Magic and Science

"You and Mel seem to have a difference of opinion. She's high on Jayce, but you chose Viktor." Katarina shook her head and followed Ryan.

Ryan didn't care whether Viktor could hear him or not, and answered without hesitation:

"Hextech has limitless potential. Since I have to pick one, why not choose the one I think is better? Neither of us is wrong. She believes that purity can uncover newer technology. But in my eyes, those who've experienced life at the bottom and have clear goals are more worth investing in."

"What do you think, Mr. Viktor? I'm Ryan Meredith from Noxus." Ryan extended his hand toward Viktor.

"Ryan Meredith, the legendary Blood Mist Adjutant... I never thought I'd see you in person." Viktor's face showed surprise as he reached out, shook Ryan's hand briefly, and let go.

This was Piltover. As far as he figured, no matter how much Noxians loved fighting, they wouldn't pick a fight with a cripple like him in a banquet hall.

"Blood Mist Adjutant—a nostalgic title. Those Ionian folk thought I was more bloodthirsty than a demon, but unfortunately, I was just defending myself." Ryan spread his hands helplessly.

"I never imagined someone of your stature would seek me out one day. Mr. Meredith, do you mean to invest in me?" Viktor's face showed little enthusiasm, only a perfunctory reply.

"From your tone, Mr. Viktor, it sounds like you're not very interested. A pity. I was planning to use magic to take a look at your body, or maybe discuss how to apply Hextech to civilian industries." Ryan's face carried a hint of regret as he turned to leave.

"Wait! Mr. Meredith."

Ryan paused mid-step, smoothly taking a glass of wine from a passing attendant:

"Call me Ryan. Your talent deserves respect."

"Lord Ryan. Earlier, you mentioned magic and Hextech for civilian use..." Viktor coughed twice, his breathing a little rapid, like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline.

He was born in the Undercity of Zaun, frail by nature. Add to that his close exposure to Zaun's industrial wastewater and polluted air, and surviving this long was already a miracle.

It wasn't that he hadn't tried treatment, but nothing had worked so far—not even Hextech. He couldn't see a single thread of hope for survival.

Ryan watched his expression and couldn't help but sigh inwardly at heaven's jealousy of talent. He raised his wine glass high:

"Literal meaning. Drink this wine, and I think you'll like it."

Viktor was about to apologize that his body couldn't handle alcohol when he saw Ryan's right hand glow with deep blue light. A mysterious rune embedded itself into the wine.

That rune—he'd seen it while researching Hextech. It seemed to mean "Purify."

This time, he didn't refuse. Instead, he took the glass curiously, gazing at the deep blue liquid within.

"Magic truly is exquisite, far more stunning than Hextech." Viktor sighed in admiration.

"Just a crude magic potion." Ryan shrugged it off. "At best, it'll slow your body's deterioration. A full recovery will take more preparation."

"That's enough. I'm deeply grateful for your help."

Viktor didn't doubt him. Smiling, he downed the potion in one gulp.

The liquid flowed warm through his body. He sensed every cell within him pulsing, leaping.

It felt like—for the first time in over a decade—Viktor had never felt his body so full of vitality. Like an old man on death's door suddenly regaining his youth.

"This... this is unbelievably effective." Viktor's hands trembled with excitement, his face filled with disbelief.

The Hextech they researched was a technological invention based on magic. He'd thought Hextech was already on par with magic. But the truth proved that, at least for now, they were far apart.

"Thank you again for your gift."

Viktor straightened up and bowed deeply to Ryan.

He wasn't afraid of death, but he wanted to fulfill his wishes before the end. He'd been in despair—Heimerdinger had rejected his and Jayce's research, and his body was about to give out.

He never expected that all of this might finally see a glimmer of dawn.

Viktor raised his head, carefully studying Ryan, and asked tentatively:

"Lord Ryan, about what you said earlier—Hextech applied to civilian use?"

"You should know Noxus. Though it occupies the largest central land on the Valoran Continent, due to some historical reasons, most of the empire's territory is wasteland. Ordinary technology can't make it thrive at all."

"I've heard something about that. That's why Noxus keeps waging wars—to plunder the resources needed for survival." Viktor nodded in understanding.

Born in Zaun, he could relate. The living conditions in the Undercity were no better than those in Noxus. To survive, one had to fall into darkness.

When he left that place, he swore he would use his knowledge to change Zaun, to make it as prosperous as Piltover.

Ryan's words struck a chord in him. He was more than willing to discuss such matters with him.

"Viktor, with your knowledge, how many ways are there to improve Noxus's environment?" Ryan suddenly shifted the question.

"Hmm... about three."

Viktor thought for a moment and raised three fingers.

Ryan assumed a listening posture and made a "go ahead" gesture.

"The best and simplest method is exactly what Noxus is doing now." Viktor said seriously. "War. Plunder resources from other regions."

"A temporary fix, not a cure. It still relies on other regions to supply it. As the population grows, discontent between regions will intensify, unless you keep using war to control the population." Ryan shook his head.

This was what Noxus had always done, but it was also what he and his old superior didn't want to do. The empire's strength should be focused on more meaningful endeavors, not wasted on pointless wars.

"The other two methods both tackle Noxus's wasteland at its root." Viktor's tone turned earnest. "Technology and magic."

"I underestimated magic's power before. Noxus doesn't lack mages. With the magical ability Lord Ryan just displayed, they could purify all of Noxus."

Even when he was researching Hextech, he knew in his heart that Hextech was just a substitute for magic—a way for ordinary people to use it.

Now that he'd personally experienced Ryan's miraculous magic, he felt that existing Hextech inventions were still far from true magic. That would be his future research direction.

"Magic could indeed do it, but it would take time and manpower, and you'd need to assemble a team of mages just to supply and maintain the energy. A single mage creates far more value than doing this sort of work—the Empire won't approve the proposal." Ryan shook his head regretfully.

Whether it was the current incompetent and useless Emperor, or his former superior who was rational and wise to the extreme, neither would allow powerful, scarce mages to waste their efforts on such tasks.

"Then technology is the only option." Viktor said this, and understood Ryan's intent in seeking him out.

"You want to use Hextech to change Noxus's land? I don't think Piltover will hand over Hextech." Viktor wasn't optimistic about this.

He actually wanted to help Noxus—not only because Noxus reminded him of the Zaun where he was born, but also because it would provide a wealth of data to support his efforts in restoring the Undercity's ecosystem.

But unfortunately, in his estimation, Piltover and Jayce would certainly not agree to hand over this technology, even if it was only used to improve people's livelihoods and save more lives.

"Haha, Viktor, don't underestimate Noxus."