Vander visited Marcus's workshop frequently enough that he should have noticed any new additions to the room's décor. The appearance of two elaborate metallic sculptures without his knowledge was genuinely puzzling.
Combined with Marcus's casual revelation about their true nature, a possibility began forming in Vander's mind—one so extraordinary that he could barely bring himself to believe it.
"You're saying," Vander asked with a trembling voice, pointing at the motionless Void Angels, "that these statues are actually the void creatures everyone's been terrified of?"
Seeing Vander's obvious shock, Marcus chuckled and nodded confirmingly.
"That's exactly right. I made a quick trip to Freljord and transformed two Void Watchers into these helpful assistants."
He glanced at his creations with obvious satisfaction. The expedition had yielded far more than just a solution to the void threat—it had provided him with valuable crew members, substantial Aya essence reserves, and access to World Rune energies.
Vander remained silent for several long moments, struggling to process the implications of what he'd just heard. He'd known Marcus possessed incredible power, but if this claim was accurate, then that power operated on scales he'd never imagined possible.
"Oh, by the way," Marcus added conversationally, "you don't need to keep searching for Ryze. I already met him."
"Ryze?" Vander looked confused. "I've never heard that name before. Who exactly is this person?"
The blank expression told Marcus everything he needed to know. Despite their best efforts to locate the wandering wizard, Vander's team had been operating with extremely limited information about their target.
"Ryze is the real name of that wandering wizard I asked you to find," Marcus explained patiently.
Understanding dawned on Vander's features as he connected the dots. Both Marcus and this mysterious mage had apparently been drawn to Freljord by the same crisis, working independently to contain the void threat.
The revelation also suggested that Ryze possessed genuine power worthy of respect. Anyone capable of confronting void creatures alongside Marcus was clearly operating in a league far above ordinary spellcasters.
"Since we don't need to continue that search," Vander said thoughtfully, "is there anything else we can do to help? You've done so much for us—we need to find ways to repay that debt."
Vander wasn't someone who simply accepted charity without offering something in return. Marcus had transformed Zaun from a desperate slum into a thriving technological marvel. The least they could do was provide whatever assistance lay within their capabilities.
After a moment's consideration, Marcus shook his head gently.
"Nothing urgent comes to mind," he replied. "Though you could help me collect legends and myths from various regions. Historical accounts of powerful individuals or supernatural events might prove useful for future projects."
The world contained numerous powerful entities, from the Celestial Aspects dwelling on Mount Targon to ancient spirits and forgotten demigods scattered across distant lands. While Marcus had no immediate intention of confronting the most dangerous beings, information about lesser-known powers could provide inspiration for future Warframe designs.
"Speaking of current projects," Marcus continued, "the Kalinda Crystal Tower's energy field is approaching its maximum range. Do you have any thoughts about what comes next?"
Thanks to the abandoned mine that Silco had secured, the crystal's construction was nearly complete. Future efforts would focus on maintenance and protection rather than expansion.
"Honestly, I don't have strong opinions about future development," Vander admitted. "Most of our current success stems from following your guidance. Viktor has been creating remarkable innovations, and with Powder and Mylo continuing their aircraft projects, I think Zaun will keep improving on its own momentum."
The transformation had been so dramatic that Vander sometimes struggled to believe it was real. What had once been a lawless undercity where people fought over scraps had become a place where residents enjoyed security, prosperity, and genuine hope for the future.
"I'm grateful for everything you've made possible," Vander continued. "So if there's anything we can do to support your work, just ask."
Marcus nodded appreciatively. He understood Vander's perspective completely. Before Marcus's arrival, Zaun had been trapped at the bottom of Piltover's hierarchy—subjected to raids by Enforcer squads while lacking any means of meaningful retaliation.
Yet even in those desperate circumstances, Vander had managed to create something resembling order. The Lanes had provided stability and protection for people who had nowhere else to turn, representing hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.
With Marcus's assistance, that noble goal had expanded to encompass all of Zaun. Vander had become exactly what he'd always wanted to be—the person responsible for maintaining peace and prosperity throughout their community.
"There's one thing I should mention," Marcus said. "I'll be conducting intensive research for the foreseeable future, so you won't see much of me for a while. If any serious problems arise, these two Void Angels can handle most situations that might require my intervention."
His various Warframe upgrades would require careful planning and execution. Determining optimal enhancement paths for each design would take considerable time and effort, particularly since he wanted to maximize the benefits from his newly acquired resources.
Vander nodded understanding. Whatever Marcus was working on was clearly important enough to warrant extended isolation. As for Zaun's day-to-day operations, Vander felt confident in his ability to handle routine matters independently.
For problems beyond normal scope, the Void Angels would certainly be capable of providing solutions. After all, they'd originally been creatures powerful enough to threaten entire civilizations.
After discussing several minor administrative details, Marcus dismissed Vander with assurances that his research would ultimately benefit Zaun's continued development.
The requests he'd made were fairly straightforward—historical records, regional legends, and similar materials that could be gathered through normal diplomatic and commercial channels.
...
"Welcome to Zaun!" called out cheerful voices from overhead.
Several children zipped through the air on hoverboards, playfully greeting newcomers to the city while demonstrating the casual integration of advanced technology into daily life.
The visitors smiled and waved back, most of them having heard remarkable stories about Zaun's transformation from trading partners and fellow travelers.
"Are those the flying boards the merchants told us about?" asked a young boy, watching the aerial display with obvious envy. "They look incredible!"
His parents were equally amazed, though their attention focused on the massive crystal spire dominating Zaun's skyline.
"The traders weren't exaggerating," the father murmured in awe. "There really is a giant crystal at the heart of the city!"
The Kalinda Crystal Tower caught and refracted sunlight into countless rainbow patterns, creating a spectacular light show that could be seen for miles. For people accustomed to conventional architecture, the sight was genuinely overwhelming.
"Stop right there!" shouted an authoritative voice as a figure in goggles sprinted past the tourists. "Surrender now, or I can't guarantee your safety!"
Close behind him, the pink-haired Vi pursued her target with obvious determination.
"Catch me if you can!" the fleeing man taunted. "Only an idiot would stop running!"
He was well aware of how much Zaun's technology commanded on black markets throughout the world. A single piece of their advanced equipment could provide enough money for a comfortable retirement.
Seeing that verbal warnings were being ignored, Vi allowed her gauntlets to charge with crackling energy. With a single powerful swing, she launched a concentrated shockwave toward the thief's legs.
The man attempted to dodge, but Vi's attack moved faster than human reflexes could match. The impact shattered both his legs instantly, sending him crashing to the ground with screams of agony.
"I warned you about the safety guarantee," Vi said grimly, producing restraints and hauling her captive toward the Law Enforcement building.
She knew how desperately outsiders wanted to acquire Zaun's technology. Even though Marcus had built security measures into every device that made copying impossible, she refused to allow anything belonging to their community to fall into foreign hands.
The tourists who'd witnessed the arrest looked genuinely frightened by the display of brutal efficiency.
"Don't worry," called out a helpful local who'd noticed their distress. "That was Vi—one of our Law Enforcement officers. You can also call her by her title: the Zaun Guardian. As long as you follow our laws and regulations, she's actually quite reasonable. That man was obviously a thief trying to steal our technology, which is definitely illegal here."
Several similar guides were positioned throughout the tourist areas, all working under Vander's direction to help visitors understand Zaun's culture and expectations.
After the explanation, the newcomers relaxed considerably. Most had encountered thieves during their own travels and felt no sympathy for someone who'd been caught stealing.
"Actually, you've arrived at a perfect time," the guide continued enthusiastically. "Zaun recently opened something called Phantom Canyon—a facility that lets ordinary people experience the abilities of legendary warriors, powerful mages, and other extraordinary individuals."
Following months of careful preparation, Vander and Silco had finally completed their arrangements. Phantom Canyon was ready for public use, representing Zaun's first major commercial venture and a potentially significant revenue source.
The guide's explanation immediately captured everyone's attention. Most visitors were ordinary citizens with limited combat abilities, making the prospect of temporary supernatural power incredibly appealing.
Following their guide to a recently renovated building, one tourist looked up at the establishment's sign with curiosity.
"Phantom Canyon?"
"That's right," the guide confirmed. "Phantom Canyon requires specialized equipment to access safely. This facility contains multiple battle platforms where people can experience different power sets. Of course, there is a fee for using them."
The platforms represented a substantial investment in both materials and magical infrastructure. Offering unlimited free access would have been financially impossible.
A well-dressed merchant produced a gold coin from his purse, holding it up for inspection.
"What does this platform cost? How much time would this buy me?"
"Let me calculate..." the guide said thoughtfully. "A standard silver coin provides ten minutes of experience time. Your gold coin appears to be properly minted, so based on current exchange rates, that would give you approximately a thousand minutes—nearly seventeen hours of access."
Gold coins retained considerable value even in Zaun's improved economy. Previously, such a coin could have supported a small family for months in the undercity. Now it represented significant but not overwhelming expense for accessing advanced recreational facilities.
The price reflected both Zaun's increased prosperity and the substantial costs involved in maintaining the Phantom Canyon technology.
"Nearly seventeen hours for one gold coin?" the merchant mused. "I'll start with just one hour for now."
He was eager to experience magical abilities firsthand, even if only temporarily. The opportunity to wield a mage's power or a warrior's strength was worth the expense.
Not everyone was equally willing to pay such prices for temporary experiences. The crowd split into two groups—some heading into the Experience Hall to begin their virtual adventures, while others continued exploring Zaun's rebuilt districts.
"Hurry up! Seraphine's concert is starting soon!" called out an excited voice from nearby.
The announcement sparked curiosity among the tourists, who looked to their guide for explanation.
"Seraphine is our city's most popular singer," the guide explained with obvious pride. "She has the most beautiful voice you'll ever hear—like music from heaven itself. Though she was born in Piltover, her parents are originally from Zaun, so she's the only person who can travel freely between both cities."
The guide's enthusiasm was genuine. Seraphine had originally come to Zaun seeking medical treatment, but her extraordinary vocal abilities had quickly made her a beloved local celebrity.
Her singing possessed an almost magical quality that seemed to soothe listeners' worries and lift their spirits. This unique talent had convinced both Vander and Silco to grant her special privileges that weren't available to other Piltover residents.
Intrigued by the description, the entire tourist group decided to attend the performance. They joined a growing crowd heading toward a large stage where early arrivals were already gathered in anticipation.
Eventually, a young woman with flowing pink hair appeared on an elevated platform that seemed to float unsupported above the audience. She waved cheerfully to the assembled crowd, her smile radiant with genuine joy.
"This song is for all of you!" she announced.
Her words triggered thunderous applause from devoted fans, their faces glowing with happiness at seeing their favorite performer.
As blue light began emanating from the floating stage, Seraphine's voice rose in perfect harmony with the magical accompaniment. The sound seemed to reach directly into listeners' hearts, washing away stress and worry while filling them with a sense of peace and contentment that many hadn't felt in years.