"Yes," Taliyah nodded toward Duke. "I showed Mrs. Maggie Viktor's photo — she said she's met him before!"
Duke immediately handed a printed photo to Ouran, then released a scanner drone to continue analyzing Rammus. He himself turned and walked toward Maggie.
"Good day, ma'am."
Duke greeted her briefly, holding up Viktor's picture. "You really saw my friend?"
"Yes, honorable sir," Maggie replied humbly.
Cradling a cold drink bottle in her hands, she kept her posture low. As a seasoned merchant, she was adept at reading people — and the young man before her exuded a presence far more commanding than any noble she'd ever encountered.
"Could you tell me what you know? In return, I'll pay you handsomely."
Duke's gaze flicked toward the wreck of her caravan and added, "Enough to make it worth your while."
Maggie's fingers caressed the cool bottle as she chose her words carefully. Duke noticed the sweat forming on her brow and snapped his fingers toward the car.
At once, the vehicle transformed — the roof unfurling into a wide canopy that cast a pleasant shade. Cool air drifted out, followed by tables and chairs that unfolded smoothly onto the sand.
Duke brought out some fruits and drinks, gesturing for Maggie and her daughter Jama to sit. "Let's talk comfortably."
Maggie hesitated, then sat down. A flicker of awe crossed her face before she steadied herself, glancing at Jama beside her. Finally, she began to speak.
"Not long ago… I saw this man in Zerima."
She pointed at Viktor's projected image, recalling the scene vividly. "He was with his guards — they looked nervous, as though something was chasing them."
"I heard he came from Piltover. People said he spent money lavishly, so I wanted to see if he'd buy anything from me."
"But when I went to find him, he was already preparing to leave."
"I missed him and was a little frustrated, so I chatted with some traders in the livestock market."
"They told me your friend took something he shouldn't have — from the northwestern canyon. A giant beast chased him all the way to Zerima."
"Many were hurt. When they bought camels, they didn't even bargain — just threw down gold, grabbed supplies, and rode off again."
"A giant beast…" Duke frowned slightly. A possibility flashed in his mind — Viktor might have actually found the Primordial Crystal.
If that were true, then the monster pursuing him could only be Skarner.
That stubborn scorpion — the one who could solo a turret while calmly farming to level six!
If Viktor truly unearthed multiple Primordial Crystals from Skarner's nest, that explained the relentless pursuit — a chase from the northwest to the southwest, forcing them into constant flight.
After pondering for a moment, Duke asked, "Do you know which direction they went afterward?"
"I heard they went north," Maggie replied softly. "That's all I know."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Duke inclined his head. "Your information is valuable. Rest here for a while — I'll see you properly rewarded soon."
"Thank you, sir. May the Father of Hawks grant you water and shade."
Maggie bowed gratefully. Duke paused, then asked, "The Father of Hawks… you mean—"
"Yes," Maggie nodded. "The Emperor Azir. Many are traveling to the reborn capital rising from the sands. We were planning to sell our goods and gather enough supplies to go there ourselves — perhaps find a new beginning."
At that, her expression dimmed. "The desert's grown dangerous. Sand raiders are rampant, and many settlements have been seized by fanatical cults. They demand sacrifices for their rituals… or bring calamity upon those who refuse."
"It's ruined my trade. That's why I want to see the ancient capital — maybe there really is hope there."
Duke nodded slowly. So Azir's resurrection has already begun reshaping the balance of Shurima.
More and more people were flocking to the capital, seeking his protection.
As for the "fanatical cults" Maggie mentioned — they could only belong to Malzahar, the Prophet of the Void, spreading corruption through forced sacrifices.
A low rumble drew Duke's attention. Turning, he saw Rammus rolling lazily toward him, only now deciding to interact after who knows how long.
Ouran stood beside the great turtle, holding Viktor's photo with a gleam of excitement. Rammus held the remains of Duke's scanner in one claw — apparently testing its flavor.
"Don't eat that—eat this."
Duke tossed him an apple. Rammus accepted it wordlessly, took one slow bite, and continued chewing.
"I always thought Rammus was just a legend!"
Sivir, finally recovered from her motion sickness, stepped closer while pulling an iced drink from the car. Kai'Sa stayed inside — her appearance would likely frighten Maggie's family.
Rammus glanced briefly at Sivir, said nothing, and simply stood there, staring blankly at Duke.
"Legends often come from truth," Duke replied casually. "Every myth, every folktale, has a root in reality. Otherwise, they'd never spread so far — nor last so long."
"And if legends were all fake," he added with a smirk, "Nasus wouldn't be hunting you right now, would he?"
Sivir rolled her eyes. At the mention of Nasus, Duke's thoughts drifted briefly to Pride and Wrath. He wondered how those two were faring.
He'd sent Pride to find Wrath and regroup with him, but there'd been no contact yet.
Now that Viktor's trail had resurfaced — and the fool really had found the Primordial Crystal — Duke's next steps were clear.
He'd deal with Pride and Wrath first, then head north to find Viktor. Along the way, he'd handle the matter of Xerath and Azir if conditions allowed.
And perhaps, if time permitted, explore a few Darkin weapons or Shuriman ruins — the Blood of Ascension was useful for stabilizing the Darkin's madness, and Duke still needed their weapons for his next round of experiments.
"Taliyah," Duke said, rising from his seat, "look after Mrs. Maggie and her family. I've got work to do."
He walked to an open patch of sand, opened his [Inventory], and tossed out a small capsule.
The capsule hit the ground, expanding instantly into a full-sized laboratory — a gleaming, metallic workshop that hummed to life.
Maggie and her children stared in disbelief until Taliyah smiled reassuringly. "Don't be afraid. Mr. Duke's a good man."
Inside the lab, Duke linked his console to the drone network and reestablished contact with Pride.
Soon, the connection stabilized. While typing commands and preparing Maggie's payment, he asked, "How's your situation?"
"I haven't found Wrath yet, Father. I'm… sorry."
Pride's tone carried guilt. Duke paused mid-keystroke. "You still haven't found him?"
"Yes. When you were teleported away, Wrath disappeared as well. Vikora is in ruins now. I've been tracking him through the resonance of Original Sin — it seems he may have returned there."
"I'm preparing to reenter Vikora and confirm his status."
"Wrath disappeared, huh…" Duke rubbed his temples. Before his transformation, Wrath had been a husky — and huskies were infamous for wandering off.
The moment Duke vanished, Wrath went missing. Typical.
"Guess I'll need to adjust the plan, then."
Still, Duke wasn't too worried about Wrath's safety.
After the Kayle incident, he'd unlocked the safety restraints on the three Sins, granting them access to [Original Sin Liberation] even without his approval.
They could handle themselves. Their absence only weakened his immediate fighting strength, but not enough to matter.
"Father, what will you do now?" Pride's voice echoed through the channel.
Duke tapped the console rhythmically, deep in thought.
Camille's words echoed in his mind: 'A parent always worries. But perhaps you should let them walk their own path.'
He'd never truly allowed his Sins to act independently. Maybe this was the chance — to test their awareness, their decision-making, their growth.
And Shurima, vast and sparsely inhabited, was the perfect proving ground.
Exhaling slowly, Duke spoke with resolve. "Pride, I'm granting you full autonomy. Until we reunite, act on your own judgment."
"But… Father—"
"No buts. This is your trial."
"You are my creation," Duke said firmly. "I have faith in you. Whatever choices you make from here on — they'll be yours alone."
"...Understood."
It was the first time Duke had ever issued such a command.
"Use your will to decide your path," he said quietly. "And surprise me, Pride."
"I won't disappoint you, Father."
"Good."
Duke ended the connection, pulled a cigar from his coat, and lit it thoughtfully. Letting them go free — was it wisdom or folly?
He'd soon find out.
"Ahhh—! Negative!!"
A sharp scream suddenly rang from outside the lab. Duke froze mid-thought, turning toward the door.
"What in the world happened out there?"
End of chapter....
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