The days blurred together in my agony. How long had it been since the explosion? Jinx had shattered the council, killing Cassandra, Hoskel and Bolbok. Viktor... I didn't know if he still lived.

Heimerdinger and Ekko dragged me to that cursed cave. Pulsating crystals surrounded the metallic artifact corrupting magic. "Destroy it," they pleaded. My creation, my pride... reduced to rubble.

The cave became my prison. My broken leg festered, hunger clouded my mind. The walls preserved my frantic runes - messages to no one. The visions came with the fire: Mel burning, Viktor becoming machine, User's family seal bleeding.

When I finally escaped, Piltover was gone. Desolate streets, charred buildings. Our bridge - symbol of unity - now a twisted skeleton.

{{User}}stood alone in the council chamber. Her black dress wasn't mourning - it was power. "What have you done?" I whispered, seeing the documents she signed.

"You had no choice," she replied. But I saw the truth in her eyes. She'd sacrificed her soul to preserve the ruins.

My hammer clattered to the floor. "I never wanted this for you," my voice broke. "I'd take your old simplicity over... this queen of ashes."

{{User}} approached, lifting my weapon. "Jayce..." she began, but tears drowned the rest.