Chapter 14
Caitlyn sat on a small stone bench in her garden, the soft trickle of the fountain blending with the cheerful chirping of sparrows flitting through the honeysuckle bushes. The delicate scent of the flowers drifted on the breeze, but Caitlyn barely noticed. Her cerulean eyes stared blankly at the fountain, her mind elsewhere, weighed down by thoughts she couldn’t escape. She fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, the motion small and restless, as if trying to anchor herself in the calm around her. But the tranquility of the garden felt distant, unable to touch the storm brewing within her.
Rain pattered softly against her umbrella, a rhythmic reminder of the world around her. The steady sound anchored her, pulling her back from the whirlwind of her thoughts and grounding her in the cool, damp reality of the moment. “What am I doing?” Caitlyn muttered, trying to release her mind from the imprisonment of thoughts—thoughts consumed by one person: Vi.
She shook her head, but her mind kept spinning. Why would Caitlyn Kiramman, daughter of a councilor and future head of House Kiramman, be thinking about a Zaunite? But not just any Zaunite… a rude, loud one with an ego so large that it took up half the room and a smart mouth that made you want to smack her silly. Caitlyn couldn’t answer that question. There wasn’t any reason for someone with her status to think about a Zaunite that way. But, yet, here she was…and she didn’t mind it.
But Vi had surprised her. Before, that’s all she thought of Vi—an egotistical, rude girl with smoking problems—but…that was before. Caitlyn first noticed the change when the janitor tried robbing the school. Vi had assured Caitlyn—kept her safe—all while she risked her life. Most people would ask for something in return, but Vi didn’t. Maybe that’s when she saw how different Vi was from her conjured projections.
When they were at the cafe, that confirmed it—Vi was different. She was different from everyone Caitlyn knew. She listened. No one, not her parents nor her best friend, Mel, had shown her the same kind of attention. Vi didn’t just hear her words; she truly listened, as though every thought Caitlyn shared mattered. It wasn’t out of obligation or politeness—it was genuine, unfiltered care. She had felt truly seen—not just another voice in a crowd.
“Psst, Princess. Over here.” A voice from across the garden whispered, barely audible above the rain.
Caitlyn’s head perked up at the sound of a voice, breaking her from her reverie. Rising gracefully from the bench, she moved toward the source, her steps careful. The sound seemed to drift from the sideyard, drawing her along the cobblestone pathway. The further she went, the narrower the space became, the alley closing in as she ventured deeper.
“Who is it?” Caitlyn looked between the house’s side wall and the metal gate that enclosed the property. Not seeing anyone, she began to turn away.
“Leaving so soon?” The voice carried a smug tone as it sounded from behind her, sending a shiver down her spine.
Caitlyn spun on her heel, seeing the person standing—actually—hanging upside down, suspended by a single thread of webbing. Spider-Man dangled a few feet away, water dripping from her mask.
“You…” Caitlyn's breath hitched as her eyes widened, locking onto the figure before her. Her grip on the umbrella faltered, tilting it just enough for cold raindrops to splatter onto her, jolting her back to reality. “What are you doing here?”
“I heard your mother came back from the hospital. Wanted to make sure she’s okay.” Spider-Man shrugged, her body swaying slightly in the breeze.
Caitlyn wanted to laugh. Her mother hated Spider-Man, but here Spider-Man was—checking on her. She stepped closer, her voice softening.“My mother loathes your existence, yet you’re here wondering whether or not she’s doing well. Why?”
“I know what it’s like to lose someone,” she murmured. “I couldn't stand the thought of you losing your mother, not when I have the power to prevent it.”
“Oh…well, she’s doing better. The doctors said she’ll fully recover in a matter of weeks.” Vi nodded, thankful another death wasn’t on her hands. For a moment, neither spoke. The rain filled the silence, pattering softly around them. “Is that why you do it? Risk your life? To save people?”
“I have this power—this responsibility—and I can’t just stand by while people suffer. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try.”
“But what if something happens to you?”
“It wouldn’t stop me.” Caitlyn watched Spider-Man’s mouth twitch under her mask, seemingly forming a smirk. “Why? Worried about me?”
Caitlyn scoffed, crossing her arms. “You think I’m worried about someone who wears blue and red spandex, swings around the city, and is called Spider-Man?” She shook her head. “You’re delusional.” A chuckle left Vi’s mouth. “Though it is quite amusing to my mother complain about you.”
“Ooh, what does she say?”
“She’s been calling you a menace to society. That you stalk Piltover in a skin-tight suit, acting as if you’re an enforcer when, in reality, you’re a vigilante with a savior complex.” Caitlyn smirked, taking a step closer. “And I’m beginning to think she has a point.”
“She hit it right on the head, didn’t she?” Vi laughed. “That woman cracks me up—when she’s not aiming a shotgun at my face.”
Caitlyn’s smirk faltered, looking away, ashamed. “I’m sorry about that. I swear I didn’t–”
“Cait, it’s okay. I know.”
Without responding, Caitlyn glanced back at Spider-Man, eyes trailing up to her lips. Caitlyn reached up, her fingers hesitating near the edge of the mask.“May I?” Caitlyn whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain.
Vi froze, every instinct urging her to retreat, to web away into the safety of the shadows and keep her identity hidden. But something about Caitlyn’s touch—so gentle, so deliberate—kept her rooted in place. Caitlyn’s gaze held no suspicion, only an earnest curiosity that softened the edges of Vi’s fear. For once, she didn’t pull back. She couldn’t.
Caitlyn’s fingers brushed the edge of the mask, her movements careful, almost reverent, as if she understood the weight of what she was about to uncover. With a subtle tug, she eased the fabric just enough to expose Vi’s scared lips, leaving the rest of her identity cloaked in mystery.
The world seemed to pause. Even the rain fell quieter, its rhythm fading into the background. Caitlyn leaned in, her movements unhurried, her intent clear. She gave Vi every moment to stop her, every moment to retreat—but Vi didn’t. She couldn’t.
When their lips finally met, the kiss was soft yet electrifying, a paradox of grounding warmth and dizzying intensity. For a brief, perfect moment, the weight of Vi’s double life melted away, replaced by the quiet understanding in Caitlyn’s touch. It was more than a kiss—it was a connection that seemed to defy the chaos surrounding them.
When they finally parted, Caitlyn lingered, her breath mingling with Vi’s. “You’re different,” she said softly, her lips curving into the smallest of smiles.
Vi’s voice was hoarse when she replied. “So are you.”
The vial of shimmer bubbled, sitting on the table as Vi tossed her mask next to it. After running her hands over her flat hair, she touched her lips—still warm. The rain had made it almost unbearably cold after swinging around in the harsh winds, but that kiss…it lit something in her body, bringing her warmth as she swung to the warehouse.
It was just a kiss. Vi tried to tell herself. She had kissed several girls before, but they never sent a lightning bolt through her body. Maybe Zeri was right—maybe there were sparks. For the longest time, Vi had seen Caitlyn as just another stuck-up piltie with no care in the world for the people around them. But Caitlyn was different. Different from everyone. She made an effort to care, to help her. It didn’t matter how much Vi complained or pushed back; Caitlyn stood there like an anchor in a restless ocean. There was no way in hell Vi was moving her.
The way she stitched up her—so gentle, so comforting. It had felt like an eternity since Vi had been cared for in such a nurturing way, and she yearned for it. The way Caitlyn’s tender touch brought shivers down her spine. The way she flinched every time Vi grunted in pain—her soft eyes looking at her with worry. Vi could stare into her gorgeous sapphire eyes until the rest of the world faded away, lost in their depth.
It was weird for Vi…these feelings. To Vi, girls had been nothing but a pretty face, not someone to get lost in, to think about endlessly, or to feel this aching pull toward every time they smiled. Vi down at her hands, covered by her suit gloves. I can’t. Vi wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she lost another person because of her mistake. She was already risking her family because of Spider-Man. Why put another person in danger when she could prevent it? What if someone—Spector—found out?
Vi shook the thought away. “I’m not going to do it.”
Taking a deep breath, she focused on why she had come. Shimmer. The vial Finn dropped when Vi knocked him unconscious. Vi remembered his actions before, he was planning to drink. The rat flashed in her mind, imagining Finn as some human version of that. Forcing her eyes back to the table, her eyes met the glistening substance.
She picked it up and brought it against her eye. “Maybe there’s something I’m missing,” Vi muttered. How could a single substance create bombs that could destroy buildings and turn something into a monster? How could a force wield such versatility? Maybe Vi was thinking too deep into it. This substance was created to enhance and destroy. The user can manipulate it to their every desire.
Twisting open the lid, the pink fumes slowly rose from the tube. Vi had only seen it used in full—an entire vial—its potency at its peak. What would happen if only a small amount were taken? Obviously, the effects wouldn’t be as substantial…right?
Vi inhaled deeply, shaking away any nerves that stopped what she was about to do. Vi pulled up the top part of the suit, revealing the stitched gash across her ribs. Listening to Caitlyn’s words, she tried to remain increasingly careful of what she did. The wound had started to mend itself; the puffy red around it was gone, and it wasn’t so oozy like it had been a week ago.
Taking another deep breath, Vi braced herself for the unknown consequences that probably will occur. Vi brought the odorless substance up to her lips and took a sip. The liquid burned as it slid down her throat, a fiery sensation that spread through her chest like molten lava. She clenched her fists, fighting the instinct to spit it out, and within seconds, the pain in her side began to fade. Vi looked down at the wound on her abdomen, watching in stunned silence as the torn flesh knit itself back together, leaving only faint traces of blood behind and crimson-tipped stitches on the warehouse floor.
“No fucking way,” Vi muttered, analyzing the now-healed wound on her side. The jagged tear that had been rippling pain through her body just moments ago was now nothing more than a faint, pink scar. Her fingers trembled as she ran them over the smooth skin, half-expecting the pain to return or the wound to reopen. But it didn’t. Vi’s eyes darted back to the vial of shimmer in her hand, her grip tightening around it.
Another drunk man stumbled by her, vomiting against a wall. Vi grimaced and looked away from the man, focusing on the building’s flickering sign before her: The Last Drop. The familiar neon glow was now tainted with an eerie, sickly hue, like a ghost of what the place once was. Vi clenched her fists, her jaw tightening as memories of laughter, warmth, and Vander's steady presence resurfaced, only to be drowned by the harsh reality in front of her.
The doors creaked as she pushed them open, stepping into a haze of smoke and chaos. The air reeked of sweat, shimmer, and desperation. The once-vibrant heart of Zaun had been transformed into a pit of vice and violence, overrun by the very people Vander hated.
Eyes followed her as she walked in, a few murmurs rippling through the crowd. Vi ignored them, scanning the room with a sharp gaze. The bar was packed with figures hunched over tables, exchanging shimmer and coins in hushed tones, while others gathered in a corner, cheering on a brutal fight. One person caught her attention: a woman with a mechanical arm.
Her.
Vi felt her nails pierce through the palms of her hands as she glared at the woman. Fighting the urge to bash her head into the wall, she decided the next best thing…approach her. Ducking through the crowd, Vi made a trail toward her, ignoring the casual man or woman who tried to say something to her.
Vi leaned against the bar counter, discreetly watching several feet away as the woman downed her glass. Her eyes observed the mechanical arm, watching it pump shimmer throughout its valves.
A mechanical arm powered by shimmer. What can’t that thing do? Vi shook her head and internally scoffed. A man appeared in front of her, cleaning a glass with a rag.
“You gonna drink or just stand here all night?” He gruffed, throwing the rag over his shoulder, and waited impatiently.
“I’m good.”
The man scoffed, “Then, you can’t stand here. Be at the bar, drink at the bar.”
“That’s bullshit.” Vi sneered. “I can’t stand at the bar because I won’t buy a crappy drink?”
“Rules are rules.” The bartender shrugged. “Get. Out.”
“What’s going on here, Thane?” A hoarse voice came from beside Vi. Glancing to her left, Vi saw the woman, leaning against the bar with a smirk on her face. “Little Miss Vanderson causing trouble?”
“V-Vanderson? Like the…” The man trailed off. The glass in his hand fell, shattering on the floor. He paid no mind to it as he looked between the two women. “I’m gonna tend to other customers.” With that, the bartender rushed off, finding anyone who looked like they needed something.
“You know who I am?” Vi’s eyebrow furrowed, her voice barely above a whisper as she stared at the woman in disbelief.
A low chuckle sounded from her mouth as she poured another drink. “Everyone in The Lanes knows who you are. Violet.” She took a sip of her drink. “You and your siblings.”
“Don’t call me that,” Vi replied sharply. “Who are you?”
“The name’s Sevika.” She held out her hand. “I’m surprised Vander never mentioned me. We were quite close.”
Vi glanced between Sevika and her hand, unsure of what to do. Against her better judgment, she hesitantly shook Sevika’s hand. “You knew Vander?”
“Of course,” Sevika chuckled and took another sip of her drink. “Everyone knew Vander, but I knew him—almost as family.”
“Family?”
Vander knew the person who bombed Piltover and considered her family? Was this some sick game? The man who proclaimed protecting the innocent… cared for—loved—someone who basked in killing those people. Was everything she thought about him a lie? Everything he stood for?
“Oh, yeah,” She chuckled, “We've known each other since we were kids.”
“How come he never talked about you?”
Sevika sighed, “I think he just wanted you kids away from the business, considering it’s not very kid-oriented.” A smile tugged on her mouth as she twirled her glass.
“What business?”
“You don’t know?” Sevika quirked an eyebrow. “You’re his successor, and he didn’t tell you anything?” Vi glanced away, ashamed, and shook her head. “That’s a story for another time. How ‘bout I get you a drink?”
“No, I’m good. I should be getting back now. Powder’ll be waiting.” Pushing off the bar, Vi readjusted her jacket.
“Powder? I forgot about her. She still into those bomb things?”
Vi froze, her breath catching in her throat. Sevika wasn’t lying. She actually knew about them—knew about their lives. Why wouldn’t Vander tell her?
After a moment of silence, Vi answered. “Uh, yeah,” Rubbing the back of her neck, she chuckled sheepishly. “She’s really improved.”
“I would hope. It’s been forever since he talked about you guys.” Sevika also stood up. “Well, I don’t want to keep you too long, so I’ll let you go. I also got business to handle.”
“Yeah, okay,” Vi swallowed. “It was nice meeting you, I guess.” Vi internally cringed the second those words came out of her mouth.
“You too, kid. It was nice to meet our future Hound of the Underground.” Sevika wrapped her cape back over her shoulder and nodded to Vi before walking out. Vi’s mouth was slightly agape as she watched the woman stride through the doors of The Last Drop.
The world’s cruel, Vi. But it’s up to us to make it better, one choice at a time
Vi’s fists clenched involuntarily as anger and confusion churned in her chest. Vander’s kind eyes were imprinted in her mind as memories of him rushed through her. Was everything a lie? Vander was the rock in Vi’s storms of conflict. He guided her to the light, and yet, Vi didn’t even know if he saw the light. Someone like Sevika—a person who attacks innocents to get a point across—was never a person she could see Vander consider family.
Was everything she built herself from a lie? A tower of cards bound to fall? Did Spider-Man mean anything? It was constructed from Vander’s very words—with great power comes great responsibility. Was that even true? Or was it just another illusion, another empty promise from a man she’d put on a pedestal? Vi’s chest tightened as doubt clawed at her. Every punch she’d thrown, every risk she’d taken as Spider-Man—it all traced back to him. To his lessons, his legacy. But if Vander’s foundation was cracked, if his sense of responsibility had been so flawed, then what did that make her?
Maybe that’s what made her different. Spider-Man. Vi was his successor, the future Hound of The Underground, but Spider-Man wasn't. Spider-Man was molded by Vander—yes—but it wasn’t his legacy. It was Vi’s.
It was Vi’s decision to wear the suit and shoulder the responsibility of protecting her city. Not his. She decided to risk her life everyday for people who didn’t even know her. Not him. Spider-Man was hers—her choice. Vi needed Spider-Man just as much as the city.
“Vi…? Are you okay?” A soft voice pulled Vi from herself. Glancing up, she saw Caitlyn, concern in her eyes, as she searched Vi over.
Vi blinked, shaking away the last of Vander’s face. “Um, yeah,” She ran a hand through her hair and looked around the classroom, now empty. “Where is everybody?”
“They left for lunch several minutes, but I thought I’d stay with you.” Caitlyn smiled and readjusted her backpack.
Vi felt a smile tug on her lips. “So you’ve been waiting for me until I woke from my trance?”
Caitlyn giggled, “If you put it like that, then yes, I have.” Vi's smile grew as she admired Caitlyn. It wasn’t the wide, cocky grin she usually wore, but something gentler, more sincere. Her eyes lingered on Caitlyn’s face, taking in the way her laugh lit up the room, the faint blush dusting her cheeks, and the way her hair framed her features so effortlessly.
“I don’t wanna keep you any longer, cupcake,” Vi chuckled, standing up and grabbing her bag. “Y’all we?” Vi gestured to the door in a mock bow, a lopsided grin spreading across her face.
Giggling, Caitlyn led the way. “We shall.”
They walked side-by-side toward the cafeteria, laughing about a story Vi was animatedly telling Caitlyn. “Then, Mylo—like the little shit he is—shot off stick bombs in the store.”
Caitlyn tried to catch her breath, “Stink bombs? But you guys had already got out?”
“He decided it would be a wonderful idea to sneak back in and light the place up with his and Pow’s special concoction,” Vi remarked but chuckled at the memory of the man chasing after them. Opening the door for Caitlyn, Vi followed in behind her.
A wave of noise crashed over them, the chatter and laughter of students bouncing off the walls. Students crowded around tables, some deep in conversation, others laughing loudly over shared jokes. The air was thick with the mingling smells of greasy pizza, sugary desserts, and whatever mystery meat was on the menu that day.
“That must’ve been fun to explain.” Caitlyn chuckled as they walked into the cafeteria line. There were only two students in front of them.
“Loads,” Vi replied. “And, of course, I was blamed for it.” Vi looked over the hot meals and found the basket of fruit beside it, pulling out an apple.
“What?” Shock was evident in Caitlyn’s voice, “Why? You didn’t do it.” She pushed her tray down the line, picking up a Caesar salad and raspberry-fizz drink.
“Yeah, but,” Vi sighed, “I’m the oldest, so they’re my responsibility, you know?”
“That doesn’t make it fair,”
They walked up to the cashier before Vi could respond. The old lady grimly looked up from her computer and eyed the girls in front of her. “Name?”
“Vi Vanderson.”
The woman looked back down at her computer and began typing. “Just the apple?” Vi nodded. “That’ll be one cog.” Vi handed the woman a coin and tossed the apple in the air before catching it.
Caitlyn stepped up next with an amused smile, watching Vi. The woman stared at her, waiting for Caitlyn to tell her her name. “Oh, sorry. Caitlyn Kiramman.”
“Salad and soda?”
“Yes, that’s all.”
“5. 35 cogs.” Caitlyn already had the coins ready in her hand and gave them to the lady. “Next.” She gestured to the person behind Caitlyn.
“She’s quite the delight,” Caitlyn said, far enough from the woman.
Vi shrugged and took a bite of her apple. “Sheila’s always like that when she loses her parlay.”
“Parlay? How do you know she gambles?”
“Seen her around.”
Vi noticed a dip in volume as they walked further into the cafeteria. Glancing around, heads were turned, and eyes lingered on them—Vi noticed Mylo and Ekko at their back table making kissing faces while Claggor chuckled at them, and Powder had a pout on her face, staring at Caitlyn.
Caitlyn also looked around, but her gaze landed on her table—particularly Mel and Jayce. Mel had a subtle smile on her face, and she raised a knowing eyebrow at Vi. Caitlyn glanced away, feeling heat on her cheeks. Jayce glared at Vi, his fists clenched under the table and knuckled white. The only reason he hadn’t approached them was because Viktor had told him off about getting into his cousin’s affairs—but Jayce didn’t know that the underlying reason was Viktor was tired of seeing Vi kick the shit out of him.
“Subtle, aren’t they?” Vi muttered under her breath.
Caitlyn snorted, “They really do need to learn their manners.”
A wide grin was plastered on Vi’s face, “I guess I’ll see ya later?”
“You can count on it.”
They parted ways. Caitlyn walked over to her table, and Vi hers. Mylo and Ekko's smooching noises got louder the closer Vi came.
“Vi and Caitlyn sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g.” Mylo sang in his best voice.
“Very funny, Mylo.” Vi mocked and sat between him and Powder.
“You two have been getting closer,” Ekko smirked, “You finally gonna admit you fell for the piltie spell?”
Vi laughed, “Ekko, I expect better from you. You’ve been spending too much time with Mylo.”
“Hey-”
“Since you’re dating, can I have some money?” Powder tugged on Vi’s sleeve, getting her attention.
“Pow, you too?” Vi feigned a betrayed look before she scoffed. “Guys, we are not dating. We’re just friends. Got it?” She looked at them all, waiting for their response.
They gave each other a skeptical look—knowing there was more than Vi was letting on—but complied. “Got it.”
“Uh, Heimer, you in there?” Vi peered inside the man’s office, papers were scattered all over the desk, and all sorts of things were stacked onto shelves, but no sign of the yordle.
Vi sighed, about to leave, when a squeaky voice came from the office. “Is that a Vanderson, I hear?” Heimerdinger came out from behind his desk. “Violet! You sound quite like your sister. What can I do for you? Did you find anything about that substance?”
Vi chuckled at her professor’s burst of eagerness and stepped in. “Actually, that is why I came to see you.”
“Oh, boy!” Heimerdinger hopped onto his chair and gestured to the seat in front of his desk. “Sit, sit. Please do tell.”
After sitting in the chair, Vi began, “I found out it’s called Shimmer and is manufactured in Zaun.” Vi paused, thinking about how she would continue. “It’s been used to power their machinery. Luckily, it’s produced nothing…harmful.” Vi forced a chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. “I also did experiments with it and couldn’t find anything substantial.”
“That’s interesting.” Heimerdinger furrowed his bushy eyebrows, confusion written on his expression. “What we examined merely weeks ago exhibited far greater volatility than what you’re describing now. Are you certain of this? You conducted all the requisite experiments, didn’t you? Every test, every precaution?”
Vi immediately nodded her head. “Of course, Professor. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Heimerdinger sighed, “Ah, I believe you, but please, if you uncover anything further about this Shimmer product—or if any questions arise—do not hesitate to inform me immediately. What I saw within that substance was... deeply unsettling. Its composition, its potential—it's unlike anything I’ve ever encountered in all my years. The consequences of its misuse could be catastrophic, and I fear the damage it could inflict if it spreads unchecked.”
“I promise, Professor,” Vi watched as Heimerdinger relaxed slightly before asking, “But I do have a question.” Heimerdinger waited for her to continue. “It’s about the attempted theft from a few months ago. What do you think that guy could’ve been looking for? And why your office?”
“The attempted theft…I remember that,” Heimerdinger clasped his fingers together. “Well, just days prior, there had been a leak. I was asked by the council to create a device concerning the fissures in Zaun at the time. I suspect someone believed they could seize it—perhaps claim it as their own invention and bask in the profits. Given that my laboratory has been undergoing renovations, they must have deduced that the only place to search was here.”
“What’s the device?”
“I call it the Synergy Nexus!” Heimerdinger opened one of his desk drawers. It fit comfortably in the palm of his hand, its polished brass casing gleaming under the muted glow of his desk lamp. Fine silver filigree spiraled across its surface, forming almost organic patterns, like vines frozen mid-growth. Tiny crystal conduits embedded along its edges shimmered faintly, their colors shifting subtly as though alive with hidden energy. At its center, a translucent sphere pulsed with a rhythmic, golden light, accompanied by a faint, harmonic hum. “It’s an adaptive resonance modulator.”
Vi observed the object, jaw slightly agape at the delicate device. “Um,” She looked back at Heimerdinger, who—like her—was studying the object. “What exactly is it?”
“It’s intended to stabilize volatile reactions and harmonize energy flows. It was meant to help—to neutralize dangerous compounds, to bring safety and progress, especially to places like Zaun, where such innovations could save lives." He paused, looking down at the glowing sphere.
"But I fear..." He trailed off, his brow furrowing deeply. "In the wrong hands, its potential could be twisted. You see, it doesn’t merely stabilize—it amplifies. If someone like the theif were to acquire this, he could use it to maximize shimmer’s effects, creating something far more potent, far more dangerous than anything we’ve seen."
He placed the device carefully back in the drawer, his eyes locking onto Vi’s. “Whatever good I intended with this invention, its misuse could cause unimaginable harm.”
Vi gaped at him, her jaw slacked and eyebrows raised. There was nothing she could say for several seconds. “Ok…” Vi cleared her throat, centering herself. “How come you haven’t given it to the council? It’s just sitting here.”
“I’ve seen too many creations rushed to completion, only to cause more harm than good. Even with the best intentions, an invention like this can have... unforeseen consequences. The Nexus isn’t just another tool—it’s a force multiplier. If its harmonic frequencies are even slightly misaligned, it could destabilize the very compounds it’s meant to control, leading to catastrophic results."
He gestured toward the device, his tone tinged with both pride and caution. "I’ve been fine-tuning it, testing every parameter, ensuring it is truly ready before I place it in the council’s hands. They may not always understand the complexities—or the dangers—of such inventions. It is my responsibility to make sure it’s as safe as possible before it leaves this room."
A small smile crept onto his face, though it was weighed down by the gravity of his words. "I’ve learned that rushing progress often leads to ruin, and I would not forgive myself if this creation became another lesson in caution rather than a beacon of hope."
“I see,” Vi said, shifting in her seat. “Thank you, Professor, but I better get going.” Grabbing her bag off the floor, she stood up.”
“Why, you’ve been here for almost an hour! I’m sorry to keep you so long, Ms. Vanderson.” Heimerdinger hopped off his seat and walked Vi to the door.
“No, it’s okay, Professor. I enjoy our talks.” Vi reassured, a smile on her face.
Heimerdinger’s own smile began to form as he looked up at the girl. “I do, as well, Ms. Vanderson,” he said softly, his voice carrying a note of genuine pride.
She nodded at him, a faint grin tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Professor,” she murmured before turning and starting down the hallway.
He watched her go, his small hands clasped behind his back, the echoes of her footsteps fading into the quiet. “I’m proud of the person you are becoming,” he said again, almost to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.