The nine-tailed fox, Ahri, was a unique member of the Vastaya, a race akin to the Fur Tribe of the pirate world, bearing animal traits.
The Vastaya encompassed an even broader range—mammals, birds, reptiles, merfolk, and more.
Ahri was exceptional, naturally attuned to mental magic. This connection occasionally drew Oran's dream journeys near her.
His strong mental resistance made him immune to her innate charm, and his vast mental energy even replenished her daily expenditure. After a few encounters, they became pen pals—or rather, dream pals.
"It was seven days ago, no mistake. Last time, you said you were negotiating at Bilgewater's port. I was surprised you showed up so soon."
Oran was certain months had passed since leaving God Valley, suggesting a temporal discrepancy between worlds.
"A slight mishap. Pass a message to Piltover for me: I won't be back soon. Tell them to carry on as usual and consult Professor Heimerdinger if issues arise."
Dream locations were uncontrollable; finding a familiar messenger was rare.
"You're sending a frail lady like me across oceans just to deliver a message?"
"Frail? Hardly. It's not that troublesome—just go through Sett's people. I don't know when I'll next meet someone reliable, so I'm counting on you."
"Sett? That fight-club lunatic? He'd do favors for you?"
"I'm tight with his mom. You've probably heard—she's got him wrapped around her finger."
The night breeze swept through. Ahri was momentarily speechless, sensing something off in Oran's words but unable to pinpoint it.
"You're full of secrets... What trouble are you in? Need help?"
"Just some unique experiences—you can't assist with this. Time's almost up. Please handle this, and next time, I'll bring a better story."
Oran's form began to fade, as if he'd never been there.
"Such a bothersome man, always ordering others around."
Ahri turned toward a forest path. The journey to Sett's turf was long, crossing seas from Ionia to Piltover. To deliver the message promptly, she couldn't linger.
Dawn's light bathed Oran's face. The Sorbet Kingdom hadn't changed much since yesterday. Kuma and the others, besides their studies, had a new routine: exploring the world with Blitzcrank.
Its metal shell remained icy, but Blitzcrank's inner self was growing.
"There, Blitzcrank, grab it!"
Whoosh!
At the shore, with Kate perched atop its head, Blitzcrank's mechanical claw shot into the sea, snagging an elephant-nosed tuna.
Its learning module adapted swiftly, delivering a shock to stun the fish while grasping it.
"Such a weird fish—its nose looks like Elephante's!"
"It's an elephant tuna, a South Sea delicacy. A marine gem, they say. The nose is the tastiest part."
Kate hadn't seen one before, but Blitzcrank, drawing from its knowledge module, identified it and began explaining.
"You know so much, Blitzcrank."
"Master programmed me with relevant data."
"Then do you know what Oran likes most?"
Oran often seemed detached, his actions driven by clear purpose. Neither Kate nor Kuma could discern his true thoughts. Even after leaving God Valley, he showed no significant emotional shifts.
"No relevant data. Blitzcrank will inquire with Master tonight."
"Wait! Don't ask that—it's a private matter!"
"Unclear. Blitzcrank is still learning."
Despite its growth module, Blitzcrank remained naive. Its robust logic suggested a true soul within the metal shell, but probing deeper revealed frustrating robotic limits.
Woo-woo!
A steamship's whistle sounded in the distance. A peculiarly shaped vessel, more cylindrical than streamlined, appeared in the Sorbet Kingdom's waters. The letters "MADS" stood out on its hull, with a "Pacifist" flag signaling peace.
Months after the God Valley incident, the seas grew no calmer. The monsters once united under Rocks' iron grip near Hive Island had scattered since his downfall. The Big Mom Pirates, Whitebeard Pirates, and Sky Pirates set sail again, escalating tensions.
The Navy scrambled, and conflict spread wider.
Meanwhile, certain figures took action.
Du Feld, the underworld's "Loan Shark King," began funding public charities for reputation's sake.
His investment birthed MADS, a peace research institute, recently formed to support scientists needing funds.
Du Feld bankrolled peaceful projects, results secondary to his true aims.
Leading MADS was Vegapunk, not yet world-renowned but gaining some regional fame.
This earned him Du Feld's backing. MADS now sailed globally, researching while recruiting hidden "geniuses."
They docked at the Sorbet Kingdom for ship repairs, having heard it could forge superior metals.
"This backwater looks nothing like a place with a smelter. Vegapunk's so easy to fool."
Two researchers in lab coats, sporting garish yellow hair, griped about Vegapunk. They'd joined MADS for funding but resented his leadership.
In their eyes, their skills surpassed his.
They didn't get along either, united only in doubting Vegapunk.
"Exactly... Wait, Queen, what's that over there?"
"Gauge, you're no better. A robot in this dump?"
(End of Chapter)