With determined steps, Leruro moved forward. Though the setting was grand, he had experienced enough in life not to feel weak in the knees. But as he walked, the ceiling's sunlit windows began to close. The "path of light" behind him gradually faded with each step, and the glow illuminating the round table dimmed, creating a tense atmosphere.
By the time Leruro reached the center, the entire hall was shrouded in darkness. Suddenly, a spotlight shone directly on him, resembling a stage light. In this moment, Leruro wasn't the brightest star; he was the most pitiful.
"Leruro," a voice echoed from nowhere. "You stand accused of robbery, theft, and endangering the citizens of Piltover. Do you have any defense?"
In the spotlight, Leruro could finally make out the faces around the table—a mix of men and women, young and old, and even what looked like a robot. Directly in front of him was a handsome young man with sharp features—Jayce Talis.
Leruro spoke confidently, neither arrogant nor humble. "I am a scientist, not a criminal involved in the Hextech theft. The real culprit is someone else. I formally request a release and freedom!"
The council members already knew some details from Caitlyn and Vi. Learning that Leruro was a scientist had surprised them.
Jayce spoke first, "You claim to create Hextech without magic crystals?" As a scientist, he couldn't fathom such technology.
"Yes, I can create Hextech without magic crystals!" Leruro's response was firm.
"How, exactly? Is your 'creation' merely about blowing up entire buildings?" an elderly council member asked suspiciously.
Leruro maintained his stance, explaining, "I discovered a new principle I call the Law of Energy Conservation, which allows energy to transform under certain conditions."
Jayce flinched as Leruro's words struck a chord. Jayce had theorized a similar concept but had hit dead ends in research.
A female council member, Mel, challenged him, "And how will you prove it?"
Leruro was ready. The 10 gold coins he spent were for this crucial moment. "I'll prove it here, but I need a private space to prevent intellectual theft."
The council agreed and provided him with the necessary materials, verified personally by Jayce. Leruro stood on a metal platform that quickly transformed into a private room as walls rose around him.
Inside, Leruro got to work. He began assembling metal parts into a gun, pouring his rune energy into it as he shielded the blue glow with his clothes. As the energy flowed into the gun, he produced a small vial—a half-drop of **Super Soldier Serum** he'd bought for 10 gold coins. In theory, even this tiny amount held remarkable potential for healing and rejuvenation.
With care, he poured the serum into the gun. When rune energy met the serum, a transformation occurred. The faint blue light from the gun turned to green, gently pulsing with a calming rhythm.
A slight smile played on Leruro's lips. He had succeeded.