Arcane: Thicker Than Blood

"That's not important, Viktor. I hope you can return to Zaun with me and become a tenured professor at Zaun Academy."

Cipher didn't answer Viktor's question but instead extended an invitation to team up with him.

The real reason he came here was to see if there were any research materials on Hextech gemstones in the lab. To his surprise, he ran into Viktor and Jayce directly.

So, he decided to change his plan.

Stealing research data? That was rookie-level stuff! The high-level play was to "steal people" directly.

"Academy? Zaun?"

Viktor was familiar with both words, but putting them together felt strange and out of place to him.

He knew better than anyone how bad his hometown was.

"When did Zaun ever have a school? And who are you, anyway?" Viktor's eyes narrowed. "Even if one existed, the people there wouldn't have the money to send their children to study."

Cipher smiled slightly. "It's about to have one. If you're willing, you'll be the dean of the Mechanical Engineering Institute at Zaun Academy."

"We'll provide you with sufficient funding for research. You'll be free to pursue any project you're interested in, without anyone questioning you."

"And as for me, maybe you've heard my name. I'm Cipher."

Viktor and Jayce's pupils contracted. They had indeed heard of him before.

The genius machinist of Zaun, who had repeatedly declined invitations from Piltover Academy.

The water purification equipment invented by him was widely used in Piltover, and even the drinking water consumed by Piltover's elite was purified by his technology for health benefits.

Even Heimerdinger had publicly praised Cipher many times, lamenting that Cipher refused to pursue further studies at Piltover Academy.

And now, based on what he was saying, he planned to establish Zaun Academy himself?

The ambition of the idea was breathtaking.

"Zaun…"

Viktor was moved. He had never forgotten Zaun and had always wanted to use technology to benefit his hometown.

But in Piltover, he had no opportunity to do so. None of his inventions could be applied in Zaun. The gap between the cities was too wide, and too carefully maintained.

Noticing Viktor's hesitation, Jayce panicked.

If Viktor followed Cipher to Zaun, what would happen to his Hextech research?

Even though Jayce had only met him a few minutes ago and didn't even know his name before this, it didn't stop him from recognizing Viktor's brilliance, appreciating him, and considering him a kindred spirit.

So, he hurriedly said, "Wait, Viktor, you said you'd help me complete the Hextech research. If you leave for Zaun, what will happen to Hextech?"

"Besides, Zaun's harsh environment—do you really think you can achieve research breakthroughs there? The advanced laboratory equipment in Piltover Academy doesn't exist in Zaun."

"Stay and help me. I'm begging you, Viktor!"

Cipher chuckled. Initially, he wasn't sure how to play the emotional card, but Jayce had just handed him the perfect opportunity.

Viktor was a noble person. Throughout his life, his research in technology was driven by a desire to benefit humanity and the Undercity. Every invention was aimed at easing suffering.

Even in the original storyline, when he ultimately abandoned his humanity, completed his transformation, and became the final boss of Arcane, it was all driven by his understanding of perfection and his desire to end all suffering.

Cipher knew how to persuade someone like him.

"Jayce, as a Piltovan, you might not understand Viktor's and my perspective."

"Unlike Piltover, our hometown Zaun is really impoverished and harsh."

"Children there don't even have a childhood. They must start finding ways to survive at a very young age."

"Many of them rummage through garbage heaps to find food just to fill their stomachs."

"I've seen them. Just like we used to be." His gaze moved from Viktor to Jayce.

"But we study science not to escape from our impoverished homeland but to help our homeland escape poverty."

"If science cannot benefit humanity and only serves the selfish interests of a few, then what is the point of science?"

"If progress is not for the advancement of all humanity but only for a few elites, can it even be called progress?"

Viktor and Jayce fell silent.

If it had been someone else, Jayce might have found a reason to refute them. But Cipher? He couldn't.

Cipher had developed numerous advanced technologies, any of which could have allowed him to leave Zaun's poverty behind and live a good life in Piltover.

But he didn't.

He even made his patents public, asking only that the factories using them raise workers' minimum wages and increase the proportion of Zaun workers they hired.

The request was simple but revolutionary.

After a long silence, Viktor finally spoke. "Cipher, Jayce's Hextech is a remarkable invention."

"If successfully developed, it has the potential to change the world. I believe it can benefit all of humanity."

"So, I can't go with you right now. At least not yet. I need to help him complete his Hextech research first."

Jayce exclaimed in surprise, "Viktor!"

He had feared Viktor might leave with Cipher for Zaun. 

After all, as a Piltover citizen, he couldn't refute Cipher's arguments, let alone Viktor, who was from Zaun.

But Cipher's gaze shifted slightly as he chuckled. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's start now. Maybe I can offer some help."

"Great, let's start now!"

Jayce was overjoyed. He grabbed his notebook and immediately began discussing the difficulties he'd encountered during his research with Viktor and Cipher.

In his eyes, both Viktor and Cipher were outstanding researchers. With their help, he was confident he could successfully develop Hextech.

Yes, Piltover's future councilor, Jayce Talis, was still a pure researcher at this point. His heart belonged to science, not politics.

Uncorrupted by the dirty games of politics, he was completely oblivious to Cipher's sinister intentions.

With Cipher fully involved in the development of Hextech technology, Hextech would no longer be exclusive to Piltover.

But you couldn't really blame Jayce for not being on guard.

First, he had nothing right now. All he wanted was to develop Hextech, fulfill his dreams, and achieve his lifelong pursuit—he couldn't afford to think about anything else.

Second, Cipher's previous actions of selflessness and integrity had created too virtuous and noble an image. Each good deed was a brick in the wall of his reputation.

His reputation had traveled from Zaun to Piltover, carried on whispers and praise.

Even Jayce's sponsor, Councilor Kiramman, often lamented that Cipher didn't seem like a selfish and self-serving person from the Undercity but more like someone from Piltover.

The comparison was meant as a compliment, though it revealed more about the speaker than the subject.

So, he never considered the possibility that Cipher might plagiarize his work.

Trust, once earned, became a perfect blindfold.

While Jayce and Viktor were working on theoretical deductions, Cipher quickly flipped through Jayce's notebook, recording the research formulas.

"The Hextech gemstone is highly unstable. Jayce, you're trying to use a resonance device to reduce vibrations, but it's clear that this approach has failed."

"If that's the case, why not try increasing the energy input, stabilizing the Hextech gemstone at a high-frequency state?"

After copying Jayce's research results, Cipher stroked his chin and made a show of offering his opinion.

In reality, he didn't fully understand Jayce's research, but he knew the storyline.

He was aware of how Jayce and Viktor would eventually stabilize the Hextech gemstone.

By revealing this method in advance, he caused Viktor, who was still deducing formulas on the chalkboard, to pause, and Jayce to show a look of sudden realization.

In front of Cipher, the two felt like rookies. Sadly, their admiration was a chain they forged themselves.

While they were still fumbling through formula deductions, Cipher had only glanced at the research notes and immediately pinpointed the issue.

"That's right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Viktor agreed. "Exactly! We must increase the energy input."

"This will work! Cipher, you're truly a genius!" Jayce's praise was genuine.

He was so excited he couldn't contain himself, but his excitement quickly turned into frustration. "We don't have the equipment to test it..."

"Hmm, your equipment will be destroyed by tomorrow anyway," Viktor said, pouring cold water over Jayce's already low spirits.

"What?!"

Jayce widened his eyes and stood up from his chair, the legs scraping against the floor.

Viktor was about to explain, but Cipher interrupted him. "Don't worry, Jayce. Is there any equipment that Zaun doesn't have? Let's go to my research facility."

Joking aside, he had finally gotten the chance to work with Jayce and Viktor on Hextech.

How could he let them work in Heimerdinger's lab as they did in the original storyline?

Of course, they had to go to Zaun and work in his weapons research facility instead.

Otherwise, how could the he copy their work effectively?

Jayce, however, lamented, "Equipment alone won't be enough. We also need Hextech gemstones. Without the gemstone, nothing can be done." His shoulders slumped with defeat.

"No problem, there are Hextech gemstones available. On behalf of my younger siblings, I'd like to apologize to you."

Cipher stopped Viktor, who was about to pull out the key to Heimerdinger's lab, and apologized to Jayce with a regretful expression.

"What?! Those thieves who broke into my house that day were your siblings?!"

Jayce was shocked once again. Suddenly, the world felt much smaller.

Connections appeared where none had seemed possible.

"Well… Jayce, you know how it is. Scientists often get so absorbed in their research that they neglect to educate their families properly."

"They lost their parents early on, and I failed to discipline them adequately." He shook his head sadly. "The streets of Zaun raise children in their own way."

"I'll make sure they apologize to you in person. But right now, shouldn't the priority be researching Hextech technology?"

"You're right!" Jayce sighed. There was no point dwelling on Cipher's siblings now.

"Let's go. This research is everything to me. It's my life's work, and I have to see it through."

Viktor's expression revealed his inner conflict. Unlike the naive and inexperienced Jayce, whose vision was clouded by a series of harsh blows, Viktor could see that Cipher had ulterior motives.

Years in Zaun had taught him to look beneath surfaces.

But in the end, he removed his hand from the key.

He believed that Cipher's intentions were for the benefit of Zaun. Over the years, Cipher had proven himself.

So, Jayce… I'm sorry! Viktor's eyes were filled with guilt.