" ... Long time no see, Viktor. I assume you have been fine."
Arthur glanced at the man with a mask. Unlike a few years ago, he almost turned himself into a mechanic human or an augmented human, but Arthur could tell his heart was still there and beating. He wasn't truly dead as he clung to his last of humanity.
" Indeed, my friend. You haven't changed a bit even you saw me."
Viktor said with a cold tone. His eyes focused on the group that was going with him. Especially he saw two familiar faces. Caitlyn was looking at him with a complicated gaze and Vi was glaring at him with anger.
" Viktor, do you remember your promise? I said I will help you to retain your humanity."
Arthur placed his hand on the table while looking at him warmly. He couldn't blame Viktor because weakness was a sin in the chaotic times. Furthermore, he believed Viktor had still a good side in him because he saw children who were playing with prosthetic limbs outside his lab.
Caitlyn also mentioned he occasionally helped Jayce and helped Zaunians to create a better place. So, in his recognition, he was a hero, unlike Chem barons who ruled behind the curtains. Besides, with his promise Viktor could finally achieve his goal and aim for the higher place because Arthur knew Viktor was similar to him, Tony, and Bruce. His mind was a brilliant gift that should be used for the greater good.
" If you can clean this place and help me. I will honor my words."
Viktor replied gently while giving him his token. His mechanic arms moved between the drawers and took out a single piece of blueprint that could potentially change the course of history. His proud creation and his sole reason for drive- Hex crystal.
It wasn't a normal hex crystal. It was a polished and improved version of her crystal.
Arthur took the blueprint and scanned the contents. His mind quickly built up alternative methods to craft this item. The idea was simple and clean, all he had to do was trap the mana inside the object and use it similar to hex crystal, but the main problem was how to channel and change the composition of mana.
Hex crystal was mined from the far south and it involved some shady things, thus Arthur wanted to avoid using the original one out of his belief. Moreover, he was feeling something fishy from the hex crystal itself. It was like a corrupt item that would eventually destroy the mind of its holder.
" I promise. As long as you agree to create my portal inside your territory, I can send my force to help you. Also, you don't have to worry about my interest. If I wanted to raze this city, trust me I would easily do that."
Arthur said with confidence among the sneers of his teammates. The women didn't believe he would do that because he wasn't a merciless person who would unintentionally slaughter people here and there.
" Yeah, right."
Vi spoke lightly, slapping his shoulder with some strength. Others agreed with her because they couldn't imagine Arthur would do that.
" Hey!"
Arthur shrugged his shoulders while smiling like always. Viktor who saw this recalled his past with his friends. Although his humanity had been diminished due to the augments, he was a human after all. He wasn't willing to take the last step to become a perfect being because that meant he would lose his last sanity.
" I will help you to build it here secretly from others."
Viktor gave his words while closing his eyes to burn this into his memory. Someday he might forget it and he hoped it wouldn't happen to him.
Meanwhile in Noxus
" Finally I can expand my board. Noxus will get more power and prestige as we progress."
Swain looked outside with a heavy look, believing he was betting on the right side. His hand trembled from the sudden jolt, but he kept it under control by holding it down. The dusk of his life was approaching and he didn't know when it would come to him.
" How long do you think you can live, Jericho Swain? Sooner or later I will get my things like before. Your struggle is nothing but a mere speck in my vision."
A woman emerged out from the mirror, looking at his back with a cold smile.