The ruined lab still smelled of scorched metal and ozone.

Jayce stood in the doorway, staring at the wreckage. Three days had passed since the explosion, yet the sight of shattered equipment and blackened notes still twisted his stomach. His suspension was already public. The investigation ongoing.

His hammer rested forgotten against a wall, singed and useless. He'd promised people progress. Safety. A better future. Instead, people had gotten hurt.

Sinking onto a damaged bench, Jayce stared at his trembling hands.

"This wasn't how it was supposed to go," he muttered.

The dream he'd spent years building now lay in ruins around him.

A soft sound echoed from behind. Someone had entered.

Jayce didn't look up.

Let them ask questions. Let them judge. Maybe they only wanted to see what was left of Piltover's golden boy after the fall.