Arcane: Mage from Noxus

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"You and Mel seem to have different ideas. She's quite optimistic about Jayce, but you chose Viktor instead," Katerina remarked as she shook her head and followed Ryan.

Ryan, unfazed by whether Viktor could hear him or not, spoke candidly:

"Hextech has potential. If you must choose, why not back the one you believe in most? We're both right in our own way. Mel thinks progress lies in newer technologies and untapped possibilities. But to me, those who've endured the hardships of life and possess clear, unyielding goals are far more worthy of investment."

Turning to Viktor, Ryan extended a hand.

"What do you think, Mr. Viktor? I'm Ryan Meredith from Noxus."

Viktor's eyes widened slightly, his face showing surprise as he accepted the handshake.

"Ryan Meredith... the legendary Adjutant of Blood Mist. I never imagined I'd meet you in person."

This was Piltover—neutral territory—and while Viktor had no intention of stirring conflict, he couldn't ignore the infamous Noxian's reputation.

Ryan gave a small, helpless shrug.

"Ah, that old title. The Ionians claimed I was more bloodthirsty than demons, though I was only ever defending myself."

Viktor tilted his head, his tone measured, almost indifferent.

"I admit, I never thought someone of your stature would approach someone like me. Does this mean you're interested in investing, Mr. Meredith?"

"From the way you're speaking, it sounds like you're not particularly interested," Ryan replied with a playful smirk, his face feigning regret.

"I had hoped to discuss using magic to ease your condition, or maybe to explore Hextech's potential for improving people's livelihoods."

He made a move to leave, but Viktor's voice stopped him.

"Wait! Lord. Meredith!"

Ryan paused mid-step and casually took a glass of wine from a passing waiter, raising it slightly.

"Please, call me Ryan. Your talent deserves that respect."

Viktor hesitated, but his curiosity won over.

"Ryan... what you mentioned about magic, Hextech, and people's livelihoods—what exactly did you mean?"

He coughed lightly, his breathing labored, as though a drowning man had found a thread of hope.

Born in the depths of Zaun, Viktor's health had long been ravaged by industrial waste and polluted air.

Every breath he took was a fight, and every day he endured was a triumph. His efforts to find a cure, even through Hextech, had yet to succeed.

Ryan studied him for a moment, a flicker of pity crossing his face. He raised his wineglass in a silent toast and said,

"Exactly what I said. Drink this, and I think you'll understand."

Viktor hesitated. He opened his mouth to politely refuse—alcohol wasn't something his frail body could tolerate—but his words faltered when he noticed Ryan's right hand faintly glowing with a dark blue light. A mysterious rune appeared within the drink, pulsing softly.

Viktor's breath hitched. He recognized the rune. He'd seen it before, during his studies of Hextech—it seemed to represent the concept of "net" or "binding."

Curiosity overtook his hesitation. He carefully took the glass and peered into the dark blue liquid.

"The magic... it's exquisite," Viktor murmured, marveling at its intricacy.

"Far beyond the crude energy of Hextech."

Ryan dismissed the compliment with a wave of his hand.

"It's just a crude magical potion," he said nonchalantly.

"At best, it'll slow the degeneration of your body. But if you truly want to recover, there's a lot more work ahead of you."

"That's more than enough. Thank you."

For once, Viktor's stoic demeanor softened into a small, genuine smile. Without hesitation, he drank the potion.

As the liquid flowed through him, Viktor's eyes widened in astonishment. A warmth surged through his veins, and every cell seemed to hum with newfound vitality.

It was as if a spark of life had reignited within him, and for the first time in years, he felt a sense of strength returning to his frail frame.

Ryan observed him calmly, his expression unreadable. Raising his own glass, he gave a faint smile.

"Welcome back to life, Viktor."

"This...this...the effect is incredible."

Victor's hands were shaking slightly with excitement, and his face was full of incredible colors.

The Hextech they had studied was a technological marvel built upon the foundation of magic. Viktor had always thought Hextech had reached a level comparable to magic itself, but now, witnessing Ryan's demonstration, he realized there was still a vast gulf between the two—at least for now.

"Thank you again for your gift," Viktor said solemnly as he stood and gave Ryan a deep bow.

Though he wasn't afraid of death, Viktor still longed to fulfill his life's mission before his body gave out.

Until recently, that dream seemed impossible. Heimerdinger had rejected both his and Jayce's research, claiming their methods were too dangerous, and his deteriorating health made every passing day an uphill battle.

But now, there was hope. A sliver of dawn cutting through the night of despair.

Viktor straightened, studying Ryan carefully. His voice carried a note of curiosity as he asked tentatively,

"Your Excellency Ryan, earlier you mentioned using Hextech for... people's livelihoods?"

Ryan swirled the wine in his glass thoughtfully.

"You're familiar with Noxus, aren't you? Although it occupies the largest territory on Valoran, much of the Empire is a barren desert. Ordinary technology hasn't been able to reclaim it, and the land remains inhospitable. That's where Hextech could change everything."

"I've heard of the challenges Noxus faces," Viktor nodded.

"It's why the empire continues to wage wars—to plunder the resources it needs to survive."

Having grown up in Zaun, Viktor understood this all too well. Life in the undercity was no better than the harshest conditions in Noxus. The struggle for survival pushed people into desperation, leading them into darkness.

It was that same pain and injustice that had driven Viktor to swear an oath: to use his knowledge to uplift Zaun, to transform it into a city as prosperous and vibrant as Piltover.

Ryan's words resonated deeply with him, aligning with his vision.

The conversation had shifted into territory Viktor felt deeply connected to, and he welcomed the discussion.

"Viktor, with your expertise, how many options do you think there are to improve the environment in Noxus?" Ryan asked suddenly, his sharp gaze fixed on the Zaunite inventor.

Viktor paused to consider the question, then raised three fingers.

"There are three possibilities," he said confidently.

Ryan gestured for him to continue.

"The first and simplest option is exactly what Noxus has been doing," Viktor began.

"War. Plunder resources from other regions."

Ryan frowned and shook his head, his tone disapproving.

"That's a short-term solution that only treats the symptoms, not the cause. It leaves the empire dependent on external regions, which only fuels resentment and unrest. War may control population growth temporarily, but it's not sustainable. My old commander and I agreed that Noxus's strength should be spent on more meaningful pursuits than endless conquests."

Viktor nodded. "I understand. Then the other two options are to fundamentally transform Noxus's deserts—either through technology or through magic."

Ryan leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

"Magic could do it," Viktor continued seriously.

"With the kind of magic you've demonstrated, Lord Ryan, it should be possible to purify the land entirely. Noxus has a significant number of mages, and with proper coordination, they could restore the environment."

He hesitated before adding, "When I studied Hextech, I realized it was a tool to replicate magic—an invention to allow ordinary people to wield its power. But now that I've seen real magic up close, I realize Hextech still has a long way to go. Your abilities, Your Excellency, are far beyond anything we've achieved so far. This revelation will shape the future direction of my research."

Ryan's expression darkened slightly as he shook his head.

"Magic could achieve that, but it would take enormous effort, time, and resources. Forming and maintaining a mage team for such a purpose would drain the Empire's most valuable talent. The mages of Noxus are already stretched thin, and their potential is far better suited for more critical work. Neither the Emperor nor my former commander would approve of diverting such power for this."

"Then that leaves technology," Viktor said, his tone sharpening with realization.

"You're hoping to use Hextech to transform the land of Noxus."

Ryan chuckled. "Exactly."

Viktor's expression turned pensive. "But Piltover... they'll never hand over Hextech. Not for a cause like this."

He sighed, shaking his head. His experience with Piltover and its elite class left him pessimistic. Jayce, Heimerdinger, and the Council valued control over progress, fearing that sharing Hextech would threaten their dominance.

Viktor doubted they'd ever allow the technology to be used, even if it was to save lives or transform barren lands.

Ryan, however, laughed heartily, breaking through Viktor's gloom.

"Hahaha, Viktor, don't underestimate Noxus."