Arcane: Mage from Noxus

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When Viktor was led away by the soldiers to change his clothes, Katarina couldn't help but ask:

"I don't understand—who exactly are you going to meet in Zaun this afternoon?"

"It wasn't the case before, but it is now," Ryan replied indifferently.

"The biggest gang leader in Zaun is Silco, isn't it?"

"It's him," Katarina confirmed.

"The Empire's been gathering intelligence on him recently, and they're convinced Silco's scheming something behind the scenes."

"Oh? I've read his file as well, but why does the Imperial Intelligence Service believe that?" Ryan asked, sounding a bit surprised.

Katarina shrugged, her tone indifferent. "They consider Silco inherently dangerous. It's that very trait that allowed him to replace Vander as the leader of Zaun. But in recent years, he's been... too quiet."

"And is being quiet a crime?" Ryan asked with a faint smirk.

"I agree with the Intelligence Service on this one. Men like Silco don't just go quiet for no reason. He's likely plotting something big. The explosions at the port and the building yesterday might be part of it." Katarina's expression turned serious.

Ryan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I disagree. The people of Noxus don't understand what it means to carry the weight of responsibility."

"Silco? The kind of man who betrayed and killed all his former allies? And you think he has a heart?" Katarina asked skeptically.

"It's precisely because of his history with Vander that he carries regret," Ryan explained.

"Now, that void in his heart has been filled."

"Filled? By what? Are you telling me Silco has someone he... cares about?" Katarina's tone betrayed her disbelief.

Ryan smiled knowingly. "Remember the blue-haired girl from last night?"

"Blue-haired girl… Oh, you mean the one who blew up the building?" Katarina's eyes narrowed.

"I looked into it. Jinx is Silco's most reckless and devoted subordinate."

As Katarina spoke, her expression shifted—part confusion, part disgust.

Ryan noticed her reaction and couldn't help but chuckle. He didn't bother correcting her assumptions, merely shaking his head in amusement.

A short distance away, an attendant made a discreet gesture toward Ryan, signaling him. Straightening, Ryan turned to Katarina and gave an order:

"I've decided to meet Silco today. Find me a place that overlooks all of Zaun and send him an invitation."

"As you wish, Your Excellency."

Katarina nodded obediently before casting a glance at Viktor, who was still being assisted by the soldiers. Without another word, she disappeared from the restaurant in a blur of motion.

Ryan stood, walking toward Viktor with a faint smile.

"Viktor, that suit looks good on you," he remarked.

Viktor had changed into a tailored red-and-black butler's uniform. His normally unruly hair was neatly combed, and the stoic look on his face perfectly complemented the image of a dignified Noxian noble's steward.

Ryan gestured toward an attendant carrying a tray.

"There's a gift for you—a welcome token from a friend in Noxus."

Before Viktor could protest, the attendant stepped forward and revealed the contents of the tray: a finely crafted monocle engraved with unfamiliar runes.

Viktor's eyes lingered on the object, his curiosity clearly piqued. The strange markings on the monocle drew him in, and for a moment, he seemed entirely absorbed by the artifact.

Ryan chuckled, patting Viktor's shoulder.

"Take it—it's yours now. Study it as much as you like later."

"Sorry, this gift... it's just too precious and special." Viktor scratched his head awkwardly, an apologetic expression on his face.

After a brief hesitation, he finally put the monocle on. As he adjusted it, a faint, peculiar glow seemed to ripple across his cheek, subtly altering his appearance.

"I feel… strange," Viktor muttered, inspecting himself.

"The Yirong Monocle," Ryan explained with a small grin.

"A little gadget I developed. It can fine-tune your facial features. To anyone who doesn't know you well, it'll be nearly impossible to recognize you. Of course, I made sure it adheres to Noxian aesthetics."

"Noxian aesthetics?" Viktor repeated, tilting his head.

"It… feels much better than Piltover's, I'll admit."

He stared blankly at the mirror a servant held up for him. The reflection showed a stern-looking man with sharp features, wearing the monocle. His slender frame now gave him the appearance of a dignified and striking nobleman.

Although Viktor rarely cared about his appearance, even he couldn't help but marvel at the transformation.

"Let's go," Ryan said, motioning toward the door.

"We'll talk along the way. I might need you to act as my guide."

Viktor snapped out of his thoughts and gave a slight bow. "It's my honor, Your Excellency."

Once Ryan stepped outside and climbed into the mechanical vehicle, Viktor followed, but he soon spoke with a hint of curiosity:

"Will the lady not be joining us today?"

As he spoke, a realization seemed to dawn on him. He gave a self-deprecating chuckle.

"Well, a place like Zaun, filled with industrial smog, isn't exactly suitable for a noblewoman."

The engine roared to life, and the loyal Noxian soldiers expertly navigated the vehicle, heading toward the dividing bridge between Piltover and Zaun.

Hearing Viktor's remark, Ryan gave him an amused look.

"Do you really think Katarina is just a pure noblewoman?"

Viktor nodded slightly. "Well, her outfit today did fit Zaun's style, but as your companion last night, she certainly looked the part of an elegant noble."

"She's from the Du Couteau family," Ryan said with a faint smile.

"Du Couteau…" Viktor repeated, frowning in thought.

"That name sounds familiar. It seems to hold some significance in Noxus."

Viktor scratched his head, clearly struggling to recall. He had brushed up on Noxian history and society before arriving, but his focus had been on Ryan and his dealings.

The finer details of other influential Noxian families had slipped through the cracks.

"The Du Couteau family is a lineage of assassins," Ryan explained.

"Every head of the family has been one of the finest assassins in Noxus. Katarina is their eldest daughter."

"An assassin…?" Viktor's eyes widened in surprise.

He hadn't expected the seemingly aloof and cold woman to have such an extraordinary background.

He knew better than to underestimate Noxian assassins. Even the soldiers Ryan brought with him—each capable of taking down several of Piltover's enforcers—were likely outmatched by a Du Couteau.

"She'll be waiting for us at the boundary bridge," Ryan added.

"You might want to guess who we're going to meet today."

"It's probably the current leader of Zaun," Viktor replied, though his voice carried uncertainty. He sighed.

"Ever since Vander's death, Zaun has changed so much. It's become… more radical. Many people I once knew have died for one reason or another. The ones who survived have taken that potion, Shimmer, and their bodies are twisted beyond recognition. To be honest, I hardly recognize Zaun anymore."

"And what about its ruler? Have you heard any rumors?" Ryan asked, his tone light but curious.

"People say he's a powerful careerist," Viktor answered after a pause.

"But I've been so absorbed in my Hextech research that I haven't paid much attention to local politics."

Ryan gave a faint chuckle. "Most people dream of changing their homeland, obsessing over every detail. But you? You're entirely different."

Ryan didn't view Viktor's disinterest in politics as a flaw. In his eyes, Viktor's time and energy were better spent on advancing science and technology.

Noxus had no shortage of administrators or reformers, but true innovators—whether in magic or machinery—were far more rare and valuable.

And besides, according to the intelligence his superiors had passed along, Noxus might not have much time left…