Arcane: Mage from Noxus

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Katarina, who had been hiding in the shadows, stepped forward, opened the basement door, and walked out swiftly.

A short while later, she returned, a bucket in hand, and placed it before Ryan and Viktor.

"This is... Shimmer?"

Viktor's voice was filled with awe as Katarina removed the lid, revealing the viscous, purple liquid inside.

"You should be familiar with it," Ryan said, smiling faintly.

"I've heard stories about your past."

Viktor hesitated but then spoke honestly.

"Its inventor… he was my first teacher."

"I don't agree with many of his views," Viktor continued after a pause.

"But I won't deny that he had a profound influence on me."

Ryan nodded knowingly. "The past is a powerful thing—it shapes us. But Viktor, you must remember: while your past determines who you are now, it is your choices today that will define your future."

He gestured to the bucket of Shimmer.

"This," Ryan said, his voice steady, "is a gift I got from Medarda on my first day in Piltover. And it's not my only treasure."

From a nearby shelf, he retrieved a candle. The flame at its wick was an eerie gray-white, flickering with an unnatural glow that seemed to pull at the soul of anyone who gazed too long.

"The Shimmer potion can increase the probability of successfully fusing with the gems," Ryan explained, setting the candle down.

"And this—The Lost Soul Lamp—is a relic I acquired from the Immortal Bastion. It uses dark magic to forcibly capture the souls of the living."

Ryan turned to Viktor, his expression grave. "If you fail, I'll use this to bind your soul, preventing it from dissipating alongside your physical body. But understand—this will limit your potential. You'll be confined to an ordinary mechanical body. Stronger than Jayce, yes, but far from the power of a hero."

Viktor listened intently, his face composed.

"That is enough for me, Your Excellency," he replied calmly.

"What do I need to do? Inject it directly into my body?"

Ryan chuckled softly. "Silco's followers in Zaun often resort to crude injection methods—imprecise, dangerous. As of now, only one case has been a true success."

"Sevika?" Viktor asked curiously.

Ryan shook his head. "No. Jinx."

"Jinx…" Viktor murmured the name, tasting its weight.

"In Zaunite, the name carries connotations of misfortune, chaos, calamity. It makes sense that someone bearing such a name would be… extraordinary."

"She's still just a girl," Ryan said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"But her potential is remarkable. Her physical resilience rivals that of Jayce. And though she struggles with mental instability, her flaws do not overshadow her brilliance. She even managed to orchestrate the chaos at Stillwater Prison."

"I remember her," Viktor said thoughtfully.

Ryan gave a small nod, pleased by Viktor's response. In his own way, he was reassuring Viktor, providing him with a glimpse of Zaun's future—a future where Viktor could play a pivotal role.

With determination etched on his face, Viktor removed his shirt, revealing his gaunt, wiry frame.

"Let's begin, Your Excellency," he said, his tone resolute.

"I'll have to trouble you once more."

"As a reward," Ryan replied with a smirk, "grant me the privilege of witnessing the brilliance of Zaun and Piltover's eventual clash."

Ryan's eyes glowed with a dark blue hue, mirrored by the ring on his right hand. The Shimmer potion stirred, its liquid form rising into the air as if summoned by his will.

Slowly, it coalesced into a single, shimmering orb that floated toward Viktor.

The room fell silent, the tension almost tangible, as the experiment began.

"My technique will be very precise, but it will increase your pain significantly," Ryan warned.

"Prepare yourself mentally."

Viktor nodded solemnly, bracing himself. Without further words, Ryan guided the Shimmer with his magic, causing it to penetrate Viktor's skin and seep into his body.

The moment the Shimmer entered, Viktor's face twisted in agony. His body trembled uncontrollably, the pain radiating so intensely that even Katarina, standing a few steps away, could feel its weight.

But Viktor was determined. He forced his expression to still and attempted to calm his breathing, enduring the excruciating sensation that spread through every fiber of his being.

The Shimmer coursed through him, first staining his skin a faint purple before embedding itself in his veins, infiltrating his bones, and corroding his internal organs.

As the fusion began, Viktor felt as if his entire body were being devoured by a swarm of worms. His limbs shook involuntarily, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out.

Yet the sheer intensity of the pain caused him to unconsciously exert pressure on his feet.

Crack.

The floor beneath him fractured like a spiderweb. Viktor's eyes widened in shock. His left foot—a limb once so weak—had created such force.

As the pain gradually receded, it was replaced by an odd numbness that spread through his body.

"Congratulations," Ryan said, his calm voice breaking the silence.

"You've passed the first stage."

The words brought Viktor back to reality. He twisted his body experimentally, feeling as if his long-weakened frame had been freed from its shackles.

"Thank you," Viktor said, his tone filled with genuine gratitude.

"I've never felt this good in my entire life."

"You might want to thank the creator of the potion," Ryan reminded him.

"Shimmer offers infinite possibilities. But for now, you'll need time to adjust—to let your consciousness and soul catch up to your body."

Ryan's voice grew thoughtful. "Consciousness ties to the soul, and the soul's strength depends on the harmony between the body and mind. Enhancing your physical form or refining your spirit strengthens the soul—but when aided by external forces, the soul needs time to adapt."

"It will take three to seven days," Ryan added, his tone lightening.

"During this time, I hope you'll hold on. After all, Miss Caitlyn and Miss Camille might trouble you."

Viktor chuckled faintly, but his resolve remained clear.

"Evolution is within reach. Zaun's vision is beginning to take shape. No one can stop me now."

He put his shirt back on, concealing the faint purple hue of his skin. His expression was steeled with determination.

"I believe that as well," Ryan said with a smile.

"But everything must proceed step by step. Try your new body."

Viktor hesitated. Perhaps he feared the transformation was illusory, or perhaps he couldn't yet believe he'd come this far. Taking a deep breath, he raised his left foot.

It felt impossibly light. He stepped forward, lowered it gently, leaned forward, and lifted his right foot. Step by step, he moved forward, his confidence growing with every motion.

His hesitation gave way to joy. Viktor began to walk faster, then broke into a run. His speed and strength were leagues beyond what they had been.

"This is the first time I've felt like a normal person," Viktor said, his voice trembling with emotion, his expression alive with unrestrained joy.

"This is only the first step," Ryan reminded him, his tone warm.

"I don't oppose you holding on to that joy—it's good to embrace emotion."

"Emotional happiness is fleeting," Viktor replied, his tone steady as his excitement faded.

"But ascension will bring me eternity."

Ryan sighed a hint of pity in his voice. "I respect your choice. Whatever path you take, it will lead you forward."

Switching gears, Viktor pulled a rolled-up set of blueprints from his satchel.

"Speaking of progress, what Your Excellency asked me to study has finally come to fruition."

He unfurled the blueprints, revealing intricate schematics.

"This is a prototype for advanced soldier equipment. With the alloy data you provided, combined with Piltover's technological innovations, I've developed this initial design."

Ryan examined the drawing of black-and-red armor, its aesthetic both functional and striking. It exuded the imposing style of Noxian craftsmanship, blending strength and elegance.

Before Ryan could comment, Katarina stepped closer, whispering something into his ear. His eyebrows rose slightly in response.

"The design aligns with Noxian aesthetics," Ryan remarked, setting the blueprint down.

"If Miss Camille arrives soon, I would love for her to hear you describe it in detail."

"Of course, Your Excellency," Viktor replied with a respectful bow.

"But I believe I've occupied too much of your time already. I'll leave the blueprints here and take my leave. Zaun awaits."

Ryan nodded approvingly as Viktor bowed once more and exited the basement, leaving behind a sense of quiet determination.