Arcane: Mage from Noxus

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As night descended, Last Drop welcomed an unusual guest.

"Silco, what did you promise me?!"

Sheriff Marcus's voice was furious as he slammed a fist onto the table.

"You said you'd keep her in check! This time, we lost six enforcers! Six!"

The middle-aged sheriff glared at Silco, whose expression remained stoic, betraying no emotion.

"Six?" Silco finally said, his tone smooth and cold.

"You should be grateful she didn't blow you all to pieces, Sheriff Marcus."

"What do you mean?" Marcus's expression tightened, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

Silco leaned back, calm as ever.

" You didn't tell me. That person is locked away in Stillwater Prison. I thought she was dead."

A flicker of panic crossed Marcus's face.

"How… how do you know about that? She'll be locked up there forever. No one will find out."

Silco's steely gaze never wavered as he clipped the end of his cigar with precise deliberation. He lit it, taking a slow, calculated drag before exhaling a thin plume of smoke.

"Oh, she's already been released," Silco replied, his voice soft yet carrying an undeniable menace.

"The Kiramman family pulled some strings. The release papers were signed by the new councillor."

Marcus was stunned. He could feel the weight of Silco's intent pressing down on him, his nerves fraying under the pressure.

"I… I didn't know about that," Marcus stammered. He couldn't concern himself with the deaths of six officers anymore; this was much worse.

"I can't control the council's dealings, let alone Kiramman. She's always been unpredictable."

Silco stood, towering over Marcus, his calm exterior masking a far more dangerous edge.

"Yes, and your mistakes always come at a price. Tonight, I'm making some noise in the west of the city. I trust you won't care, will you?"

Marcus stiffened, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.

"The west? Stillwater Prison? But… hasn't she already been released?"

Silco smiled faintly, though the expression didn't reach his eyes.

"Perhaps. But I still have one of my people locked up there. From what I hear, you've also got a few members of the Wildfire Gang under your care. They've been quite the nuisance lately. I think it's time they had something to keep them busy."

"Don't do this, Silco," Marcus said, his voice rising with panic.

"The council just issued orders for a thorough investigation of Zaun. If you start something now, you'll drag us all down!"

"'It's over, you say?" Silco mocked, brushing imaginary dust from Marcus's collar with unsettling familiarity.

"As long as you cooperate, nothing will happen to you. In fact, with the Wildfire Gang causing chaos, you might even take a step forward in Piltover's little hierarchy."

"I…" Marcus's protest faltered as he glanced at the two enforcers standing behind Silco.

Feeling cornered, he sighed in resignation.

"I'll cooperate. But you have to promise me this won't blow back on me."

Silco's expression softened into a false smile.

"Of course. We're partners, after all. Don't underestimate the value of our… friendship."

Satisfied, Silco gestured for his men to escort Marcus out.

Once the sheriff was gone, a voice spoke from the corner.

"Stillwater Prison, huh? Do you need my help?"

Silco turned to face Viktor, who had been sitting quietly nearby, hands resting on his cane.

"Mr. Butler," Silco said, shaking his head with a smirk.

"No need to trouble yourself with this one. I'll just let Jinx handle it."

Viktor raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"Jinx? You're sending her?"

"Of course." Silco's smirk widened.

"Her ability is far more contained than yours. She's just a girl with a penchant for chaos. If I let you loose on Stillwater, Piltover and Zaun would be at each other's throats before the night's out. No, this job doesn't require your… particular talents."

"Very well," Viktor said, rising to his feet. He pulled a small signal flare from his pocket and tossed it to Silco.

"I'll be in Piltover tonight. If you need me, send the signal."

Silco caught the flare and gave a mocking nod of gratitude as Viktor disappeared through the tavern door.

"You want me to follow him?" Sevika asked, stepping forward and flexing her upgraded mechanical arm. She wore a look of eagerness, ready for a fight.

Silco flicked the flare at her, his expression unimpressed.

"If you want another arm ripped off, be my guest. Otherwise, stick to the plan and don't screw this up."

Sevika let out a dark chuckle, tucking the flare into her belt.

"Relax. I'm more reliable than that nutcase. You should be worrying about Stillwater Prison, not me."

Silco said nothing, but his sharp gaze lingered on her as she swaggered out of the tavern.

...

Half an hour later, a frustrated voice echoed from inside the Hexgate chamber.

"Yesterday's events weren't that simple at all," Jayce grumbled, pacing restlessly across the platform. His face wore a mix of worry and determination.

"The smuggling case and the bombing are just the tip of the iceberg. Smuggling in broad daylight, Zaun's Wildfire Gang and the forces controlling Shimmer have never stopped."

Viktor, standing by the railing, frowned deeply. He had been dragged here by Jayce the moment he returned to Piltover.

Expecting news of a breakthrough in Hextech, he was instead listening to Jayce's rant about criminals and corruption.

"That's why you called me here?" Viktor said with a sigh, his voice sharp with irritation.

"To lecture me about the dissonance between Piltover and Zaun? This isn't our role, Jayce. We're scientists."

Viktor removed his monocle as he spoke, rubbing his eyes wearily. He could already feel this would be a long, pointless conversation.

"Viktor, I'm not just a scientist anymore—I'm a Councilor now. Protecting the Hexgate is my responsibility," Jayce replied, resolute.

Viktor regarded him for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"Professor Heimerdinger doesn't concern himself with politics as much as you do," Viktor remarked dryly.

Jayce didn't respond, and Victor let his words hang in the air before continuing, a touch more solemnly.

"Do you remember what you promised me? To bring progress to the people of Zaun. I am from the undercity, Jayce—I know what my people lack. Give them the tools to live with dignity, and most of these troubles will solve themselves."

Jayce's posture softened slightly, a trace of guilt crossing his features.

"Viktor, I'm sorry," he said with a weary sigh.

"I didn't mention our other projects in the council speech, but soon we'll—"

"Soon?" Viktor interrupted with a bitter sneer.

"You're Jayce Talis, the golden boy of Piltover, a Councilor of influence and ambition. Did you need anyone's permission to push Hextech forward? But now, suddenly, you can't act?"

"Viktor, it's not that simple…" Jayce began, his tone defensive.

"I'm in a different position now. I have to consider many things. But please, believe me—once this matter is resolved, I'll address it."

"Yes, your position is different now," Victor said softly, disappointment shadowing his face.

A self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips. "You've already realized that, haven't you?"

Their tense exchange was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Sheriff Marcus strode into the chamber, straightening his posture as he approached Jayce.

He cast a sidelong glance at Viktor, recognizing his face but dismissing him as just another prominent Piltover scientist.

"Councilor Talis, I was told you wanted to see me?" Marcus said respectfully.

Jayce didn't hesitate, pointing to the stack of documents in his hand.

"Have you reviewed all these reports?"

Marcus shrugged with forced indifference. "I assure you—"

"I'm not interested in assurances," Jayce cut him off sharply.

"I want all illegal goods cleared from the Hexgate shipments. Immediately."

Marcus's face tensed as he shifted uncomfortably.

"I can't make any guarantees. You'd have to talk to the other councilors," he replied, clearly trying to stall.

Jayce's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. "Marcus, this affects the safety of the Hexgate. If I ignore it, I might as well resign my position."

Marcus sighed and leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"With all due respect, Councilor, there's something more pressing than Hexgate shipments right now. I received information that the undercity is planning to storm Stillwater Prison tonight. If we don't address that, you might find yourself stepping down regardless."

Jayce frowned, puzzled. "Stillwater Prison? That's under the jurisdiction of the enforcers. Why would it concern my position?"

Marcus hesitated, then spoke carefully. "Because, Councilor Talis, Miss Kiramman personally visited Stillwater to release a prisoner using your seal."

Jayce blinked in confusion. "My seal?"

Marcus nodded grimly. "Yes. That prisoner is… significant. She's the balance that keeps Piltover and the undercity from outright chaos. While she's locked up, things remain stable. If she's freed, there will be consequences—ones you don't want on your shoulders."

Jayce's expression darkened, a mixture of disbelief and anger crossing his face.

"You're telling me Piltover compromises with terrorists now? Why is this prisoner so important?"

Marcus stiffened, his patience wearing thin.

"Councilor, I'm risking everything—even my family's safety—by bringing this to you. If this is your attitude, then I made a mistake trusting you."

He turned to leave, but Jayce's voice stopped him.

"Wait. Sheriff Marcus."

Marcus paused mid-step, glancing back at Jayce. Viktor, standing behind Jayce with his arms crossed, watched the exchange with an unreadable expression, a faint smirk playing at his lips.