Chapter 13: Trip to Piltover
The room fell silent, and Niko was somewhat nervous about the lack of reaction, so he began to head towards the stairs.
"Um, well, I'll go talk to Vander."
Just as he was about to start climbing the stairs, he felt something hit his back and saw two arms wrapping around him.
"N-Niko, are you leaving us?"
Powder's voice reached his ears, and he felt her body trembling.
'She lost her parents a year ago...'
Niko turned around, causing Powder to bury her face in his chest, and he lifted his hand to tousle her blue hair.
"I'll never leave, well never except when I go somewhere."
"You just contradicted yourself."
"Shut up, Ekko... I just meant I won't leave to live somewhere else. I like being here with you all and spending time together... Ugh, too cheesy, forget I said anything."
Niko blushed with embarrassment and gently pushed Powder aside before heading to talk to Vander.
The others exchanged smiles, and Ekko started laughing, stopping Niko in his tracks again.
"Wait, bro pftt, one thing, why do you need to go?"
Niko didn't turn around because his face was even more embarrassed.
"I'm going to get someone from Piltover to patent my inventions."
Ekko looked at Ezreal, and he returned the look. Turning back to Niko, Ekko saw his ears and laughed even harder, confusing Niko.
"You have Ezreal for that, you know?"
"I know, but, as bad as it sounds, I was planning to use the patent excuse to get close to someone. I have to go alone, so I'll have to ask you to take care of Zeri. Oh right, Zeri, your power is based on your emotions and movement, so you can increase your power the more you use it. I want you to start spending time with them and learn to control your emotions so you don't fry them. See you later."
"That's not responsible of you."
"Don't be like me, blondie."
Niko waved his hand and continued up the stairs.
"So... you're Zeri, how did you meet Niko?"
Zeri turned her attention to the white-haired boy who approached her.
"Ekko, right? I met Spidy when he helped my grandpa get home, although he was wearing a suit and I could swear he was taller..."
They all exchanged glances, shifting their gaze between Zeri and Ezreal.
"What do you mea-?"
"NOTHING!"
Ekko grabbed Ezreal by the collar and dragged him to the table.
"This is weird, I feel like you're hiding something from me."
"It's probably the fumes, they make you hallucinate."
"WHAT?!"
____________________
Niko was seated on one of the stools in front of the bar where Vander stood, holding an orange drink in his hands.
'I want a vanilla milkshake.'
"Seems like you've got something on your mind, kid."
A voice sounded from his right, and he looked up to find Benzo leaning against the bar.
"Hey, Benzo. Uhhh... Yeah I was thinking about how to tell Vander something without him getting mad."
"Why would he get mad? And don't you seem taller?"
"Accelerated growth. I was thinking of going to Piltover."
Vander, who was a bit farther away, scrubbing the tankards, turned to look at Niko, as did Benzo.
"I suppose it's about the patent, isn't it?"
"You suppose right. I have someone in mind."
Benzo and Vander exchanged a glance, nodding shortly after.
"Before you say anything, I'll go alone."
"...If it were any other kid, I wouldn't let him... but I don't even know how to classify you."
"That sounds mean."
Vander interrupted the uncomfortable exchange and stepped closer to Niko.
"When are you leaving?"
"In a few minutes, just need some time to get paper, do some sketches, and grab the thermos."
"Be careful, and for God's sake, don't get into trouble."
"You can rest assured, not many could harm me."
"I'm worried about you harming someone."
Shrugging, Niko finished his juice and got off the stool, bidding farewell to both.
"Vander, how in the hell did he get so tall?"
"*sigh* If you only knew."
A few minutes later, Niko had bought paper, pencils, erasers, pens, and had picked up the thermos with some trouble because some customers got upset when they found out they were closing all day, so he decided to offer them a discount.
{Just tell them to fuck off}
'I'd rather be known as someone who cares about their business'
{Customer's slave}
'...'
After a few minutes of designs and packing everything into a small bag tied to his back, covered with a black cloak, he headed to Piltover, climbing up the bridges that connected the cities.
Minutes later, in front of a metal door, Niko stood at the front of a line of about five people, facing two Piltover agents.
"Good afternoon, officers."
"...Take off the hood, brat."
Niko frowned, lowering the hood, causing one of them to widen his eyes.
"You're that smith kid from the commercial district."
The other agent looked between his partner and Niko and turned away, while the one who recognized him continued in front of Niko.
"State your intentions for wanting to enter Piltover."
"Business, sir. I hope you'll be understanding of a child who wants a better life."
The agent looked Niko up and down and extended his hand. Niko sighed and grabbed a money bag, leaving it in his palm.
"Your honesty is more heavy than I expected."
"...I'm glad you're aware of it."
Clicking his tongue, he stepped aside to let Niko pass.
{To think that corruption is already entrenched at this point}
'Honestly, I thought he'd just take my money and I'd have to sneak in at night after paying a visit to the friendly agent.'
{Yeah... You realized, didn't you?}
'...Yeah, the other must have gone to report that I've arrived in Piltover to some councilor's family or something.'
{Whatever, do you even know where he is?}
'No, but our beloved system must have some idea.'
[Indeed, Viktor is at the Piltover Academy, exactly in Heimerdinger's office]
'Wait, wait, I said some idea, not that you'd just tell me outright. I mean, it's great, but it's not even mentioned in the series. How do you know?'
[I have general information and make calculations. As time passes, I become more certain of what I can inform]
'You're a growing companion.'
[...Damn]
{HAHAHAHAHA}
Niko started laughing, causing those walking nearby along the canal towards Piltover to turn and look at him. Shortly after, a glare blinded him for a moment, and he felt the refreshing sensation flood his lungs.
"Fuuuu, it's like the air weighs less."
After a moment, he opened his eyes, marveling at the sight before him: beautiful tall buildings, large crowds of people, imposing structures with airships soaring through the skies, but above all, the beautiful vast blue sea in front of him.
"It's beautiful..."
"Move it, kid!"
"Stop blocking the way."
"Let us through."
Niko turned and saw a line waiting to continue their path. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he continued walking, blending into the crowd in front of him, observing the people around him.
'The architecture and fashion must be different... There are even people dressed as servants, what the hell.'
He proceeded through the center, heading towards the tallest building he could see in the distance.
{Do you even know where you're going?}
'Meh, I remember from the series that the middle building is where Jinx fired that rocket, so the other larger one next to it must be the academy.'
{...That logic lacks evidence}
'You sound like a nerd talking like that, am I wrong, system?'
[Well, you're right about the academy. As for the nerd part, I couldn't say]
Niko spent a few seconds strutting with Sectio as he continued his journey.
{How do you plan to talk to him?}
Coming to a complete stop, Niko looked at the academy and saw his reflection in a nearby building, dressed in a black cloak and looking youthful.
[IMG here]
'Uhh, I can't think of anything, I guess I'll have to sneak in.'
{Why not just, I don't know, ask at the reception?}
'Just look at me, I don't seem like I'm from Piltover.'
[Spider-Man could sneak in without being seen]
'...That's a completely unnecessary idea.'
[Viktor is someone who requires a cane to move around and who specializes in creation, in a workshop. Do you really think you can wait until he comes out?]
'Absolutely... not.'
{We're in broad daylight, and a red figure climbing up a building doesn't exactly go unnoticed}
'You don't have any camouflage or something?'
{...I can change the color to white predominance all over the body so you'll blend in}
'It'll works.'
Niko resumed his pace as he observed the sides of the academy, noticing that the areas around the Council seemed more luxurious.
'They're following me, aren't they?'
{I'm literally watching them, two men behind you, both wearing a seal on their shoulder pads}
[They bear the Kiramman House seal; they must have heard the rumors and consequently come to recruit you.]
'Kiramman... Caitlyn? Well, if they're following me and not approaching to communicate, it must be more than just recruitment.'
{They could be investigating your actions to see who or what you're associated with}
'Well... I don't like being followed. Let's head up."
Niko began to move swiftly through the streets until he reached a tall nearby building and concealed himself against one of the walls, taking on his arachnid form, but this time entirely white.
[IMG here]
'Well, let's climb... This reminds me of Zelda BOTW.'
____________________________
As Niko climbed up the infrastructure of the Academy, the two men following him were heading back to the Kiramman House.
In front of them stood a moderately young couple, Cassandra Kiramman with her brown hair and sharp features wearing her characteristic bow tie around her neck along with various accessories like jewelry and gloves.
Next to her was Tobias Kiramman with dark blue hair and a friendly appearance, dressed in a typical Piltover suit.
In the room, one could see rifles hung on the walls, reflecting the family's passion for hunting, various papers on an ornate table behind which the Kiramman couple sat, and a beautiful window allowing a view of all of Piltover.
The head of the family, Cassandra Kiramman, lifted her head from the paperwork in front of her and turned her attention to the two men before her.
"John, Joel, you've returned too soon. Did something happen?"
The two men looked at each other somewhat embarrassedly and lowered their heads while the older one talked.
"We're sorry, Mrs. Cassandra. We lost his trail. The boy named Niko seemed to wander around the city, but in reality, he seemed to be heading to the academy. He was wearing a black robe and appeared to have some equipment on his back. At one point, he seemed to realize we were following him, as he quickened his pace and we lost him."
Cassandra looked at both brothers in front of her, somewhat disappointed.
"John, two adults lost track of a boy who people say is about the same age as my daughter. Are you kidding me?!"
Both continued to hang their heads, increasing Cassandra's anger, prompting her husband to intervene.
"Calm down, dear. That boy must have experience in evading people because of where he comes from, so he could avoid John and Joel. I'm sure you'll be able to contact him later, am I right?"
Seeing that their boss had given them an out, both men raised their heads and began to nod vigorously.
"Absolutely, Mr. Tobias. The boy went to the academy; we'll check there and also he must return home, so we'll stand guard at the elevators he came from to bring him back to you."
"Just what I expected from you two, Jhon. Remember to treat him well; letting talent like his go to waste in a place like that would be a shame."
The Kiramman couple bid farewell to the brothers, and they left to prepare for an evening at the academy and the elevators. On their way to the main door, they felt they were being followed and waited against a wall to see who was following them.
A few seconds later, a small blue-haired girl poked her head out, finding herself face to face with the two men, who laughed as she let out a squeal and jumped.
"Don't laugh at me! John, Joel, I demand you to tell me who Niko is!"
The brothers looked at each other and then at the girl pointing at them.
"Oh, great Miss Caitlyn Kiramman, could you have possibly overheard the conversation we had with your parents?"
Caitlyn pouted and looked away. "Joel! One question doesn't answer another question; it's rude!"
"Haha, you're right miss. If you want to know who Niko is, we'll tell you."
"Miss, Niko is a boy apparently your age who runs a blacksmith shop in Zaun. The merchants who have visited him describe him as a prodigy and skilled. He seems to have visited Piltover for a purpose, and we're going to contact him to join the Kiramman House."
Caitlyn listened attentively to John and got excited at the idea of having a friend.
"Then I won't keep you any longer. Make sure to come back with him, boys."
The brothers nodded at her and left the mansion.
___________________________
Niko frowned at the unexpected response and scratched his head.
"Remind me why I'm here."
[It's logical to assume that the office of the Chief Councilor of Piltover is at the top of the Academy.]
"...That doesn't explain why I'm in the janitor's closet!"
After climbing the entire infrastructure, he was faced with the sight of a massive structure. Unsure whether to enter or not, he decided to climb to the highest point of the Academy as recommended by the system.
"Recap: I spent fifteen minutes climbing to sneak in through a window and hide in a room surrounded by brooms and mops."
{Pfft, indeed. HAHA}
Annoyed, he decided to leave his hiding spot and ascended the only visible stairs, arriving at a room completely white with beautiful architecture that appeared to be a lobby due to the sofas and chairs near the large door in the room.
"I knock on the door, and then what?"
{Easy: 'Hello, I've snuck into the academy because I want you to patent my inventions, by the way, I've climbed the entire institution, and I'm from Zaun.'}
'Ha ha, almost missed your sarcasm.'
{What sarcasm?}
'...Forget it.'
{HEY, you just thought I was an idi-}
Niko ignored the annoying voice, approached the door, knocked twice, and sat on one of the sofas. He didn't have to wait long as within a few seconds he heard small footsteps, and the door opened, revealing a small furry figure with golden fur and a white-colored face.
'System, that's not a Viktor, that's a Yordle.'
[I've noticed, host]
Niko stared at Heimerdinger, and Heimerdinger returned the gaze.
"What are you doing here, little one?"
'...'
"Sir, I don't mean to sound offensive, but you're smaller."
Heimerdinger looked between himself and Niko with a smile.
"Sharp observation, young boy. Would you mind telling me how you got here?"
"...Um, I might have sneaked in."
The yordle's demeanor turned somewhat amused, and he closed the door, sitting across from Niko.
"That's not good, young one. But I wonder what could be the reason for coming from Zaun to Piltover to 'sneak in' to the Academy."
Niko looked somewhat surprised but quickly recovered.
"Well, I won't deny that I knocked on the door with the idea of meeting someone else."
Heimerdinger turned his head to the side, bringing a hand to his chin.
"You called my office with the idea of meeting someone other than me? That doesn't make sense."
Niko glanced towards the office door and pointed at it.
"There's someone behind the door; I think that's who I've come to see."
Heimerdinger looked surprised at Niko and remained silent as the door opened, revealing the figure of a young man leaning on a cane for support.
"Who are you, brat?"
"...I'm Niko from Zaun, pleasure to meet you, Viktor."
________________________
Inside Heimerdinger's office, Niko was seated on a sofa across from Viktor, who was on another sofa with his cane beside him, while Heimerdinger sat in a chair, observing his assistant and the child who found the room amusing with bright eyes.
"Eyes here, child. First, could you take off your hood?"
Niko touched his head and realized he still had his hood on, possibly preventing them from seeing his face properly.
"Oh, pardon me, I wasn't paying attention."
He didn't receive a response and looked at the other two in the room.
"Is something wrong?"
Viktor looked at him with some suspicion while Heimerdinger examined his arms, especially his hands, attentively.
"You look too healthy to be from Zaun, but that stench of underground gases is unmistakable. Are you the son of a merchant or something similar?"
"Nothing like that, I live in the Long District and work in the Mercantile District."
Viktor opened his eyes in surprise to see that the child showed no signs of lying, while Heimerdinger got up from his chair and sat next to Viktor, staring intently at Niko.
"I can assume you're a blacksmith, Niko. How is it possible for you to practice that trade in a place like Zaun?"
Niko was surprised again and shifted his gaze to Heimerdinger.
"How did you know?"
"Every artisan has an aura, lad. Yours looks like a strong fire, especially because of the calluses on your thumb and index finger from gripping something metallic. The only thing I can't explain is the graphite residue."
Niko looked at his hands and started cleaning them with some embarrassment.
"Well, yes, I'm a blacksmith, and the graphite is from something I wanted to show Viktor, although I don't mind if you see it too."
"I'm more interested in how you can work in Zaun."
Niko fell silent while alternating his gaze between the two in front of him.
'In the series, Heimerdinger is a piece of cake who only wanted the best for Piltover but was very reluctant to magic... On the other hand, Viktor accidentally killed the girl who loved him and injected himself with shimmer, creating a runic life that controlled him...'
Staring at Viktor intently, he began to shake his head from side to side.
'But it was because he was dying... If I help him, there shouldn't be a problem, right, Sectio?'
{I like him, but give him time, I want to see how it unfolds}
'..I'll get between him and Sky, I felt sorry that he didn't realize how interested she was in him when he also cared about her.'
{Fine}
[Cool]
{...Tell them, I like them}
'Look at him, if it isn't Mr. "I don't think it's necessary to tell everyone".'
{This is different, one lived striving to the maximum to end up controlled by a weird thing and the other was fired by those who are part of what he created, it's like Norman Osborn}
'Yeahhh... The only difference is that he didn't seek revenge by killing everyone involved.'
At some point, Viktor intervened by waving a hand to his side.
"Hey kid, you've been making strange faces while staring at me for a minute, rude."
Niko looked at Heimerdinger, who gave him a mocking look in response, and looked away.
"Um, sorry. Mr. Heimerdinger, the reason I'm capable is because I'm a vastaya."
From Niko's back emerged his four arachnid arms, which he quickly retracted, waiting for their reaction.
Heimerdinger, for his part, opened his eyes wide, while Viktor had already jumped back, falling off the sofa and moving back, leaning his back against the wall.
"WHAT IS THAT!"
Heimerdinger raised his hand to calm him and turned to Niko with a strange look.
"I haven't asked you before, but how old are you?"
"Hmm? Well, I'm six years old, what's that got to do with anything?"
Heimerdinger raised his eyebrows in understanding and nodded.
"It's because I don't perceive much energy coming from you, although you seem to have a greater mana absorption capacity than average, which I assumed was common for a human with magical abilities."
"...That doesn't explain that thing about my age."
"Ah yes, the vastayas I've known explained to me that as a vastaya ages, their ability to absorb and conceal their mana increases. In your case, you neither conceal it nor seem to have a great capacity, so I assumed you are a young vastaya. My question is, what are you doing in Zaun, and more importantly, why are you telling us?"
Niko was surprised by this new information and crossed his arms, pointing to Viktor.
"I came with the idea of trusting him to patent my inventions for me. As for telling you that I'm a vastaya, I just wanted it that way."
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