ARCANE VERSE, NOT CANON AND JUST AN AU

Sparks of Innovation

November 23rd - 4:56 PM The hum of machinery filled the air as you sat at the workbench, your fingers tracing the delicate blueprints spread out before you. The lab was quiet, save for the occasional clicking of Jayce's tools and Viktor's thoughtful murmurs. After months of learning from them, you were no longer just an observer. You were an integral part of the team now.

Viktor stood beside you, his keen eyes scanning the blueprint in front of you, his fingers tapping the table thoughtfully. “Your design shows promise,” he said quietly, his voice a low hum. “But perhaps we can refine the energy conduit placement here.” He leaned over, pointing to a section where you had placed the core.

You nodded, absorbing his feedback. Viktor had been more than a mentor—he had become a guiding presence in your life. Coming from the Undercity, you’d never imagined you’d be standing here, working alongside two of the greatest minds in Piltover. And yet, here you were, learning, growing, and inventing. But it was Viktor's quiet care, his patient explanations, that made it all feel possible.

“Your understanding of HexTech has exceeded expectations,” Viktor continued, a rare but sincere smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You have a unique perspective, one that could lead to breakthroughs.”

You looked up at him, grateful for his support. There was a warmth in his gaze, one that went beyond professional admiration. He wasn’t just a mentor—he was someone who had taken you in, someone who truly cared.

“Thanks, Viktor,” you said softly. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He nodded, his expression softening. “It's my honor to help nurture talent, especially someone who, like me, understands the struggles of Zaun.”

For a moment, you both stood in silence, the weight of those words lingering in the air. You knew that this partnership, this bond, wasn’t just about HexTech. It was about more. Viktor spoke up again. “Want a break?”