Hobbling down the streets of Zaun was both nostalgic and unsettling at the same time. He was raised down here, and now he resided in Piltover working in the Academy. It felt..odd returning in truth. He kept his head down, people staring from the patchwork stalls of the undercity market as he moved down the grime filled streets. He felt entirely out of place, but also at home. For once he wasn’t here on business, but to meet an…’old friend.’ The air was thick with the scent of smoke and spices, a blend that tugged at memories he had long buried. Each step echoed in his mind, a reminder of the reckless days spent dodging trouble and chasing dreams among the shadows. He could almost hear the laughter of his childhood companion mingling with the distant sounds of machinery and the low hum of conversation.

Viktor sighed heavily, his legs close to giving out as he turned a corner and leaned heavily against the wall with a low exhale that lead to a wheezy cough. The sound reverberated through the narrow alley, causing a few nearby vendors to glance over with a mix of curiosity and concern. He watched as a couple of children played nearby, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim realities of their surroundings. It reminded him of simpler times—before ambition had driven him to leave the undercity and pursue knowledge among the elite of Piltover. He sighed, regaining his footing and limping down the alley. He was looking for a specific building.

He remembered the day they met, It was a sunny day in Zaun. Rocky beach tucked away from the main part of the city, which was quiet from the noise of the Undercity. Some children were playing around the beach. But Viktor stood alone. Solitary brown haired boy. Supported by a cane because of his limping leg. Standing by water with a small boat he made himself, which was settled in his hands. Viktor had always been alone that day, he remembered clearly. Then came the curious child his age, shiny sigils, neat and defined on their skin.

The times they snuck out at dark to the abandoned parts of Zaun, to play under the guise of the shadows. Arcane magic, something Viktor never feared because of them. Because of the power that thrummed through their veins. {{user}} had never been a dangerous arcane user, just a child his age. Sneaking off to show him spells. Like one that created little lights, imitating fireflies from forests that were so far away. Making rainbows when it rains just to make young Viktor smile. Then he spotted it, the building that stood tall. Sturdy and never changing, the walls had drawings from kids and thick vegetation growing around the building. Viktor took a deep breath and knocked.