-111- By order of councilor Talis
December 2nd.
Piltover University—
Viktor is currently packing his belongings in his and Jayce's laboratory. He stuffs everything he needs into a bag and places several large parcels in front of a small robot that stands about half the height of a person.
This compact robot has a layer of yellow outer armor, crafted from a special mineral found in the Zaunite underground. It's a magical mineral with memory and self-repairing capabilities.
Internally, Viktor employs Piltover's sophisticated mechanical craftsmanship. The core in the robot's head carries Viktor's original intent when creating it—the mission to assist the people of the University of Piltover.
Although it looks like a cute and ordinary little fellow, with a round and chubby appearance and short, thick fingers resembling stubby radishes, the little guy is a well-received robot among Piltover students.
Viktor lifts his cane, smiles, and softly says, "Blitz, let's go."
"Beep!"
The round head of the small robot shakes, and in an instant, it transforms. Its round belly extends outward, becoming long and wide, and with a "clank," two small wheels appear at the bottom.
Blitzcrank uses its two short arms to place a pile of packages on itself, then tilts its head, looking at its master.
Meanwhile, Viktor gazes at a special Hextech crystal separated by a water window. After much hesitation, Viktor ultimately decides to take the Hextech crystal that he has been developing for years.
This is not something belonging to Jayce but rather Viktor's own creation.
Over the years, Jayce has become increasingly involved in politics, veering away from the path of science. In contrast, Viktor has remained focused and pure, dedicating himself entirely to the pursuit of scientific knowledge. With abundant financial resources and manpower, Viktor's efforts have culminated in significant achievements.
He is determined to take this creation with him.
"Blitzcrank, let's go," Viktor declares.
Walking through the academy, Viktor receives greetings from many people. He calmly responds to each one and proceeds to the mechanical district of Piltover University.
Knocking on the door, Zevi answers. Viktor, with a faint smile, politely asks, "Miss Reta, care to join us?"
"Leaving today?" Zevi questions.
"Yes, Zaun has sent someone to pick us up."
Zevi rolls her eyes in exasperation and tells Viktor, "Viktor, you need to understand that the person standing in front of you is still a citizen of Piltover."
"But your heart already belongs to Zaun."
Viktor straightforwardly replies to Zevi. He no longer plays the game of pretense. The Viktor of the past might have uttered insincere words, but the current Viktor has no need for such tactics. He doesn't have to lower himself to beg anyone.
The boy who once stumbled into Piltover, seeking success in the city, no longer envies the life of a Piltover resident. Zaun is no longer a derogatory term for him.
"Alright, wait for me."
Viktor nods, and when Zevi says 'wait,' it truly is just a short while. In less than fifteen minutes, Zevi finishes packing, slings a small bag over her shoulder, and joins Viktor.
As the two exit Piltover University, Viktor quickly realizes they are being followed.
Furrowing his brow, Viktor, although uninterested in politics, knows that Jayce often confides in him. Therefore, Viktor quickly deduces the identity of those following him.
"Someone is tailing us," Viktor quietly informs Zevi as they draw closer.
Zevi instinctively wants to turn around, but Viktor stops her, saying, "Don't look back."
Viktor attempts to take a roundabout route, but it proves futile. Even Zevi notices the pursuers now, and they seem to abandon any attempt at concealment, gradually closing in.
A group of over a dozen people stands in front of Viktor and Zevi.
"Hey, Mr. Viktor, where are you headed?" one of them asks.
"I just want to go to the Undercity to buy some materials," Viktor replies.
"Mr. Viktor, you can buy those in the Upper City," another person suggests politely. "But if there's something you need that's only available in the Undercity, I can handle it for you. Mr. Viktor, as a scientist, your time is very precious, and you shouldn't waste it on such trivial matters."
"Miss Reta, do you also have something you want to buy in the Undercity? I can help you with the purchase. It's chaotic and dangerous down there, and someone like you might easily run into trouble."
With that, the group surrounds Viktor and Zevi, attempting to push them out of the crowd without causing a commotion.
They are avoiding creating a panic.
To bystanders, Viktor realizes they must look like a group at this moment.
Just when Viktor is feeling annoyed and somewhat angry, a squad of enforcers rushes in from a nearby corner.
Leading the way is a young enforcer, waving his baton frantically and shouting, "Stop! What are you people doing?"
A squad of enforcers quickly arrives and immediately disperses the crowd around Viktor and Zevi.
This surprises Viktor; he thought the enforcers would be allied with this group.
Given the increasing tension between the two cities, Piltover is undoubtedly wary of losing both Viktor and Zevi, two geniuses with strong ties to Linwin.
So, what's the deal with these enforcers.
Are they really here to help Zevi and me?
"You should know this."
The leading man squinted, showing a badge—a delicate family crest.
"Know what? Get your people away right now!"
The young enforcer paid no attention; he forcefully pushed the man away and shouted, "By order of Councilor Talis, I am here to take Mr. Viktor and Miss Reta. The Councilor wishes to see them."
"Wait, I have a Councilor's command as well."
"Then please take it up with my superior, Sheriff Marcus! I am acting on his orders! Now, step aside! I have a duty to fulfill!"
A row of enforcers positioned themselves between Viktor, Zevi, and the group. The young enforcer and a female colleague nodded at Viktor and Zevi.
"Now, Mr. Viktor, Miss Reta, please come with me."
"Jayce, huh?"
Viktor muttered under his breath and then nodded.
The moment he heard the name Councilor Talis, Viktor knew what Jayce was up to.
Taking a deep breath, Viktor turned his body, gazing up at Piltover's political center.
Viktor looked at the beautiful Piltover building.
Then he said, "I understand. Let's go."
---
"We'll leave you here, Mr. Viktor."
Approaching the Sun Gates, in the foreground, was a checkpoint established by Zaun. The Zaunites had no intention of entering Piltover now; they had their own home.
This led to a rare scene on the Sun Gates.
On the left side of the bridge, near Zaun's Plaza, Zaunites set up a checkpoint, subjecting anyone heading to Zaun to strict scrutiny.
On the right side was the lowest outer street of Piltover. Here, Piltoverans established a checkpoint, guarding only against Zaunites.
"I understand. Thank you. You can head back now."
Viktor spoke up.
"Oh, by the way, Mr. Viktor."
The young enforcer took off his hat and spoke earnestly, "Councilor Talis also asked me to deliver a message to you."
"Go ahead."
"He said, 'May all be well. Take care, my friend.'"
Viktor: "..."
After delivering these words, the two enforcers nodded and walked away.
Zevi looked at the dejected Viktor and cleared her throat, saying, "I didn't expect Jayce to be quite sentimental."
"I owe him an apology. We both betrayed Jayce...."
Viktor took a deep breath.
At that moment, a hand reached out behind Viktor, suddenly patting his shoulder. Viktor turned around to see a strangely dressed man, smiling at him, accompanied by a few others.
"Hey, Zevi, we meet again." He greeted Zevi first.
Seeing this person, Zevi clicked her tongue disapprovingly.
"I didn't expect you to be the one picking up Viktor and me. Aren't you leaving? Departing from Zaun?"
The peculiar man chuckled, "Of course not. Linwin can provide me with inexhaustible wealth, and I'm curious about this magic technology."
"I love peculiar things."
Viktor looked at this stranger and asked in surprise, "Are you from Zaun too?"
The man's attire—robe, hood—didn't quite resemble that of someone from Zaun.
"I'm not from Zaun, of course."
"I'm a Shuriman, but I'm sorry I can't tell you my real name."
He bowed to Viktor and continued, "But you can call me Twisted."