After witnessing Marcus's demonstration, both Silco and Vander understood the undercity's future path with perfect clarity.
The reason they'd never been Piltover's equals wasn't ideology or leadership—it was technology. Even when Vander had led the undercity's charge across the bridge in that failed uprising, his only weapon had been a pair of crude metal gauntlets.
Compared to Piltover's firearms, people who relied on their physical bodies to fight simply couldn't compete. The technological gap was insurmountable.
But now everything had changed. They possessed weapons crafted by Marcus, and these were just the beginning. In the future, they'd have access to even more diverse and powerful equipment.
"These were all made using the crystals I purchased?" Vander's voice trembled slightly with barely-contained emotion.
Those expensive stones could serve such a revolutionary purpose? The realization breathed life back into his long-dormant heart, rekindling dreams he'd thought permanently extinguished.
With this equipment, he had genuine confidence they could lead all undercity residents to complete independence from Piltover. They weren't vassals of anyone—they were the rightful masters of their own city.
"That's correct," Marcus confirmed with a smile. "Though your crystals were quite inferior, which obviously limited the results."
He withdrew a pair of wrist-mounted devices and placed them before Vander.
"Try these. I made them specifically for you."
Looking at the wrist armor Marcus presented, both Vander and Silco felt intense curiosity. All the weapons they'd seen had delivered tremendous shock—what kind of performance would this particular equipment demonstrate?
In anticipation, Vander equipped the wrist armor. The moment he secured the clasps, the devices suddenly illuminated. The crystal housing released brilliant light blue radiance.
Hummm—
He raised his hand and waved it gently through empty air. The blue light created a distinctive humming sound as it cut through space.
"Don't move around carelessly," Marcus cautioned, stopping Vander's impulse to experiment further. "This device's power isn't inferior to those rifles. It's called a Phantom Light Blade—it gathers energy through crystals to form a cutting weapon. When activated, an energy shield also manifests around your body, helping resist incoming damage."
After explaining, Marcus withdrew an elegant cane and handed it to Silco.
"Take this. I made it for you. See the dragon head on top? Press the switch built into the cane's shaft to activate the dragon head—it releases a scorching light beam. The bottom end can also discharge a massive electrical current instantly."
The cane had been crafted specifically for Silco's aesthetic. The man possessed genuine presence and dignity. With a proper cane, he'd look even more like the Godfather of the undercity—which, in many ways, he was destined to become.
Taking the cane, Silco suppressed his urge to immediately test its functions and continued watching Marcus attentively.
"Beyond your exclusive weapons, Vi and the others also have their own," Marcus continued. "All custom-designed for their individual needs. Though their weapon permissions aren't currently enabled, so you can treat them as ordinary equipment for now."
After speaking, Marcus leaned casually against the bar and studied both men.
"So, when will the rest of your crystals arrive? These weapons are just a drop in the bucket. Only after constructing the core crystal pylons can you truly compete with Piltover on equal terms."
"It will be soon," Silco replied without hesitation. "My contacts have secured access to substantial crystal quantities, but we're encountering funding limitations."
He didn't shy away from discussing their poverty. It was a universal problem among undercity residents—even as the district's leaders, they remained dependent on Piltover's economic scraps for survival.
Therefore, to obtain large quantities of crystals, he'd been raising funds through every available channel. Marcus's weapons had given him confidence. Once he acquired a batch of such equipment, his funding problems would resolve themselves quickly.
"Lack of money? That's definitely a problem," Marcus acknowledged after considering. "You don't have crystal veins to mine directly. Relying entirely on purchases presents significant challenges."
After a moment's silence, Marcus clapped his hands decisively.
"Why don't I provide you with environmental transformation technology? Once the undercity is no longer synonymous with filth, chaos, and garbage disposal, your funding concerns will evaporate."
Marcus planned to give them basic atmospheric processing technology—the most common tech from the Terran Dominion in the StarCraft universe. Since humans couldn't survive in oxygen-depleted environments, such devices were mandatory equipment for terraforming harsh planets.
Hearing this suggestion, both Vander and Silco's eyes widened dramatically.
They'd never imagined Marcus possessed environmental transformation technology. If the environment could genuinely be changed, their funding worries would indeed disappear.
Never mind other considerations—just the undercity residents themselves considered drinking clean water a luxury. If they could eliminate the wastewater and toxic gas permeating every corner, they'd generate enormous profits while attracting legitimate merchants to develop the undercity's economy properly.
"Is it really possible?" Vander asked with desperate hope. "If we can change the undercity's environment, we'll have sufficient funds to purchase crystals."
This could genuinely transform their home—something even more important than weapons.
"Ha! Transforming your wastewater-and-toxic-gas-filled slum? That's nothing. This technology can purify deadly poisonous swamps into clean marshland. Your little pollution problem is child's play."
Hearing such a confident answer, both men's eyes gleamed with possibility. They'd witnessed the weapons. If they could obtain environmental transformation technology, undercity independence would transition from distant dream to imminent reality.
"However..." Marcus added, "you'll need to help me find several people with mechanical aptitude. I can't manufacture everything for you personally, so you understand..."
Both men nodded. They genuinely understood Marcus's meaning. Setting aside other considerations, just covering the undercity's extensive area would constitute an enormous engineering project. Marcus didn't have time to build everything himself.
More importantly, Marcus wasn't an undercity native. He'd leave eventually. If they failed to master these technologies before his departure, the undercity would rapidly decline once he was gone.
"I do have candidates in mind," Silco said thoughtfully. "Two people, actually. Though I'm uncertain if they'll be willing to participate."
Silco already knew who he wanted—or rather, two individuals. First was Singed, who'd been helping develop Shimmer. Second was the young man Singed had mentioned—an assistant instructor at Piltover's Academy.
Though Singed primarily developed chemical formulas, he also possessed considerable mechanical talent. He simply focused more energy on pharmacology.
As for the young man, Singed had spoken about him extensively. The individual possessed intense hunger for scientific knowledge and wasn't thriving at the Academy—after all, he originated from the undercity, which severely limited his opportunities.
"Go invite them. If I'm satisfied with their work, I might provide some specialized technology as reward."
Hearing Marcus's answer, Silco nodded slightly and departed with his new cane, already planning his recruitment approach.
Vander remained silent. His children were already studying under Marcus, with Powder specifically learning mechanics.
"What about you?" Marcus asked, noticing Vander's hesitation. "Don't you have anyone to recommend?"
"Me?" Vander seemed surprised by the question. "I suppose Benzo would work, but I don't think he'd be willing to commit the time."
Vander was referring to the black market merchant—a man who also possessed high mechanical aptitude. Benzo had actually crafted Vander's old gauntlets personally.
"Benzo?"
Thinking of the merchant's portly frame, Marcus chuckled and raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"Forget him. He's quite busy with black market operations. However, his apprentice would be an excellent choice."
Marcus was referring to the young boy working in Benzo's shop—the white-haired kid who was clearly a non-conformist prodigy. Moreover, like Vi and Powder, this child would become one of Zaun's most notable figures in the future.
Setting aside other achievements, the fact that this kid could eventually create a Z-Drive that literally fooled time after obtaining Hextech crystals proved his extraordinary talent.
"You mean Ekko?" Vander asked, comprehension dawning.
Thinking of Benzo's adopted child—roughly Powder's age—Vander smiled. He'd almost forgotten about that brilliant kid. The boy genuinely possessed remarkable talent, with even Benzo frequently praising his abilities.
After confirming the candidate, Vander turned to leave. Since they wanted to recruit Ekko, he'd naturally need to negotiate with Benzo. Though he suspected the merchant wouldn't refuse such an opportunity.
Watching both men depart, Marcus shrugged and returned to his room. As for the weapons displayed in the tavern, nobody could remove them without his permission—he'd established protective measures.
Lying down on his bed, Marcus began contemplating the truly valuable resources this world offered.
"Beyond the World Runes that Ryze is pursuing, there's also the True Ice in Freljord that could prove useful. The artifacts forged by Ornn should also be viable..."
This world contained numerous valuable resources, with various items existing at impressive power levels. If circumstances permitted, he might complete empowerment promotions for multiple Warframes here. At minimum, those World Rune keystones should provide sufficient energy.
Silco's Laboratory
"You're saying you want me to learn environmental transformation technology from that person?" Singed asked, pausing his work re-adjusting Shimmer's chemical proportions. His eyes showed obvious surprise.
He maintained considerable respect for Marcus. After all, the cane Silco had brought back had opened his eyes—the technology contained within definitely exceeded Piltover's capabilities.
"Yes. Beyond you, there's also that young man you mentioned. He's from the undercity originally. Since he can't find development opportunities in Piltover, he might as well return here and help transform our home with us."
"You're talking about Viktor?" Singed nodded thoughtfully. "He is indeed a promising talent and probably better suited than me for this work."
He continued configuring Shimmer as he spoke.
Previously, with Marcus offering better alternatives, they'd planned to postpone Shimmer research. But contacts they'd sent out recently had reached Noxus. The empire was extremely satisfied with Shimmer's effects and wanted to purchase large quantities.
This development had changed Silco's thinking. He didn't plan to use Shimmer on undercity people—but if the substance could be sold for substantial money, why refuse such an opportunity?
As for what actions the Noxian military might take after obtaining Shimmer? That wasn't their concern. They couldn't even properly manage their own lives.
"No, we absolutely must master the environmental modification devices," Silco insisted, staring intently at Singed. "And I can only trust you with this responsibility."
Beneath the rag covering the pharmacist's face was an ugly visage corroded by chemical exposure.
"He apparently also possesses pharmaceutical knowledge. He might be able to treat our conditions."
Hearing this, Singed stopped completely.
He studied Silco's scarred features and spoke after a long moment of consideration.
"I understand. Perhaps I should go. As for Viktor, don't worry—he'll definitely come."
Others might not understand Viktor's motivations in Piltover, but Singed knew. Beyond wanting to prove himself in the upper city, Viktor desperately wanted to treat his deteriorating body.
Singed had methods to ensure this talented young man returned to the undercity—or stayed permanently.
"Good. Our most critical priority now is resolving funding problems," Silco said firmly. "The sooner those crystals arrive, the sooner we achieve independence."
This was the first time Silco had seen their future with such clarity. With technology taught by Marcus, they could genuinely foresee undercity independence becoming reality.
Benzo's Shop
While they conversed, Vander was having his own discussion with Benzo.
"This comes from Marcus directly. He wants Ekko to learn mechanical technology from him and participate in manufacturing environmental purification devices."
Looking at Benzo's incredulous expression, Vander explained seriously.
"I still find it hard to believe he'd let Ekko study mechanics under him," Benzo said, shaking his head slowly as his initial excitement gradually cooled to cautious skepticism.
Compared to the crude mechanical techniques Benzo had mastered, Marcus's technology was genuinely revolutionary.
He'd witnessed the wrist armor Vander demonstrated. That experience was precisely why he felt so astonished now.
Marcus had used inferior crystals to create such powerful weapons—the demonstration had made Benzo completely understand the technological gap between them.
"Maybe this is Ekko's good fortune," Benzo mused. "Learning mechanics from such a master... what do you think my shop will become in the future?"
"I think it's not just your shop that will change—the entire undercity will undergo tremendous transformation," Vander replied. After a thoughtful sigh, his tone shifted to business. "Setting aside Ekko's matter, what about the crystals and the person you're searching for?"
Regarding crystal collection, Vander had delegated the task to Benzo. Compared to a tavern owner, Benzo genuinely possessed extensive connections.
Collecting crystals through these contacts would accelerate their progress. Once accumulated crystals met Marcus's requirements, the undercity could prepare to sever ties with Piltover and achieve complete independence.
As for finding the mage carrying a scroll, they could only rely on Benzo's network.
"The crystals will take more time. After all, you know our funding limitations," Benzo explained. "As for the mage, I haven't received definitive information yet. However, I have obtained an interesting rumor. I'm uncertain whether it will prove useful."
As he spoke, Benzo withdrew a piece of paper and heated it over an oil lamp briefly. Numerous words appeared on the previously blank surface—invisible ink revealing hidden information.
"Let me see. A stranger who can be remembered by someone as powerful as Marcus must be extraordinary," Vander said, taking the paper carefully.
He read the revealed text thoroughly. The more he read, the tighter his brows furrowed with concern and realization.
"So that Jayce fellow in Piltover conceived using magical crystals' power because he'd witnessed this person's abilities?" Vander concluded, looking up at Benzo with dawning comprehension.
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