Arcane: Begging for Help in a Parallel Universe!

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Zaun, The Lanes

The gray smog that once choked the streets and alleys of Zaun had been swept away.

Newly installed ventilation fans whirred tirelessly, purifying the air and bringing a breath of freshness to the streets. The once-decaying lanes, previously overrun by enforcers of the chem-barons, were now bustling with reopened shops and strolling pedestrians.

Though the people's eyes still carried traces of fear and uncertainty from the turbulent past, the panic had subsided. Their spirits were visibly lifted, a stark contrast to the despair that once defined them.

Shrines dotted the streets, each housing a statue of a graceful goddess holding a staff, accompanied by a bluebird. At designated locations, distribution centers provided food, supplies, and job opportunities. The staff, though rough around the edges and prone to colorful language, displayed unexpected patience and kindness toward the citizens of Zaun seeking help.

"It seems my efforts haven't been in vain," mused a young man in a white lab coat as he strolled through the streets of Zaun. His coat hung open, revealing a simple shirt underneath. The collar, cuffs, and hem of the coat were adorned with gray web-like patterns, adding an air of mystery to his appearance.

His messy black hair fell over his forehead, and his deep eyes glowed faintly with blue rings around the irises, giving him an enigmatic aura.

"Of course, it's all thanks to my guidance!" Janna's voice echoed in Link's ears.

Link nodded half-heartedly. "Yes, yes, my dear Janna, you're the best."

"Your flattery doesn't sound very sincere," Janna said, eyeing him suspiciously.

Link maintained his composure. "It must be your imagination. I'm nothing if not devout. How could I ever be insincere?"

"You'd better not be," Janna huffed, her presence swirling around Link as a gentle breeze, shielding him from Zaun's polluted air and alerting him to any potential dangers.

"Still, despite the improvements, the people here are still hostile toward anything that smells of Piltover," Link observed, noticing the wary and distrustful glances from passersby.

Some had even begun tailing him the moment he entered The Lanes, spreading word of his presence as if expecting trouble.

"It's inevitable," Janna sighed. "To them, Piltover stole their lives and their futures."

"Ah, my vision is a long and arduous road," Link lamented as he stepped into the doors of The Last Drop.

Compared to its previous state of disrepair and emptiness, the tavern was now lively and well-kept. Bright lights illuminated every corner, and the repaired jukebox played soft music that filled the air.

The scent of food and the sharp tang of alcohol mingled in the room, and the patrons wore genuine smiles.

However, the moment Link walked in, the atmosphere shifted.

It was as if an alien creature had intruded upon their ordinary lives. Suspicion, resentment, and outright hostility filled the gazes directed at him.

Sevika, draped in a shawl, emerged from behind the bar. She downed a glass of liquor and approached Link, her voice cold. "Sorry, we're in a trial phase. We're not serving anyone outside The Lanes."

"Oh?" Link smirked, holding open his lab coat. "What about that drink you promised me last time?"

"That drink?" Sevika's eyes widened in recognition and confusion. "You're—"

"That's right, it's me!" Link patted Sevika's shoulder, eliciting a mix of emotions from her. "Wait, you're this young?"

"Well, Jinx is pretty young too, isn't she?" Link shrugged and moved toward the bar. Before he could sit, a burly man yanked the stool away, growling, "It's taken."

"Knock it off, Barley!" Sevika shoved the man aside and pulled the stool back for Link. "You've been gone for a while. We asked Janna, and she said you were busy with other things."

At Sevika's words, the patrons' expressions shifted.

For weeks, they had wondered where Ekko and Sevika had gotten the resources to support Zaun. Ekko and Sevika had told them it was a mysterious figure known as "The Spider" who had provided everything.

Not only that, but this Spider had also brought Janna back to Zaun, giving them spiritual solace and material support. The Spider had played a significant role in stabilizing Zaun and even promised to build schools, hospitals, post offices, and everything Piltover had.

"Is that him?"

"He looks too young!"

"Didn't Sevika say The Spider was two meters tall, two meters wide, and cursed like a true Zaunite?"

"This guy looks and smells like he's from Piltover!"

Amid the murmurs, Sevika slammed her hand on the bar. "Enough chatter! If you've got something to say, say it to my face! The Lanes aren't what they used to be. Speak your mind!"

A young man with blue hair and face tattoos stepped forward. "Sevika, is he really the one you told us about?"

Sevika glanced at Link, who smiled and said, "If I'm here to claim that drink you owe me, it means I don't need to hide anymore."

With a shrug and a wink at Sevika, Link confirmed it. Sevika took a deep breath and announced to the crowd, "Yes, this is the Spider you've all been waiting to meet!"

"He's the one who brought us food, water, and supplies!"

"He's the one who brought Janna back to us, giving us hope!"

"And he's the one who will change Zaun and reclaim what's rightfully ours!"

Sevika raised her glass high. "Now, you know what to do!"

"Let's toast to the Spider, to the young man who's fought for Zaun, and to the Sumps and the Fissures!"

The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers.

"To the Spider!"

"Thank you for everything you've done!"

"You'll always be our friend!"

"Welcome to Zaun, friend!"

Overwhelmed by the response, Link scratched his nose and said to Sevika, "You really went all out. I'm not sure I can handle this."

"What's wrong? Can't handle the spotlight without your mask?" Sevika teased, nudging him. "Say something. Everyone's been waiting to meet you since we returned to The Lanes."

Link thought for a moment, then pulled a coin pouch from his pocket and placed it on the bar.

"Drinks are on me tonight!"

The tavern erupted into cheers and applause.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 125 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 470 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.