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Aside from smuggled goods and mineral ores, the most valuable treasure in Zaun for Kael was their fractured alchemical technology. Since the great explosion, a deep rift had formed in Zaun's knowledge system—not just from the death of its masters, but from the psychological scars of the survivors. In the past, alchemy was the iron fist of Noxus, exported as bombs and toxic gases. Today, under Vander's persistence, Zaun had pivoted toward survival and smuggling, hoping to normalize relations with Piltover.
Yet, alchemy is more than a weapon; it is a bonding agent between biology and machinery. In the undercity, biological modification still thrived in the shadows. There was even a legend of an alchemist who tried to fuse magic with chemistry, but his dreams were buried in the ruins of the lowest level.
The new generation, however, lacks systematic education. They are self-taught from scattered, dangerous texts.
Take Powder's homemade bombs—or "alchemical fireworks," as Kael thought of them. The crude solvents barely produced a reaction, yet the firing mechanisms were a masterclass in innate talent. When Powder handed her creation to Kael like a sacred relic, he saw the deep-seated yearning for recognition behind her blue eyes. Powder carried trauma from the day her parents died; she was a smart girl who kept her demons locked in a box that only Vi could keep shut.
"Powder," Kael said, meeting her gaze with clinical seriousness. "You really are a genius."
"Hehe," Powder laughed shyly.
Vi scoffed from the side. "Is that orangutan really your sister?" Kael asked, tilting his head.
"What did you say?!" Vi roared, lunging forward only to be caught by Mylo and Claggor.
"It's just too early for you to be playing with these," Kael noted, disassembling her bomb and re-clicking the gears. He tossed it into an empty corner.
BOOM.
The explosion was deafening but harmless—a loud snap of redirected kinetic energy. Vi froze, the color draining from her face.
"I just modified the reaction," Kael explained. "Now do you see what kind of power she's playing with?"
Vander rushed over, alerted by the blast. Seeing Powder's proud face and Vi's stunned silence, the gravity of the situation hit him. Zaun was no place for a child with these "toys." It was the path to Jinx.
The New Partner
A few days later, back in Piltover, Jayce had finally prepared a desolate warehouse for their Hextech experiments. When Kael arrived, he found a new face: a thin man with a cane and sharp, inquisitive eyes.
"This is Viktor," Jayce introduced. "An assistant instructor at the Academy. He... found my notes."
"You're lucky it was Viktor," Kael sighed. "Anyone else and the Enforcers would have had you in a cell by dawn."
Jayce rubbed his hands awkwardly, glancing toward the back of the warehouse. A woman in high-society attire stood there, her dark skin reflecting the afternoon sun. Gold ornaments adorned her frame, radiating power and luxury.
"I remember your 'study materials' under the bed were a bit more... fair-skinned, Jayce," Kael whispered.
"You went through those?!" Jayce hissed, his face turning crimson.
"What materials?" Viktor asked, genuinely curious.
"I'll bring them over for you later, Viktor," Kael promised with a smirk.
The lady approached. "Madame Kiramman's judgment is usually sound," she said, her voice like silk. "But I don't think she expected you, little fellow, to be this bold."
"Councilor Mel," Jayce stammered, "this is Kael."
"Councilor Mel, I'm Kael. Not a 'little fellow'," Kael corrected.
"My apologies, Mr. Little Kael," Mel teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Kael looked at her and decided to be willful. He turned his back and started checking the experimental equipment. At ten years old, he had the perfect "Brat" card to play when dealing with manipulative Councilors.
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