"I would like Dr. Singed and myself to share responsibility for the Mechanical Ascension Project."
Viktor raised his request.
Cipher had submitted the Ascension Plan in two distinct phases, each requiring different approaches.
The magical ascension modeled after ancient Shuriman methods remained purely theoretical. It would require research into Shurima's lost heritage and access to certain extraordinarily rare resources, like the legendary Sun Disc artifacts, and could not be initiated in the immediate future.
But the Mechanical Ascension represented a different proposition. Resources could be allocated immediately, and the project could be formally launched with existing technology as a foundation.
For the chief designer of the Mechanical Ascension initiative, he had recommended Viktor, who had already achieved partial success. But Viktor clearly held a more cautious perspective.
With Singed, who excelled in biological alchemy and chemical enhancement, joining the research effort, the safety protocols and success rates of the Mechanical Ascension experiments would increase significantly.
"An excellent proposal. I'm well aware of Dr. Singed's achievements. I had already planned to invite him to join our efforts once the Trifarix Council successfully overthrows Darkwill's regime."
Swain agreed without hesitation, though privately he acknowledged that concerns over Singed's unpredictable nature and questionable ethics had prevented him from offering the scientist a council seat outright.
"For the Gate Project, I'll need Professor Heimerdinger's expertise, with additional support from Ekko and Blitzcrank."
Powder also spoke up.
The Gate Project focused on developing advanced air carriers, carrier-based aircraft, orbital communication satellites, and even massive space-based platforms capable of deploying devastating orbital bombardment systems.
The project also included defensive preparations against colossal transcendent creatures, drawing inspiration from advanced weapon systems from the Apex world that could theoretically engage threats on a planetary scale.
"Professor Heimerdinger, what's your assessment of this proposal?" Swain asked. Every council member retained their personal autonomy, and their individual expertise and preferences needed to be respected in project assignments.
If Heimerdinger declined participation, even he as council leader could not ethically force an unwanted assignment on him.
Though Ekko possessed considerable potential as a future council member, he had not yet produced research achievements great enough to warrant full membership, his hoverboard innovations, while impressive, were still considered experimental technology by state standards.
The same applied to Blitzcrank. Despite being a unique artificial intelligence with consciousness, his documented accomplishments remained insufficient for council recognition.
"Collaborating on research with my most talented students is always stimulating. I accept this assignment gladly."
Heimerdinger showed interest in the advanced technological concepts and the Titans.
In his assessment, orbital platforms and atmospheric aircraft could potentially be integrated into these mech-style robots.
He was already formulating preliminary concepts: the primary platform could be designated the Dominator-class Mobile Command Center.
"Commander, the House Medarda will not forget this betrayal, and we will not forgive those responsible. We demand justice and retribution!"
Ambessa clenched her fist. The Black Rose's assassination attempt against Kino represented an unforgivable transgression that demanded blood.
"The entity you call the Pale Lady has been embedded within the Empire's power structure since Noxus's founding over a millennium ago."
"Through ten centuries of patient infiltration, the Black Rose has become thoroughly integrated with Noxus itself, inseparable from our institutions, nearly impossible to extract without causing damage."
"We face greater threats that require our attention. The Black Rose, despite their treachery, can still serve as a useful instrument when properly directed."
"But I will ensure they face consequences for their actions. The House Medarda will emerge from this stronger than before."
"For now, General Medarda, I must ask you to set aside your family's desire for vengeance. We have more critical matters demanding our focus."
Swain denied Ambessa's proposal for immediate retaliation against the Black Rose. Their organization had infiltrated virtually every aspect of the Empire's government, military, and economic structures.
Declaring open war against them would inflict devastating damage on Noxus itself, plunging an already politically unstable Empire into complete chaos and civil conflict.
He would never permit such self-destructive action. The Black Rose, parasitic though they were, would eventually be dealt with, but not until certain other threats were neutralized.
At least not until a particular ancient entity, hidden deep beneath the Immortal Bastion and constantly monitoring the capital's activities, was permanently eliminated.
"I will conclude the Eastern Front campaign, transitioning from military occupation to profitable trade relationships. Governance of the Ionian territories will be transferred to the House Medarda."
Having rejected Ambessa's demand for immediate vengeance, Swain offered a substantial consolation, a position that would provide both wealth and influence.
Ionia possessed incredible natural wealth and resources. With even moderate commercial acumen, the territorial governor could generate enormous profits through trade agreements and resource extraction.
The region also produced exceptionally skilled warriors and mages. Though current Ionian sentiment toward Noxians was understandably hostile due to the ongoing war, the oppressed Vastaya populations held no such prejudices. Many of them found Noxian values of strength and merit appealing.
Controlling the governor's position meant wielding both military and political authority, with skillful management, the House Medarda could raise a formidable army enhanced by Ionian magical capabilities.
Ambessa, as a career military officer and veteran of countless Noxian campaigns, recognized the immense value of the Ionian governorship and accepted Swain's offer.
Her son had survived the assassination attempt; with him safe, vengeance became less important than securing her family's long-term prosperity and power.
"My requests are simple, I only ask that Zaun not be forgotten in the Empire's future plans."
"I've spent most of my life building Zaun from nothing. Our people excavated the riverbeds and carved out underground chambers until we created the thriving city it is today."
"I only hope Zaun continues to grow and prosper, that the lives of ordinary Zaunites keep improving with each generation."
Vander tapped his pipe thoughtfully against the ashtray and voiced his heartfelt request as a council member.
"Your wish will be honored completely. The Twin Cities will remain the Empire's primary center for scientific research and technological development. The current arrangement with Zaun leading Piltover will be maintained and strengthened."
"The Empire's most prestigious academies and research institutions will be established there."
"All of the Empire's major scientific projects will be entrusted to both cities oversight and management."
For Swain, this request required no significant concessions, prioritizing Zaun and Piltover was inevitable.
Even ignoring the presence of Cipher and other brilliant Zaunite scientists, the truth remained clear: throughout all of Runeterra, only the these two cities possessed the infrastructure, talent, and cultural environment necessary for advanced scientific progress.
The region's geographic position was simply too advantageous to overlook, it served as the crucial trade and cultural bridge connecting the continents of Valoran and Shurima.
However, Swain subtly modified Vander's terminology, replacing "Zaun" with "Twin Cities" in his official response.
Without Piltover's resources and infrastructure, Zaun's geographic limitations were too restrictive. The Undercity lacked proper port facilities, transportation networks remained inadequate, and its physical size imposed absolute limits on potential expansion.
In his vision, the complete integration of Zaun and Piltover represented the only logical path forward, though healthy competition between the districts would be actively encouraged.
Both Zaun and Piltover would maintain relative operational independence, ensuring scientific advancement thrived in an environment of productive rivalry and innovation.
"I request that the House Kiramman assume responsibility for the Twin Cities' economic governance and law enforcement operations, as a hereditary position."
Cassandra glanced meaningfully at Caitlyn, then presented her request.
"That arrangement is acceptable for the initial term, but I cannot guarantee hereditary succession in perpetuity."
"In the new Empire, I can only guarantee equal opportunity for advancement and that your family will receive priority consideration for renewal."
Swain would never establish permanent hereditary positions. Without competitive pressure and regular evaluation, even the most capable families would eventually succumb to corruption and incompetence.
Cassandra did not object to these limitations. Since the House Medarda's primary focus would inevitably shift toward Ionian opportunities, within the Twin Cities her family would face no serious political rivals, at least in economic and administrative matters.
Finally, only one council member remained silent. All eyes turned expectantly toward Vi, who had been quiet throughout the proceedings.
"Ahahaha, I haven't really thought about any specific requests yet. I'll speak up when I figure out what I actually want."
Vi scratched her head, laughing awkwardly to deflect attention from her discomfort.
In truth, she desperately wanted to use her council privileges to demand an arranged marriage with Caitlyn.
But even her occasionally impulsive nature recognized that voicing such a request would result in both Vander and Silco joining forces to beat her senseless.