This man was the future Grand General of Noxus, with immense power and influence. To someone like him, the rivalry between Zaun and Piltover probably seemed like mere child''s play.


    "Is he that special? Noxus has plenty of other military aristocrats like him," Silco asked curiously, noting Cipher''s unusual reaction.


    "Swain''s far-sightedness might be the best among all Noxians. If it''s him, we can afford to take some risks."


    Cipher took out the detailed plans and handed them to Silco. "Contact this General Swain and place a large order for these special steel pipes detailed in the blueprint. Their quality must meet all the specified parameters. At the same time, request that he send personnel to escort the steel into Zaun. Tell him it''s for the explosive rounds we''re developing."


    Silco glanced at the blueprint but, lacking any knowledge of mechanical engineering, couldn''t understand it. "What''s the purpose of these steel pipes?"


    "Current mainstream firearms can''t handle the high temperatures produced when firing explosive rounds. These are meant to upgrade the firearms. Once we have a finished product, we can demonstrate the effectiveness of the rounds to the Noxians escorting the steel. I believe General Swain won''t be able to refuse."


    "You''re thinking of using their presence as protection?" Silco raised an eyebrow.


    "And as witnesses," Cipher confirmed with a slight smirk. "Once they see what these weapons can do..."


    Silco nodded, signaling that he would take care of this matter. The plan was elegant in its simplicity.


    "Have you all forgotten that we still have three enforcers locked up? What are we going to do about them?"


    Seeing that Cipher and Silco seemed to have finalized all their plans, Vander, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.


    "Do you have any thoughts?" Cipher knew Vander wouldn''t speak without reason. He studied his father''s face carefully.


    Vander hesitated for a moment before saying, "Sheriff Grayson is a good person and a friend of mine. If possible, I hope those three enforcers can be returned to her alive."The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He emphasized the word "alive."


    "No problem. That''s exactly what I planned to do." Cipher agreed without hesitation.


    He hadn''t intended to kill the enforcers anyway. Keeping them alive was more about sending a message¡ªthe main issue was their inability to control their loose tongues.


    "If I''m not mistaken, the sheriff will be here soon. You''ll handle the negotiations. She''s only allowed to take the enforcers. Sevika and Uncle Silco, keep an eye on Dad. Don''t let him mess up. After dinner, I''ll make a trip to Piltover!"


    "A trip to Piltover?" Silco''s mechanical eye whirred as he focused on Cipher. "That''s rather bold."


    "The best place to hide is right under their noses. Besides, I have some business that needs handling personally."


    "And what business would that be?"


    "Just a friendly visit," Cipher said with a smile.


    ---


    The Last Drop was quiet.


    Sheriff Grayson of Piltover''s law enforcement, a woman in her forties or fifties, sat across from Vander, her face filled with anger.


    The worn wooden table between them might as well have been a canyon.


    "Do you know what your son has done? Assaulting enforcers is a serious crime. Do you understand what this means? The Council won''t let him off the hook."


    Vander could understand her position, but there was nothing he could do. He had already been overthrown by Cipher, and even if he hadn''t, he still couldn''t hand his son over. That was his child, and he simply couldn''t bring himself to do it.


    Blood is thicker than water, Grayson. Even you must understand that.


    "I''m sorry. I can''t hand him over. You can only take the three enforcers."


    "You¡­" Grayson stood up in anger, but when she saw the apologetic expression on Vander''s face, she managed to control her temper and sat back down, her face still tense.


    The chair creaked under her sudden movement.


    "Let''s not talk about the attack on the enforcers for now. You asked me to give you five days before, and I stood up to the Council and bought you that time. But if you don''t give them a reasonable explanation, the fragile peace we''ve worked so hard to maintain will collapse completely."


    She took a sip of her chilled drink to calm her throat before continuing, "I know you desire peace, just like I do. For so many years, our cooperation has been fruitful. But this time, the situation has gotten too big. The Council has issued an ultimatum: someone must be held accountable. You can''t protect him."


    Her eyes softened as she leaned forward. "The Council doesn''t understand Zaun."


    "You know me. I''m committed to upholding justice and the law, not pointing weapons at the people of Zaun. But if you don''t want to see more people die and more lives sacrificed, you''d better cooperate with me. Otherwise, the ashes and devastation of the past are likely to return."


    "The skies shrouded in blood-red haze, rivers stained with blood, fires raging everywhere, corpses strewn about, and the cries of homeless children. Neither you nor I want to see that scene again."


    Vander''s expression shifted from apologetic to deeply guilty. He poured Grayson a glass of his best liquor, but he couldn''t say a word. No matter what, he wouldn''t hand over his family.


    Was Grayson a good person? Of course, she was. She wasn''t like those arrogant and oppressive enforcers. She respected the lives and dignity of Zaun''s people and sympathized with their suffering.


    But at the end of the day, she was just a sheriff, not a high-ranking figure. She had no real power against the pressure of the Council.


    Similarly, Vander was also a good person. He maintained order in the Undercity and did his best to ensure the safety of the people he cared about.


    Yet in this chaotic world, fate was cruel. Grayson and Vander, both good people, met tragic ends in the original story, dying miserably.


    "Grayson, take the enforcers and leave. I really can''t hand him over to you."


    Vander downed a glass of liquor in pain. He couldn''t even offer himself up as a scapegoat¡ªCipher wouldn''t allow it and had specifically tasked Silco and Sevika to keep an eye on him.


    "Vander, I suggest you think this over carefully. Neither of us can afford a war. It will cause countless deaths and rivers of blood," Grayson pleaded, still unwilling to give up. Her hand reached across the table, stopping just short of touching his.


    "Zaun doesn''t fear sacrifice or bloodshed. Sheriff Grayson, please leave. My Vander won''t agree to your terms."


    Silco emerged from the shadows, holding a glass of liquor, his mechanical eye glowing ominously red in the soft light of the bar.


    Behind him, Sevika threw the unconscious enforcers at Grayson''s feet. Their bodies hit the floor with a dull thud.


    "Silco? Why are you here? Have you taken control of Vander?"


    Grayson instinctively reached for her gun to take down this dangerous terrorist, but Vander grabbed her hand, shaking his head to signal her not to act recklessly.


    "I haven''t done anything of the sort. The new leader of the Lanes is Vander''s son."


    Silco raised his glass toward Grayson, a strange smile on his face.


    "Sigh¡­"


    Grayson let out a long sigh. The moment Silco appeared, she knew she wouldn''t be able to take Cipher away.


    "Take care of yourself. If you ever face a danger you can''t handle, come find me in Piltover," Grayson whispered cautiously in Vander''s ear.


    As his friend, she didn''t want to hear news of him dying on the streets.


    Then, she called for her people to enter and left the bar, taking the unconscious enforcers with her.


    After Grayson left, Vander remained at the table, staring into his empty glass.


    "She was right about one thing," Silco said, settling into Grayson''s vacant seat. "The Council won''t let this go."

 12 - Three Men and a Balcony

    Jayce stood in his ruined lab, removed his rune-embedded wristband, unpinned his family crest, and placed them on the table.


    He walked to the edge of the destroyed balcony, gazing at the colorful city of lights and nightlife in the distance, his eyes hollow and dim.


    The Hextech gemstone had exploded, and Piltover Academy, along with the Council, uncovered his illegal research.


    After a council trial, he was expelled from the Academy, and Hextech research was strictly banned. The Council''s words still rang in his ears: "Let this serve as a warning to all who would tamper with forces beyond their understanding."


    If not for his mother''s plea for mercy, he would have been exiled from Piltover altogether.


    Her tears had been the final blow to his pride.


    It was over.


    Everything was gone.


    Jayce was a shell of his former self, his childhood dream now a distant fantasy. The walls that had witnessed his countless breakthroughs now only reflected his despair.


    The council members, sponsors, professors, friends, even his mother¡ªnone of them believed he could master magic through the Hextech gemstone.


    Their faces blurred together in his memory, all wearing the same expression of disappointment and fear.


    To them, Hextech¡ªand Jayce himself¡ªwas dangerously unpredictable and had to be strictly prohibited.


    Having a genius mind spared him from ignorance, but not from loneliness, and he endured it.


    He hadn''t lost because of a lack of talent but because of the fear others harbored for his groundbreaking creation, which challenged their understanding of the world''s truths.


    They just feared what they didn''t understand.


    "Hah!"


    Exhaling sharply, Jayce closed his eyes in despair and leaned forward. The city lights below seemed to beckon to him, offering an easy escape from his failure.


    He wanted to jump off the balcony¡ªto end Hextech, to end his dreams, and to end his life.


    Maybe they''re right.


    Maybe I am just a danger to everyone.


    Maybe I should just¡ª


    "Oh, am I interrupting you?"


    A gentle yet slightly awkward voice suddenly came from behind him.


    Startled, Jayce jumped back from the edge instinctively. His heart hammered in his chest, adrenaline mixing with embarrassment.


    He wiped his mouth, turned around, and saw it was the assistant dean of the Academy¡ªthe one who had overseen the seizure of his lab. "Come to witness the fall of the great Jayce Talis?" he asked with a bitter laugh.


    Seeing his "enemy" face-to-face, Jayce''s temper flared. He waved his arms angrily, fully expressing his fury through body language.


    "What is wrong with you? Why are you here? Has my name been added to another blacklist?"


    "Well¡­ it has, actually. But this time, it''s in your notebook¡ªon every page, no less. That''s a bit self-obsessed, don''t you think?"


    The assistant dean held up Jayce''s notebook, teasing him with a calm, gentle tone, despite appearing physically frail.


    Jayce pinched the bridge of his nose. Already stripped of everything, he assumed this assistant had come to mock him. Furious, he retorted, "Is that why you''re here? To humiliate me?"


    "Your theories... they''re brilliant," the assistant said, flipping through the notebook.


    "Brilliant? The council called them dangerous."


    "The council calls anything they don''t understand dangerous."


    The assistant dean raised his head, sensing Jayce''s misunderstanding. He leaned on his cane and slowly approached, explaining,If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "No, actually. I thought what you said during the trial was insightful."


    Jayce recalled the assistant dean''s gaze during the council trial. Realizing the man wasn''t lying, his anger deflated as he replied dejectedly, "You''re the only one who thinks so."


    Understanding Jayce''s hopelessness, he closed the notebook and said, "True, but I came here to discuss your research¡ªyour Hextech theory."


    Touched on his life''s pursuit, Jayce passionately corrected the assistant dean, "It''s not a theory! I''ve seen firsthand how incredible magic can be. It can save lives¡ªyou can''t even begin to imagine how wondrous it is!"


    But as soon as he finished, the grim reality of his situation hit him again. He turned his back and added, "It''s all over now. No one will believe me."


    "No one''s ever believed me either," the assistant dean said quietly. "A poor, crippled kid from the Undercity has never been welcome here. From the moment I stepped into Piltover, I was always treated as an outsider."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Jayce interrupted, confused by the sudden openness.


    "Because like you, I know what it''s like to have everyone doubt you."


    "No funding, no family to take me in."


    "I had to gamble everything on myself. That''s why I came to you¡ªbecause I think your discovery is extraordinary. I want to help you finish your research."


    Leaning on his cane, he hobbled over to Jayce''s side, sharing his own struggles.


    Jayce turned his head, shocked. He couldn''t imagine this young assistant, crippled and from the Undercity, enduring the hardships of making it to Piltover.


    For the first time, he felt a kinship with the assistant dean. Neither of them was understood. Neither had support.


    Jayce''s tone softened, though still filled with defeat. "No one thinks it can be done."


    "When you have the power to change the world," the assistant dean replied with a faint smile, "you don''t need anyone''s approval."


    "And your Hextech? That''s exactly the kind of change we need."


    He opened his left hand, revealing Jayce''s rune-embedded wristband.


    Jayce''s eyes widened in shock. He took the wristband and gripped it tightly. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he muttered, "I¡­ I don''t even know your name."


    The assistant dean gazed at him warmly and said, "My name is Viktor."


    The two locked eyes with an intense, heartfelt connection. The air between them burned with passion, filled with shared purpose and understanding, just as it was about to ignite into something profound when...


    "Ahem, looks like I came at a bad time. Sorry to interrupt. You two carry on."


    A stranger''s voice suddenly broke the moment from behind.


    Jayce, startled again, turned to look. "Who¡ª" In his panic, his foot slipped, and he tumbled off the edge of the balcony.


    "AAAAHHHH!"


    He let out a piercing scream as he fell.


    Just when I found hope again... this is how it ends?


    Moments earlier, he had been ready to give up on life, only to be saved by Viktor and inspired to pursue his dreams again. Now he was about to die anyway.


    What kind of joke was this?


    In the critical moment, Viktor reached out, trying to grab Jayce. But being physically disabled, he was too slow and couldn''t catch him.


    Besides, with his frail body, even if he had managed to grab Jayce, they''d both probably fall together.


    CRASH!


    Just as Viktor was about to shout for help, a gust of wind swept past him, accompanied by the sound of chains sliding.


    A man suddenly appeared at Viktor''s side. He flung out a chain connected to a gun-blade, expertly wrapping it around Jayce.


    With a forceful pull, the man yanked Jayce back up into the air.


    "AAAAHHHHHHHH!" Jayce continued to scream hysterically.


    "Alright, you''re a grown man. You''re just flying through the air¡ªwhy are you screaming like that?"


    The man caught Jayce, swiftly covering his mouth to stop the embarrassing and easily misunderstood noises. His movements were casual, as if catching falling men was an everyday occurrence.


    But Jayce was clearly terrified out of his mind. His eyes rolled back, his limbs twitched, and tears and snot were streaming down his face.


    The man, holding him with an exasperated look, muttered, "I''m not in the habit of hugging strangers. Ah, but this kind of situation reminds me of... certain philosophical concepts, and frankly, I can''t handle it."


    "Sorry."


    With that, he casually tossed Jayce onto the ground.


    The man then rubbed his chin thoughtfully and added, "But I''ll say, Jayce, your physique is impressive. You could totally compete in a bodybuilding contest."


    Jayce winced in pain, gritting his teeth and gasping for air. After a long while, he finally managed to recover from his panic. He sat up slowly, his legs still shaking.


    "You..." He narrowed his eyes, studying the stranger''s too-casual posture. "I should thank you but something''s not right here."


    "Oh?"


    "You could have caught me normally." Jayce pushed himself to his feet, wobbling slightly. "Instead you..." He gestured at the chain-blade. "You made it as dramatic as possible."


    The stranger raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer I hadn''t caught you at all?"


    "That''s not¡ª" Jayce ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "And how do you even know my name?"


    "Oh, that? I overheard your entire conversation just now."


    "Hm..." Jayce studied the stranger''s face. "I have this gut feeling that you did it on purpose."


    The man paused, slightly startled. Damn, Jayce really does have insane instincts. He''s right¡ªI totally did it on purpose.


    "Now that''s an interesting theory."


    "It''s not a theory," Jayce said, then let out a short laugh as he realized he was echoing his own words from earlier. "You wanted to see how I''d react."


    "Like how you screamend like a girl?"


    Jayce''s face reddened. "I knew it! You¡ª"


    A soft chuckle interrupted them. They both turned to see Viktor leaning on his cane, shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter.


    "I apologize," he said, composing himself. "But you have to admit your scream was rather... distinctive."


    The stranger stepped forward. "You see, Jayce, sometimes a man needs a reminder that he''s still alive. And nothing says ''alive'' quite like..." He mimicked Jayce''s scream, though at a much higher pitch.


    "That''s not what I sounded like," Jayce protested.


    Viktor, who had been silently observing the whole rescue, was still staring at the man. He''d watched every move and couldn''t believe his eyes.


    His throat tightened as he asked, incredulously,


    "Forget that for a moment. I''m more curious¡ªhow on earth did you manage to pull Jayce back up with just your arm strength?"


    Because of his physical disability, he deeply envied those with healthy bodies, but he had never seen anyone as outrageously strong as this man.


    Not even Zaun gang members enhanced with chemtech could pull off such a feat.

 13 - Trust is a Weapon

    "That''s not important, Viktor. I hope you can return to Zaun with me and become a tenured professor at Zaun Academy."


    Cipher didn''t answer Viktor''s question but instead extended an invitation to team up with him.


    The real reason he came here was to see if there were any research materials on Hextech gemstones in the lab. To his surprise, he ran into Viktor and Jayce directly.


    So, he decided to change his plan.


    Stealing research data? That was rookie-level stuff! The high-level play was to "steal people" directly.


    "Academy? Zaun?"


    Viktor was familiar with both words, but putting them together felt strange and out of place to him.


    He knew better than anyone how bad his hometown was.


    "When did Zaun ever have a school? And who are you, anyway?" Viktor''s eyes narrowed. "Even if one existed, the people there wouldn''t have the money to send their children to study."


    Cipher smiled slightly. "It''s about to have one. If you''re willing, you''ll be the dean of the Mechanical Engineering Institute at Zaun Academy."


    "We''ll provide you with sufficient funding for research. You''ll be free to pursue any project you''re interested in, without anyone questioning you."


    "And as for me, maybe you''ve heard my name. I''m Cipher."


    Viktor and Jayce''s pupils contracted. They had indeed heard of him before.


    The genius machinist of Zaun, who had repeatedly declined invitations from Piltover Academy.


    The water purification equipment invented by him was widely used in Piltover, and even the drinking water consumed by Piltover''s elite was purified by his technology for health benefits.


    Even Heimerdinger had publicly praised Cipher many times, lamenting that Cipher refused to pursue further studies at Piltover Academy.


    And now, based on what he was saying, he planned to establish Zaun Academy himself?


    The ambition of the idea was breathtaking.


    "Zaun¡­"


    Viktor was moved. He had never forgotten Zaun and had always wanted to use technology to benefit his hometown.


    But in Piltover, he had no opportunity to do so. None of his inventions could be applied in Zaun. The gap between the cities was too wide, and too carefully maintained.


    Noticing Viktor''s hesitation, Jayce panicked.


    If Viktor followed Cipher to Zaun, what would happen to his Hextech research?


    Even though Jayce had only met him a few minutes ago and didn''t even know his name before this, it didn''t stop him from recognizing Viktor''s brilliance, appreciating him, and considering him a kindred spirit.


    So, he hurriedly said, "Wait, Viktor, you said you''d help me complete the Hextech research. If you leave for Zaun, what will happen to Hextech?"


    "Besides, Zaun''s harsh environment¡ªdo you really think you can achieve research breakthroughs there? The advanced laboratory equipment in Piltover Academy doesn''t exist in Zaun."


    "Stay and help me. I''m begging you, Viktor!"


    Cipher chuckled. Initially, he wasn''t sure how to play the emotional card, but Jayce had just handed him the perfect opportunity.


    Viktor was a noble person. Throughout his life, his research in technology was driven by a desire to benefit humanity and the Undercity. Every invention was aimed at easing suffering.


    Even in the original storyline, when he ultimately abandoned his humanity, completed his transformation, and became the final boss of Arcane, it was all driven by his understanding of perfection and his desire to end all suffering.


    Cipher knew how to persuade someone like him.


    "Jayce, as a Piltovan, you might not understand Viktor''s and my perspective."


    "Unlike Piltover, our hometown Zaun is really impoverished and harsh."


    "Children there don''t even have a childhood. They must start finding ways to survive at a very young age."


    "Many of them rummage through garbage heaps to find food just to fill their stomachs."The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "I''ve seen them. Just like we used to be." His gaze moved from Viktor to Jayce.


    "But we study science not to escape from our impoverished homeland but to help our homeland escape poverty."


    "If science cannot benefit humanity and only serves the selfish interests of a few, then what is the point of science?"


    "If progress is not for the advancement of all humanity but only for a few elites, can it even be called progress?"


    Viktor and Jayce fell silent.


    If it had been someone else, Jayce might have found a reason to refute them. But Cipher? He couldn''t.


    Cipher had developed numerous advanced technologies, any of which could have allowed him to leave Zaun''s poverty behind and live a good life in Piltover.


    But he didn''t.


    He even made his patents public, asking only that the factories using them raise workers'' minimum wages and increase the proportion of Zaun workers they hired.


    The request was simple but revolutionary.


    After a long silence, Viktor finally spoke. "Cipher, Jayce''s Hextech is a remarkable invention."


    "If successfully developed, it has the potential to change the world. I believe it can benefit all of humanity."


    "So, I can''t go with you right now. At least not yet. I need to help him complete his Hextech research first."


    Jayce exclaimed in surprise, "Viktor!"


    He had feared Viktor might leave with Cipher for Zaun.


    After all, as a Piltover citizen, he couldn''t refute Cipher''s arguments, let alone Viktor, who was from Zaun.


    But Cipher''s gaze shifted slightly as he chuckled. "Then what are we waiting for? Let''s start now. Maybe I can offer some help."


    "Great, let''s start now!"


    Jayce was overjoyed. He grabbed his notebook and immediately began discussing the difficulties he''d encountered during his research with Viktor and Cipher.


    In his eyes, both Viktor and Cipher were outstanding researchers. With their help, he was confident he could successfully develop Hextech.


    Yes, Piltover''s future councilor, Jayce Talis, was still a pure researcher at this point. His heart belonged to science, not politics.


    Uncorrupted by the dirty games of politics, he was completely oblivious to Cipher''s sinister intentions.


    With Cipher fully involved in the development of Hextech technology, Hextech would no longer be exclusive to Piltover.


    But you couldn''t really blame Jayce for not being on guard.


    First, he had nothing right now. All he wanted was to develop Hextech, fulfill his dreams, and achieve his lifelong pursuit¡ªhe couldn''t afford to think about anything else.


    Second, Cipher''s previous actions of selflessness and integrity had created too virtuous and noble an image. Each good deed was a brick in the wall of his reputation.


    His reputation had traveled from Zaun to Piltover, carried on whispers and praise.


    Even Jayce''s sponsor, Councilor Kiramman, often lamented that Cipher didn''t seem like a selfish and self-serving person from the Undercity but more like someone from Piltover.


    The comparison was meant as a compliment, though it revealed more about the speaker than the subject.


    So, he never considered the possibility that Cipher might plagiarize his work.


    Trust, once earned, became a perfect blindfold.


    While Jayce and Viktor were working on theoretical deductions, Cipher quickly flipped through Jayce''s notebook, recording the research formulas.


    "The Hextech gemstone is highly unstable. Jayce, you''re trying to use a resonance device to reduce vibrations, but it''s clear that this approach has failed."


    "If that''s the case, why not try increasing the energy input, stabilizing the Hextech gemstone at a high-frequency state?"


    After copying Jayce''s research results, Cipher stroked his chin and made a show of offering his opinion.


    In reality, he didn''t fully understand Jayce''s research, but he knew the storyline.


    He was aware of how Jayce and Viktor would eventually stabilize the Hextech gemstone.


    By revealing this method in advance, he caused Viktor, who was still deducing formulas on the chalkboard, to pause, and Jayce to show a look of sudden realization.


    In front of Cipher, the two felt like rookies. Sadly, their admiration was a chain they forged themselves.


    While they were still fumbling through formula deductions, Cipher had only glanced at the research notes and immediately pinpointed the issue.


    "That''s right! Why didn''t I think of that?"


    Viktor agreed. "Exactly! We must increase the energy input."


    "This will work! Cipher, you''re truly a genius!" Jayce''s praise was genuine.


    He was so excited he couldn''t contain himself, but his excitement quickly turned into frustration. "We don''t have the equipment to test it..."


    "Hmm, your equipment will be destroyed by tomorrow anyway," Viktor said, pouring cold water over Jayce''s already low spirits.


    "What?!"


    Jayce widened his eyes and stood up from his chair, the legs scraping against the floor.


    Viktor was about to explain, but Cipher interrupted him. "Don''t worry, Jayce. Is there any equipment that Zaun doesn''t have? Let''s go to my research facility."


    Joking aside, he had finally gotten the chance to work with Jayce and Viktor on Hextech.


    How could he let them work in Heimerdinger''s lab as they did in the original storyline?


    Of course, they had to go to Zaun and work in his weapons research facility instead.


    Otherwise, how could the he copy their work effectively?


    Jayce, however, lamented, "Equipment alone won''t be enough. We also need Hextech gemstones. Without the gemstone, nothing can be done." His shoulders slumped with defeat.


    "No problem, there are Hextech gemstones available. On behalf of my younger siblings, I''d like to apologize to you."


    Cipher stopped Viktor, who was about to pull out the key to Heimerdinger''s lab, and apologized to Jayce with a regretful expression.


    "What?! Those thieves who broke into my house that day were your siblings?!"


    Jayce was shocked once again. Suddenly, the world felt much smaller.


    Connections appeared where none had seemed possible.


    "Well¡­ Jayce, you know how it is. Scientists often get so absorbed in their research that they neglect to educate their families properly."


    "They lost their parents early on, and I failed to discipline them adequately." He shook his head sadly. "The streets of Zaun raise children in their own way."


    "I''ll make sure they apologize to you in person. But right now, shouldn''t the priority be researching Hextech technology?"


    "You''re right!" Jayce sighed. There was no point dwelling on Cipher''s siblings now.


    "Let''s go. This research is everything to me. It''s my life''s work, and I have to see it through."


    Viktor''s expression revealed his inner conflict. Unlike the naive and inexperienced Jayce, whose vision was clouded by a series of harsh blows, Viktor could see that Cipher had ulterior motives.


    Years in Zaun had taught him to look beneath surfaces.


    But in the end, he removed his hand from the key.


    He believed that Cipher''s intentions were for the benefit of Zaun. Over the years, Cipher had proven himself.


    So, Jayce¡­ I''m sorry! Viktor''s eyes were filled with guilt.

 14 - Way Down We Go

    There were two common ways to travel from Piltover to Zaun.


    The first was to take the Bridge of Progress that connected the two cities. However, there were enforcers conducting inspections on the bridge.


    Cipher recently beaten up an enforcer, so he was undoubtedly wanted. This route is out of the question.


    Besides, Viktor wasn''t in good health and suited for that kind of travel. The long walk across the bridge would only worsen his condition.


    Therefore, Cipher chose the second option with Jayce and Viktor: paying to ride the elevator back to Zaun. As they stepped into the metal box, the machinery groaned to life.


    The elevator lurched downward, making Jayce grab the railing. Through the grimy windows, Piltover''s golden towers began to shrink away.


    "First time in the lifts?" Viktor asked.


    "Is it that obvious?" Jayce tried to laugh it off, but his voice was tight.


    "You should have seen me my first time going up," Viktor said, leaning against his cane. "I was convinced the cables would snap any second."


    A loud thud from above made Jayce jump. Viktor didn''t even flinch.


    "What was that?" Jayce looked up at the ceiling.


    "Probably someone catching a free ride," Cipher said casually. "It''s common down here."


    As if on cue, they heard scrambling footsteps overhead. Jayce''s eyes widened. "You mean someone is up there right now? Shouldn''t we stop?"


    "And do what? Throw them off? Report them to the enforcers?"


    "I... I hadn''t thought of it that way." Jayce''s grip on the railing loosened slightly.


    In Zaun, many people rode the elevator without paying. They waited in the elevator tracks, crouching beforehand, and jump onto the top of the elevator for a free ride as it ascended.


    This was extremely dangerous. A single misstep could turn them into ground meat, but many Zaunites had no choice.


    They didn''t have money for the elevator ticket, yet they needed to go to Piltover to make a living. Walking across the bridge could result in rejection by enforcers.


    Most enforcers were prejudiced against Zaunites, assuming they were thieves, robbers, or potential criminals. The reality of life in the Undercity was something few Piltovans could understand.


    ---


    When Cipher stepped off the elevator, Sevika, who had been waiting there for a while, immediately spat out her cheap cigarette, stomped it out, and approached with a group of tough-looking gang members.


    Her gaze was sharp, her expression cold and fierce. The men behind her were all tall, burly, and covered in tattoos, making it obvious they were trouble.


    Their positioning around the elevator exit was too precise to be coincidental.


    "Is this one of the gangs in Zaun? It seems like they''re coming for us. Should we get back into the elevator and avoid them for now?"


    This was Jayce''s first encounter with such a situation. Nervously swallowing, he clenched his fists, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.


    He had no experience here and instinctively assumed Sevika and her group were here to cause trouble.


    The elevator was Piltover''s family-owned property, and Zaunite gangs usually wouldn''t stir up trouble there, as it would invite strong suppression from enforcers.


    "Those men... they don''t look friendly," Jayce whispered, edging closer to his companions.


    In contrast, Viktor was much calmer. He knew that Zaun had its own set of rules.


    "In Zaun, looks can be deceiving. Sometimes the most dangerous person is the one who appears harmless," he said calmly.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Speaking from experience?" Cipher glanced at Viktor. "But don''t worry. We just arrived. They''re probably not here for us."


    Generally, as long as you didn''t stir up trouble, it was relatively safe.


    After all, the Chem-Barons who ruled Zaun weren''t fools. Stable law and order were necessary for prosperous commercial activity.


    If they wanted to make money, they had to keep their territory in order.


    "The law enforcement in Zaun needs improvement. Actually, they''re here to protect us. You might not be used to this. So, let me handle it."


    Cipher explained apologetically to Jayce and Viktor before stepping forward and giving Sevika a hug.


    She was taken aback, not understanding what Cipher was up to. Just as she was about to say something, Cipher whispered in her ear, "Distinguished guests. Lab needs cleaning. Now."


    "Timing?" Sevika asked, barely moving her lips.


    "Ten minutes. Make it happen. Send word to Uncle Silco right now. Have him clear out everything from the munitions factory. Leave no trace. We have guests coming to the weapons development lab."


    "Also, bring your men and follow us, pretending to be our bodyguards for protection."


    Hearing this, Sevika glanced at Viktor and Jayce behind Cipher. Seeing their expensive clothes made of fine materials and their scholarly demeanor, she immediately understood they were likely high-ranking scientists from Piltover.


    She nodded, signaling her understanding.


    Cipher gave a soft "hm," released her, and continued forward with Jayce and Viktor, deliberately slowing his pace to give Sevika enough time.


    This move wouldn''t arouse suspicion. Viktor had a limp and couldn''t walk quickly.


    "We could rest if you need to," Jayce offered, noticing Viktor''s struggle.


    "Time doesn''t rest, neither should we," Viktor replied, though his breathing was labored.


    Cipher''s trip to Piltover had two objectives: The first was to visit Jayce''s lab to see if he could steal any research data. The second was to persuade Viktor to return to Zaun and serve as a university professor.


    While at it, he wanted to try leveraging Viktor''s position as the dean''s assistant to arrange a meeting with Heimerdinger, and convince him to support Zaun''s independence.


    Both Viktor and Heimerdinger were potentially persuadable. It was even possible they might visit Zaun themselves, so Cipher had arranged for Sevika to wait at the elevator, just in case.


    Looking at things now, this foresight turned out to be extremely wise.


    If they had gone straight to the development lab and Viktor and Jayce had seen rows of self-destructing robots on the production line, it would have been a disaster.


    The two would definitely sever ties with him on the spot. Forget about being friends¡ªthey''d likely become enemies.


    By the time the three arrived at the development lab, all traces had been completely wiped clean.


    Sevika and Silco were highly reliable in their execution.


    Cipher entered the heavy door after inputting the security code.


    "Wow, this door is solid steel, at least 20 centimeters thick. And the locking mechanism is something I''ve never seen before." Jayce exclaimed, running his hand along the reinforced frame.


    "This alloy composition... it''s not standard Piltovan tech. Is it new technology?" he added, studying the door''s construction.


    "We make do with what we have. Sometimes necessity breeds innovation. And scientific experiments can be pretty dangerous, so we had no choice. Even building this door was a major challenge," Cipher said, casually deflecting Jayce''s inquiry.


    He couldn''t exactly tell Jayce that this was an anti-explosion measure designed for weapons development.


    Cipher then pulled out the Hextech gemstone he had gotten from Powder and handed it to Jayce. "Here''s your gemstone. Let''s witness a miracle together!"


    Jayce accepted the Hextech gemstone with a complicated expression, then turned to Cipher and Viktor, asking, "Are you both ready?"


    Both nodded in unison.


    Taking a deep breath, he quickly gathered the experimental equipment he needed from around the lab. For some items that didn''t meet his specifications, he used a welding torch and cutting tools to modify them on the spot.


    Cipher noticed Jayce skillfully working with his rune-inscribed wristband, crafting numerous small metal discs inscribed with runes in various designs.


    He inserted these rune-inscribed discs into specific positions on the resonance device. Then, with great care, he placed the Hextech gemstone into the device''s recessed chamber.


    As the sound of electrical currents crackled, the gemstone released several streams of blue static energy. The resonance device''s supply pipes began glowing with a blue light.


    After double-checking the theoretical derivations, Viktor closed Jayce''s notebook and urged, "Well then, Jayce, increase the energy output!"


    "If we''re wrong about this..." Jayce hesitated, his hand hovering over the controls.


    "Then we''ll have advanced science by learning what doesn''t work," Viktor replied confidently.


    "Are you really sure this is safe?"


    If the equations were wrong and the calculations failed, all three of them in the lab could be blown sky-high.


    Seeing Jayce still faltering, Viktor looked slightly exasperated. "Sometimes you have to take the leap," he said, and without hesitation, he directly activated the resonance device''s power switch.


    Zzzzt!


    Blue light flickered, electrical currents crackled, and the Hextech gemstone emitted several thick, finger-like streams of powerful energy.


    The circular support structure of the resonance device began to shake, and the rune-inscribed metal discs started spinning rapidly.


    "This won''t hold steady. Look at the support structure!"


    Jayce panicked. A failed experiment wasn''t something to joke about; they really could get blown away.


    Viktor, however, was confident. He reassured him, "The resonance will stabilize the gemstone. Trust me!"


    "The equations are flawless, and the theory is completely accurate. Jayce, you have to trust yourself during a scientific experiment." Seizing the opportunity to show his composure and experience, Cipher, who had been mostly idle until now, chimed in with calm confidence to assert his presence.


    With two researchers so assured, Jayce took several deep breaths and regained his composure.


    Finally, the Hextech gemstone, after sparking and flashing, stabilized.


    The experiment was a preliminary success.

 15 - A Top-Laners Heart of Gold

    Viktor smiled and said to Jayce, "I told you it would work¡ªit''s all thanks to your effort!"


    "Wow, this result is really unprecedented." Jayce''s eyes gleamed as he stared intently at the stabilized Hextech gemstone, excitement overflowing.


    He could finally confirm that the direction of the experiment was correct, and the calculations were flawless.


    "Alright, let''s get to work." He turned the switch, increasing the energy output.


    Under the intense current, the Hextech gemstone floated into the air, suspended in midair.


    "The resonance is increasing beyond predicted levels," Viktor noted.


    Jayce continued increasing the energy output.


    The gemstone vibrated intensely, emitting a dazzling blue light. After reaching a certain critical point, BOOM!¡ªa powerful thrust erupted.


    The force pushed against them like an invisible wall.


    "Get out of here!" The experiment had deviated from the calculations, and Viktor shouted to Jayce, who was pushing against the force to approach the resonance device.


    But Jayce didn''t respond.


    The overwhelming thrust distorted his face, making it hard to even speak. His muscles strained against the invisible force as he fought to reach the controls.


    Struggling, he extended his hand toward the switch, attempting to shut off the power and pause the experiment.


    BOOM!


    The Hextech gemstone suddenly unleashed an even stronger blue shockwave, blowing a massive hole in the lab''s wall. The sound was deafening, and chunks of masonry went flying.


    Before anyone could react, the shockwave ricocheted, blasting through the opposite wall as well. Equipment crashed to the floor, and papers whirled through the air.


    Jayce, panting heavily, was stunned by the turn of events. Battling against the flow of energy, he punched the power switch, finally shutting down the system.


    With the energy supply cut off, the Hextech gemstone fell from midair, returning to silence.


    "This is... unbelievable." Viktor murmured, examining the aftermath. "The energy dispersion pattern isn''t random¡ªthere''s a mathematical sequence to it."


    "The method is correct. The Hextech gemstone can indeed stabilize in a high-frequency environment, but we need to find the special frequency to achieve stability." Cipher commented.


    Though, in reality, he was an amateur, it didn''t stop him from putting on a facade of expertise, looking very much like a seasoned scientist.


    And who knew? Maybe he would become a real one someday.


    "Exactly. We need a large number of experiments, testing one by one. As long as we find that specific frequency, Hextech will be complete." Viktor agreed wholeheartedly, already scribbling calculations on a partially singed notepad.


    "Yes, let''s keep going. I think I can figure it out." Jayce regained his composure.


    He reopened the power switch, gradually increasing the energy supply. Watching the gemstone''s glow, he remembered the day when a white-robed mage cast a spell.


    After several attempts, Jayce finally got a sense of it. He fine-tuned the power switch.


    The Hextech gemstone emitted a crisp ding, and a rune-engraved metal disc on the support frame lit up with a blue glow. Viktor leaned forward, fascinated. "The harmonic convergence is... wait, are those runes forming naturally?"


    "The energy field is self-organizing!"


    BOOM!


    The Hextech gemstone released an exceptionally thick beam of energy, striking the ceiling and forming a massive energy array, carved with intricate runes.


    Gravity seemed to fail. Everyone floated into the air, suspended. Viktor''s coat fluttered around him as he said, "The local gravity field is completely destabilized."


    After a brief pause, another BOOM! reverberated as the energy from the gemstone surged back.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The once gemstone-like Hextech gemstone transformed into what appeared to be a star emitting starlight, encased in a pure, circular energy field.


    The sight was breathtaking.


    "Hahaha!" Jayce, thrilled to fulfill his dream, gleefully swam through the air, playfully flicking a floating gear into the Hextech energy field.


    Blub blub blub!


    The energy field made peculiar bubbling noises. After a brief vibration, the gear was ejected from the other side of the field.


    Viktor caught the gear with a thoughtful expression on his face. He turned it over in his hands, examining every detail. The metal was cool to the touch, unchanged by its journey through the energy field.


    Jayce got closer to the energy field. "Try tossing something else through!"


    Viktor pulled a pencil from his pocket and threw it into the field. The energy rippled like water, swallowing the pencil whole before spitting it out the other side.


    "Fascinating." Cipher caught the pencil. "The graphite core is intact. Even the wood grain matches perfectly."


    "What about multiple objects?" Jayce was practically bouncing in the anti-gravity field. He gathered a handful of small tools and lab equipment.


    Viktor grabbed his arm. "Careful. We should test this systematically."


    "Where''s your sense of adventure?" Jayce grinned, but he set most of the items aside, keeping only a small wrench.


    "My sense of adventure prefers keeping the lab in one piece." Viktor glanced meaningfully at the walls.


    "Here goes nothing!" Jayce tossed the wrench. This time, the energy field pulsed with a deeper blue. The wrench emerged spinning rapidly, narrowly missing Viktor''s head.


    "Hey!" Viktor ducked.


    "Sorry!" Jayce laughed. "But did you see how it affected the field?"


    He pulled out his notebook, somehow managing to write while floating upside down. "If we can isolate that frequency... We might be able to control the exit trajectory,"


    Cipher floated closer to examine the energy field.


    "If we establish a Hextech energy matrix, we might be able to achieve instant teleportation over vast distances. Jayce, how did you do it? This is incredible!"


    He seized the moment to show off, leveraging his knowledge of the storyline to recognize this prototype of the Hexgates capable of teleportation.


    He enthusiastically praised Jayce.


    "Haha, when I was young, my mother and I were stranded in a snowy mountain. A white-robed mage saved us using teleportation magic."


    "It was witnessing the wonder of magic firsthand that made me realize its potential to benefit humanity. That''s why I wanted to develop Hextech to harness and control magic."


    "I was just recalling that mage''s movements while making adjustments... and it worked!" Jayce''s joy made him seem like an overgrown child.


    "Jayce, your name is destined to go down in history. You are undoubtedly the greatest inventor of this century. You''ve ushered in a new era¡ªthe era of Hextech." Cipher continued to heap praise on Jayce, knowing it would make him more amenable to collaboration.


    "No, Cipher, it''s not me who ushered in this new era. It''s us."


    "It''s Jayce, Viktor, and Cipher¡ªwe are the ones who''ve opened this new chapter. This glory belongs to all of us." Jayce dismissed Cipher''s claim, thumping his chest and pointing to the Hextech energy field as he spoke.


    His eyes were earnest as he looked at Viktor and Cipher, clearly serious.


    "Jayce!" Viktor''s eyes were filled with emotion.


    You couldn''t help but admire him. Though in the original story he often made choices that drew the most controversy, he still stood as a steadfast figure, an indomitable top-laner who carried under pressure¡ªeven if it cost him his life.


    He was undeniably loyal to his friends and brothers-in-arms.


    Sure, he had a narcissistic streak, but that was hardly a major issue. At this point in time, untouched by the dirty political games of Piltover, he likely had only one pure wish: to use Hextech to benefit Piltover and all of humanity.


    Wealth and fame? Those weren''t even on his radar yet.


    This was why, in the original storyline, he and Viktor were able to become brothers¡ªthey once shared the same vision.


    Cipher''s eyes narrowed slightly. He was hesitating.


    Anyone with a discerning eye could see the immense potential of Hextech. Yet here Jayce was, ready to share it freely, even giving Cipher a piece of the pie.


    He was so righteous that even Cipher felt guilty about trying to exploit him.


    "Jayce, I have a great idea. What if Zaun Academy invested in your Hextech technology? I imagine you''re currently in desperate need of research funding." After some thought, though, he decided to keep playing his game. Wasn''t the legendary top-laner born to carry the burden?


    "Uh, investment would definitely help. My previous investor withdrew their funding, and I really am short on research funds right now."


    Jayce was momentarily stunned.


    He hadn''t expected Cipher to suggest an investment, but he welcomed the idea. However, he had serious doubts about this so-called Zaun Academy.


    "But, Cipher, I''ve been meaning to ask¡ªwhat exactly is this Academy you''re talking about? Who established it?"


    "Can it really provide a proper research environment? And does it really have sufficient funding? Researching Hextech is incredibly expensive."


    Cipher''s face darkened.


    He suddenly felt he hadn''t done enough to pressure Jayce¡ªthis top-laner wasn''t feeling enough heat yet.


    "Zaun Academy was established by me. You can rest assured about the funding."


    "It was founded by you? Then I have no problem with it at all."


    Upon hearing that Cipher was the founder, Jayce''s doubts disappeared. In his eyes, Cipher was a trustworthy genius scientist.


    "Jayce, how about taking a position as a lifetime professor at Zaun Academy? I''ll even create a Hextech Institute for you, and you can serve as its dean. Don''t worry, it''s just a title¡ªyou won''t have much to do."


    "And Viktor, the same goes for you. You can hold the title of dean of the Mechanical Engineering Institute."


    "I''m not asking you both to move to Zaun. If you''re free, you can come and give a lecture or two occasionally. It won''t interfere with your research."


    Cipher wasn''t about to give up his plan to poach them. Taking advantage of the successful Hextech breakthrough, he continued his attempts to recruit them.


    Jayce and Viktor exchanged a knowing look. Cipher had contributed a great deal to the development of Hextech, even sacrificing his lab, which was blown apart.


    His offer was generous, too.


    They couldn''t bring themselves to refuse. They nodded in agreement to his request.


    "You won''t regret your decision today. One day, Zaun Academy will be as renowned as Piltover Academy, a true haven for groundbreaking research."


    Cipher was filled with confidence. With his cheat-like ability, he could continually "borrow" advanced technologies from the Apex universe.


    In terms of pure technological strength, that world was leagues ahead of both Piltover and Zaun.

 16 - Just the Two of Us

    The late-night chaos of Zaun was both dangerous and unsettling, leaving Cipher and his group to spend the night in the ruined research lab.


    Early the next morning, he escorted the two to the elevator, watching as they returned to Piltover.


    It''s worth mentioning that none of them had eaten. The night''s work had consumed them all, leaving no time for such mundane concerns as food.


    He had originally planned to treat Jayce and Viktor to some local Zaun specialties and even take them to The Last Drop to have his younger siblings apologize to Jayce.


    But Jayce couldn''t handle Zaun''s food, claiming he was unworthy of such "clean and hygienic" cuisine, repeatedly begging for mercy. His face had turned an interesting shade of green at the mere description of the local delicacies.


    Left with no choice, Cipher sent them back to Piltover first. He watched the lift disappear into the smog above, carrying its passengers toward their home.


    Now that the development of Hextech technology was complete, Jayce was destined to become Piltover''s rising star, garnering much attention upon his return.


    ---


    "Why are they so special that they deserve such treatment? The munitions factory was shut down for an entire night, and your lab was destroyed. That''s not a small loss."


    After Jayce and Viktor left, Sevika, posing as a bodyguard, approached Cipher, her hoarse, smoke-roughened voice filled with confusion.


    She lit another cigarette, the flame briefly illuminating her scarred face.


    "Do you remember the Hextech gemstone? They perfected it last night. Hextech technology is now complete, and we have a share in it."


    "What''s the loss of a munitions factory compared to this? This investment will bring a return of tens of thousands of times. The most valuable resource is people, and the smartest investment is in people."


    Cipher, who appreciated Sevika, patiently explained. Then, switching gears, he asked, "How many Chem-Barons will attend today''s meeting?"


    "The ones brought up by Vander and Silco said they''d come¡ªthere are five of them in total. As for the four newly appointed Chem-Barons, they ignored us." Sevika''s lip curled in disgust.


    The Black Lanes were the largest gang in Zaun, and Silco''s faction ranks second. For the two top bosses to jointly summon a meeting and have some dare to not attend¡ªthat was interesting.


    Those four newly promoted Chem-Barons were likely backed by the prominent families of Piltover. The arrogance of power was clear in their rejection.


    Cipher pulled out a revolver from his person and handed it to Sevika. "There''s still time before the meeting. Let''s handle some business."


    "With this?" Sevika hefted the weapon. "You planning to write messages on walls?"


    "Something like that. In red."


    Sevika accepted the revolver, somewhat stunned, not immediately grasping Cipher''s meaning.


    "Do you know where those four Chem-Barons have their bases? Let''s go take them out now."


    Cipher drew his own revolver lazily. This kind of task didn''t excite him; it wasn''t challenging enough.


    Sevika gripped the revolver, pointing at herself uncertainly. "Us? You mean just the two of us?"


    "Yeah, just the two of us."


    "Have you lost your mind? Even the weakest Chem-Baron has at least a dozen bodyguards enhanced by Chem-Tech. Two people against a Chem-Baron''s fortress? Are you trying to get us killed?"


    She stared at Cipher in disbelief, thinking he must have fried his brain last night while working with those two Piltovans on their research.


    "Sevika, this world is vast. Today, I''ll show you why I could beat Dad in one move."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Faced with her doubts, Cipher shrugged indifferently.


    Zaun''s combat prowess ranked dead last. Sevika''s perspective was far too narrow; she had no idea how great the disparity between individuals could be.


    If Janna, Zaun''s Guardian, didn''t intervene, Noxus'' Undead Juggernaut Sion, the Crimson Reaper Vladimir, or the Deceiver LeBlanc could easily wipe out both Zaun and Piltover overnight.


    "I don''t even know what madness possessed me to follow you with just a broken revolver to raid a stronghold. You''ve been the boss for barely a day, and even if it''s to set an example, you should have called more people."


    "Is this kind of reckless action meaningful? You''re not some cannon fodder."


    "If you die, when will Zaun ever rise again?"


    "I should''ve gone back to the bar and told your family. Told them you''ve lost your mind and are heading to your death, so they could stop your idiotic plan."


    "Are you even listening to me? Answer me! Are you deaf? Damn it, I must''ve lost my mind to join you in this nonsense."


    On their way to the Chem-Barons'' lair, Sevika had a cigarette dangling from her lips, her mouth running like a machine gun, rattling off complaints nonstop.


    Cipher was a little surprised. In his impression, she had always been cold, tough, and deadly¡ªa classic example of someone who let her fists do the talking, not her mouth.


    But hearing her complaints now, he realized she could actually talk quite a lot.


    Interestingly, though, her grumbling didn''t slow her down. Her long strides were quick, her tall, sturdy figure staying ahead of Cipher the entire time.


    That was just who she was¡ªloyal, dependable, and strong.


    In the original story, she resigned in front of Vander and took her team to work for Silco.


    On her first day working for him, she shielded him from a bomb blast and lost an arm.


    Over the years, because Vander had "softened," she had taken it upon herself to handle most of the matters in the Lanes. She endured countless beatings but never once complained to Vander.


    Dedicated and hardworking¡ªa true role model!


    Faced with her endless grumbling, Cipher didn''t know how to respond. He couldn''t exactly say, "Honestly, I could take on several of you without breaking a sweat."


    Even if he did say it, she wouldn''t believe him.


    Zaun had never seen anyone with his level of prowess, and it would be hard for Sevika to understand how a person could be that strong.


    So, he chose to remain silent along the way.


    But as they left the Black Lanes and stepped into the territory of the Chem-Baron, Sevika fell quiet.


    Puffing on her cigar, she reverted to her cold, ruthless self.


    Cipher observed their surroundings.


    Compared to the Black Lanes, this territory was filthy and dilapidated, with the air reeking of chemical waste.


    In the dark alleys, emaciated figures with rotting skin lay on the ground, half-dead. They were clearly addicts of hallucinogenic contraband. Their hollow eyes stared at nothing, lost in dreams.


    While the Black Lanes were poor, they had no drug addicts. That was because contraband, human trafficking, gambling, and illicit activities were strictly prohibited there.


    This was why, despite being the top gang boss in the Undercity, Vander had always remained impoverished. He didn''t engage in harmful trades, nor did he allow the people of the Black Lanes to do so.


    Sevika didn''t spare a glance at the walking corpses of addicts. She led Cipher straight to a slightly better-looking building where a group of strange-looking men was gathered around a table playing cards.


    "Sevika, what brings you here?"


    The leader of the group, a blond man, put down his cards and stood up. His fingers twitched near a concealed weapon.


    "Where''s your boss?"


    Sevika loomed over him, glaring down with an imposing presence.


    "I''m not telling you. Our boss doesn''t welcome people from the Black Lanes."


    Sevika exhaled two puffs of smoke from her nose, the vapor hitting the blond man''s face like a show of dominance. "Your boss'' manners. Or lack of them."


    The man tried for a nervous laugh. "He''s... busy."


    Without warning, Sevika reached out and grabbed the man by the throat.


    The men behind the blond hesitated, clearly intimidated by Sevika''s reputation. She was well-known in the Undercity as a fearsome killer with at least several lives on her hands.


    After a long moment, she finally released her grip, throwing the blond man to the ground. His face was purple, and he looked like he was about to suffocate.


    With a disdainful snort, she said, "Where''s your boss? Don''t make me ask again."


    Her demeanor was so impressive that Cipher almost wanted to applaud her¡ªif only the situation were different.


    "Cough, cough... The boss¡­ the boss is on the top floor," the blond man said hoarsely, clutching his neck. He didn''t dare confront Sevika anymore, having nearly had his throat crushed.


    However, he shot a look at one of his men, who immediately ran inside to report.


    Sevika didn''t care. She strode into the building with Cipher in tow, her left hand gripping her revolver, hidden in the wide sleeve of her coat.


    On the top floor, the Chem-Baron was already waiting, flanked by a group of bodyguards modified with Chem-Tech enhancements. Each of them was armed, and some even had limbs replaced with Chem-Tech prosthetics.


    The Chem-Baron eyed Sevika warily. "I refused to attend the meeting yesterday, and now you show up at my place early in the morning to cause trouble. What''s the meaning of this?"


    "It''s nothing. I just need a favor," Cipher said, stepping out from behind Sevika with a grin. "What kind of favor?"


    The Chem-Baron''s tone softened slightly when he saw Cipher. He recognized the renowned young mechanic and didn''t want to fully offend him.


    Bang!


    Before the Chem-Baron could react, a gunshot echoed through the room, and a gaping hole appeared in his forehead.


    Cipher blew away the smoke curling from the barrel of his revolver and said nonchalantly, "Just needed to borrow your head."


    The entire room fell silent in shock. None of the Chem-Baron''s men had seen him draw his gun, let alone fire it.


    It was simply too fast!

 17 - A Rat Dreaming of Power

    A room on the second floor of The Last Drop had been specially renovated to host the Chem-Barons'' meeting.


    "After the Day of Ashes, Vander got scared, became weak and incompetent. It''s no surprise he couldn''t hold onto the Black Lanes. Even getting robbed by his own son was a blessing in disguise."


    "But what I don''t get, Silco, is why you just sat there and watched the Black Lanes fall into Cipher''s hands. How old is he again? If I remember correctly, he''s only 15, right?"


    "Even if he''s a genius, can you really stand letting a snot-nosed kid boss you around?"


    The man sitting across from Silco at the conference table kept provoking him, each word carefully chosen to probe for weakness.


    His voice carried the characteristic smoky hoarseness of Zaunites, a lingering effect of the smog''s damage to his vocal cords.


    This man''s appearance was also quite striking, a walking advertisement of power and danger.


    He had a golden metallic jaw implant made of Chem-Tech, with exposed skin covered in numerous black tattoos. His hairstyle was equally flashy¡ªshaved clean on the left side, while the right side had long, slanted bangs.


    Each detail screamed for attention, marking him as someone who wanted to be noticed, and feared.


    In his hands, he kept fiddling with a flick knife. The steady click-click-click of metal against metal set a rhythm to his provocations.


    At the table, the other Chem-Barons occasionally glanced at this man, subtly deferring to him as the leader.


    "My affairs are none of your concern. Mind your own business, Finn," Silco said, crossing his legs and smoking a cigar with an air of indifference.


    "Silco, for so many years, I''ve always thought of you as someone who does real work. Attitude, intuition, vision¡ªyou lack none of these things."


    "You''ve always been able to act faster and better than others. That''s why, back then, we risked our lives and followed you to storm the bridge."


    "All these years, we''ve trusted you, believing you''d lead us to better days."


    Finn continued playing with the flick knife, casually bringing up past events.


    Silco exhaled a smoke ring and said coldly, "If you have something to say, just say it. Don''t beat around the bush, Finn¡ªyou''re not cut out for mind games."


    Finn nodded heavily and spread his hands. "Alright, I''ll get straight to the point then. Silco, you should take charge of the Black Lanes and become our leader."


    "We all came out of the mines together, brothers and sisters in arms. Everyone supports you."


    "What does that little brat know about being a leader? About running the business and making money?"


    "He called for this meeting at midnight, and we showed up out of respect for you. And what now? It''s already half-past twelve, and he''s nowhere to be seen!"


    Silco took a sip of his drink but kept his eyes fixed on Finn.


    Only when sweat began to drip from Finn''s forehead did Silco finally speak. "After all these years, you''re still just as impatient, Finn."


    "And what about the rest of you? Are you impatient too?"


    He glanced at the other Chem-Barons, his mechanical eye glowing red.


    The Chem-Barons all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. The room fell silent except for the steady drip of nervous sweat.


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    These Barons were all old acquaintances he had brought out of the mines, and they were all wary of his ruthless methods.


    The scars they bore weren''t all visible like Finn''s jaw.


    Even Finn, the most powerful among them, who controlled the border markets, treaded carefully to avoid becoming Silco''s target.


    "You talk about power, about leadership. But real power isn''t in controlling markets or running businesses."


    One of the Barons shifted in his seat. "Then what is it?"


    "Understanding timing." Silco''s mechanical eye fixed on the speaker. "Knowing when to wait, when to strike. Something our friend Finn here never quite grasped."


    Finn''s jaw tightened. "We''ve done enough waiting. The Lanes need¡ª"


    "The Lanes need what exactly?" Silco interrupted. "Your protection? Your leadership? Don''t make me laugh."


    "You''ve all forgotten where you came from, forgotten who it was that locked us in those mines back then."


    "Now the Pilties don''t even have to get their hands dirty. They toss you a bone, and you''re ready to tear each other apart for it."


    "Living off the scraps of your predecessors, spineless, obsessed with business, blinded by money."


    Silco swirled his drink and let out a series of cold chuckles.


    Despite being mocked so harshly, the Chem-Barons didn''t dare utter a word of protest.


    "Uncle Silco, what''s causing such a big fuss?"


    The meeting room door swung open, and Cipher walked in holding a bottle of Vander''s prized vintage.


    Behind him, Sevika carried a blood-stained sack. Dark droplets marked their path like breadcrumbs.


    Uncle?


    The five Chem-Barons were stunned¡ªthey hadn''t known this. Their eyes darted between Silco and Cipher, searching for confirmation.


    They only knew Vander had been overthrown by his son, Cipher. That''s why they had banded together to try to push Silco to take the lead.


    But they ended up doing something foolish.


    "Once prot¨¦g¨¦s we mentored have now turned into parasites who know nothing but leeching. And when I think about breathing the same air and sharing a fate with them, I can''t help but lose control of my emotions."


    Silco smoked his cigar, his tone indifferent.


    He glanced at the bag Sevika was holding, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. He could already guess why Cipher was late.


    "No worries. I happen to have a gift that might reignite your fighting spirit. Sevika!"


    Cipher sat in the seat reserved for him at the head of the table and gestured toward Sevika.


    Sevika nodded, opened the bag, and flung it forward. Four severed heads, fresh and gruesome, rolled onto the table.


    The strong stench of blood assaulted their noses, mixing with the cigar smoke to create a uniquely Zaunite potpourri.


    "What... what is this?"


    Finn and the other four Chem-Barons'' eyes widened in disbelief. The knife in Finn''s hand finally stilled completely.


    The heads belonged to Chem-Barons who hadn''t shown up¡ªfigures of significant power. And now they were just... dead?


    They had thought Cipher was just a naive kid who was good at tinkering with inventions.


    But now it was clear¡ªhe was even more decisive and ruthless than they were!


    "Yesterday, I just took over the Black Lanes from Vander. I had a big deal planned and wanted to bring everyone in to make money together, so I called for a meeting."


    "But these four? They didn''t show the Black Lanes respect. If you don''t play nice, well, I can always help you lose weight." Cipher poured Silco''s glass full of wine as he spoke nonchalantly.


    "Uh... what kind of big deal are you planning?" Under the sharp gazes of the other four Chem-Barons, Finn had no choice but to muster his courage and ask.


    "Chem-Barons, huh? Such a nice sounding title, but we all know the truth. We''re just gang leaders. In the eyes of Piltover, we''re nothing but filthy sewer rats, things to be hidden in the dark."


    "Whenever a few enforcers show up, it''s enough to make us scramble."


    Cipher added ice to his glass, dodging Finn''s question entirely.


    But Finn wasn''t a fool. After some thought, he vaguely understood what Cipher was implying, and his face darkened.


    The Day of Ashes had already cost too many lives. Was he planning to do it again?


    But one glance at the four decapitated heads on the floor was enough to make him lower his head and reevaluate. The choice between pride and survival suddenly became very clear.


    After deliberating carefully, he finally tried to persuade Cipher, "Are you planning to storm the bridge again? We don''t have enough people to match the enforcers, and our weapons and equipment are far inferior. We barely even have a few guns. Storming the bridge will cost many lives, and we still won''t make it across."


    "Storm the bridge? Who said anything about storming the bridge? After the Day of Ashes, the Piltovans set up so many turrets on the other side. Even with guns, storming the bridge is just suicide."


    Cipher rolled his eyes at Finn. He was a pragmatist¡ªwithout a sure chance of success, he wouldn''t recklessly launch a war.


    "Then what do you mean?"


    For a moment, Finn couldn''t figure out Cipher''s intentions.


    On the one hand, he seemed deeply dissatisfied with Piltover and acted like he wanted to fight them to the death. But on the other hand, he didn''t intend to storm the bridge.


    It was confusing. If they weren''t storming the bridge, did that mean they''d negotiate a deal instead?


    But who starts a negotiation by tossing four severed heads on the table?


    Negotiation involved mutual discussion, not sending a message with decapitations!


    "Tell me¡ªdo you want to become someone as powerful as the councilors of Piltover?"


    Cipher took a sip of his drink, smiling as he painted an enticing vision for the Chem-Barons.

 18 - A Gentle Way to Die

    The Chem-Barons said nothing, but from their expressions¡ªwanting to laugh yet not daring to¡ªit was clear what they thought.


    If not for those four unlucky fools with wild imaginations, they would surely laugh out loud.


    Laugh at Cipher for overestimating himself.


    What was the status of a Piltover councilor? A nobleman, a master of the upper class!


    And what was the status of a Chem-Baron? A shadowy sewer rat, unnoticed even if they die in the stinking gutters.


    The difference in status was like heaven and earth. Light and darkness, clean air and toxic fumes, life and mere existence.


    If a Piltover councilor were to slap a Chem-Baron, the baron would have to smile and carefully serve them, even asking if the councilor''s hand hurt.


    And yet, he dared to suggest that a Chem-Baron could become a councilor?


    He himself was just a newly risen gang leader. What qualifications did he have to say such things?


    Naturally, this invited ridicule.


    Cipher, however, was not angry.


    Holding his wine glass, he approached a female Chem-Baron from behind. This was Renni, the one in charge of the Sludgerunners.


    Her nose had been modified with chem-tech and was connected to two tubes that transported green medicinal fluid.


    "Renni," Cipher said softly, swirling the wine in his glass. "I remember you have a son, don''t you?"


    His casual words immediately made Renni''s hair stand on end.


    She instinctively thought he was threatening her with her son and glared at him furiously: "You¡­!"


    "Relax. I''m just asking you to think it through. Being a Chem-Baron isn''t dignified. Fighting and killing all day long¡ªwho knows when you might die in a filthy sewer?" He gestured at their surroundings, at the perpetual grime that coated everything in Zaun.


    "You know better than I do how miserable it is for an orphan in the Undercity."


    "Even if your son takes over your position someday, he''d still just be a sewer rat, unable to ever step into the light. What future could he possibly have in a life like that?"


    "Don''t you want him to be well-dressed, walking into high-end places, studying at elite schools, and someday becoming part of the¡­ respectable upper class?"


    Raising his glass, he extended an invitation to her.


    Renni''s face darkened and brightened repeatedly as she hesitated. Her eyes darted to the other Barons, then back to her glass.


    If she agreed to Cipher, she would unilaterally break the alliance between the Chem-Barons.


    Cipher gave a wicked smile, leaning close to her ear and whispering with a kind yet chilling tone, "Think carefully. Do it for your son. He''s so¡­ adorable."


    "You wouldn''t..."


    "I wouldn''t have to. The streets of Zaun are so... dangerous."


    Renni''s face stiffened with shock, and she quickly clinked her glass with Cipher''s.


    Downing the contents of her glass in one gulp, she gritted her teeth and asked Cipher desperately, "Do you have a way?"


    "Renni!" Finn called out loudly.


    If she partnered with Cipher, their fragile alliance as Chem-Barons would collapse completely.


    Cipher shook his head. "I thought stupidity had limits, but there''s always someone who breaks the record."


    They had already made an example of others, yet someone still dared to stir up trouble. Idiots were truly everywhere.


    Cipher immediately dismissed the idea of cultivating the Chem-Barons. They were hopelessly unqualified, like mud that couldn''t hold its shape on the wall. Just an eyesore.


    "What do you mean¡ª"


    Before Finn could finish speaking, a gunshot rang out.


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    A hole appeared in his forehead, and he joined the four unfortunate souls on the ground, their heads all metaphorically and literally opened.


    "I could have killed all of you," Cipher said with a mild smile, holstering his smoking revolver, "but for the sake of stability, I chose a gentler approach and gave you all a chance to enter the central power structure. Yet you don''t treasure it."


    The remaining Chem-Barons stared in horror, cold sweat dripping down their faces. None dared move, as if movement itself might draw his attention.


    Cipher was even more ruthless than they had imagined. He had just killed Finn¡ªa figure barely second to the top three powers of the Undercity¡ªwithout a second thought.


    The man was a complete madman!


    "Now that the obstacle is gone, I think we can get down to business."


    Cipher returned to his seat, his cold eyes locking onto the remaining Chem-Barons.


    None dared meet his gaze. They stared at the floor, the walls, anywhere but at him or Finn''s cooling body.


    "Now, I''ll announce five things." He pulled out a document, laying it flat on the table with precise movements.


    "First, the establishment of the Zaun government, with me as mayor. The two deputy mayors will be Silco and Sevika."


    "Second, the establishment of a customs department, led by Deputy Mayor Silco. All imports and exports in Zaun must be declared and inspected by customs."


    "Third, the establishment of a tax bureau, also led by Deputy Mayor Silco. From now on, Zaun''s rules will no longer involve collecting protection fees. Instead, taxes will be collected. All commercial transactions must pay taxes based on their value."


    "Fourth, the establishment of a Police and Military Bureau, led by Deputy Mayor Sevika, responsible for all security issues in Zaun. The bureau will be the only department in Zaun legally permitted to possess armed forces."


    "All Chem-Barons must disband their armed forces and hand them over for unified control by the bureau."


    "Fifth, the establishment of Zaun Academy, with me as the headmaster, to cultivate talent in various fields."


    "Zaun Academy will accept all applicants who pass the entrance exam. Tuition, food, and lodging will be free, and the government will provide them with a salary."


    "I''ve said my piece. If you have any objections, feel free to voice them now. I might not listen, though."


    After two brutal demonstrations, the Chem-Barons'' courage had long been shattered. Whatever Cipher said was the law.


    No one dared to raise objections.


    However, when it came to disarming themselves, the remaining four Chem-Barons, even at the risk of having their heads blown open, refused to agree.


    Survival instinct overcame their fear.


    "Everything else is fine, but my business is smuggling. I''ve got plenty of enemies. Disbanding my men is no different than sending me to my death."


    "Dead now or dead later¡ªeither way, I''m dead. You might as well just shoot me now and get it over with."


    The speaker was a Yordle wearing a tall top hat, covered in fluffy brown fur, with all four limbs replaced by mechanical prosthetics crafted with alchemical technology.


    "My factory also needs workers to manage it. Without them, the factory can''t operate. Those laborers won''t work obediently on their own," said an old man named Chross, whose face was sickly pale and who wore mechanical spectacles.


    He owned The Hush Company, exploiting laborers to squeeze out profits.


    The stains on his hands weren''t just from chemicals.


    "I''m in the same situation. The businesses on my street can''t run without people managing them," added Margot, a female Chem-Baron. She wore heavy smoky makeup and had numerous metal piercings on her face and body.


    Her Vyx was a hub for dance halls and brothels.


    "My business can''t survive without my men either," Renni chimed in, speaking reluctantly. Even with the vulnerability of having a son, she had no choice but to refuse Cipher''s proposal.


    The Chem-Barons'' businesses essentially relied on two sources of profit: Either smuggling contraband into Piltover to make money from its citizens, or exploiting the people of Zaun.


    Both required violence and enforcers to maintain control. Without sufficient profits, the barons didn''t even need rivals to take them down¡ªtheir own hungry enforcers would tear them apart.


    This was why the Chem-Barons were, in truth, pathetic figures. Their grand-sounding titles were nothing but a facade.


    "Zaun''s security issues will be fully handled by the newly established police and military bureau. Our city will have its own sheriffs, and private armed forces will no longer be allowed¡ªor necessary. But considering your specific circumstances, I''ll assign you two sheriff slots to ensure your safety."


    "Only two? What about our businesses?" The Chem-Barons exchanged glances and objected in unison.


    "I''ll make you rich."


    Cipher took a sip of his drink and said, "Do you honestly call the scraps you''re managing businesses? Tear them down immediately. I refuse to let Zaun''s reputation be tied to such filth!"


    He pulled out blueprints he had prepared in advance and distributed one to each of the Chem-Barons.


    "Take these back and start building factories immediately. Whatever is produced according to these blueprints, I''ll take it all¡ªno matter how much you make, I''ll buy it. The more, the better."


    "Worker salaries must follow my standards. I''ve already reserved a substantial profit margin for you. There will be plenty of money to be made."


    "If you don''t believe me, feel free to consult an accountant. Even after deducting taxes and all other costs, you''ll earn far more than you do now."


    The Chem-Barons looked at each other, uncertain. While they accepted the blueprints, their eyes betrayed distrust.


    Clearly, they didn''t believe him truly intended to make them rich.


    To this, Cipher could only think that these Chem-Barons'' business mindsets were hopelessly outdated. They had no concept of modern outsourcing or high-tech industries that could generate massive wealth globally.


    He was thoroughly dissatisfied with them¡ªnone of them had the vision to see the bigger picture.


    Even if the opportunity to become councilors was handed to them on a silver platter, they wouldn''t know how to seize it.


    They simply lacked the capability.


    But how could they possibly understand? They didn''t have the advantage of another life''s knowledge, let alone a cheat.


    So, the fastest way for them to understand him was through ruthlessness.


    For Zaun.


    For his family.


    He would carry this burden.


    "I''m giving you three days. Those who meet my requirements and report within three days will be my friends¡ªand I guarantee you''ll make more money than you can imagine."


    "Those who fail¡­ well, there will be no need for them to continue living, right?"


    With that, the meeting was over. Cipher unceremoniously issued a dismissal.

 19 - Running on Empty

    Cipher knew the three-day deadline was impossible¡ªeven with their resources, the Chem-Barons couldn''t possibly meet all his requirements that quickly. The factories needed retrofitting, workers needed training, and old supply chains had to be dismantled.


    Real change would take months, maybe even a year.


    But that wasn''t the point.


    What he wanted to see was their reaction to the deadline.


    Who would try?


    Who would make excuses?


    Who would show genuine effort versus who would just try to buy their way out?


    Those who showed genuine effort to comply, who demonstrated they were willing to work within the new system¡ªthey would get the extension they needed.


    The deadline wasn''t about completion, it was about commitment.


    The ones who tried, who showed up with actual plans and progress reports, even if incomplete¡ªthey would be the foundation of the new Zaun.


    The ones who didn''t... well, they had made their choice.


    ---


    Knock, knock, knock!


    Someone knocked on Cipher''s office door.


    "Come in!"


    He didn''t even lift his head. Zaun''s newly established regime had everything to rebuild from scratch.


    He was busy drafting various bills, so overwhelmed that he didn''t sleep. Even the mules in the production team had it easier than him.


    A worker poked his head in. "The construction team needs your signature on these material requisitions."


    "Leave them on the pile," Cipher muttered, not looking up from his current document.


    "But they said it''s urgent... The foundation work can''t start without¡ª"


    "Everything''s urgent." Cipher finally looked up, dark circles under his eyes. "What''s urgent is finishing these regulations before we have a riot on our hands."


    "The workers are already talking about walking off¡ª"


    "And they''ll have nowhere to walk to once I approve the zoning laws." Cipher gestured at the stack. "Put it with the others. I''ll get to it when I can."


    The worker hesitated, then placed the papers on top of an already towering stack. "They won''t like this."


    "They don''t have to like it. They just have to wait."


    The worker hesitated, then placed the papers on top of an already towering stack. He stayed for a moment, shifting his weight from foot to foot, before finally accepting defeat and heading for the door.


    Cipher reached for another document when footsteps echoed down the hallway.


    "About the taxes..."


    Silco plopped down in the seat across from Cipher. Before he could finish his sentence, Cipher handed him a policy document on the tax system.


    "Everything is in here. Take a look and see if there''s anything that needs to be added."


    With that, he buried his head back in drafting another bill.


    The general framework of the tax system was directly copied from his previous life, with only minor tweaks.


    Silco carefully reviewed the document. After finishing it, he put it down and said, "It''s a very complete system."


    "But to implement it, the Tax Bureau will need a large number of tax officers, and right now we have a huge personnel gap."


    Cipher finally finished drafting a bill and had a moment to breathe. The stack of completed documents had grown, but the pile of work to be done seemed no smaller.


    "Zaun has plenty of people who know how to handle bookkeeping and audits. Tax officers are government employees with good benefits; recruiting shouldn''t be difficult."


    Silco nodded. "With the civil servant benefits you''ve set, recruiting won''t be an issue. The problem is... we''re out of money."


    Cipher froze. "That fast?"


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    The Zaun municipal government hadn''t even formally established a Finance Department yet, so its funds were temporarily managed by Silco.


    Currently, the municipal government had three main sources of funding:


    Silco''s entire personal fortune.


    Confiscated assets, thanks to the generosity of a few imaginative Chem-Barons.


    Donations from enthusiastic citizens, though this was the smallest part since most citizens of Zaun were dirt poor.


    Silco expressionlessly pulled out an account book and started listing major expenditures one by one for Cipher:


    Preparing to open over a dozen large state-owned factories, planning to recruit thousands of workers.


    Establishing Zaun University, hiring teachers at high salaries, and enrolling students.


    A large investment made into Jayce Talis.


    The Police Department plans to hire several hundred officers and nearly a thousand reserve officers as civil servants.


    "The remaining funds on the books can only sustain us for a few months. After that, we''ll go bankrupt. And I haven''t even factored in the Tax Bureau or Customs Department yet."


    "There must be something we can cut," Cipher said, scanning the numbers.


    Silco''s laugh was hollow. "Cut what? The factories that will give our people jobs? The Academy that will give them a future? Or maybe the police force maintaining order?"


    He stopped and looked at Cipher with a resentful expression in his eyes. "Your grand plans are eating through my life savings like acid through metal. Do you think money grows in the toxic soil down here?"


    "You quickly need to figure out how to raise money¡ªa lot of money!"


    His years of painstakingly accumulated wealth had been completely drained by Cipher in less than a month.


    "Uh..."


    Cipher was momentarily speechless. Spending money felt great, but raising it was a nightmare.


    "Send the parameters for the wireless communication devices to Swain in Noxus and ask him for a loan. We can promise them priority supply; he won''t refuse."


    This big shot would likely have money. Even if he didn''t, he could apply for funds from Noxus. Swain clearly understood the value of wireless communication devices.


    "That''s not a short-term solution. Noxus is too far away. Even if he agrees to the loan, we''ll be bankrupt before the money arrives."


    Silco shook his head. Swain wasn''t a viable option.


    "Although the situation is promising, you''ve taken too big a step forward. Now it''s hard to backtrack. If we go bankrupt, no one will listen to us anymore."


    Cipher rubbed his chin, thinking for a while about how to raise money. Suddenly, he laughed.


    How could he forget about the big investors right next door?


    Piltover was full of wealthy people.


    Jayce''s future wife, Mel Medarda from the Medarda family, was Piltover''s richest individual.


    His sponsor, Councillor Kiramman, was also quite wealthy.


    These two Piltover councillors were still relatively decent people, so they could be approached.


    With Jayce''s help to introduce them, combined with the immense potential of wireless communication devices, securing a massive investment shouldn''t be difficult.


    With all this figured out, he confidently said, "Relax, I''ll get the money."


    Silco solemnly reminded him, "You''ve never let me down before, but I still have to warn you¡ªwe can''t afford to fail. The municipal government must not go bankrupt!"


    Cipher responded with a playful "OK" gesture.


    Silco left with a troubled expression, covering his forehead in worry.


    He decided to smuggle out the remaining stock of Shimmer 1.0 devices. Not only would this provide experimental data, but it would also bring in some quick cash.


    Money, money, money¡ªwithout it, even heroes faltered.


    How had he never realized before how crucial money was?


    Knock, knock, knock!


    Not long after Silco left, there was another knock on Cipher''s office door. The sound was more forceful this time, demanding attention.


    "Come in!"


    This time, it was the cold and tough female Rambo¡ªSevika.


    "The Police Bureau is supposed to maintain order throughout Zaun, but I''ve only got a little over a hundred officers. We don''t have enough people. I need more!"


    As soon as she sat down, she bluntly stretched out her hand, demanding manpower from Cipher.


    "I''ve already approved a few hundred positions for law enforcement officers. Just recruit them."


    Cipher looked at Sevika, puzzled. He had granted her significant authority, even allowing her to handle the recruitment herself.


    "Your requirements for law enforcement officers are too high. I''ve taken in so many of the Chem-Barons'' former subordinates, but only a few meet the criteria."


    "Where am I supposed to find officers who can fight and take a beating? You''ve got to solve this!"


    Sevika blew out two thick rings of smoke from her nose.


    "Then recruit reserves?"


    Cipher felt a headache coming on. If Sevika couldn''t recruit them, where was he supposed to find the people?


    The Reserve Officer program was designed as a stopgap for the shortage of full-time law enforcement officers.


    "That won''t work. With five Chem-Barons dead in the Undercity, things are too chaotic right now. Reserves can barely maintain order in the Black Lanes. If they go beyond it, they''re likely to get killed."


    Sevika rejected the idea outright.


    "Just recruit them for now. I''ve already designed specialized weapons for the officers, and as soon as the steel shipment from Noxus arrives, we''ll start production immediately."


    "The manpower shortage will have to be tolerated for now. Once the weapons are ready, even reserves will be able to take on missions."


    Cipher poured two glasses of liquor and clinked glasses with Sevika. She was clearly exhausted, with bloodshot eyes to show for it.


    With five Chem-Barons killed in one fell swoop, the Undercity had descended into chaos.


    She had been leading her people in suppressing riots and maintaining order all night, and her frustration was understandable. The dark circles under her eyes matched the bruises on her knuckles.


    "Just weapons won''t be enough. You also need to design rapid-response equipment for the Police Bureau."


    "The Undercity is too vast and its terrain too complex. If we rely only on our legs, the bodies will be cold before support arrives."


    Sevika took a sip of her drink to ease her fatigue. Reflecting on the practical challenges she''d faced while maintaining order, she made her demands.


    "No problem."


    Cipher readily agreed. He had already considered this and had the equipment designs ready.


    "Good, then I''ve got nothing else."


    Sevika downed her drink in one gulp, then turned and left Cipher''s office.


    After seeing Sevika out, Cipher rubbed his temples to ease his headache. Money for weapons, money for police, money for everything...


    He had only enjoyed a few minutes of peace when he noticed several suspicious figures loitering near his half-open office door.


    The sound of poorly suppressed giggles gave them away.


    Among them, a pink pompadour haircut was especially eye-catching. It bobbed up and down as its owner tried to peer through the gap without being seen.


    "Vi, what are you and the others doing at the door?"


    Cipher''s headache worsened.

 20 - Stubborn Hearts, Clever Minds

    "There''s such a commotion in Zaun, and everyone is busy. We want to help!"


    Vi strode into the office with her younger siblings, plopping down boldly in front of Cipher.


    Her eyes seemed to speak as they stared intently at Cipher, as if afraid his first response would be a rejection.


    After all, he had done this before¡ªresponding with rejection after rejection the moment he opened his mouth.


    "We can help." Powder, clutching a bunny plushie, chimed in earnestly from the side.


    The two younger brothers stood awkwardly, chuckling nervously without saying much. Still, their eager eyes betrayed their thoughts.


    "Powder, you''re not going," Vi declared before Cipher even had a chance to speak, decisively kicking Powder out of their little group.


    "Why not?!" Powder''s protest came sharp and quick, her grip tightening on her plushie.


    "Because..."


    Vi wanted to join the police to act as a peace officer, which would mean facing dangerous rioters. It was extremely perilous.


    The brothers were passable, but sending Powder to such a situation? That was practically a death sentence.


    After a few seconds of hesitation, she firmly decided to exclude her from the group. "It''s too dangerous. You''re too young, so you''re not going!"


    She was more worried about Powder''s safety than her own and absolutely didn''t want her to get hurt.


    "I''ve fought before!"


    But Powder, still emotionally fragile and young, failed to understand her sister''s good intentions.


    Instead, she subconsciously believed Vi saw her as useless and a burden, someone holding the team back, and thus didn''t want to bring her along.


    "And I''m already 10 years old! I''m not too young. Cipher was already helping Vander at this age!"


    Powder, thoroughly dissatisfied, raised her voice in protest.


    Cipher reached over and pinched her chubby, baby-like cheeks.


    "It''s not the same. This time, you''re staying behind."Vi sighed. This wasn''t like the little scuffles they''d dealt with before. The peace officers would be facing brutal rioters.


    "What?!" Powder caught the seriousness in her sister''s tone and could hardly believe her ears.


    "You''re not coming!" Vi reaffirmed firmly, once again kicking Powder out of the group.


    "I''m not afraid." Powder''s chin lifted in defiance.


    "This is too dangerous." Vi tried reasoning with her patiently, though her own patience was wearing thin.


    "But family is supposed to stick together¡ªyou said so yourself."


    "I know what I said!"


    "I want to fight. I can help!" Powder stood her ground, feet planted firmly.


    "You¡ª"


    Vi''s patience finally ran out, and frustration boiled over. She was on the verge of snapping at Powder when Cipher moved quickly, covering her mouth with his hand before words could be said that couldn''t be taken back.


    Powder was too young and emotionally fragile. Vi couldn''t be allowed to scold her harshly.


    "Mmmph!"


    Vi glared at Cipher in frustration. But with her cheeks puffed out like that, she looked less intimidating and more like a pink-cheeked squirrel¡ªadorably so, much to his amusement.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    She usually dressed tomboyishly, and moments like this, where she looked cute, were rare. Her eyes narrowed dangerously above Cipher''s restraining hand.


    He didn''t immediately remove his hand, choosing to savor the moment and burn the sight into his memory.


    Powder, seeing Cipher subdue Vi with just one hand, had a lightbulb moment.


    If Vi wouldn''t agree, she could always go to Cipher!


    He spoiled her the most¡ªhe''d definitely agree.


    Running to Cipher''s side, she pleaded, "Take me with you! I won''t drag you down. I can help!"


    Cipher released his hold on Vi''s mouth, scooping Powder up in his arms instead. "You really want to help?"


    "Cipher!" Vi''s shout carried more worry than anger.


    He shook his head at her, signaling her not to worry.


    Vi couldn''t figure out what Cipher was planning, but she shot him a death glare, as if to say: If you dare to agree, you''ll regret it!


    "Mm-hmm! I want to go! I want to help!" Powder nodded vigorously, her curls bouncing with each enthusiastic nod.


    Cipher smirked mischievously. "So, do you want to help Vi, or do you want to help me?"


    Powder glanced at Vi, then at Cipher, clutching her bunny plushie tightly.


    The choice seemed to weigh heavily on her small shoulders.


    But in the end, she made up her mind and looked at Vi resolutely.


    "I want to help... mmmph!"


    Cipher began rubbing Powder''s cheeks, preventing her from finishing her sentence. "Who do you want to help, hmm?"


    "You!" Powder, quick-witted, immediately changed her tune.


    "Good!" Cipher nodded in satisfaction. "That''s the right answer. You are such a good girl!"


    "So does that mean you agree to let me help?"


    Powder blinked her big eyes, gazing at Cipher with hopeful anticipation. She''d mastered that look years ago, and she knew its power.


    "I agree, but you have to think carefully¡ªhelping me isn''t easy."


    "I am not afraid! I can do it!" She wriggled happily in Cipher''s arms, full of confidence.


    "What about me?" Vi pointed at herself, glaring fiercely at Cipher. Her death glare had leveled up.


    "Do all of you want to help with something?" Cipher didn''t answer Vi right away. Instead, he looked at Mylo and Claggor, who had been watching the scene unfold.


    Mylo straightened up, trying to look tougher than his nervous stance suggested. "If even Powder can help, I can''t just sit around doing nothing."


    "Mylo!" Powder''s happy mood vanished instantly.


    She glared at him in dissatisfaction. What did he mean by even she could help?!


    Her cheeks puffed out in anger.


    "Bleh!" Mylo stuck his tongue out and made a face at her, falling back into their usual pattern of sibling rivalry.


    Powder, fuming, squeezed her bunny plushie tightly as if she were squeezing the life out of the annoying Mylo.


    Just wait until I learn something really cool.


    "Everyone''s busy. I just want to do something and contribute," Claggor said, much more maturely than the playful Mylo.


    "I see."


    Cipher nodded, considering how to arrange tasks for them.


    Vi wasn''t good at studying¡ªher talents lay entirely in combat. Even at her young age, she could defeat many experienced fighters.


    For now, she was most suited to becoming an enforcer at the Police and Military Bureau.


    Unlike Vi, who had put all her skill points into strength, Powder was a genius scientist. Her talent was at least on par with Jayce and Viktor.


    Then there was Ekko, another scientific genius.


    Cipher decided to have Powder join Ekko at Zaun Academy and study under Singed.


    Singed had mentored Viktor, a scientific prodigy, proving his unparalleled teaching ability.


    His methods were strict but effective.


    The only thing that worried Cipher was that Ekko had been eyeing Powder since they were kids. The way the boy watched her when he thought no one was looking said plenty.


    I''ll have to warn Singed to keep an eye on Ekko and make sure there''s no early romance nonsense!


    As for Mylo and Claggor... He studied the two as they shifted under his gaze.


    In the original storyline, these two brothers had been accidentally killed by Powder''s experiments early on, so their potential was never fully explored.


    However, in the ideal timeline shown in Season 2, when Ekko traveled through time, they were discussing ways to improve Zaun''s poor environment. This hinted that they might also have some scientific aptitude.


    For now, Cipher decided to send them to study under Singed alongside Powder and see how things developed. Better to keep the family close together.


    Having made up his mind, he wrote two letters of recommendation. He sealed them and handed one to Vi and the other to the steady Claggor.


    "Vi, take this recommendation letter to Sevika. She''ll arrange a position for you as an enforcer."


    "Enforcer? Haha, I knew you''d agree!"


    Vi jumped up excitedly, snatching the letter.


    Cipher smirked slyly.


    In the letter, he had made it very clear¡ªVi had to defeat Sevika in a head-on fight before she could officially start taking on missions.


    If she wanted to go wild out there, she''d better train hard first. She''d need five or six years of practice before she''d stand a chance.


    "And me?" Powder tugged on Cipher''s arm, looking up at him with those big, hopeful eyes again.


    "You''ll go to Zaun Academy with Claggor, Mylo, and Ekko to study under Professor Singed."


    "But... but I want to stay with Vi." Powder looked down sadly, not wanting to be separated from her sister.


    Cipher gently ruffled her curly hair. "If you learn well under Professor Singed, you won''t need to look for Vi¡ªshe''ll be the one crying and begging for your help."


    "Really?"


    Powder lifted her head. She seemed to be imagining the scene of Vi begging her for help¡ªit was certainly an amusing thought.


    "Of course."


    Cipher grinned mischievously. Without advanced technology on her side, Vi would have to train for years before she even had a chance to advance. Meanwhile, Powder''s genius would flourish under proper guidance.


    "Stop lying!"


    Vi''s death glare leveled up again. She couldn''t fathom any scenario where she''d end up crying and begging Powder for help.


    Not even in her dreams!


    But as she watched Powder''s excited face, she smiled.

 21 - Wireless Dreams, Wired Reality

    Piltover Academy, or just the Academy to most folks, was a prestigious institution renowned not only in the Zaun and Piltover but across the entire continent of Runeterra.


    It drew in brilliant minds from everywhere¡ªscientists, master technicians, and scholars, who dreamed up and built countless scientific inventions.


    Jayce, the inventor of Hextech and the pioneer of a new era, had become the brightest star of Piltover Academy. His reputation preceded him everywhere in these halls, whispered in reverent tones by students and faculty alike.


    The only scientist in the Academy more authoritative than him was the dean, Heimerdinger. His influence shaped every aspect of academic life, from the curriculum to the very philosophy of innovation itself.


    Currently, Jayce and Viktor have their own independent, large-scale laboratories funded with vast sponsorships¡ªso much money that they could hardly spend it all.


    Piltover had seven councilors, and at least four of them closely monitored the results of his research. Their interest meant both support and pressure, a double-edged sword that Jayce had learned to wield.


    Cipher, leveraging his fame as a genius mechanic, managed to convince an assistant professor from Piltover Academy to lead him to Jayce''s lab.


    This success was also thanks to the blessings of Heimerdinger. Under his guidance, Piltover Academy remained the only pure sanctuary of Piltover.


    Here, only the clash of academic thought mattered. Scientists exploring knowledge and pursuing progress were the ones worthy of respect. The politics of the outside world seemed to fade away within these walls.


    Otherwise, as someone from the Undercity, Cipher would have found it nearly impossible to meet someone as celebrated as Jayce through Piltover Academy.


    But science spoke its own language, one that transcended the divide between upper and lower cities.


    The assistant professor adjusted his spectacles nervously.


    "Jayce''s lab is just ahead. He doesn''t enjoy talking with people who can''t keep up with his pace. Thus, this is as far as I can take you," he said apologetically as he bid farewell to Cipher.


    "Thank you very much!"


    Cipher expressed his gratitude before heading straight to the entrance of Jayce''s lab. The door was impressive¡ªheavy wood reinforced with brass fittings, bearing scorch marks from past experiments.


    Before he could even knock on the door, he heard Jayce shouting angrily inside. The frustration in his voice was clear even through the thick wood.


    "No! They completely misunderstood what I meant! Viktor, we need assistants with stronger abilities!" Something crashed inside, probably a book being thrown.


    "Stop throwing the research journals, Jayce. Those are expensive."


    "They''re not as expensive as the time we''re wasting!" Jayce shot back. "The last assistant nearly blew up the stabilization matrix!"


    Then came Viktor''s calm yet slightly exasperated voice. "This is already your fourth batch of assistants. If you explain the principles and detailed steps clearly, they can understand. We need to work on teamwork with the assistants."


    "You sound like my mother," Jayce muttered. "Next you''ll tell me to eat my vegetables."


    "Your mother is a wise woman. And yes, you should eat more vegetables, it''s good for your health."


    Jayce''s footsteps paced back and forth. "Alright, alright. I''ll try to explain things in more detail. But¡­"


    Knock! Knock!


    A sudden knock on the door interrupted their conversation. The footsteps inside stopped abruptly.


    "Come in," Jayce said absentmindedly, clearly still distracted by his previous discussion.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    However, when he saw Cipher walk in, his eyes lit up. Jayce immediately rushed over to him, grabbing his hand and eagerly inviting him.


    "Cipher, join my research team! I need someone like you to collaborate. These assistants simply can''t meet the demands of my experiments!"


    His enthusiasm was almost childlike in its purity.


    Cipher discreetly withdrew his hand and directly declined, "I still have my own research project to complete. I can''t help you."


    "Ah, what research project could possibly be more important than Hextech?" Jayce asked with a regretful expression.


    After enduring assistants who couldn''t keep up with him, he deeply missed the joy of collaborating with another genius during the development of Hextech.


    Indeed, only a genius could truly team up with another genius.


    Unlike now, where every step felt like wading through mud, leaving him utterly frustrated.


    Viktor shot Jayce a knowing look from his workstation.


    "Let me show you something extraordinary," Cipher said, reaching into his bag. "I have an incredible invention, but I''m currently lacking funds and need investment. That''s why I was hoping you could introduce me to someone." He handed Jayce and Viktor the design specs of his wireless communication device.


    Viktor leaned forward with interest. "Another breakthrough?"


    "According to these specifications, this device can enable real-time communication within several miles. Wow, this is amazing!" Jayce was thrilled after reviewing the specifications.


    He spread the papers across his workbench, knocking over several tools in his excitement.


    "Careful with the prototypes," Viktor chided, catching a delicate instrument before it could fall.


    "But look at this routing system!" Jayce pointed eagerly. "The signal propagation is brilliant! How did you solve the interference problem?"


    "That''s actually an interesting story," Cipher said. "I had to redesign the whole transmission array three times before¡ª"


    "The power consumption looks remarkably efficient too," Viktor interrupted, studying another page. "This could work even in Zaun''s industrial districts."


    "That''s the point," Cipher nodded. "It needs to work everywhere, not just in ideal conditions."


    "This is an extraordinary technology. I can sense that in the future, the distance between people will grow ever smaller."


    With his expertise, Viktor could immediately see that this communication device, like his Hextech, had the potential to revolutionize people''s lives and benefit humanity on a massive scale.


    "But if you''ve already completed the research and have the product specs, why would you still need investment?" he asked curiously as he put down the schematics. He was genuinely pleased that Cipher had invented a technology capable of benefiting humanity.


    "In Piltover''s factories, they hire Zaunites to do the dirtiest, hardest, and most grueling jobs, yet they offer the worst pay and conditions." Cipher''s voice hardened slightly.


    "I want to build my own factory in Zaun, hire my own workers, and provide reasonable salaries for the people of Zaun. But that requires significant capital, which is why I need investments¡ªa lot of investments," Cipher explained directly, leaving Viktor momentarily silent.


    Viktor, who also aspired to improve the lives of those in the Undercity, hadn''t achieved anything concrete yet.


    But here was Cipher, already using his inventions to establish a factory and bring tangible benefits to the people of Zaun.


    Thus, he could only glance at Jayce.


    As someone from Zaun, Viktor had struggled to gain investment from the powerful families, even as a genius scientist. Although he received some offers after developing Hextech with Jayce, he turned them down.


    Now, to introduce investors to Cipher, he knew he could only rely on Jayce. His friend''s connections might be their best chance.


    "Viktor, don''t look at me like that. Cipher is my friend too¡ªI''ll definitely help him," Jayce grumbled with feigned irritation. After all, he wasn''t the type to abandon a friend!


    "Given the potential of your technology and your vision, I imagine you wouldn''t be interested in just any family investment." Jayce began pacing, his mind clearly working through possibilities.


    "I can write you a letter of recommendation for the Medarda family and the Kiramman family. But I can''t guarantee the extent of their investments¡ªyou''ll have to negotiate that yourself," Jayce said after some thought, ultimately deciding to recommend these two families, who had long been his sponsors.


    These were the two top-tier families most likely to respond favorably to his appeal.


    "That''s more than enough. Thank you, Jayce," Cipher said sincerely this time. But that didn''t mean he wouldn''t put pressure on Jayce in the future.


    Click, click, click!


    The sound of polished leather heels striking the floor echoed from outside the lab. The rhythmic and deliberate pace gave the impression of a melody if one listened closely.


    "How''s the Hextech research coming along?"


    The lab door swung open, revealing the dean of Piltover Academy, Heimerdinger, walking in with his hands behind his back.


    His hair was bright yellow, his face covered in white, fluffy fur, and his thick, bushy walrus-like mustache added an air of whimsical humor.


    "This young one is a new face. Is he a friend of yours?" He glanced at Cipher before turning to ask Jayce and Viktor.


    "Yes, Professor, Cipher is our friend. In fact, Hextech could only be developed thanks to his help," Jayce responded with genuine warmth.


    Viktor, meanwhile, went to brew tea, knowing how much Heimerdinger enjoyed a good cup.


    "Cipher? You''re the mechanic, Cipher? My boy, you''re even younger than I imagined!"


    Heimerdinger exclaimed in surprise, his bushy mustache quivering. He tilted his head and scrutinized Cipher from head to toe, seemingly very pleased with what he saw.


    With a warm smile, he said, "Would you like to join Piltover Academy? Viktor and Jayce are busy with Hextech research, and I''m in need of an assistant."

 22 - The Yordle Who Could Change Zauns Fate

    "Professor, you might be disappointed. Cipher has no intention of joining Piltover Academy."


    Jayce led everyone to a table.


    "That''s truly a pity. Your talent would flourish much better at Piltover Academy."


    Heimerdinger struggled to climb onto the chair Jayce had prepared for him, then sighed regretfully.


    "Professor, Cipher''s ambitions lie elsewhere." Viktor''s voice was steady as he brewed tea and poured a cup of black tea for everyone.


    "Everyone has their own path. I can''t force anyone. This tea is quite delightful. Mm~ mmm~"


    Heimerdinger hummed a little tune, enjoying his tea happily. His long ears twitched with pleasure at each sip, and his whiskers quivered in contentment.


    It was obvious that he really enjoyed drinking tea.


    "What brings you here to visit Jayce and Viktor this time? Is there a challenge you''re facing? Perhaps I can help you." Having finished his tea, he set down the cup and asked Cipher.


    Yordles always had a unique sense of purity about them. Their long lives often gave them a perspective humans struggled to understand.


    Heimerdinger was a highly pure scientist, deeply passionate about exploring the unknown and creating innovative inventions.


    Beyond that, he also loved teaching, mentoring, and solving problems, having nurtured countless outstanding scientists. The walls of his laboratory were lined with awards and recognition, though he paid them little attention.


    As for Piltover being called "The City of Progress," at least half of the credit could be attributed to Heimerdinger.


    His title as "The Revered Inventor" was well deserved, a recognition he earned while still alive. Yet he remained humble, focused always on the next problem to solve, the next student to teach.


    "Professor, I came this time seeking investment from the major families. I lack the connections, so I hoped Jayce could help me by writing a recommendation letter."


    Cipher showed great respect for Heimerdinger, recognizing him as a selfless and pure scientist.


    "Is it funding you need for an invention or research? I can represent Piltover Academy and provide you with some funds. It might not be much, but I hope it helps."


    Heimerdinger had a favorable impression of Cipher and proactively offered his assistance.


    This was mainly because Cipher''s previous inventions were all aimed at improving people''s lives. He didn''t charge patent fees and instead sought to increase workers'' wages.


    Such selfless actions made Heimerdinger see him as a noble-minded scientist, worthy of his support within his capabilities.


    Cipher''s earlier reputation made it hard for righteous individuals not to like him. Even Viktor nodded slightly in agreement.


    "Thank you very much, Professor. In fact, my research is already complete. The reason I''m seeking investment is that I lack funds to build a factory in Zaun for production."


    "Oh, and here are the product specifications."


    Cipher handed Heimerdinger a diagram. The yordle''s eyes widened as he studied the designs.


    "Ah, the sweet scent of science, so wonderful! This invention of yours is amazing. You really should join Piltover Academy." Heimerdinger''s enthusiasm was infectious.


    After reviewing the specifications, he couldn''t stop praising Cipher.


    He had an insatiable curiosity for fascinating inventions and couldn''t wait to try wireless communication.


    "However, I don''t think building a factory in Zaun is a good choice. Many industrial materials are prohibited from being sold to Zaun, which will greatly hinder production." Heimerdinger''s voice grew serious, his ears drooping slightly.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Perhaps you should consider building the factory in Piltover. I can appeal to the council on your behalf."


    Heimerdinger offered his suggestion.


    Compared to resource-deprived Zaun, where restrictions on imports and exports were commonplace, Piltover boasted a well-established industrial system, numerous skilled technicians, and a complete industrial chain.


    "Thank you for your kind offer, Professor. I know Zaun is impoverished and harsh."


    "More than half of the population suffers from hunger, and people die of starvation every day. And children can''t get proper food, clean water, or fresh air to breathe."


    "I study science to help Zaun escape poverty, to enable its people to live better lives, not to abandon the impoverished Undercity just to pursue a better life for myself. Therefore, no matter how challenging it may be, I will build the factory there to provide jobs for its people. I must respectfully decline your generous offer."


    "Is everything you said true?" Heimerdinger''s long ears drooped completely, making him look impossibly small in his chair.


    He suddenly felt that he had failed in his responsibilities, not fulfilling the duties of a council member. His tiny hands clutched at his tea cup, seeking comfort in its warmth.


    If he had paid attention to Zaun''s condition earlier, perhaps fewer people would have suffered.


    But Zaun''s dire situation wasn''t entirely Heimerdinger''s fault.


    Though he was a council member, he was treated more like a mascot than an actual authority figure. His colleagues'' polite smiles and gentle dismissals had effectively isolated him from reality.


    The others merely kept him around, but none took him seriously. They valued his inventions more than his insights.


    Moreover, due to his innocent nature and the fact that he mostly stayed at Piltover Academy, he was trapped in an information bubble, receiving only distorted information. This left him unaware of the suffering endured by the people of Zaun.


    "It''s true," Cipher said after a moment of silence, adding words that only deepened Heimerdinger''s dejection. "The so-called Bridge Rebellion launched by Zaun long ago was essentially a desperate attempt at self-rescue by a group of people who couldn''t survive any longer."


    "I''m truly sorry, child. For so many years, I''ve been focused on Piltover''s development and neglected Zaun," Heimerdinger said, looking at Cipher with regret.


    Cipher consoled him, saying, "Professor, this is not your fault. You bear no responsibility!"


    The conflict between the two cities fundamentally stemmed from class struggles, something not caused by Heimerdinger.


    "Is there anything I can do to help you? I could raise a council motion to address Zaun''s issues," Heimerdinger said, eager to do something for Zaun.


    "There are indeed two things I hope you can assist with in the council," Cipher replied.


    He had indeed prepared some requests.


    Though Heimerdinger was often seen as a mascot, his vote carried significant weight in council decisions.


    "Go ahead. I''ll do my best to help you," Heimerdinger said, clasping his hands together earnestly. His ears had perked up again, ready to listen.


    "The first thing is that I hope Piltover will lift its restrictions on raw materials for Zaun. In return, all the factories I establish in Zaun will accept Piltover''s investment." Cipher''s voice was steady and clear.


    "Take the wireless communication equipment as an example. While it benefits humanity, it will also generate immense wealth, which Zaun can share with Piltover."


    Cipher articulated a well-prepared plan, initially designed to convince councilors like Mel Medarda and Kiramman.


    He had even prepared a backup plan in case those councilors disagreed.


    Yes, Noxus!


    If pushed to the brink, he wouldn''t hesitate to side with Swain and Noxus, rather than endure the oppression of Piltover''s elite.


    So, if Piltover wouldn''t negotiate with him, he''d negotiate with Noxus instead. When that happened, Piltover could brace themselves for war against Noxian forces!


    But this backup plan wasn''t necessary with Heimerdinger. The yordle''s natural empathy made him a different kind of ally.


    "That''s a very reasonable request. I''ll submit it to the council. And the second matter?" Heimerdinger''s quick agreement brought a subtle smile to Cipher''s face.


    "Ah, the second is a personal matter," Cipher said, looking slightly sheepish. His posture softened, becoming less formal.


    "My younger sister, Powder, and her friend, Ekko, once broke into Jayce''s lab to steal something. By accident, they dropped a Hextech gemstone, which destroyed the lab."


    "I will cover all the damages, and the Hextech gemstone they took has already been returned to Jayce." Cipher gestured to emphasize his point.


    "I hope the council can have the enforcers stop pursuing them. I know this is an unreasonable request, but it''s a personal plea of mine."


    "These past years, I''ve been so absorbed in science that I''ve neglected to discipline my siblings," Cipher said sincerely.


    This issue was a significant risk. Without proper resolution, Piltover''s councilors would likely continue sending large numbers of enforcers into the Undercity to apprehend the culprits.


    Zaun was currently in a period of rapid development, and a major conflict with Piltover would be ill-timed.


    But Heimerdinger hesitated on this personal matter. He found it difficult to decide, as helping Cipher would mean aiding his sister and her friend in evading Piltover''s legal consequences.


    "Professor, Cipher has already returned the Hextech gemstone to me. And without his contributions, we wouldn''t have developed Hextech technology in the first place," Jayce said, stepping forward at the critical moment to advocate for forgiveness.


    "It was just a childish prank. Since there were no injuries, let''s leave it at that."


    "You''re right. A childish prank," Heimerdinger said, finally agreeing. "But we''ll still need to get the council''s approval." His ears perked up as he reached his decision.


    With even the victim choosing to forgive, he stopped agonizing over the matter.


    "Thank you for your help!" Cipher said as he sipped a cup of black tea, feeling thoroughly rejuvenated. The results of this visit had exceeded his expectations.

 23 - The Sheriffs Curiosity, The Councilors Fear

    "Mr. Cipher, please be patient for a moment; Councilor Kiramman will be here shortly." The butler''s voice carried the practiced warmth of someone who had welcomed countless distinguished guests.


    He led Cipher to the reception room.


    Even their servants carry themselves like nobility here.


    "Would you like coffee or black tea?"


    "Black tea, please. Thank you."


    "Please, no need to be polite. It''s my duty. Let me know if you need anything; I''ll be just nearby." The butler''s movements were smooth and practiced as he arranged the tea service.


    He served Cipher a cup of freshly brewed tea and some exquisite snacks before quietly retreating.


    Soon, the large reception room was left with only Cipher. There was no sign of nervousness or anxiety on his part; it was as if he wasn''t visiting the home of a high-ranking and powerful councilor.


    Crossing his legs, he leisurely sipped his tea, nibbled on snacks, and casually observed the interior design of the Kiramman residence.


    Each piece of furniture seemed carefully chosen.


    Although it was luxurious, the overall white color scheme gave it a surprisingly warm and cozy feeling.


    "Not bad taste," he remarked, closing his eyes for a brief rest.


    He had been utterly exhausted over the past few days, constantly busy from morning until night.


    Tap, tap, tap!


    Light footsteps echoed from the staircase.


    He opened his eyes and saw a blue-haired young woman with a ponytail descending the stairs. She carried a rifle on her back and wore casual attire suitable for outdoor activities. The weapon wasn''t just for show¡ªit hung with the comfortable familiarity of a well-used tool.


    It was Caitlyn Kiramman, the Sheriff of Piltover.


    Unlike her depiction in the original Arcane series, this Caitlyn had a more delicate and refined appearance, closely resembling the promotional posters from the early days of League of Legends.


    She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her movements carried the grace of someone equally comfortable in ballrooms and back alleys.


    "Hello, Miss Caitlyn."


    Beauty often had the power to alleviate fatigue. Cipher''s eyes lit up as he initiated a greeting, his posture straightening almost unconsciously.


    "Hello." Caitlyn responded briefly. Her tone was polite but carried an undercurrent of assessment.


    She approached Cipher and curiously observed him, her eyes missing nothing.


    He wore cheap clothing, clearly not a member of one of Piltover''s elite families, nor did he look like a wealthy merchant. The fabric was sturdy but worn, chosen for function over fashion.


    There was a faint smell about him¡ªbarely noticeable but detectable to her. It was the peculiar scent that comes from frequent exposure to industrial fumes.


    A Zaunite.


    Caitlyn''s curiosity deepened.


    The tea on the table was brewed from the finest leaves in the household, a luxury more expensive than gold. Only distinguished guests were treated with such hospitality.


    For a Zaunite to receive such treatment, there could only be one explanation: this person was an exceptionally talented scientist.


    The disparity intrigued her.


    She happened to know of such a person from Zaun, and the age matched. Her mind worked through the possibilities like solving a particularly interesting case.


    Scientists visiting councilors typically had only one purpose¡ªthey sought funding for research projects. The pattern was as familiar as her morning patrol route.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Caitlyn suddenly lost interest in going hunting. She put down her rifle and sat across from Cipher.


    "Mr. Cipher, you''re here to visit my mother today. Are you seeking investment for your research?" Her question was direct, but her tone remained conversational.


    Cipher, the genius mechanical engineer from Zaun, was known for rejecting offers from elite families, declining invitations from Piltover Academy and Heimerdinger, and refusing any investment in the past.


    His reputation preceded him like a shadow.


    For someone like him to now be seeking investment was a rare occurrence, and Caitlyn was intrigued. She leaned forward slightly.


    "The research is already complete," Cipher replied. "I''m here to discuss a factory collaboration with Councilor Kiramman." He met her gaze steadily.


    A hint of surprise flashed in Caitlyn''s eyes, but knowing her exceptional skills in criminal investigation and reasoning, he wasn''t entirely shocked. The smile that played at the corners of her mouth suggested she was enjoying the puzzle he presented.


    She could visit a crime scene once and perfectly reconstruct the entire sequence of events in her mind.


    Her reputation for brilliance was well-earned.


    "A factory collaboration? Are you planning to manage a factory yourself? That would take up a lot of your research time." Her tone suggested genuine curiosity rather than criticism.


    Caitlyn couldn''t quite understand Cipher''s reasoning. The current mainstream model of collaboration involved scientists contributing their technology in exchange for dividends.


    Production, operations, and marketing¡ªthese commercial activities were handled entirely by elite families, allowing scientists to focus exclusively on research. It was a system as old as Piltover itself.


    Jayce''s ongoing research on the Hexgates followed this model. The mention of his name often opened doors in Piltover''s higher circles.


    It was a win-win arrangement, benefiting both scientists and the elite families by allowing professionals to do what they did best.


    This system had built Piltover''s prosperity.


    "No, it''s different. I want to build a factory in Zaun," Cipher said, shaking his head.


    "In Zaun? Forgive my bluntness, but Zaun lacks a favorable business environment. My mother might not agree to invest," Caitlyn said as she poured herself a cup of tea, not particularly optimistic about his idea.


    Her mother was a shrewd and professional investor who always assessed the returns before making any decisions. The business world was as much her territory as the streets were Caitlyn''s.


    Given Zaun''s chaotic law and order, it didn''t seem like a viable location for production. Every officer knew the challenges of operating across that divide.


    "No, Councilor Kiramman will agree," Cipher replied meaningfully.


    Caitlyn was about to say more when a well-dressed middle-aged couple walked into the room.


    It was none other than Councilor Kiramman and her husband.


    "Mom, Dad, how was work today?"


    Caitlyn stood up to greet them, her face lighting up with a sweet smile.


    "There were some challenges, but we managed to resolve them. Overall, it went smoothly," her mother replied with a smile before turning to Cipher and apologizing, "Sorry to keep you waiting!"


    "You''re too kind. I''m deeply grateful that you could make time to meet me despite your busy schedule," Cipher responded, offering a polite but insincere compliment.


    In truth, he held little regard for Councilor Kiramman.


    The Kiramman family was somewhat akin to city planners. They were well aware of Piltover''s emissions of waste gases, industrial residues, and sewage into Zaun.


    Councilor Kiramman had even designed a ventilation system, ostensibly to allow Zaun to breathe "clean air."


    But in reality, the system gave her the ability to flood any corner of Zaun with toxic fumes whenever she pleased.


    In the original lore, when Jayce proposed Zaun''s autonomy, she was among the most vocal opponents. Why? Naturally, because of vested interests. Her opposition had helped maintain the status quo.


    Handling industrial pollution was costly and troublesome; dumping it into Zaun was far easier. The math was simple if you didn''t count human lives.


    With the ventilation system in place, she essentially held the lives of Zaun''s people in her hands. The system that gave life could just as easily take it.


    Cipher''s willingness to work with the Kiramman family wasn''t because of the councilor herself, but rather her daughter, Caitlyn.


    Sometimes you had to work with people you despised to reach those worth reaching.


    And Caitlyn was a genuinely good person, someone worth trying to win over.


    "I still have matters to discuss with Mr. Cipher. Caitlyn, since you plan to go hunting, you should hurry up. Don''t come back too late," Councilor Kiramman said, noticing the rifle at Caitlyn''s feet.


    "Alright, Mom," Caitlyn replied, though her eyes stayed on Cipher.


    She had wanted to chat with him a bit more, but it was clear her mother had her own agenda.


    Left with no choice, she picked up her rifle, waved goodbye to her parents and Cipher, and left for her hunting trip.


    Her footsteps faded away, taking the room''s warmth with them for Cipher.


    The large reception room was now left with just the three of them.


    "Mr. Cipher, I understand the purpose of your visit. Wireless communication devices are indeed an excellent commercial product," Councilor Kiramman began.


    "But I urge you to reconsider. Building a factory in Zaun is not a good idea. Based on your requirements, just the labor costs alone would be astronomical."


    As if you care about the worker, Cipher thought.


    "Perhaps we should look at reducing costs in other areas," she added, subtly hinting that Cipher should establish the factory in Piltover instead.


    Jayce''s letter of recommendation had been detailed, and Councilor Kiramman, before becoming a councilor, was herself a skilled artisan. Her technical knowledge made her more dangerous, not less.


    She clearly recognized the potential of wireless communication devices. And precisely because she recognized their value, she wanted to maintain complete control over them.


    And control was the currency of power in Piltover.


    If the factory were built in Zaun, even as a councilor, controlling it would be far more challenging. The thought clearly disturbed her carefully maintained composure.


    Zaun''s people were known for their fiery tempers; if they were provoked, they wouldn''t care whether you were a councilor or not. If they decided to retaliate, they wouldn''t hesitate to send you "sky-high."

 24 - Three Shares of Power, Zero Parts Mercy

    "Councilor Kiramman, the pursuit of business investment is all about return rates." He leaned forward slightly. "With your keen insight, I believe you''ll find that my wireless communication devices can bring immense wealth, just like Jayce''s Hexgate."


    "And you believe your devices can match such ambition?" She raised an eyebrow, perfectly manicured fingers wrapped around her teacup.


    "They won''t just match it¡ªthey''ll exceed it." Cipher smiled. "I secure the funding, and you earn at least tenfold returns. It''s a win-win!"


    "Tenfold?" She laughed softly. "Bold claims require bold evidence, Mr. Cipher."


    "The evidence is in the prototypes, Councilor Kiramman. Perhaps you''d like to see the test results?" He reached for his briefcase.


    She waved a hand dismissively. "Numbers can be manipulated. I''m more interested in your... infrastructure plans."


    Cipher set his briefcase down. "The production facilities would need to be in Zaun, of course. Where the workforce is."


    "Ah yes, Zaun." She took another sip of tea.


    He looked at Caitlyn''s mother with a mix of politeness and distaste, addressing her capitalist, exploitative nature.


    The lavish room around them only emphasized everything wrong with Piltover.


    She bore responsibility for the harsh environment of Zaun and the suffering of its people.


    Through the windows, the toxic clouds hanging over the Undercity were visible¡ªa constant reminder of what these negotiations were really about.


    She had made significant profits from Zaun but refused to invest a single coin back into it. Worse, she actively sought to block Zaun''s rise. The disparity was written in every luxury surrounding them, paid for with Zaun''s suffering.


    These so-called aristocratic families of Piltover, without exception, were parasites feeding off Zaun, sucking its lifeblood.


    All they wanted was for Zaun to remain stagnant¡ªa giant open-air dump and a source of cheap labor.


    Every coin these Piltover nobles earned was tainted, dripping with the blood of Zaun''s sons and daughters.


    And how many children went hungry to pay for this single room? The art on the walls alone could fund Zaun''s hospitals for years.


    Cipher wanted to lash out, but as the leader of Zaun, he had to suppress his anger and maintain composure.


    Forcing himself to stomach the revulsion, he continued playing along in this dirty capitalist game with her.


    He deliberately took a sip of tea, paused, and said, "And don''t forget the Hexgate is still in the research phase. My communication equipment, however, is ready for production."


    His eyes met hers across the table. "Would you reject wealth over something so trivial?"


    Cipher gave her a meaningful look.


    "I support mutually beneficial cooperation and have no problem with investment, but building a factory in Zaun¡­" She took a sip of her tea. "Perhaps you''re unaware."


    "You understand, of course, that Piltover''s regulations serve a purpose," she continued.


    "Yes, they certainly do," Cipher said evenly. "Though perhaps not the purpose officially stated."


    Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you suggesting our concern for safety is insincere?"


    "For the safety of Zaun''s people, Piltover enforces strict controls on hazardous industrial materials. If the factory were to be built in Zaun, production could be limited due to a lack of raw materials. I''m sure that''s a situation neither of us wants to see."


    Here it came¡ªshe had just played her first card, testing Cipher''s bottom line by bringing up industrial raw material restrictions.


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    Cipher raised an eyebrow; he hadn''t expected Piltover to be this brazen.


    For the safety of Zaun''s people?


    What a perfectly crafted lie.


    What utter nonsense.


    Only fools like Heimerdinger would buy such a ridiculous excuse.


    The so-called raw material restrictions were nothing more than Piltover''s deliberate tactic to strangle Zaun''s development at its source. It was no different from the economic sanctions imposed by the so-called "Free America."


    "I''ve spoken with Professor Heimerdinger, and he''s willing to ease Piltover''s restrictions on industrial raw materials for Zaun," Cipher said, watching her reaction carefully.


    Cipher thought for a moment and decided not to play his Noxian trump card just yet, instead leveraging Heimerdinger''s name. The game required patience.


    "Although Professor Heimerdinger is a councilor, lifting the restrictions on raw materials requires a decision from the council. From what I know, the chances of success aren''t high."


    She was slightly surprised. She hadn''t expected Cipher to approach Heimerdinger first and even secure his support.


    Still, she wasn''t overly worried. Suppressing Zaun wasn''t just her personal agenda as a councilor; it was a consensus among all councilors except Heimerdinger.


    If Zaun were to rise, the biggest losers would be Piltover''s elite. The conflicts between the two cities were nearly irreconcilable.


    "Some time ago, I made a deal with a certain Noxian general, and it was quite pleasant. And by my calculations, that batch of high-quality steel should be arriving soon."


    Cipher set down his tea, folded his hands, and smiled as he looked at Councilor Kiramman.


    This statement was a counterattack.


    High-quality steel also fell under the restrictions on industrial raw materials.


    Cipher''s message was clear: if Piltover won''t ease restrictions, I''ll just buy from Noxus.


    If the councilors were truly capable, they could try to block Noxian goods from entering Zaun. But did Piltover have that kind of power?


    Absolutely not!


    The councilors of Piltover might enjoy flexing their authority in their domain, but they were nothing in front of a Noxian general with real power.


    Cipher deliberately mentioned "a certain general" to remind her that Piltover''s stranglehold on raw materials could be bypassed.


    Instead of making things difficult, she might as well go with the flow, support Heimerdinger''s proposal, and lift the restrictions.


    "I didn''t expect Mr. Cipher to have trade channels with Noxus. Impressive for someone so young."


    Councilor Kiramman also set down her tea.


    After testing him, she realized Cipher wasn''t just a scientist obsessed with research¡ªhe had real political savvy. The realization changed something in her expression.


    Since that was the case, continuing to push and pull would be meaningless.


    "I can invest, and I can support Heimerdinger''s proposal in the council. But what will you offer me and the Kiramman family in return?"


    She got straight to the point and began negotiating terms.


    Cipher raised a single finger. "You can take 10% of the profits from the wireless communication equipment."


    "In return, you will gain my friendship. All my future research and inventions will be open to your investment."


    "With my support, your family will gain greater influence in Piltover."


    Councilor Kiramman didn''t respond immediately. She sipped her tea again, using the act to mask her true emotions.


    After thinking it over, she set down her cup and reevaluated him.


    Before meeting him, she had assumed Cipher¡ªwho had once made patents public in a seemingly selfless act¡ªwas nothing more than an idealist disconnected from reality.


    Someone with burning passion but no understanding of the world''s harsh realities. She thought his idealism would eventually be snuffed out, forcing him to compromise with reality.


    But today, after testing him in person, she realized how completely wrong she had been.


    Cipher was a man with clear goals and a firm grip on power.


    All of his previous selfless actions¡ªsuch as sharing patents¡ªlikely concealed a deeper, far-reaching plan. His ambition was anything but small.


    "You''re quite confident. Don''t you think 10% is too little? According to your proposal, I''ll have to invest an enormous amount of capital."


    She ultimately agreed to Cipher''s terms but voiced her concerns to angle for a better deal. Having an ambitious ally was better than creating an ambitious and capable enemy.


    "Too little? Not at all."


    Cipher shook his head and then dropped a bombshell that left her even more stunned.


    "I''ll only take 30% of the profits from the wireless communication equipment. One share for you, one share for Councilor Medarda, and one share for that Noxian general."


    "Including Noxus? That''s... unexpected."


    "Is it? Or is it merely uncomfortable?"


    Initially, Swain''s share wasn''t in the plan. But after witnessing Councilor Kiramman''s attitude toward Zaun today, Cipher realized that Zaun desperately needed a third party to shield it and buy time for development.


    Otherwise, any random councilor with a careless whim could create enough trouble to set Zaun back significantly.


    In this context, the importance of having a protector suddenly became very clear.


    And Swain was an excellent choice for this. He was powerful, strategic, and not the type to constantly covet the petty resources of his allies.


    He was likely far more reliable than Piltover''s aristocratic councilors.


    "You must be cautious when working with Noxus. They don''t exactly have a reputation for honoring business contracts."


    Her eyelids twitched. She couldn''t quite figure out Cipher''s intentions.


    Mel was Piltover''s wealthiest individual and one of its most influential councilors, with several councilors aligned under her leadership.


    Cipher seeking her investment and policy support made sense.


    But involving those "warlords" from Noxus?


    She felt as though Cipher might be issuing a warning¡ªto her and to the council as a whole.


    "Don''t worry about that. I know my limits."


    Cipher smiled faintly. In the fading light, his expression was impossible to read.

 25 - Love Makes Fools, War Makes Kings

    Next, Cipher visited Piltover''s richest person, Councilor Medarda.


    He adjusted his collar as he approached her residence.


    A guard with perfectly polished armor stepped forward.


    "State your business."


    "I have an appointment with Councilor Medarda."


    The guard''s eyes narrowed. "The chemtech stink gives you away, Zaunite. Papers?"


    Cipher produced Jayce''s letter. The guard''s demeanor shifted instantly upon seeing the signature.


    "My apologies, sir. Right this way."


    Amazing what a few ink strokes from the right person can do, Cipher thought as he followed the guard.


    ---


    Mel sat behind an ornate desk, sunlight streaming through tall windows and catching on the gold ornaments adorning her dark skin.


    She examined the proposals with keen interest, her fingers trailing along the detailed plans.


    "These infrastructure projects could benefit both our cities," she said with a slight smile.


    She was easier to talk to than he had imagined.


    Without much effort, he secured her support.


    The big "trump card" he had prepared for Noxus wasn''t even needed, which felt a little unreasonable.


    Thinking it over, he believed that the key factor was Jayce''s handwritten letter of recommendation. The familiar handwriting seemed to soften something in Mel''s expression as she read it.


    Looking at it now, Jayce and Mel likely had a close and ambiguous relationship for a long time. Perhaps they were already romantically involved.


    Otherwise, there was no way to explain her attitude. She didn''t even bother negotiating for more benefits; she simply agreed readily without much discussion.


    Love really did make fools of us all.


    He is truly something else. He''s got the charm to completely captivate Mel.


    Cipher secretly grumbled about Jayce. It would be a lie to say he wasn''t envious.


    Mel had no flaws.


    She was wealthy, beautiful, capable, gentle, and considerate¡ªthe perfect supportive partner.


    Cipher also wanted to live the easy life. Unfortunately, he didn''t have Jayce''s charm and strength.


    Some guys get all the luck ¨C and the abs.


    After venting about Jayce, he quickly returned to Zaun. The familiar smell of chemicals and industrial waste replaced Piltover''s air.


    The initial funding was now in place, and Zaun could begin its massive infrastructure projects.


    With such large-scale investment, all that remained was to keep the production line steady, and everything would fall into place.


    So far, everything was going smoothly, and he was in high spirits. The streets of Zaun felt less gloomy today.


    "We need to re-establish contact with Swain. Send him samples of the explosive rounds and wireless communication equipment." He gathered his men, their faces eager for direction.


    "Although I need his support, that 10% revenue cut isn''t for free. I''ll ask him for an interest-free loan in return."


    Upon returning to the Black Lanes, Cipher immediately ordered a meeting with top leaders such as Silco and Sevika.


    The meeting would focus on two main topics: How to spend the money effectively ¡ª this time, it had to be spent on sharp, impactful endeavors, not wasted carelessly. And how to handle Swain''s docks and show proper respect.


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    Each point needed careful consideration.


    ---


    Knock knock!


    A young Noxian commander knocked on the door of Swain''s office.


    "Come in!"


    A steady, magnetic voice came from within.


    Just hearing that distinctive voice was enough to reveal the presence of a powerful figure who had long held authority.


    He openend the door and entered the office.


    The expansive office was adorned in only black and red tones, exuding an atmosphere of iron and blood.


    The most eye-catching feature of the room was a large military operations map hanging on the wall, along with Noxus''s black flag. Pins and markers dotted the map, each representing armies and resources.


    Swain, the general most trusted by the Emperor of Noxus, was known as the most loyal Raven of Darkwill.


    Why? Because he had personally sent his treacherous parents to the guillotine for the empire.


    At this moment, he stood before Noxus''s black flag, focused on reviewing war intelligence sent back by his men.


    "Teacher, you summoned me?"


    The young man bowed his head, full of respect.


    He noticed two peculiar red bullets and two black metal boxes on Swain''s desk. They seemed out of place among the military documents.


    Swain was the cornerstone of Noxus''s new military aristocracy. Without his support, the new nobles would have been suppressed to death by the old nobility, who held vast political resources.


    "Lester, I need you to select and dispatch a team of a thousand elite soldiers to Zaun."


    Swain paused his work, looked up, and fixed his gaze on his promising disciple. His eyes seemed to pierce through pretense, reading intentions like open books.


    Lester, born a slave, had earned recognition on the battlefield with his bravery and achievements. Swain saw potential in him, brought him under his wing, and personally promoted him to a military noble.


    "Zaun?"


    He was stunned. He knew little about that place, only that it was a poor and backward city with no apparent value for conquest.


    What could be worth sending a thousand of our best to that toxic pit?


    Compared to Zaun, he was more interested in the wealthy city of Piltover.


    He had once dreamed of leading troops to conquer it, bringing immense wealth to himself and his mentor. The fantasies of glory had kept him warm on cold campaign nights.


    However, Piltover was already marked as the private territory of the Matriarch of the House Medarda, a Noxian military leader who fiercely guarded her family''s interests.


    Her influence stretched far and deep. Her armies were not to be trifled with.


    The matriarch, despite being an old warlord, was known for her valor in battle and was highly praised by Swain. There was potential for a political alliance with her.


    Because of this, Lester had long given up his ambition to conquer Piltover.


    As for Zaun, he only knew that his teacher had a close collaboration with a certain scientist from there.


    The details had always been kept from him.


    "Lester, as a general of the Empire, you need more than just martial strength. You must also have vision and be adept at identifying what is valuable to Noxus," Swain said, noticing Lester''s distracted look.


    "Based on the intelligence, our collaborator in Zaun is far more capable than we initially thought."


    He handed Lester a document detailing everything Cipher had done after seizing power in the Undercity.


    The pages were filled with neat script.


    "Militarily uniting Zaun, leveraging our partnership to lift Piltover''s restrictions on Zaun, securing investments, vigorously developing industry, introducing wireless communication devices and explosive rounds¡­" Lester read aloud, his eyebrows rising with each achievement.


    "This Cipher has done well, but Noxus has far more capable individuals in the realm of politics," Lester said after reviewing the document.


    "In terms of political achievements, I believe his weapon developments are more impressive. He seems better suited for a laboratory than for leadership. I don''t understand why you place such importance on him."


    "Is that so? Lester, would you ever grant freedom and dignity to the serfs in your lands and allow them to live respectable lives?" Swain asked.


    "This¡­"


    Lester was at a loss for words. Of course, he wouldn''t. It wasn''t just a matter of willingness¡ªdoing so would bankrupt him.


    The very idea seemed absurd.


    "Cipher would. And so far, he''s doing it very well."


    "Zaun''s finances are healthy, and the people have a high degree of satisfaction with him as their leader. They''re even willing to shed blood and sacrifice for him." He gestured to the reports spread across his desk.


    "I''m also very interested in his idea of state-owned factories. A novel concept¡ªfacilities that don''t belong to any individual or organization, but to the nation itself, to protect the country''s core interests."


    In Cipher, he saw the potential for something that could make Noxus even stronger. The possibilities stretched before him like an unfolding map.


    He needed to closely observe Cipher, watching everything he did in Zaun. Each success or failure would be a lesson.


    Only then would he decide, based on Cipher''s challenges and accomplishments as a leader, whether to push for similar reforms in Noxus.


    Swain was treating Zaun as a pilot city for Noxus''s potential reforms. If Cipher succeeded, it would prove what Swain had long suspected¡ªthat the empire needed to evolve beyond its old ways to truly prosper.


    He studied the reports on his desk one last time before looking up at his student. "Change is coming, whether we like it or not. The question is: will we lead it, or be crushed by it?"


    Lester shifted uncomfortably under his mentor''s piercing gaze. Why is he telling me this now?


    "This time when you go to Zaun, your official mission is to oversee the commercial collaboration regarding explosive rounds and wireless communication equipment."


    "But in reality, your task is to carefully observe everything Cipher does and monitor the changes taking place there." He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. "You must also write a detailed report."


    He picked up one of the metal boxes from his desk, turning it over in his hands before extending it to Lester. "Take this wireless communicator. With it, I can contact you at any time."


    "When do I leave for Zaun?"


    "Tomorrow. And Lester?" Swain''s voice held a note of warning. "Remember¡ªobserve everything, but don''t interfere. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from watching others struggle through their challenges."


    Lester bowed and left the office.

 26 - Ignorance Is Not Bliss, Its Invitation

    Several massive warships were docked in Piltover''s harbor, the black flags of Noxus fluttering in the wind.


    "So, this is the private domain that matriarch left as a reserve for her family?"


    "Truly wealthy. Hmm, and also weak. The fear in the eyes of the people says it all. They''ve grown too comfortable here, afraid of bloodshed and terrified of sacrifice."


    "The Empire''s forces could crush all resistance without lifting a finger and completely conquer this place!"


    The moment Lester set foot on the soil of Piltover, he noticed the vast number of large merchant ships in its harbor. Each vessel was filled with goods from across the world.


    The sheer volume of transport was astonishing. The docks bustled with activity, cranes lifting cargo and workers rushing to and fro like ants around sugar.


    Above, countless floating airships served as advanced means of transportation¡ªa display of technological might that would impress anyone but a Noxian general.


    Further out, he could see exquisitely decorated buildings, wide streets, and roads paved with what appeared to be expensive white stone.


    These all symbolized immense wealth. The entire city radiated a golden aura of luxury and affluence. Yet to Lester''s trained eye, it all seemed like a gilded cage.


    But beyond these displays of wealth, he also noticed the deep fear the people held toward him¡ªand toward Noxus. Every civilian who caught sight of his uniform quickly found somewhere else to be.


    Such profound fear.


    Just as it should be.


    Fat, plump lambs¡ªjuicy and tender. What a pity they''re already penned in by the House Medarda. Such a pity...


    Lester''s eyes revealed a tinge of regret. He had hoped to claim such a perfect piece of land as a reserve for his newly established family.


    The wealth here could fund an army for years.


    "General Lester." A woman''s voice called out to him. "Welcome to Piltover."


    Mel stood at the harbor''s edge, her elegant white gown catching the sunlight. A practiced smile graced her features as she approached the Noxian general.


    Lester turned from his observation of the harbor, his boots clicking against the stone dock. So this is the Iron Wolf''s daughter.


    "Ah, Good morning, Miss Medarda. Your reputation precedes you."


    He concealed his predatory gaze and returned the greeting with courtesy.


    Swain had potential plans for a political alliance with the matriarch of the House Medarda. It would not do to be disrespectful in the presence of her daughter, even if this she had been exiled by her own mother.


    "As does yours, General." She bowed her head slightly. "I trust your journey from Noxus was uneventful?"


    "As uneventful as Noxian waters ever are. Though I must say, your mother''s influence does make certain passages remarkably smooth. My mentor speaks of her often¡ªa truly formidable warrior."


    Mel''s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "You honor us with such praise, General. Though here in Piltover, I prefer to be addressed as Councilor Medarda."


    Her tone carried a hint of displeasure, showing no delight at the compliment to her mother.


    "In Piltover, titles reflect merit, not bloodlines," she added, her chin lifting slightly.


    "Of course... Councilor... Medarda. My apologies for the oversight"


    A strange smile curved Lester''s lips. He had a good idea now why Mel had been banished by the Iron Wolf. Her attempts at projecting power were as transparent as Piltovan glass.


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    Weak and naive¡ªtraits that left no room for survival in the iron-blooded world of Noxus.


    However, this also made him suspect that the Iron Wolf''s exile of Mel was not as simple as the rumors suggested. She didn''t waste resources, even failed ones.


    "But I must remind you that the title of Piltover Councilor does not hold the same prestige as being a member of the House Medarda."


    His words appeared to be a reminder but were actually a test. Every reaction could reveal a weakness he could report back to Swain.


    If he could grasp the Iron Wolf''s weakness, it would give his mentor greater leverage within the Empire.


    "Your mother speaks highly of Piltover''s potential," he probed further.


    "Does she? Last I heard, she considered potential without action to be worthless."


    "Perhaps that''s why you''re here, and not in Noxus."


    "Piltover is a city of balanced progress. Here, I don''t believe we require Noxian methods."


    Mel smiled as she responded, though she was well aware of the Noxians'' ways.


    This was a group that only respected strength. Lester might show some superficial politeness, but only because of her mother and the Medarda name.


    A Piltover councilor? Sorry, the Noxians wouldn''t acknowledge it!


    "As you wish."


    Lester agreed to Mel''s request, and his demeanor shifted immediately. The pretense of warmth vanished like morning mist.


    "Councilor Medarda, my visit here is for the purpose of commercial cooperation with Zaun. I trust the letter my mentor sent to the House Medarda clarified the intent."


    To reach Zaun, one had to pass through Piltover. Swain, to avoid any misunderstandings, had specifically written to the Iron Wolf explaining the purpose.


    "Indeed, I''ve received a message from my family and will do my best to assist with your commercial collaboration."


    Mel''s expression grew somewhat complicated. She hadn''t expected the Noxians to bypass Piltover entirely and establish direct trade relations with Zaun and Swain. It was like watching a predator ignore a guard dog to speak directly with the sheep.


    Her mother had mentioned Swain in the letter¡ªa leader so formidable that even she approached him with caution. Mel had been instructed to maintain goodwill at all costs.


    And Lester was Swain''s prized prot¨¦g¨¦, a direct representative of his will.


    "Do you know much about Cipher? He is the target of my business collaboration this time. My mentor, Swain, is quite interested in his inventions."


    Lester''s eyes gleamed as he sought information on Cipher. Every word Mel spoke or didn''t speak would be valuable intelligence.


    He hadn''t forgotten the task Swain assigned him¡ªto understand Cipher''s policies through Piltover''s leadership.


    "Tell me about him. What do you know of him?"


    "Cipher? Although I''ve invested in some of his inventions, I don''t know much about him," Mel replied after some thought.


    "I only know he''s a machinist from Zaun, once publicly shared his patents, and even demanded better treatment for workers."


    She lowered her head in contemplation but found nothing remarkable about him beyond his exceptional research capabilities.


    Lately, her focus had been on Jayce and his research into the Hexgate, leaving little attention for Cipher or Zaun.


    "Oh, I see." What ignorance.


    Lester smiled faintly. He realized that Mel, as a leader of Piltover, held an even more dismissive attitude toward Zaun than he had expected.


    According to the intelligence, Cipher had already unified Zaun, revitalized its industries, stimulated its economy, and aggressively expanded its military.


    His goals were practically obvious¡ªlaunching a direct strike against Piltover to secure rights through force.


    And yet, the councilors of Piltover were completely unaware. Zaun lay right under their noses, and they remained ignorant of its developments.


    Neither Piltover''s leadership nor its residents took Zaun seriously.


    It seemed they believed they could crush Zaun effortlessly.


    But was that really the case?


    Did they even realize what was brewing beneath their feet?


    Lester was intrigued.


    "General, what are your plans next? Perhaps you could visit the Medarda estate and experience Piltover''s hospitality," Mel offered, her tone honey-sweet.


    This was essentially a Noxian-style invitation of mutual benefit. Mel intended to introduce Lester to other councilors, laying the groundwork for trade agreements between the two sides.


    It was also a test¡ªa way to probe his true intentions.


    She didn''t believe for a moment that Lester had come all this way just to do business in Zaun.


    "Surely a few hours'' delay..." she pressed when he didn''t immediately respond.


    "Thank you for your kind offer, Councilor Medarda, but I must first deliver my goods to Zaun. My business partner there is quite impatient."


    Lester declined without hesitation. "In my experience, timing is everything in both war and commerce."


    His mentor valued Cipher greatly, and Lester needed to meet him first to determine his approach to Piltover. Until then, he couldn''t recklessly accept Piltover''s overtures.


    "In that case, I won''t keep you any longer, General. When you have time, you''re welcome to visit the Medarda estate," Mel said, her pupils narrowing slightly.


    Lester''s refusal had made one thing clear¡ªSwain''s focus was on Zaun.


    Something significant must have happened in Zaun that she was unaware of. And based on Lester''s inquiries about Cipher, it was highly likely that this change was brought about by the machinist.


    "My butler will escort you to Zaun. We wouldn''t want you to... lose your way," Mel said, forcing a smile. She needed to understand everything that had transpired in Zaun recently.


    "Thank you for your help, Councilor Medarda," Lester replied, his deep gaze accompanied by a subtle, enigmatic smile.


    "Though sometimes, losing one''s way leads to the most interesting discoveries."


    Without stirring the waters of Zaun and Piltover, and letting the problems fully erupt, it would be difficult for him to deliver the perfect answer to his mentor.

 27 - Hunting Partners, Not Friends

    Lester declined Mel''s offer to help.


    He even chose not to use any transportation tools, instead having the soldiers carry the goods on foot to Zaun.


    It wasn''t that he deliberately wanted to make the soldiers suffer; rather, he wanted to parade openly through Piltover to observe the reactions of its citizens. This would help him make his own judgment.


    Thus, Noxus'' elite soldiers, in pairs, carried goods to Zaun. Their boots struck the pavement in perfect rhythm, the sound echoing off the tall buildings.


    "These streets are too clean," one soldier muttered to his partner. "Makes my boots feel dirty just walking here."


    "Clean streets, weak spirits," his companion replied with a sneer. "The General''s right about this place."


    Along the way, Lester carefully observed Piltover''s citizens and found that this city truly lacked spirit.


    Everyone he encountered on the road avoided direct eye contact with him, unwilling to meet the gaze of Noxus'' army.


    Even the enforcers responsible for maintaining order in the city averted their eyes when they saw the iconic black-and-red armor of Noxus.


    Not a single person stopped them for questioning. They simply allowed Lester''s well-equipped elite team to march straight through the city without resistance.


    The display of cowardice was almost disappointing.


    Although his team only had a hundred men, by his estimation, they could easily defeat hundreds of enforcers.


    Including himself, that number could double. The thought wasn''t a boast¡ªit was a cold calculation based on what he''d seen.


    If he were truly inclined to act, the chances of capturing Piltover at that moment were not low. The city''s defenses seemed to rely more on reputation than actual strength.


    "Plump lambs, but sadly raised by a vicious wolf," Lester muttered, shaking his head. His admiration for the Iron Wolf grew once again.


    In Noxus, the strong were supreme. To him, Piltover''s evaluation had already sunk below zero.


    The city''s wealth couldn''t mask its weakness.


    Even with advanced weaponry, they were merely lambs with fangs, still a delicious meal for wolves and utterly vulnerable. At the end of the day, all their technological advancement meant nothing without the will to fight.


    Piltover was just a spineless lamb, but what about Zaun?


    Lester was very curious about this city that had garnered so much attention from his superiors. The Progress Bridge loomed ahead, marking more than just a physical boundary¡ªit was where gold-plated fear met steel-forged resolve.


    Crossing the checkpoint set up by enforcers at the Bridge of Progress, he finally encountered the gaze he had been looking for on the other side.


    Fierce, ruthless, and untamed. The eyes that met his didn''t even waver for a second.


    Lester liked such eyes¡ªthey were the eyes of a wolf. Finally, someone worthy of Noxian respect.


    The owner of such a gaze would be recognized by the Empire.


    And the gaze came from a woman¡ªa strong, dark-skinned woman. She stood with the confidence of someone who had earned her position through strength rather than politics.


    Zaun''s Second Deputy Mayor, Sevika.


    Lester had read her file; she was a warrior with conviction.


    "I like your eyes," he called out. "What''s your name? I''m Lester of Noxus, responsible for business activities with Zaun."


    He extended his hand, offering goodwill. In her stance, he recognized a kindred spirit¡ªsomeone who understood that respect had to be earned through strength.


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    Noxus valued only capability, disregarding everything else. The woman''s fierce, wolf-like eyes earned his respect immediately.


    "Sevika, Deputy Mayor of Zaun and Director of the Police and Military Bureau," she replied, with a cigarette hanging from her lips, looking rather nonchalant. Smoke curled around her words as she spoke. "The Mayor sent me to meet you."


    Her lack of courtesy wasn''t deliberate¡ªCipher had instructed her explicitly.


    She exhaled a smoke ring through her nose, puzzled by Lester''s enthusiasm and what he might be planning.


    Nevertheless, she shook hands with him. Her grip was firm, matching his strength.


    Cipher had told her that this group of Noxians might help Zaun get through its toughest period. She wasn''t about to waste the opportunity.


    Sevika wasn''t one to play mind games¡ªpolitics wasn''t her forte, but she knew how to listen. And more importantly, she knew how to show strength without starting a fight.


    "The people of Piltover look at us with fear in their eyes, but you dare to stare at us with the gaze of wolves. I''m not surprised that someone like you in Zaun''s leadership has such courage. But why does even your subordinates dare to do the same?"


    Lester was curious. Her people''s defiance didn''t match their supposed position.


    In his view, if Zaun was being suppressed by Piltover, it meant their strength was far inferior. Yet here they stood, unafraid.


    The powerful Piltover citizens didn''t dare to face Noxus, yet the weaker Zaunites did. Their courage seemed to defy logic.


    From what he observed, these Zaunites not only dared to stare, but they also dared to take action.


    This was interesting¡ªweren''t they afraid of death? Or was there something more?


    "Piltover folks grow up with milk and bread. They wear shoes, think about how to enjoy life, and of course, they fear you¡ªbecause if they die, there''s nothing left to enjoy," Sevika sneered, tapping ash from her cigarette.


    "And us..."


    She let out a cold snort. "We have to fight with knives just for a bite of food. So, tell me, why wouldn''t we dare?"


    "Here, if you''re not ruthless enough, if you''re not united enough, you won''t survive."


    Some of what Sevika said about Piltover came from Silco and Cipher, though her understanding wasn''t as deep.


    But she knew Zaun very well. Even back when the Chem-Barons fought among themselves, not a single Baron''s enforcer would flee a battle unless their leader was already dead.


    If they won, everyone''s lives would improve slightly; if they lost, they''d all die together.


    Zaun''s harsh living conditions, ironically, brought people together. And hardship had forged them into something stronger than mere survival.


    "Oh, but as I understand it, you''ve earned significant wealth through trade with us Noxians," Lester remarked. "Trade has made you prosperous. Doesn''t prosperity breed weakness?"


    "Prosperity?" Sevika scoffed. "We turned your coins into weapons, your trade into armor. Ask Piltover if we''ve grown weak."


    "By that logic, we should be your friends. Do you treat your friends like wolves?" Lester smiled.


    Sevika''s answer had given him part of the perfect solution to his thoughts. This city understands power better than their wealthy neighbors ever could.


    The contrasting survival environments of the both cities had led to completely different survival philosophies among their people.


    His mentor was likely interested in this very situation and had deliberately sent him here to observe firsthand.


    "Friends? Noxus doesn''t have friends. Wolves only ally with other wolves. You''re wolves, and so are we," Sevika said matter-of-factly. "And don''t forget, wolves don''t need friends. They need hunting partners."


    "And what prey does Zaun hunt?"


    "Whatever threatens our freedom."


    Before coming, Cipher had explained to her the abstract concept of Noxus'' "might-makes-right" philosophy.


    When dealing with Noxians, one must never show even the slightest weakness.


    It was crucial to make them understand that war wouldn''t bring them what they wanted. Otherwise, these madmen would inevitably send troops to try and conquer through force.


    To Noxus, lambs were merely food. Only fierce wolves had the potential to become Noxus'' allies.


    The idea of "friends" didn''t exist in Noxian diplomacy.


    Their diplomacy was either sending "war masons" to prepare for conquest or assassins for a friendly "greeting." Take Talon, the Blade''s Shadow, as an example¡ªhe was considered one of Noxus'' most infamous "diplomats."


    "Interesting. I can''t wait to meet your Mayor," Lester said, now intrigued by Cipher, who had unified Zaun and clearly understood Noxus very well.


    That also meant he likely knew Lester''s teacher very well too.


    After all, the more someone understood Noxus, the less inclined they would be to engage in deep cooperation with it.


    The reason was simple: among Noxus'' ruling class, there weren''t many farsighted individuals who genuinely respected others.


    The new nobles were better, but the old aristocratic families were mostly greedy, short-sighted, and ignorant.


    They would often send capable, rising officers to die on the battlefield for ridiculous reasons¡ªusually out of fear that those officers would replace members of their own house.


    Unlike his teacher, they would never provide equal opportunities for cooperation, let alone invest in or cultivate talent.


    "Let''s go. The Mayor has been waiting for you for a long time," Sevika said, motioning for her enforcers to help carry the goods.


    Lester didn''t refuse. From Sevika and the Zaunites, he saw Zaun''s attitude¡ªone that resonated deeply with Noxian values.


    It was very Noxian. Very much to his taste.


    If he had to choose a partner for Noxus, he would only choose Zaun, a city that was weak but fierce like wolves.


    Piltover, despite its strength, was nothing more than soft lambs.


    Young wolves could quickly grow into fierce predators through battle, but lambs would always remain prey.


    This was a truth he had learned back when he was a slave.


    Some chose to stay lambs. Others chose to become wolves. The choice makes all the difference.


    And he chose to become a wolf, which caught Swain''s attention and earned him a place among Noxus'' new military nobility.

 28 - The General and the Boy Mayor

    "General Lester, welcome to Zaun." Cipher stepped forward with a warm smile, his youth even more apparent in the harsh lighting.


    This boy runs a city? The intelligence reports weren''t exaggerating. Lester studied the young mayor''s face carefully. "Ci... Mayor, you''re even younger than I imagined."


    He was not quite used to addressing him as "Mayor." Although he had learned from intelligence that Cipher was young, actually meeting him in person still made Lester feel surprised.


    There was an odd sense of unreality.


    At Cipher''s age, Lester was still being used as cannon fodder in a slave camp, while Cipher was already in charge of an entire city.


    The contrast made his head spin a bit.


    "I trust your journey wasn''t too unpleasant?" Cipher asked, gesturing to a nearby chair.


    Lester''s lips twitched. "Your city has quite the welcome party. The chemical fog was... memorable."


    "Our city''s unique perfume," Cipher said with a hint of self-mockery. "Strong enough to make even Noxian warriors pause."


    "Your city has many..."


    Before Lester could elaborate, a shadow fell across the room. A man with a mechanical eye stepped forward.


    "General Lester, let me introduce you to Zaun''s First Deputy Mayor, Silco. He''s in charge of taxes and customs," Cipher said, pointing to Silco.


    "General Lester, welcome to Zaun." Silco, fully aware of Lester''s background, could only repeat the formalities without much substance.


    "Deputy Mayor Silco, I agree with your philosophy of persisting in armed struggle. Compromising doesn''t bring dignity; only force earns respect," Lester remarked, clearly having a thorough understanding of Silco''s stance and hitting the mark with his compliment.


    This was also Lester''s deliberate attempt to project Noxus'' strength through intelligence to gain the upper hand in the conversation.


    Swain had specifically sent him to Zaun precisely because Lester had limited political acumen.


    "Zaun doesn''t have any ports or docks, so why has Mayor Cipher established customs?" he suddenly asked as if he had just remembered something.


    His eyes never left Cipher''s face.


    The boy didn''t even flinch.


    Most people, even hardened warriors, found Lester''s battle-scarred face and predatory stare unsettling. But Cipher met his gaze with an ease that spoke of either foolishness or absolute confidence.


    "Customs is really just a label. It''s used to collect tariffs on imports and exports." Cipher''s tone remained casual.


    Tariffs were something all nations imposed, though Zaun''s terminology was a bit peculiar. Lester immediately understood. Beyond collecting taxes, customs duties could protect domestic markets through tax rates.


    For a city-state government based on industry, it was indeed an essential administrative department.


    "If I''m not mistaken, that Bridge of Progress must be the main trade route between Zaun and Piltover," he speculated, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "I noticed the checkpoints set up by Piltover''s enforcers, but it seems I didn''t see your customs officials."


    "For now, we pick our battles carefully," Cipher replied, his eyes meeting Lester''s.


    "Noxus could help change that... immediately."


    "Some changes are better made gradually, wouldn''t you agree?"


    Cipher paused before continuing, "And to be honest, I didn''t want to provoke Piltover''s councilors too soon. At present, Zaun isn''t strong enough to confront Piltover head-on."


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    Lester was going to stay in Zaun for a while, so it wasn''t something he could hide. In fact, his arrival was something Cipher had intentionally requested from Swain.


    The purpose was to use the intimidating presence of Noxus as a temporary deterrent against Piltover, buying Zaun time to develop peacefully.


    Judging from how easily Lester pinpointed Silco''s ideology, Swain had clearly already gathered intelligence on Zaun. With Swain''s abilities, Cipher wouldn''t be surprised if Swain even knew the color of his underwear.


    "Do you need help? We Noxians are more than happy to assist our allies. You don''t have to worry about Piltover¡ªthey wouldn''t dare defy us."


    "Your policies could be implemented smoothly¡ªnot just your customs policies," Lester added with a subtle smile, emphasizing the word "policies."


    "General Lester, all you need to do is stay in Zaun for a while and test the new weapons and equipment we''ve developed for Noxus. As for everything else, Zaun can handle it on its own," Cipher replied with a chuckle, rejecting Lester''s proposal without hesitation.


    The last thing he wanted was to end up like Caitlyn from the second season of the original story, stuck roasting over a fire, manipulated by Noxus.


    Heavy boots echoed on the wooden floor as Sevika entered the room, her presence immediately drawing every eye. "Deputy Mayor Sevika, you met her on your way here. She''s responsible for maintaining order in Zaun," Cipher continued, skillfully steering the conversation away from the previous topic.


    "Your men seemed surprised by our security measures," Sevika said bluntly, her arms crossed.


    "Surprised... and impressed. You run a tight operation," Lester responded, genuine respect in his voice.


    "We''ve doubled patrols in the lower sectors," Sevika stated.


    "Expecting trouble?"


    "In Zaun, we prefer to prevent trouble rather than react to it," Cipher cut in smoothly.


    "Hmm, Deputy Mayor Sevika really has the gaze of a fierce wolf. She''s clearly a strong warrior," Lester remarked, this time with genuine admiration.


    On his way to The Last Drop, he had seen Zaun''s current state with his own eyes. To put it mildly, it was far more shocking and horrifying than the intelligence reports suggested.


    The air was toxic.


    The water was toxic.


    And even the land itself was poisoned.


    The harsh environment was bad enough, but Lester didn''t even want to comment on the food.


    It was too clean and hygienic...


    Zaun''s living conditions were worse than what he experienced in the slave camps as cannon fodder. Even Noxian slave soldiers got to eat proper meals. If they achieved merits in battle, they could become formal soldiers; with great achievements, they could even become nobles, just like Lester himself.


    Not to forget, Noxian slave soldiers had something to hope for. But in Zaun?


    Based on their intelligence, if it weren''t for Cipher''s sudden rise and if Noxus hadn''t been planning to conquer the both cities, this city''s people had no hope¡ªonly gut-wrenching despair.


    Before Cipher''s efforts, there were mining jobs with a non-stop 16-hour work schedule, seven days a week. Three years guaranteed death. And yes, even child laborers were subjected to this same work system. Mining. They lasted about a year before dying.


    Humans were treated like disposable resources.


    Even for children sent to their deaths, Noxian child soldiers were treated better than Zaun''s child laborers.


    Lester remembered the mines he''d passed on his way here. The hollow-eyed children emerging from the depths, skin stained with chemicals that would never wash away. Some couldn''t have been more than three or four.


    Even in Noxus, they at least waited until a child could hold a weapon before sending them to die.


    Zaun really industrialized despair.


    Honestly, in such a wretched place, Lester felt that staying alive required more courage than dying. Death seemed like an easier release. So he could somewhat understand why Sevika and her enforcers were so bold, daring to glare at a Noxian elite squad.


    If he were in their shoes, he''d be bold too. He''d even dare to glare at Darius. When life was worse than death, who cared? Anyone who tried to posture in front of him, even an emperor, would get slapped so hard they''d go flying.


    People in a place like this wouldn''t fear bloodshed or sacrifice. Whoever could bring them hope would earn the loyalty of a fanatical army of warriors.


    Lester had once envied Piltover, the reserved territory of the Iron Wolf. But now, he thought, if someone had the ability to rebuild Zaun and give its people hope, they would gain a stable source of fearless, ferocious warriors.


    This would be more valuable to Noxus than mere wealth. After all, Noxian nobility was built on military strength.


    He was beginning to understand why his mentor valued Cipher and why he had been given this special assignment.


    Swain intended to use the conflict of both cities as a testing ground to gather insights for future imperial development strategies.


    "And welcome to Zaun," Sevika said, clearly unused to political theater. Struggling to find the right words, she finally forced out a stiff greeting, interrupting Lester''s complex thoughts.


    "The welcome ceremony is over. General Lester, let''s get straight to business," Cipher interjected with a smile. "Thanks to the steel you brought, we can finally put our newly developed weapons to use."


    Without waiting to gauge Lester''s thoughts, he didn''t even offer him a drink of water before dragging him off to the newly established weapons testing range.


    He had noticed Lester''s subtle calculations but didn''t care.


    As long as Zaun could survive the toughest early development phase, establish its industrial foundation, and steal technology from the Apex world using his "cheat," mechanical divinity would be within reach.


    Piltover thought Cipher was playing on the first level.


    Swain thought he was on the third level.


    But in reality, Cipher was on NG+, guaranteed to win!

 29 - Forging Alliances in Fire

    Cipher brought a large pile of materials to the weapon testing range and began assembling a modified VK-47 Flatline assault rifle, a favorite weapon among mercenaries and skilled fighters in the Apex world, right in front of Lester.


    This wasn''t just any Flatline¡ªhe''d extensively modified the internals to accommodate his special explosive rounds. The feeding mechanism needed complete redesign, and he''d had to improvise with some of the components they couldn''t source from traditional suppliers.


    Some parts were rough replacements, made in Zaun''s factories with whatever materials they could get their hands on. Not perfect, but they''d hold together.


    Zaun could manufacture most of the rifle''s components, but producing barrels capable of firing explosive rounds was just beyond their capabilities.


    They lacked access to high-quality steel alloys that could withstand extreme temperatures. The specialized barrel design of the Flatline made this limitation even more apparent.


    This was why Cipher needed to order large quantities of barrels from Noxus.


    The choice of the Flatline was simple¡ªit packed superior stopping power, had manageable recoil, and most importantly, was reliable in the worst conditions.


    The rifle''s name came from the flat line it put on vital sign monitors.


    In just 30 seconds, he finished assembling the rifle. The distinct click of the final piece locking into place echoed through the range.


    The Flatline''s signature aggressive profile made it look deadly even when stationary. He intentionally controlled his speed; half a minute was the time an average person could achieve with proper training.


    "General Lester, this is the VK-47 Flatline assault rifle we''ve developed. It has a simple structure, reliable performance, and can function in harsh environments."


    "It''s easy to use. With just basic training, anyone can handle it proficiently. As for its power..."


    Cipher loaded a magazine filled with standard bullets, switched to full-auto mode, and fired at a metal target 50 meters away.


    Rat-tat-tat..


    The muzzle spat continuous tongues of fire, and smoke filled the air.


    In mere moments, dozens of bullets roared out, leaving the metal target riddled with holes. The impact pattern showed the weapon''s characteristic horizontal spread.


    "It holds 20 rounds per magazine, with an effective lethal range of 800 meters. The unique recoil pattern might take some getting used to, but it guarantees shooting accuracy within 300 meters and can easily penetrate 6mm-thick steel armor at 100 meters. The hard-hitting rounds make up for any shortcomings in fire rate."


    Cipher switched magazines and handed the rifle to Lester, demonstrating how to handle it.


    Lester, being experienced, quickly grasped the operation after a brief test.


    Without hesitation, he fired, holding the Flatline single-handedly. Judging by the score on the metal target, his first attempt was even more accurate than Cipher''s. The rifle''s recoil pattern seemed to suit his aggressive firing style.


    "Check the target," Lester ordered his adjutant.


    "6mm-thick solid iron target," the adjutant soon reported, running his fingers over the clean penetration holes. "The edges are cauterized. Clean through."


    "Not bad. The weapon is powerful enough to threaten standard Noxian soldiers but not effective against elites," Lester remarked, studying the rifle with professional interest.


    "It''s suitable for equipping slave camps and, under certain conditions, ordinary soldiers."


    He gave his assessment: the weapon was good but not revolutionary enough to change the dynamics of war.


    On Runeterra, magic and all sorts of bizarre abilities existed. The elite Noxian soldiers wielded javelins far more lethal than the Flatline.


    For example, in Season 2 of the original story, the Chemtanks equipped with turbocharged tanks wreaked havoc in Piltover. The enforcers'' rifles couldn''t even scratch their armor. However, Noxian soldiers could take them down with a single spear.


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    "Not bad? The firearms firing standard bullets have average lethality. But with explosive rounds, it''s a different story."


    Cipher wasn''t discouraged. The Flatline was merely a launcher; the real weapon was the specialized bullets it could fire. He had something special planned for this demonstration.


    He waved his hand, signaling for a steel mannequin to be brought forward by his men.


    Lester instructed his adjutant to inspect the mannequin. The thorough examination showed no hidden tricks or enhancements.


    After both sides confirmed there were no issues, Cipher loaded a custom-made explosive round into the Flatline and handed it to Lester. The specialized ammunition clicked into place with a satisfying sound.


    "Hmm, so it''s similar to a crossbow design¡ªyou can increase its power by changing the bolts. I''m curious how your explosive round compares to enchanted bolts," Lester commented, weighing the now-loaded weapon.


    Taking the rifle again, he pulled the trigger without hesitation.


    Boom!


    The muzzle spat a fiery dragon as a scorching red projectile struck the mannequin. The Flatline bucked in his hands, harder than with standard ammunition.


    Bang!


    The explosion hit like a thunderclap, throwing a mushroom cloud of fire into the sky. The steel mannequin didn''t stand a chance¡ªmelted into a puddle while the air around it twisted from the insane heat.


    The demonstration room quickly filled with the acrid smell of melted metal.


    Even from nearly 100 meters away, a wave of heat rushed over them, forcing everyone to step back. The concrete floor beneath the target had begun to crack and bubble.


    Lester stared in amazement at the Flatline in his hands.


    The single explosive round had a blast radius of 10 meters, its fiery mushroom cloud more devastating than the attacks of many fire mages. It even outperformed the enchanted bolts crafted by them.


    Mages required mana to cast spells, but this weapon only needed bullets. If it could fire 30 explosive rounds in rapid succession like standard ammunition...


    Unthinkable!


    "General Lester, what do you think?"


    Seeing Lester lost in thought, Cipher laughed heartily.


    "A truly formidable weapon. Does it have any limitations? With the kind of high temperature from earlier, this gun..."


    Lester touched the barrel¡ªscalding hot! He pulled his hand back quickly, impressed by the residual heat.


    "The Flatline can fire only one explosive round at a time, with at least a one-minute interval before firing another. The rifle''s already high heat generation from its powerful rounds means rapid consecutive shots with explosive ammunition would risk catastrophic failure."


    "It would risk melting the barrel and potentially causing the user to burn themselves. But this issue can be resolved with water-cooling or by manufacturing barrels using higher-temperature-resistant alloys."


    Cipher candidly explained the weapon''s limitations, believing that customers deserved transparency about the parameters. The trust would serve his longer game.


    "Even so, it''s already an impressive weapon. A single volley would be enough to crush elite soldiers... What''s the production capacity of these explosive rounds? We need to supply entire armies with them."


    Lester was thrilled. With such weapons, the strength of their military could see a significant leap. This would also increase his and Swain''s influence within Noxus.


    "It depends on the specifications. The more powerful the explosive round, the harder it is to produce. For rounds like the one just demonstrated, the current factory setup can produce a maximum of 1,000 rounds per month if running 24/7."


    Cipher deliberately understated the production capacity¡ªZaun itself needed a large supply of explosive rounds.


    "1,000 rounds? That''s not enough for even a small-scale war!"


    Lester frowned in dissatisfaction and asked, "Can''t you establish more factories to ramp up production?"


    "Zaun is undergoing massive construction right now. Everything needs funding, and we don''t have the money to build new factories."


    Cipher shrugged, making it clear that they were strapped for cash, practically writing "We need funding" across his face. The bait was set.


    "Money isn''t a problem. I can represent my mentor to invest in supporting Zaun''s construction of new factories, but all explosive rounds produced must be sold exclusively to us."


    "The power of the rounds can be slightly reduced, but monthly production must reach at least 20,000 rounds."


    Lester didn''t hesitate to propose the investment. Initially, Swain had only mentioned wireless communication devices as the main focus of their commercial collaboration.


    But after witnessing the power of the explosive rounds, he knew they couldn''t let this opportunity slip away.


    As long as these explosive rounds demonstrated their power on the battlefield, they would attract a flood of buyers from Noxian warlords.


    The investment would pay off in no time through a monopoly on the supply chain.


    Moreover, his mentor was about to be appointed commander of the southern front, leading the conquest of Shurima. A weapon with such destructive power could significantly aid the campaign.


    "That won''t be a problem. We''ll leave the detailed terms of cooperation to our professionals to negotiate."


    Cipher nodded, showing no objections.


    As long as he retained control over pricing, there was no way he could lose. A product that cost 1 coin to produce wouldn''t be sold for less than 100 coins, fully capitalizing on the monopoly of advanced technology.


    At most, middlemen could act as Zaun''s regional agents, nothing more.


    "Good."


    Lester nodded in satisfaction but suddenly remembered he hadn''t asked about the production capacity of the wireless communication devices. These devices were even more critical than explosive rounds.


    "What about the production capacity of the wireless communication devices? We''ll need a large quantity of those as well."


    He inquired, his tone revealing his eagerness.


    "The factory is still under construction. Once completed, monthly production will reach about 200,000 units."


    This quantity would suffice. Lester smiled faintly and extended his hand toward Cipher.


    "Mayor Cipher, here''s to a fruitful partnership!"


    "A fruitful partnership!"


    Cipher''s grin was wide and genuine. A wealthy investor like Lester was far easier to deal with than the councilors of Piltover.

 30 - Milk Bubbles and Iron Fists

    Vi''s punches echoed through The Last Drop.


    Her gritted teeth and intense expression made it clear she was furious, itching to fight and desperate to vent her frustration.


    Meanwhile, Powder was resting on the table, bored out of her mind. She chewed on a straw, and sipped milk from her glass only to spit it back out and occasionally blowing bubbles in the liquid.


    An adult doing this would be seen as gross. But with a little child, it came off as innocent and playful.


    In the past, this kind of childish playfulness was something only the kids in Piltover indulged in.


    Zaunite kids, on the other hand, never played with their food. If they had anything to eat, they''d gobble it up immediately¡ªthere was no room for games.


    Survival had always come first.


    But now, with massive investments from Cipher and a significant increase in workers'' wages, the Undercity was entering its industrial age.


    With more money in hand and better lives to live, the children of Zaun were finally beginning to have the childhoods they deserved. The sound of children''s laughter was becoming as common as the hiss of steam pipes.


    The air might still be thick with chemical fumes, but at least bellies were fuller.


    "Vi, will you play with me?" Powder asked, tilting her head to look at her sister, clearly dying of boredom. She watched her relentless assault on the invisible opponent.


    "Didn''t I already spend the morning playing with you outside?" Vi didn''t even look back as she continued punching, every swing seeming to vent her seething anger toward someone. Her knuckles were starting to redden from the constant impact.


    "That was this morning! Now it''s the afternoon¡ªno, it''s already evening! You haven''t played with me for half the day. I''m so bored!" Powder flopped dramatically across the table. "Can''t you see I''m wasting away here?"


    She propped her face on her hands, her big, pleading eyes looking at Vi with a pitiful expression that would melt most hearts. The pout was perfectly practiced, a weapon as effective as any of Vi''s punches.


    Her playmates were few and far between. She used to have Claggor to play with, but now he was always busy helping Singed with his work.


    "I''ve got things to deal with right now. Play by yourself for a bit," Vi said, not pausing her punches. She was too furious, too antsy, needing to channel her emotions into something physical.


    Each punch carried more force than the last.


    "Fine. If only Cipher were here; he''d definitely play with me," Powder mumbled, turning her head to blow more milk bubbles in boredom.


    "Don''t bring up that jerk!" Vi suddenly snapped, her next punch hitting with enough force to shake the training platform. "Do you even know what he did? He specifically told Sevika that I have to beat her in a fight before I can officially become an enforcer. Otherwise, I''m stuck training at the precinct!"


    "Her hands are like frying pans, they''re bigger than my face! Is he even human? He''s a complete jerk!" Vi''s voice rose as anger etched across her face. She struck out harder with her punches. Her movements became less controlled and more wild with each strike.


    "I don''t think it''s such a bad idea," Powder mused. After all, a Zaunite enforcer needed to be able to fight off rioters. It was a dangerous job.


    Powder, personally, wasn''t a fan of fighting. She preferred to solve problems in other ways, usually involving her growing collection of inventions.


    Bam!


    Vi landed a powerful punch that echoed through the bar. "You''re too young to understand, Powder!"


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    "Oh," Powder replied half-heartedly, puffing her cheeks. She wasn''t usually this dismissive, but Vi refusing to play with her had dampened her mood. She wasn''t inclined to give much of a response. Instead, she went back to her milk bubbles, each pop a tiny protest.


    Click!


    Just then, the door to The Last Drop creaked open. Cipher had returned after finishing his business discussion with Lester.


    Powder''s eyes lit up, and in an instant, she leapt off her stool and dashed toward him.


    But someone beat her to it.


    One moment Vi was practicing, the next she was launching herself at Cipher. She crouched low like a panther and shot forward, her clenched fists swinging down at him in a ferocious punch.


    "What''s gotten into you? Why are you so mad?" Cipher asked, stepping back to avoid her uppercut. His movement was casual, almost lazy, which only served to fuel her anger.


    Vi didn''t reply¡ªshe simply kept attacking.


    Cipher had no choice but to dodge her strikes: left hooks, right swings, kidney punches, and gut shots.


    "If you''re going to hit me, at least do it properly," he taunted as he evaded another punch. "You''re going all out. Keep it up, and I''m going to have to teach you a lesson!"


    Vi remained silent, punching harder and harder. Her breath came in short, angry bursts as she tried to land just one solid hit.


    Finally, Cipher caught one of her punches mid-swing and twisted her arm behind her back, forcing her to turn around. Then, grabbing her other arm, he restrained her with ease.


    "Looks like I''ve caught a troublemaker," he teased, grinning as he detained Vi. Her attempts to break free only made him tighten his grip slightly.


    He laughed softly. It amused him to see her in such an awkward position.


    "You''re not family. You''re a complete jerk!" Vi spat, her thin lips tightening as she gritted her teeth. Then, with all her strength, she threw herself backward, aiming to catch Cipher off guard with a surprise attack.


    With her hands pinned behind her back, such a move could hurt her joints.


    Seeing her fierce movement, he had no choice but to release her hands to avoid her injuring the back of her head against something hard. He wouldn''t let her hurt herself just to prove a point.


    He stepped forward to stay close to her, but Vi immediately launched an elbow strike at him.


    Cipher didn''t understand why she was so angry, but he knew her temper burned out as quickly as it flared up. He decided not to dodge and let her vent her frustration.


    Sometimes a solid hit was worth more than words.


    "Oof!"


    Vi''s elbow hit Cipher in the chest, making him suck in a sharp breath. The impact pushed him back a step, the force surprising even him.


    This kid might not be that old, but her strength was no joke. The hours of training were clearly paying off.


    "You really didn''t hold back, did you? That hit was solid," he said through gritted teeth, clutching his chest in pain. A bruise would definitely form there later.


    "You deserve it! You''re such a jerk. How am I supposed to beat Sevika? Her hands are bigger than my face! You just don''t want me to become an enforcer!" Vi turned around to face him, and began to massage his chest.


    She couldn''t help but worry about hurting him, even though she was angry.


    "An enforcer''s job is dangerous. You have to pass Sevika''s test to prove you''re ready. All the other enforcer trainees at the precinct have to go through challenges to become official enforcers."


    "Vi, you need to train harder!" Cipher said, smirking. He wasn''t about to admit he''d set this up on purpose.


    "You¡­ you jerk!" Vi fumed, her small fists pounding against his chest. The hits were lighter now, more frustration than fury.


    "Enough of that," Cipher said, patting her on the back and ruffling her pink, spiky hair. "Being an enforcer is a dangerous responsibility. I''m just trying to keep you safe. You''re still so young. There''s no rush."


    "I''m already 13! You''re only 15! You were helping Vander when you were just 10. Why can''t I do the same?"


    "Sending kids into battle was a mistake to begin with," Cipher said with a sigh. "We fight so that children can have happy childhoods."


    "Vi, I just want you to be happy - to have the time and freedom to do whatever you want."


    Deep down, he couldn''t help but think of the tragedy of their lives. In the original story, Vi and her siblings were forced to face gangsters and fight for survival during what should have been the prime of their childhood. How heartbreaking it all was.


    "But what I want to do is help. I''m a Zaunite too," Vi said, biting her lip.


    "Then keep training hard. Beat Sevika and prove that you''re ready to help," Cipher said, shaking his head. He refused to budge. He couldn''t bear to see anything happen to her.


    "I have been training hard! I''ve even lost weight from all the training," Vi protested. She gestured at herself as if to prove her point.


    "Really?" Cipher raised an eyebrow in doubt. With their improved living conditions and better meals, Vi''s appetite had clearly increased. It didn''t make sense for her to have lost weight.


    "Just pick me up and see, if you don''t believe me!"


    Suddenly, Powder, who had been quietly watching from her spot by the table, panicked and yelled, "You can''t pick her up!"


    "?"


    "?"


    Both of them turned to her, puzzled by her outburst.


    "You can''t pick her up!"


    "Why not?" Vi asked, confused. "You''re the one who gets picked up the most." She crossed her arms, waiting for an explanation.


    "Because¡­ because¡­" Powder stuttered, twisting her fingers nervously, "Vi, you''re already a grown-up. You can''t be picked up anymore. I''m still a kid... Only little kids like me are allowed to be picked up!"

 31 - Hugs, Rivalries, and Silcos Surprise

    "Powder, what''s wrong? We''re all family. Hasn''t it always been like this? Which sibling, be it Cipher or me, haven''t you hugged before?"


    The whole situation seemed ridiculous to her.


    She scratched her head, looking puzzled. She thought Powder was feeling unwell. The worry showed clearly on her face as she walked over, squatted in front of her, and touched Powder''s forehead.


    Her hand was still warm from all the punching practice.


    "No fever!" she murmured in confusion. She pressed the back of her hand against Powder''s cheek just to make sure.


    Maybe she''s coming down with something? She''s acting so strange.


    Powder''s face flushed red as she stayed silent. Then, she darted to Cipher''s side. She opened her arms, and mumbled, "Hug me!"


    "Did Vi make you angry? You''re acting so... dramatic," Cipher teased, lightly pinching her increasingly chubby cheeks before picking her up.


    The food had been better lately, and Powder had gained some weight. Her face had filled out, losing the sharp angles of hunger that had once marked all Zaun''s children.


    "Even though she didn''t play with me, I''m not mad," Powder said, her cheeks still red.


    "Powder! I played with you this morning!" Vi leaned in, imitating Cipher and pinching Powder''s plump cheeks.


    She wasn''t happy with Powder''s sneaky tattling and pinched her cheeks harder than necessary.


    "Cipher, tell Vi to stop! She''s hurting me. I am in pain." Powder shrank into Cipher''s embrace, blinking her big blue eyes as she looked utterly wronged.


    She had perfected the art of looking helpless.


    "Powder!" Vi was even more displeased now.


    "Alright, alright. Powder is still young; let''s not fight, okay?" Cipher, as expected, sided with Powder, stopping Vi from pinching her further.


    He shifted Powder slightly away from Vi''s reach.


    "Cipher..." Vi''s dissatisfaction grew even stronger.


    She pursed her lips, looking at Powder, who was cuddled in Cipher''s arms, being all playful. Then she glanced at him, who was doting on Powder without even sparing her a look.


    Her anger shot through the roof.


    Cipher, focusing solely on Powder and ignoring her, made Vi furious.


    Her fists clenched tightly.


    "I don''t care! I want a hug as well!" She punched Cipher lightly and yelled at him.


    Vi''s stubborn temper flared at Powder''s sneaky antics and Cipher''s blatant favoritism. She didn''t care if there was space or not¡ªshe squeezed in anyway.


    Finally, like a koala, Vi latched onto Cipher''s other side, glaring at Powder. The two locked eyes.


    "Vi, you shouldn''t climb up here," Powder mumbled in a low voice. Her grip on Cipher tightened slightly.


    "Why can''t I? I want a hug too!" Vi shook her head and tossed her hair around, giving Cipher another light punch.


    Her movements made holding both of them a challenge.


    This girl could never sit still; she was lively and full of energy. Her tendency to solve problems with her fists didn''t help either.


    Even her affection came with punches.


    Compared to the now-calmed Powder, he was more worried about Vi.


    Back when Vander ruled the undercity, the sibling who caused the most headaches wasn''t Cipher, who quietly schemed in the background.


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    Cipher was a thinker. He acted only when confident of success.


    Vi, on the other hand, was different. She was most like Vander.


    And that similarity worried Vander the most.


    When he was young, he had been reckless and impulsive, thinking he could solve every problem with his fists.


    With his unmatched, ironclad fists, Vander had led his brothers out of the darkness of the mines and built the Black Lanes.


    But on the Day of Ashes, when the Piltover enforcers pointed their cold, ruthless guns at him, he realized that fists alone were powerless.


    Some problems couldn''t just be punched away.


    Vi, however, still had this flaw. She believed that strength was all she needed to solve any problem.


    This time, she had taken her younger siblings to steal Hex gemstones, causing a huge mess. The incident had shaken the fragile peace between Zaun and Piltover.


    It was a wake-up call for Cipher: Vi''s problem was far more serious than he had realized.


    That was why he sent her to the Police and Military Bureau, hoping that Sevika''s strict training would teach her patience. If she wouldn''t listen to words, maybe experience would be a better teacher.


    "You''re so big already, practically an adult! Not a little kid anymore. Stop acting like one," Powder said.


    Usually, she wouldn''t argue with Vi about anything. Whatever Vi wanted, she''d give. But this time was different. She absolutely wouldn''t give in.


    "No, Powder. I''m also still a kid, so I can hug him too."


    Vi mimicked Powder''s actions, snuggling tightly into Cipher''s arms and refusing to let go. Her grip was firm, challenging anyone to try and move her.


    Compared to their always-parental Vander, Vi was much closer to her brother Cipher.


    As long as he was around, no matter what happened, she felt at ease.


    The last time the enforcers raided them, Vander couldn''t give her that sense of security¡ªbut Cipher could.


    "No, you''re not. You''re really not. Now get down," Powder said firmly. Her mind was set. This was her hill to die on.


    "Let me lean on him too. I''m a bit tired," Vi said, burying her head in Cipher''s arms with an expression of exhaustion.


    "¡­ Fine," Powder relented. Seeing Vi''s tired state, her heart softened. She reluctantly agreed, but only this once. She made it clear that from now on, this wouldn''t happen again¡ªafter all, Vi was already grown up.


    "Is everyone here?"


    The heavy door of the Last Drop Tavern was opened once again. Silco entered, looking at Cipher as he asked the question.


    He walked in shoulder-to-shoulder with Vander, both wearing relaxed smiles on their faces, with Sevika following behind them.


    Vander was carrying a bag of fresh meat and vegetables he had just purchased.


    "Doesn''t look like Mylo and Claggor are here," Cipher finally remembered the two younger siblings he had left behind. And Ekko, the foster child of Vander''s old friend Benzo, generally didn''t eat meals at the Last Drop Tavern.


    He forced an awkward yet polite smile at Silco and Vander before turning to Powder. "Where are Mylo and Claggor?"


    "They''re too dumb! They couldn''t keep up with the lessons, so Dr. Singed is tutoring them and Ekko."


    "They''re not just dumb¡ªthey keep holding me back! I''m obviously the best student, yet Dr. Singed keeps asking them for help," Powder grumbled unhappily. She couldn''t understand why Singed kept involving Ekko.


    Of course, it was my idea, Cipher thought to himself. Ekko has ulterior motives. The tasks he''s helping Singed with aren''t exactly light work. I made sure Singed gave them the toughest assignments.


    But he wouldn''t say any of this out loud. Some thoughts were better kept to oneself.


    "How much longer until they''re back?" Silco asked.


    Calling it tutoring was putting it kindly. To be blunt, Mylo and Claggor were essentially being held back because they couldn''t memorize their lessons. The extra hours with Singed were as much punishment as they were help.


    However, neither Silco nor Vander found this to be an issue. After all, Singed was a top-tier alchemist and a professor among professors. His time was valuable, even spent on remedial lessons.


    Even if it was just tutoring, it was already an achievement for Mylo and Claggor to barely keep up. While they might not be prodigies, their talent still far surpassed that of many others.


    But now that it was mealtime, both Silco and Vander were a bit impatient. It was a rare opportunity for the whole family to sit down and eat together, and it wouldn''t feel right without the two kids.


    "Not long now, probably another half an hour," Powder estimated, recalling Singed''s tutoring schedule.


    The thought of Mylo, that annoying brat, always being stuck in tutoring and having no time to bicker with her made Powder feel a little uncomfortable.


    Well¡­ maybe not. It''s actually pretty great. Mylo was terrible at studying and always dragged everyone else down. He was such a useless brat.


    "I see. Well, let''s start cooking. They''ll get back just in time to eat," Silco said as he took the bag of meat and vegetables from Vander''s hands and walked into the kitchen.


    Everyone in the room stared in surprise. The scene before them didn''t match their expectations at all.


    His movements were surprisingly graceful for such a feared man.


    "?"


    "?"


    "?"


    "?"


    The four of them turned their heads simultaneously to look at Vander. The question was clear in their eyes.


    How was it that Vander, the warm, gentle and famously kind figure, wasn''t the one cooking? And why was Silco, who had the reputation of being a dangerous and ruthless individual, heading to the kitchen?


    The world seemed to have turned upside down.


    "Sevika staring at me like that is fine, but Cipher, Vi, and Powder¡ªdon''t you all already know I can''t cook?"


    "Silco has always been the one cooking. All I''ve ever done is eat."


    Vander spread his hands innocently, his tone unapologetic.


    He had always made a living with his fists, not by doing anything as meticulous as cooking. The iron that had built Zaun wasn''t meant for stirring pots.


    It was better left to those who could cook... like Silco.

 32 - The Liquor Meant to Be Drunk

    Silco worked for an hour to prepare dinner. Steam rose from various pots and pans as he moved through the kitchen. The rich aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air.


    By the time he finished, Mylo and Claggor had already returned home. Together, the family brought the dishes to the table.


    Compared to the meal Cipher prepared on the day he seized power, tonight''s dinner was much more extravagant, complete with pre-dinner desserts and hot drinks.


    The difference was meaningful. Cipher''s previous meal reflected the typical dinner of an ordinary Piltover family, symbolizing his hope that the children of Zaun would one day reach Piltover''s standard of living.


    Silco, however, prepared a meal resembling that of a small Piltover business owner''s dinner.


    Clearly, with Zaun receiving massive investments from various factions, its industrial system was gradually being set on the right track, and its armed forces were seeing significant improvements.


    He could now realistically envision Zaun surpassing Piltover. He wanted Zaun to achieve even more.


    Unlike Cipher, who sought a stable and gradual transition, his ambitions had always been more radical. The very way he arranged the food showed his desire to reach beyond mere equality.


    The family sat down at the table, with Vander and Silco seated side by side in the positions of the heads of the family. Next to them were Sevika and Cipher.


    This arrangement wasn''t a reflection of authority within the household but rather a recognition of seniority.


    Every family member was treated equally. What mattered most was mutual respect.


    The children could sit wherever they wanted. After all, they were still considered minors within the family, deserving of care and protection.


    They shuffled around, finding their preferred spots.


    "I''m staying right here," Vi declared, still clinging to Cipher.


    "Me too!" Powder echoed, her small hands gripping her his sleeve.


    Vander was long used to this and acted as if he didn''t notice.


    Silco, however, frowned¡ªnot because he thought Vi and Powder were being disrespectful, but because Zaun''s children were all naturally mischievous.


    Powder was still young, so it didn''t matter, but Vi was getting too old for such behavior.


    Each day she clung to childhood was another day unprepared for Zaun''s harsh reality.


    In the Zaun of the past, someone her age would already have to fend for themselves.


    Still, since Silco had only recently reintegrated into The Last Drop, his relationships with the others were still relatively superficial. It wasn''t the right time to bring up such concerns.


    He decided he would talk to the rough-and-tough Vander in private sometime. Vi was growing up, and they needed to plan for her future. It wasn''t proper for her to cling to her brother like this all the time¡ªit might harm her reputation.


    But for now, only Vander could say something. Even Cipher wasn''t in a position to intervene, as it would easily lead to misunderstandings with Vi.


    The dynamics of a large family and a small family were fundamentally different. The bonds here were intimate, personal, forged in shared struggles and triumphs.


    Though Cipher was the decision-maker for Zaun as a whole, making policies for the city, Vander held the highest seniority within this small family at The Last Drop.


    For sensitive matters like this, only he could handle them. His understanding of each family member ran deep as the mines they''d once worked.


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    So, when it came to matters within the family, even Cipher had to respect the head of the household. If he disagreed, he could only reason it out with Vander privately.


    "Everyone''s had a busy day. You must be starving. Let''s eat!"


    With Vander taking the first bite, the rest of the family began to eat in earnest.


    He might not have been a qualified leader for a large family, but as the head of this small family, he had always done an excellent job.


    This man, with the body of a bear and the fists of a heavyweight champion, had a surprisingly gentle and soft temperament.


    Everyone in the family respected him, even Silco, who had once been at odds with him.


    "Cipher, I want to eat that!" Powder''s eyes widened as she pointed at the frosty, creamy thing.


    She didn''t know the name since this was her first time seeing it, but her mouth watered just looking at it.


    "This is called ice cream. It''s cold, so eating too much might upset your stomach. One scoop now, maybe another later if you''re good," Cipher explained, handing her a small portion.


    This was something you couldn''t find in the Undercity. Silco wasn''t particularly fond of sweets, so he must have gone out of his way to learn how to make it recently.


    "Vi, what do you want to eat? I''ll get it for you."


    Vi had always been close to Cipher, but she rarely clung to him like this. It felt as though she''d been affected by something.


    He decided he needed to pay more attention to her. Because of her tomboyish nature, he had often neglected her emotional well-being, leaving her to grow like a weed¡ªwild and untamed.


    When Vi heard Cipher''s question, she didn''t answer. However, her eyes lit up, and she nudged him, signaling him to look at Sevika, who was adding ice cubes to her cup.


    Cipher immediately understood¡ªthe focus wasn''t on Sevika, but on the glass with ice cubes in it. That was the glass she used to drink hard liquor.


    Vi wanted to drink alcohol.


    When she was 10, she had secretly drunk Vander''s liquor, gotten drunk, and caused a scene, only to be taught a memorable lesson by his iron-fisted but fatherly discipline.


    "No alcohol. Here''s some coffee instead," Cipher said firmly, placing a cup of milk and sugar-laden coffee in front of her.


    At such a young age, she had no business drinking alcohol. It was better for her to try some coffee imported from Shurima.


    Tea would have been a better option, but they didn''t have any. Tea was produced in Ionia, outrageously expensive, and only affordable to the upper class in Piltover.


    On the other side of the table, Silco pulled out one of Vander''s prized bottles and poured Sevika a full glass, much to her delight.


    Then, he prepared another glass, adding ice cubes and filling it with liquor before handing it to Vander, who was busy devouring his meal.


    "Thanks," Vander mumbled through a mouthful of food. He''d been working hard at the construction site all day and was famished.


    But as soon as he took a gulp of the liquor to help wash down his food, his face darkened.


    This was his treasured bottle of Soulflame, a fiery liquor from Noxus, often called the "Elixir of Life" and a true badge of manhood.


    The rich flavor, smooth yet potent, was a masterpiece he had kept hidden for over a decade.


    "How much of my liquor did you pour, Silco?" Vander turned to see Silco downing half a glass in one gulp before refilling Sevika''s glass and pouring himself another half-glass.


    "Don''t bother me with those details. No matter how good the liquor is, it''s meant to be drunk, isn''t it?"


    "Today''s a happy day, Vander. Come on, cheers!"


    Silco, his face already flushed, raised his unsteady glass toward Vander for a toast. The fiery liquor burned less than the memories, but its warmth spread further, reaching places old wounds had long kept cold.


    He wasn''t a heavy drinker, certainly not on Vander or Sevika''s level. Half a glass of Soulflame had left him red-faced and tipsy, teetering on the edge of drunkenness.


    Meanwhile, Sevika, who had already downed a full glass, looked entirely unaffected. She was calmly eating some food to prepare for another round.


    The bottle Silco had brought out was from Vander''s top-tier collection, its storage location so secret that even the sharp-witted Cipher had no idea where it was hidden.


    "You''re right. Liquor is meant to be drunk. Even the best liquor isn''t an exception."


    "To family," Silco raised his glass again.


    "To family, and to Zaun," Vander replied, clinking his glass with Silco''s.


    The two men drank, but this time they didn''t down it in one go. Instead, they sipped in a tacit, unspoken understanding.


    If Silco kept chugging like before, he''d end up passed out under the table.


    There were many things that adults left unsaid, but many more that didn''t need to be spoken aloud¡ªthey simply understood each other.


    Vander, knowing Silco''s limits, could tell he was already more than a little drunk, with about seven-tenths of his senses dulled.


    For the first time in years, he felt relieved. After all these years, after everything that happened on that bridge... he''s finally home.


    The heavy weight of guilt and sorrow he''d carried for so long seemed to dissolve with the fiery liquor in his stomach.


    Because Silco was drunk¡ªdrunk here, in The Last Drop, Vander''s home base.


    It was a clear sign that Silco had completely forgiven him.


    At this moment, they were truly family again.


    Brothers who had once crawled out of the pitch-black mines together, bonded by life-and-death camaraderie, had become bitter enemies after the incident on the bridge.


    But now, a new bridge¡ªa true bridge of progress¡ªhad brought them back together.


    Once again, the brothers were fighting side by side for a brighter future.

 33 - A Slice for the Strong, None for the Weak

    After several rounds of drinks and dishes that spanned the full range of flavors, Silco patted his flushed face, trying to clear his head.


    He planned to discuss business now.


    Since Cipher had initiated it last time, the practice of discussing matters during family meals had become a tradition for the close-knit group at The Last Drop.


    Both Vander and Silco found this approach effective, as it strengthened their cohesion. It became an unspoken rule among the small family of the bar.


    "Cipher, this Lester from Noxus...," Silco said, his voice slightly rough from the drinks. "He''s full of schemes, and it seems like he has ulterior motives." He recalled how Lester had bluntly exposed his ideals¡ªa clear sign of thorough preparation¡ªwhich made him uneasy.


    Zaun hardly seemed worth such attention from a Noxian general unless there was a deeper agenda at play.


    Vander noticed Silco leaning on one hand for support and silently handed him a cup of warm milk.


    "Thanks, Vander," Silco said, grateful for the warm drink.


    "His personal motives don''t matter much. What''s crucial is what Swain has in mind," Cipher replied, taking a piece of steak. He had been busy serving the Vander and Silco at the table, barely eating himself.


    "Swain, huh¡­ You seem very focused on him, almost like you know him well," Silco observed. He didn''t know much about Noxus'' future plans, but he maintained a cautious stance towards Swain, viewing him as a figure deserving of great vigilance.


    "Swain is¡­ a truly pure individual," Cipher said with a hint of admiration. "He has dedicated everything to Noxus. It''s as if his sole reason for existence is the empire itself."


    In his eyes, Swain''s single-mindedness was so extreme that it almost seemed inhuman.


    "It''s as if he''s a machine, built solely for Noxus, devoid of emotions."


    "Sounds like he''s somewhat like us," Silco said after sipping the warm milk Vander had handed him. He felt a little better.


    "No, he''s completely different from us," Cipher disagreed, shaking his head. "While we are devoted to the Undercity, we still hold onto some feelings and moral standards. We''re willing to compromise or make concessions in certain situations."


    "But Swain is nothing like that. He''s unaffected by emotion."


    "Good and evil, honor, power, wealth, humanity, morality¡ªnone of it matters to him. He doesn''t even care about his own life."


    "As long as it strengthens Noxus, he''s willing to try anything."


    "Anyone who hinders the empire''s future¡ªbe it his parents or the emperor on the throne¡ªhe would personally send to the guillotine."


    "He is far purer than us. So pure, he doesn''t seem human," Cipher concluded, a touch of reverence in his voice.


    A man without limits could reshape the world... or break it.


    He deeply admired people like Swain. In his view, such individuals were destined to achieve great things¡ªlike igniting a sweeping revolution within Noxus.


    But people like that were terrifying. The kind who could reshape nations without a second thought for the cost.


    "That doesn''t sound like a human at all. Sounds terrifying," Vi said, her words muffled as she chewed a piece of steak. Her eyes kept darting to Sevika''s glass of liquor, earning her a warning look from Cipher.


    "So, you''re saying Lester''s actions are entirely directed by Swain from the shadows?" Silco narrowed his eyes.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Not entirely. Swain is extremely intelligent. He wouldn''t strong-arm allies with significant potential like us. If he truly has intentions, he''d offer terms so irresistible that we''d have no choice but to join Noxus," Cipher speculated.


    He paused, then roughly tousled Vi''s spiky hair, trying to get her to sit still instead of wriggling like a needle on fire. "Don''t even think about it," he muttered as she eyed Sevika''s drink again.


    In contrast, Powder was far better behaved¡ªshe quietly ate her food and only asked for seconds when she finished.


    "Just one more scoop?" Powder pleaded, eyeing the ice cream with hopeful eyes.


    Cipher pinched Powder''s chubby cheeks as she begged for more ice cream. "Have this egg instead. Too much cold isn''t good for you," he said gently, placing a perfectly fried egg on her plate.


    Silco''s cooking skill was exceptional, and the egg smelled heavenly.


    "What do you think Swain''s goal is, then? I can''t shake the feeling that Lester harbors ill intentions, scheming in the shadows," Silco asked, his tone serious. Zaun''s progress relied heavily on Cipher, and Silco trusted his judgment.


    He nibbled on the sweets Vander had handed him, finding his dizziness fading a little.


    "Noxus has armies marching north-west against the Freljord, westward against Demacia, and soon south towards Shurima. In the future, they might even turn east to Ionia."


    "Their armies march in every direction, but their real battle is internal," Cipher explained, cutting his steak into smaller pieces.


    "Between the old and new nobility?" Silco asked, leaning forward slightly.


    "Exactly. Every new war creates new heroes, and every hero threatens the old guard," Cipher confirmed. "On the surface, they seem like the strongest nation, waging war wherever they please. But internally, they''re riddled with conflict. Their national strength is in sharp decline¡ªthey''ve already begun their descent."


    He took a bite of the steak Powder had cut for him and sipped the coffee Vi had pushed over before leisurely answering Silco.


    Vi, however, hadn''t touched her coffee at all. Her eyes, sharp and hooked like a hawk''s, were locked onto the strong liquor Sevika was drinking. Dissatisfied, she had punched Cipher several times under the table.


    Though Cipher hadn''t reached the main point yet, his calm and unhurried demeanor eased Silco''s anxious heart. His composed manner made it clear that he had a plan, which reassured Silco.


    "Picture a pie that can''t grow larger," Cipher explained, drawing an invisible circle on the table. "Every new person who deserves a slice means someone else gets less."


    "Then why not make more pie?" Vi asked, momentarily distracted from her quest for alcohol.


    Cipher smiled. "That''s exactly what Swain is trying to figure out."


    "Our conflict with Piltover can be resolved relatively peacefully if we address the root issue of Zaun''s low industrial productivity. But Noxus is a different matter. Their national policy revolves around the strong rising and the weak falling. Due to their resource scarcity, they must constantly wage wars to plunder more."


    "But war inevitably leads to the creation of new powerful players since military merit is the path to becoming part of the new military aristocracy."


    "And here''s the problem: Noxus'' territory has nearly reached its limit. The land is only so vast, and resources are finite. For new aristocrats to rise, they''ll need to carve out their share from the old aristocracy, who already control most of the resources and land."


    "This means the main conflict in Noxus is between the old aristocracy and the emerging new aristocracy."


    "The old noble houses must fiercely suppress the rising aristocrats¡ªor any exceptional officers with potential¡ªto protect their interests."


    "I know of many brilliant officers who were deliberately set up and killed by the old noble factions."


    "The new military aristocrats won''t sit idly by, either. They will band together to fight the old aristocracy to the death."


    "So, the reason Noxus is waging wars everywhere isn''t just because of the emperor''s incompetence. It''s also because, without external wars, the new and old aristocrats of Noxus would immediately turn on each other."


    "The future of Noxus will either see the new aristocracy launching a coup, purging the old aristocracy, and seizing control¡­ or the old aristocracy completely blocking the upward mobility of the new."


    "No matter what happens next, Noxus is going down either way¡ªit''s already falling apart."


    After this lengthy political analysis, Cipher felt a bit parched. But if he didn''t explain it, they wouldn''t understand Swain''s perspective.


    Taking a sip of water to moisten his throat, he continued.


    "Swain may not have fully grasped the fundamental contradictions within Noxus, but he''s definitely aware that the nation is in decline."


    "He wants to change Noxus'' downward trajectory. And in us, he sees a potential solution¡ªa way to make Noxus great again."


    "The peculiarities of Lester''s behavior stem not just from his personal schemes but more from Swain''s intent."


    "We don''t necessarily need to guard against Lester specifically. What Swain is really interested in is the advancement of our governance system."


    "The faster and stronger Zaun rises under our leadership, the more it will prove the superiority of our system. That will make Swain even more interested."


    "In other words, Swain isn''t our enemy. He''s a witness to Zaun''s rise¡ªand perhaps even a future adopter of our system of governance. But for quite some time, our relationship with him will remain one of close cooperation."


    "And you trust him to keep his word?" Silco asked, swirling the last of his milk.


    "I trust him to do what''s best for Noxus. For now, that means working with us."


    He concluded his assessment, determining that the current strategy regarding Swain should be one of collaboration.

 34 - Faith and Full Bellies

    "Vander, what are you planning to do? You can''t just let yourself be a bartender or some construction worker forever."


    "Why not? The work is honest enough."


    "Because Zaun needs more than just honest work now."


    Determined to solidify Zaun''s stance against Noxus, Silco mulled it over and decided he needed to give his old friend a hand.


    After resolving their past grudges, he hoped Vander could contribute to the progress of the Undercity.


    The Black Lanes was originally built by Vander himself, forged with his iron fists. Zaun''s rise to glory should naturally include his contributions.


    Not as he was now¡ªan ordinary worker, wasting his extraordinary combat skills.


    "Old man, I''ve already thought it through."


    "Zaun''s economy is already on the rise, and our armed forces are sufficient for self-defense. What we need now is to strengthen our spirit. Only then can the days ahead keep improving."


    "I plan to have you serve as Deputy Mayor, promoting Zaun''s guiding philosophy, addressing the livelihood issues of the people, and improving the public''s recognition of Zaun''s governance."


    "For now, you''ll take the role of chief instructor at the Police and Military Bureau, handling the daily training of enforcers and dealing with some of the more troublesome individuals."


    Cipher spoke with confidence. He had long since planned where his father-figure would be best placed.


    Vander''s generous, righteous nature and his immense charisma had earned him great respect in the Undercity. His presence alone could calm a mob or inspire a crowd.


    Having him handle social welfare while helping to arm Zaun''s citizens with a strong spirit was a perfect fit.


    "Strengthen the spirit? You mean that ''spiritual wealth'' you keep mentioning? But that''s something intangible¡ªcan it really be that important for you to emphasize it so much?"


    "Faith doesn''t fill empty bellies."


    Silco, curious, wanted to hear Cipher''s understanding of this so-called "spiritual wealth."


    "No, but it gives people the strength to fight for full ones," Cipher said. "It''s absolutely important!"


    The most crucial step in driving a revolution was establishing a guiding philosophy, followed by arming oneself and building a solid base among the people.


    Without belief, strength was just violence.


    Cipher, however, had been lucky.


    Using advanced technology from the Apex world and a stroke of fortune, he had accumulated massive investments, bypassing the initial steps of the revolution and fast-forwarding directly to building armed forces.


    But skipping the groundwork without addressing it later would lead to disaster.


    Without firm belief or understanding of the cause, the masses would falter in hard battles and easily succumb to corruption. Zaun''s economic development, no matter how robust, would only turn it into another Piltover¡ªa city of luxury with no purpose, meaningless in the grand scheme of change.


    To truly become a progressive light of the world, Zaun had to arm itself spiritually under a clear guiding philosophy, step by step evolving into a lighthouse for all.


    He planned to set up communication towers and begin citywide wireless broadcasts to clarify Zaun''s guiding principles.


    "Think about it. Why does Piltover, a far wealthier city, dare to strike Zaun with such a heavy hand while cowering before Noxus? And yet, Zaun, weaker by comparison, shows no fear toward Noxus?"


    Cipher posed the question, leaning forward across the worn wooden table.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "You already answered this before, didn''t you? The Piltovans are born into lives of milk and bread. They don''t want to risk their necks. We on the other side don''t even know if we''ll get a warm meal tomorrow. We''ve had to fight for everything we have, so of course, we''re willing to risk it all." Sevika took a swig of her drink, frowning as she replied.


    She remembered Cipher''s explanation clearly.


    "And because they''re soft," she added. "Born to comfort, afraid to lose it."


    "Right, but that''s only part of the answer. Piltover''s weakness isn''t just inherent¡ªit''s also deliberate."


    "Piltover''s geographic location is excellent. It''s protected on all sides ¡ªsea, mountains, and chaos. They''re flanked by the sea on two sides, with the northern mountain range acting as a barrier against Noxian armies. To the south, the Shuriman Empire has long since fractured into chaos."


    "And Noxian gold," Silco added quietly.


    "Exactly. They''re not just weak¡ªthey''re owned," Cipher confirmed. "The Piltovans are exceptionally skilled at commerce. They established a well-functioning trade system with their neighbor, Noxus, early on."


    "The House Medarda of Noxian warlords, through their member Mel Medarda, not only have a seat on the Piltover Council but are also the wealthiest in Piltover."


    "With the backing of the Iron Wolf, coupled with the complex trade interests between Piltover and Noxus, Piltover has never truly faced an external threat."


    "As long as they''re willing to sell out their interests and bow to Noxus, they can maintain their security."


    "Nominally, Piltover belongs to its people, but in reality, it''s a sheepfold managed by Noxus. As long as they can shear the wool every so often, Noxus is willing to protect Piltover."


    "And that''s the deep-rooted reason Piltover can''t stand up to Noxus¡ªthey''re not an independent entity at all. Everything they have depends on Noxus."


    Cipher continued discussing Piltover politics, pointing out that in the original story, if it weren''t for the estranged relationship between Mel and her mother, Ambessa, and the latter''s attempt to manipulate Jayce into creating Hextech weapons, Ambessa could have taken control of Piltover effortlessly.


    The Piltover Council members were essentially comprador capitalists¡ªno different from the corporate oligarchs of other nations, all bowing to the same master.


    "So, what should we do? As much as I hate to admit it, Piltover is stronger than us," Silco said, carefully analyzing Cipher''s arguments and finding no flaws in the logic.


    Piltover had seven council members in total, and Heimerdinger was little more than a figurehead mascot who avoided any real responsibility.


    From what he knew, including Councilor Medarda, at least three council members had business interests directly tied to Noxus.


    And that was just on the surface¡ªwho knew how many council members really had covert trade dealings with Noxus?


    "The issue with Piltover is that its council members are, in some sense, puppets. They lack the authority to defy Noxus."


    "Piltover isn''t truly owned by its people. So, how many Piltover citizens would genuinely be willing to die for it? Would you count on that bunch of overweight, self-serving councilors? When it comes to high-stakes war, they''d be the first to run."


    "But we are different. Zaun belongs to its people¡ªall of them," Cipher declared, his voice rising with passion.


    "And what does that mean in practice?" Vander asked, his attention fully focused now.


    "It means everything we build, we build for everyone," Cipher answered. "Here, it''s the people of Zaun who decide what happens."


    "The establishment of Zaun''s governance represents the Zaunites standing up for themselves, taking control of their fate."


    "Our government protects them, fights for their rights, and provides them with bread and milk."


    "We will build schools and hospitals, ensuring that Zaun''s children receive education and proper healthcare."


    "Soon enough, our children won''t have to breathe poisoned air. They''ll have clean water to drink, safe food to eat, a real childhood to enjoy, and schools to attend."


    "And a warm place to die of old age."


    "What we need to do is tell all Zaunites that our government is not the same as the Chem-Barons of the past."


    "It doesn''t belong to the ''House Vander'' or a handful of individuals¡ªit belongs to everyone in Zaun."


    "Fighting for Zaun means fighting for themselves, for a brighter future for their families."


    "And that''s the role of spiritual empowerment. I''ll handle the slogans, speeches, and promotional material, but the actual execution will fall to you, old man."


    "You''ll need to provide a path forward for those in desperate circumstances, those with nowhere to go, or those struggling to stay alive."


    "It''s a heavy burden you''re placing on these shoulders," Vander said. He looked around the tavern¡ªhis home, filled with the family he''d built piece by piece.


    "We''ve got your back, old man," Vi declared, punching the air with enthusiasm. Next to her, Powder nodded vigorously, her pigtails bouncing.


    "Someone''s gotta keep the streets in line," Mylo added with his trademark smirk, while Claggor gave a solid thumbs up.


    Ekko, the youngest of their bunch, grinned from ear to ear. "And I can help with the technical stuff! Been learning a lot!"


    "Tch," Sevika clicked her tongue, but her lips curved into a small smile. "At least the paperwork won''t punch back."


    Silco placed a hand on Vander''s shoulder. "The Undercity has always been your home. Now you can make it a home for everyone."


    Vander looked at each face in turn¡ªthe family he''d found, fought for, and would do anything to protect.


    Maybe this is what Cipher means by spiritual wealth.


    "I know it''ll be a tough job," Cipher said softly, "but that''s why we''re all here. Together, as a family, we can make Zaun rise."


    He planned to establish enough self-defense capabilities for Zaun¡ªequipping the enforcers with explosive rounds¡ªbefore launching a newspaper and library to dspread reformist ideas.


    Through these channels, he would explain why the people of Zaun had suffered so much in the past, identify who was exploiting them, and clarify who their real enemies were.


    Finally, he would outline what Zaun needed to do and how to wield their blades against their oppressors.