The next morning, early dawn.
Inside Duke's private workshop.
"Worked all night... finally done!"
With a soft exhale, Duke tightened the final micro-screw on a device no larger than a tablet, a freshly built Hextech communicator.
After learning that Camille had decided to accompany him to Bilgewater, to personally assess Miss Fortune, he stayed up through the night crafting this machine.
Unlike the bulkier model used by Jayce and the others, Duke had streamlined his version down to a manageable tablet size. To ensure smooth audio and video sync, he embedded ultra-fine diffusers throughout the screen, ground from pure crystals. He even added internal encryption keys, the Hextech equivalent of a private phone number.
In terms of performance, it vastly outclassed Jayce's model.
He had made it for one reason: to speak face-to-face with Miss Fortune and lay things out clearly.
If this matter wasn't handled properly, it could very well lead to a Hextech ultimatum, and for someone like Miss Fortune, even clad in armor, the consequences could be catastrophic. Her suit ran on Hextech gems, which were naturally weaker than Camille's Core Crystal, a direct suppression.
If Camille really wanted to, she could overpower Miss Fortune like snatching candy from a baby.
Why had Duke been unable to escape Camille in the past?
Because her core ran on a Prime Hex Crystal, while his relied on a mere gemstone, completely countered.
Duke stomped lightly in frustration before packing the communicator into a specially padded bag, complete with a user manual. Right on cue, Tahm Kench, his ever-obliging errand runner, emerged from the swirling vortex.
Before the big catfish-like demon could even speak, Duke shoved the communicator into his arms.
"Urgent delivery to Sarah Fortune!"
"You get this done, I'll give you three days off!"
"Yes, boss!"
The second he heard "vacation," Tahm vanished back into the vortex without hesitation. After he was gone, Duke kept his own communicator in standby mode, ready to receive any incoming messages.
Then he perched casually on his workbench, crossed his legs, pulled out a cigar, snipped the tip, and slowly toasted it over a flame.
That Camille, the legendary recluse who hadn't left Piltover in eighty years, was actually willing to travel to Bilgewater? That alone was surprising to Duke.
Camille had always seen the protection of House Ferros and the stability of Piltover and Zaun as her sworn duty. She'd patrol the cities tirelessly until the day her heart stopped.
But now she was making a move.
Sure, she said it was to assess Miss Fortune... but Duke didn't fully buy it. Part of it, sure, but more than anything, she was coming to help him during the Harrowing, to fight back the undead from the Shadow Isles.
And that meant something. A debt, etched into Duke's heart.
But sentiment wasn't enough, action was what mattered.
As blue smoke curled from his lips, Duke muttered to himself:
"Maybe I should just build her a new suit of armor."
"With Edith and the Red Queen helping out, I could get it done in seven days. As for sonic weaponry, I'll leave that to Wally and Pride, those two need a job anyway."
"Camille's right... I need to broaden my horizons, use external tools, not just swing hammers all day."
"Alright then. Seven days to build a suit. Wally and Pride handle the weapons."
"Let's make it happen."
Bilgewater, The Nine-Headed Serpent Tavern
Outside the grand tavern stood a colorful, violent-looking crowd. Each thug and pirate eyed the passersby like prey, occasionally sneaking glances inside.
Within the smoky interior, wisps of cigar smoke clung stubbornly to the ceiling. Nearly every notable figure in Bilgewater was present.
At the center sat Miss Fortune, red hair cascading down her back, armored lightly, her twin Hextech pistols resting on the table before her.
"Gentlemen," she said, calm yet firm, "we've been sitting here all night. It's time for an answer."
"An answer?"
Ekko, seated across from her, scoffed. He pointed his cigar at her. "Sure, you killed Gangplank. But if you want our loyalty, you'll need to show us something more concrete."
"Yeah!"
"Boss Ekko's right!"
"I second that!"
Cheers of agreement rippled across the room.
Miss Fortune's smile didn't waver, but her eyes chilled.
These bastards... still refusing to kneel.
"Sarah, the truth is you're too green," Ekko continued. "You may have sunk Gangplank and his ship, but you haven't proven your strength to the rest of us."
"You want our respect? Survive the Harrowing first. Then we'll talk."
He stubbed out his cigar on the table, leaving a black scorch mark.
"Assuming, of course... you're still in Bilgewater afterward."
As Ekko rose, a ripple of unease passed through the room. Illaoi remained silent, and if she wasn't speaking for Sarah, no one else dared.
Gangplank might be dead, but his shadow loomed large.
"I won't overstay my welcome," Ekko muttered.
Just then, mist pooled over the table, and a vortex of water spun into being. A massive, bloated figure leapt from within, clutching a heavy cloth bag with exaggerated care.
Everyone froze.
Gasps rippled out:
"T-The River King..."
"Th-The River King!!"
Ekko collapsed back into his seat.
"Well now, seems I showed up at a bad time," came the guttural, syrup-thick voice.
Only Miss Fortune didn't flinch. She greeted Tahm Kench with a soft smile. "It's no problem. The meeting was wrapping up anyway."
"Wrapping up?" Tahm grinned toothily. "Usually, a wrap-up comes with a feast. Gentlemen, where were you all planning to eat?"
He swept his gaze across the room, and every hardened criminal shrank like a mouse under a cat's stare. The legend had walked in, alive, real, and looking hungry.
"N-Nowhere!" Ekko sputtered, forcing a smile. "Miss Fortune hasn't called it yet! We wouldn't dare leave!"
"Ah, I see." Tahm nodded slowly. "What a shame."
He leaned in close to Ekko, his slimy tongue flicking from his lips. "Thought I might have a little snack tonight."
Fear cracked across the crowd like thunder.
"M-Mister Tahm... if you're hungry... I-I'll arrange something for you!" Ekko stammered, drenched in sweat.
Tahm snorted. "My tastes are... selective. You lot stink far too much."
"And besides, my boss didn't give the order. I don't eat without permission."
His razor-edged gaze sliced through the room, then softened as he turned to Miss Fortune. With exaggerated politeness, he handed over the package.
"A delivery from the boss, Madam."
"Thank you for the trouble, Mr. Kench. I'll let him know."
Tahm winked at her approvingly. Then, with a tilt of his hat to the room, he reopened the vortex.
"I'll be taking my leave then."
"I owe you dinner next time," Miss Fortune called out, her voice casual, but her eyes swept the crowd like blades.
Dinner?
Everyone tensed.
What would Tahm Kench consider dinner?
Obviously... some poor soul driven into fear and despair, just like now.
A clear threat.
Tahm vanished with a flourish, and only then did the crowd breathe again, like drowning men breaking the surface.
Miss Fortune tapped the table gently.
"Apologies," she said coolly. "My man's servant can be a little... rude. I'll make sure he's properly scolded."
Ekko forced a laugh. "Th-There's really no need!"
"I'm sure he meant no harm. And perhaps we weren't being very thoughtful either."
"Is that so?" Miss Fortune leaned back, lounging comfortably.
Every person she glanced at felt a chill up their spine. Tahm's sudden appearance had ruined their plans.
They'd intended to stall her until after the Harrowing, then strike when she was weakest. Eliminate her. Choose a new Pirate King among themselves.
But now?
Someone was backing her. Someone terrifying enough to command Tahm Kench like a glorified courier.
Whoever stood behind Sarah Fortune... wasn't someone they dared cross.
The room fell into silent recalculations.
They could've risked angering Illaoi, worst case, they'd flee Bilgewater. Still a chance at survival.
But cross Sarah?
There might not be a "next time."
The River King had just shown up... carrying a gift.
Still gripping the package, Miss Fortune unsheathed a curved blade and planted it firmly into the table, the sharp ring of metal silencing all whispers.
Raven stepped forward, dropping a bag of coins beside the blade.
Miss Fortune casually spilled the coins across the table, then nodded.
"Take your time, gentlemen. I'll excuse myself for now."
As she left, Raven stood in her place. He didn't sit, didn't dare. Instead, he offered the room a crooked smile.
"Time to make your choice, bosses."
He gestured to the blade. "This side?"
Then to the coins. "Or this one?"
End of chapter...
To everyone, we're still in the early chapters!! And those who joined the Patreon, thank you so much! 🙏Your support truly means the world. You're the reason this story keeps growing, chapter by chapter, world by world. Bonus chapters will drop soon in patreon.
🔹 Hexcore Initiate – 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Arc Reactor Elite – 35 chapters + 1 bonus
👉 patreon.com/MrBehringer