"It seems like you've got more to say," Vander remarked, narrowing his eyes as he noticed the serious look on Duke's face.
Duke glanced up, hesitating for a moment. "I do," he admitted. He paused, thinking, How should I even explain this? After a brief silence, he sighed and decided to take the direct approach. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a set of papers—the formula for all Beyonder Pathways.
Vander took the papers, scanning them with furrowed brows. The words on the page made little sense to him: The Fool Pathway, The Sun Pathway, and a slew of unfamiliar terms. Ingredients, methods of concoction—it was all foreign. His confusion was plain as he finally looked up.
"I'm not gonna lie, Duke—I don't get half of this." Vander scratched the back of his head. "What's this supposed to be? Some kind of potion?"
Duke leaned back, his expression calm, though his thoughts were racing. "It's called a Beyonder Potion," he said, carefully crafting his explanation. "And… I invented it." Well, not exactly, he thought, suppressing a grimace. In truth, the potions originated from the Sefirot and the Great Old Ones in Lord of the Mysteries. But since this world didn't know about that, he wasn't stealing anyone's work—not technically.
He pressed on. "You see, I've been studying for years—about the Arcane, about the way the world works. Zaun has always been a harsh place, crushed under Piltover's heel no matter how hard we fight back. So I began experimenting, looking for a way to level the playing field. That's when I created the Beyonder Potions. They're a bridge—a medium—between the Arcane and reality. Drinking one allows the Arcane to grant us power."
The room grew silent, and Duke suddenly realized he might have gone too far. Everyone was staring at him, their expressions a mix of confusion and incredulity. I've lost them, haven't I? He sighed, resigning himself to their skepticism.
"So, let me get this straight," Vander said slowly, his voice steady but laced with caution. "This… Beyonder Potion. If someone drinks it, it'll give them power?"
"Yes," Duke said, nodding firmly.
Vander rubbed his temples, his face a mask of skepticism. "And you know how dangerous this sounds, right? If word gets out about this—if the wrong people find out—it's going to cause chaos."
"I know," Duke replied, his voice calm but resolute. He reached into his bag again and pulled out another set of papers, this time neatly bound. "That's why I've written up a contract. Only those who join the family can become Beyonders. It's a way to keep this power from falling into the wrong hands."
Vander took the contract, his gaze shifting between the papers and Duke. His jaw tightened as he weighed the risks. "Clan Hearth?"
"That's right," Duke said, his voice steady yet firm. He locked eyes with Vander, his gaze unwavering. "I just couldn't sit by and watch Zaun struggle anymore. Vander… I admire your ideals, I really do. But let's face it—peace isn't true peace if we're still barely surviving, always scraping by, always under their boot."
Violet, Claggor, and Mylo watched from the other side of the room, their eyes wide with surprise. Duke's words weren't just bold—they were direct. In their family, Duke was the only one who could challenge Vander like this. Even so, none of them had expected a confrontation.
Duke leaned forward slightly, his tone sharpening. "Zaun isn't living in peace, Vander. We're living in a prison, bound and gagged by the chains Piltover forged for us. This isn't freedom—it's just another kind of control."
Vander's jaw tightened, his expression darkening. He didn't respond right away, the weight of Duke's words hanging heavy in the air. From the corner of her eye, Violet saw Claggor shift uncomfortably, and Mylo nervously glanced at Vander, as if expecting the older man to explode. But Vander remained calm, though his eyes burned with quiet intensity.
"And what are you saying we should do, Duke?" Vander finally asked, his voice measured but laced with warning. "Fight back? You know where that leads. I've seen it before."
"I know," Duke said, his voice resolute, yet carrying a trace of solemnity. "Sacrifice and pain are the price for true, lasting peace. But that's why the Clan Hearth and the Beyonder Potions exist—to minimize the lives lost while still achieving our goal. With this power, we can lead Zaun out of the shadows and into a future worth fighting for."
He paused, watching Vander carefully. When the older man didn't respond, Duke placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "For the future generations, Vander. Isn't that what we've always wanted?"
For a moment, Vander's eyes widened, the weight of Duke's words triggering something deep within him. Memories surged, unbidden and raw. He was back under the bridge with Silco—both of them standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting not just for peace or freedom, but for the dream of a future where their people could thrive. They had fought for Zaun to rise.
But they had lost. And in that loss, Vander had cast those ideals aside, burying them beneath the crushing fear of losing more—his family, his people, his home. He had chosen a fragile peace over risking everything again.
The silence stretched, thick with unspoken emotions. Violet and the others exchanged uncertain glances, sensing the tension but unsure of its meaning. Vander's shoulders stiffened, his hands clenching into fists, but his gaze softened as the memories began to settle.
Duke's voice broke through his reverie, gentle yet firm. "I'm not asking you to abandon everything you've worked for, Vander. I'm asking you to trust me. Let's make the sacrifices worth it. Let's ensure they lead to something real."
Vander remained silent for a long moment, his broad shoulders rising and falling with a deep sigh. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and heavy with emotion. "You know, Duke… sometimes I see you as a kind man—a man who'd do anything for his family. In that way, you remind me of myself."
He paused, glancing at Duke with a mixture of weariness and something like regret. "I thought we had the same ideals, the same vision for what's best for Zaun. But…"
He trailed off, his brows furrowing as if wrestling with the weight of his thoughts. "Are you sure about this, Duke? About us? Are we… strong enough to carry this? To face what's coming if we take this path?"
Vander's voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of doubt—a man who had seen too much loss to easily gamble with what little he had left. His gaze bore into Duke's, searching for something—certainty, conviction, maybe even a reassurance Vander couldn't find in himself.
Duke smiled faintly, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate lines and symbols of the formula. There was a calm determination in his eyes as he spoke. "Join the Clan Hearth, Vander," he said, his voice steady yet inviting. "Choose a pathway. Let's build a future where Zaun doesn't just survive—but thrives."
...
The family of Duke came to a consensus without hesitation, joining the Clan Hearth. Everyone, except Vander, made their decisions swiftly. However, in the end, even Vander joined—but not to fight. Instead, he chose to guide the younger members, becoming a mentor to them, passing on his experience and wisdom.
When it came time to choose a Pathway, the gravity of the decision weighed heavily on everyone. Each Pathway had its own advantages and disadvantages, and once chosen, there would be no turning back. The air was thick with anticipation as they all stared at the paper held by Vander, who would help lead them through this crucial choice.
"Vi, you should choose this one. It suits you," Vander said, his finger pointing at the Red Priest Pathway on the paper.
Violet didn't respond immediately. She tilted her head, studying the Pathway closely before turning to Duke. "What do you think, Duke?"
Duke glanced at the Pathway and then met Violet's eyes. "Vander's right. The Red Priest Pathway is perfect for you. It'll make you an expert in close combat, traps, fire, and you'll be able to provoke enemies—use their rage against them."
Violet's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of "provoking enemies," and after a brief moment of thought, she nodded. "That sounds like exactly what I need." She made her choice.
The rest of the group followed suit, each choosing a Pathway that best suited their skills and aspirations.
Mylo, ever the opportunist, chose the Door Pathway, intrigued by the ability to open any door at will—unlocking paths and possibilities with ease.
Claggor, with his desire for strength and the ability to heal while in battle, chose the Twilight Giant Pathway. It promised power, resilience, and the ability to protect those around him.
Violet, as mentioned, chose the Red Priest Pathway, embracing the ability to dominate in close combat, traps, and fire, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Finally, Vander, after much deliberation, chose the Sun Pathway. It was a Pathway that would not grant him overwhelming power but would serve to enhance his wisdom and give him the ability to support and guide his people in a new, more profound way.
"As you know, we need ingredients to brew these potions…" Duke began, glancing around with a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Unfortunately, my wallet is a bit tight these days." He gave Vander a knowing smile.
Vander sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "I know. We'll buy the ingredients," he muttered, shaking his head. "Let's just hope there's something left in my wallet after all this."
For a brief moment, a wave of relief washed over Violet and the others. The weight of uncertainty lifted slightly, and a newfound excitement filled the air. The possibility of gaining power was within reach, and with Vander's reluctant but genuine agreement, they all felt a little lighter.
"So, what's the plan now?" Vander asked, his voice low but firm as he turned his attention back to Duke.
Duke raised a single finger, signaling the importance of what he was about to say. "First, we unite the Lanes."