Outstanding Individuals and Earthly Spirits of Zaun District, Surgical Soru-Mink Cat's Fur Explodes

"What does 'Zaun' mean?"

Kate understood the literal meaning of "fireworks," but she didn't understand the pronunciation of "Zaun." Although Oran made the item, and he had the final say on the codename, Kate wanted to understand.

"Zaun, that's where I used to live. It's a great place, with 'simple folk' and 'talented people'."

Zaun and Piltover were once united but had long since split into their own factions.

Perhaps Zaun's way of greeting was a bit peculiar, but that was mostly prejudice and rumors. Only those who had truly experienced Zaun's environment knew that it was already polite.

Zaun was always shrouded in a twilight obscured by smog, but its prosperity and liveliness were undiminished. Its residents were diverse, and its culture was colorful.

Piltover's wealth also drove Zaun's development, making it the dark mirror of the city above.

Compared to Piltover, Zaun was much more dangerous, yet even in such an environment, people managed to survive and thrive.

Zaun's "fireworks," Zeri, was one such example.

Born into a working-class family in Zaun, she had a special connection with electricity from birth. As she grew, she began to harness this power.

Zeri fought bravely for those who couldn't resist.

Zaun wasn't perfect, and Zeri wasn't perfect either.

But sometimes, a single spark could eventually illuminate all the darkness.

Oran had interacted with Zeri and had treated her injuries several times when she was cornered by Alchemical Barons. He had a certain understanding of her abilities, which led to the creation of this Hextech Heart.

The way the electrical energy operated was derived from Zeri, combined with the characteristics of the Mink Tribe. With the system's training methods and special equipment, Kate's power would undergo a qualitative change.

"That's Zeri's story. Like you, she was originally an ordinary girl, but her environment changed everything.

She didn't give up fighting and became a spark that ignited a great fire.

The seed has been sown, and there's no turning back from the start. So, Kate, are you ready to become a new spark on this vast sea?"

At this moment, the Hextech Heart was in Oran's hand, with strange energy flowing within its core. The sun had set below the horizon at some point, and the azure glow illuminated Kate's face, much like when they were in God Valley.

"What about the price? You said that equivalent exchange is your principle."

"This is an investment. Just like you said before, you'll protect me with your remaining time, but I can't have a bodyguard who's too weak. And the term you mentioned in your plan was too short."

"Meow remembers. Meow will always keep her word. Your investment won't be a loss. Meow will use this new power to achieve past goals."

Kate's gaze was resolute. God Valley once, the Heart now. Even if Oran had his own agenda, she owed him two lives.

Kate remembered Oran's words in God Valley, and at this moment, she was even more determined to follow Oran.

"Very good. Next are some side effects this Heart will cause, but they aren't too serious. In fact, one of them is even a good thing.

Firstly, your development speed will slow down and completely stop once your body reaches its optimal state."

The energy of the Hextech Heart could even affect the entire body. Camille, for instance, remained eternally youthful. While her younger brother aged, she could still fully contribute to her family.

The reason Kate, who was still a child, could continue to grow was that Oran had made some modifications.

"The remaining one is more dangerous. If you can't hold onto your true self, your emotions might gradually disappear over time. This depends entirely on you."

As long as the scope of Hextech Augmentation Surgery wasn't further expanded, this possibility was very low. However, if one were to be drawn to power and indulge in it, this would be a dire consequence.

Of course, if one disregarded humanity, this could also be considered an enhancement.

"Will meow still be meow then?"

"Of course, you'll still be you, but you'll become more rational. However, your inner strength is great, and you can overcome it."

"Understood. Meow has no problem. Meow is ready. We can start anytime!"

"I've checked the operating room, and the environment meets the requirements. You need to stop eating now and stop drinking tomorrow morning. Also, I need to state that the surgery requires shaving. You should know that."

Oran was very doubtful of Zou's medical standards, so he gave Kate a heads-up. Judging by her confused expression, she genuinely didn't know the term.

"The process isn't complicated, but the first step is, you have to shave your fur."

"Shave meow's fur?!"

This word seemed to have stepped on Kate's tail, sending her into a frenzy again. She was more afraid of this than an open-chest surgery.

"Can meow not shave? Meow."

The Mink Tribe cherished their fur. Although it would grow back, the thought of being bald for a period of time was terrifying for Kate.

"I'm afraid not. Don't worry, a nurse will take care of it for you. Just get a good night's sleep, and you'll have a healthy body soon."

After explaining the specific plan to Kate, Oran let her rest. He and Blitz returned to their residence in the church.

"Bear, Ginny, I'm preparing to leave."

"Are you leaving Oran, going to sing praises of freedom like Brother Oran?"

Hearing Oran's words, Ginny and Bear froze. Although Oran only looked a few years older than them, their life together over the past few months had given them the feeling of a father and teacher.

Oran's departure at sea was within their expectations, but they hadn't expected it to come so soon.

"More or less. I can't complete my plans if I stay here forever. What are your thoughts? Do you plan to come with me, or stay here?"

Bear's abilities and Ginny's talent for eavesdropping were excellent, but they were too young now. Coupled with Bear's personality, bringing too many people would become a burden. Therefore, Oran didn't force them. Regardless of their choice, Oran had suitable arrangements.

"Brother Oran, we..."

Bear thought for a moment, then voiced his idea.

Like Ivankov when he left, the two of them didn't want to leave the Kingdom of Sorbet for now; they wanted to settle down here for a while.

"That's fine, it's for the best. In that case, I'll leave the subsequent upgrade plans for the refinery to you. You can give some to Bulldog from time to time.

You've gotten the hang of the basics during this period. Continue studying what I've left you and stockpile some materials. If conditions permit, you can also absorb some outsiders.

When I find a more stable place, I'll contact you. We'll meet again then."

"Okay, when you need us, Brother Oran, we'll definitely help you."

"Mhm, mhm. Once I improve the Den Den Mushi, you'll be able to contact us even if Brother Oran goes far away. Ivankov left too suddenly; there wasn't enough time to improve his Den Den Mushi."

Ginny and Bear made their promise, and Oran finalized his initial plan for them to continue "mining" at home while he went out to find a more suitable branch mine.