Arcane - Male Reader

Chapter 7 - Fire

It was a beautiful day in Piltover, though you'd never have guessed it was so special just by looking. Five years had passed since Jayce and Viktor began their work on Hextech, revolutionizing not just the science of Piltover but the future of the entire world. The ability to harness magic through science had been an achievement in itself, but what they'd done since then? Unbelievable.

Today was Progress Day—the city of Piltover's 200th anniversary.

Piltover was abuzz with activity. The famed Hexgates, the pinnacle of Hextech's innovation, allowed people from every corner of the world to travel instantly to join the festivities. Merchants transported goods seamlessly, fueling trade and bringing exotic wares to Piltover's already bustling streets.

And at the heart of it all? Jayce Talis.

To the public, Jayce was Hextech. The name, the face, the hero of Piltover's golden age. Viktor didn't seem to mind the lack of recognition; the man preferred to work in the shadows, far from the glitz and glamour of Jayce's newfound celebrity.

For now, none of that mattered. Today wasn't about politics or accolades. It was about celebrating.

The city square overflowed with energy. Stalls lined the streets, hawking inventions and trinkets. Children played with mechanical butterflies, their wings catching the sunlight as they flitted through the air. Demonstrations of Hextech gadgets wowed audiences of all ages.

You wandered through the throng, hands in your pockets, marveling at the sights around you. It was a world apart from the Lanes. The bright, polished streets. The cheerful faces. The laughter.

It was... beautiful.

You paused, watching as a butterfly landed delicately on a child's finger. For a fleeting moment, you wondered what Anna would think of all this. She'd probably love it—well, she'd love the idea of seeing the surface. The actual crowds and pageantry? Not so much. Kat's voice echoed in your head: "You're not taking her. Not to Piltover."

So here you were, alone, taking it all in. But you weren't leaving without something for Anna.

Your attention drifted, and you spotted a familiar figure in the crowd: Jayce Talis himself, talking with a woman in an enforcer's uniform. She had striking blue hair and an unmistakable air of authority.

You decided to approach.

"Excuse me, Mr. Talis?"

Jayce turned at the sound of his name, his friendly smile lighting up as he faced you. "You don't have to call me that—Jayce is fine."

"Of course," you said, returning his smile with a polite one of your own. "I was wondering if I could trouble you for an autograph? My daughter couldn't come today, but I'd like to bring her something."

Jayce's expression softened. The woman beside him—Caitlyn—tilted her head, studying you, though she remained silent.

"Of course!" Jayce said. "What would you like me to sign?"

That's when it hit you. You had nothing for him to sign. Your eyes darted around until you spotted a child walking by with a notebook and pencil. Without hesitation, you reached over, snatched both, and waved the kid off before turning back to Jayce with your prize.

Jayce blinked, his brow rising slightly in surprise, but he accepted the items with a bemused smile. Caitlyn's gaze, however, sharpened, her arms crossing as she watched you with suspicion.

"Improvisation," you said with a sheepish shrug.

Jayce laughed softly as he scrawled his name onto a page, tearing it out and handing it back to you. "I hope she likes it."