"What's Zaun mean?"
Kate grasped "Firecracker" but puzzled over "Zaun." It was Oran's creation, so he named it, but she wanted clarity.
"Zaun? A place I lived. 'Simple folk,' 'brimming with talent.' A great place."
Zaun and Piltover were once united but long since split. Zaun's rough greetings were mostly stereotypes. Only those who'd lived there knew its true warmth.
Shrouded in hazy twilight, Zaun buzzed with vibrant life. Its diverse residents and colorful culture thrived. Piltover's wealth fueled Zaun, its dark mirror.
Zaun was riskier than Piltover, yet its people survived and flourished.
Zeri, the Zaun Firecracker, was one such example.
Born to a working-class family, Zeri had a natural bond with electricity, mastering it over time. She fought for the powerless.
Zaun wasn't perfect, nor was Zeri. But sometimes, a single spark could pierce the gloom.
Oran, having treated Zeri's injuries from alchemist baron attacks, understood her abilities, inspiring the Hextech heart.
Merging Zeri's electrical control with Fur Tribe traits, paired with training and gear, Kate's power would transform.
"That's Zeri's story. Like you, she was an ordinary girl until her environment changed her.
She never stopped fighting, becoming a spark that ignited a blaze.
The seed's planted. There's no turning back. Kate, ready to be this sea's new Firecracker?"
Oran held the Hextech heart, its core glowing with strange energy. The sun dipped below the horizon, blue light illuminating Kate's face, reminiscent of God Valley.
"What's the cost? You said equivalent exchange is your principle."
"An investment. You promised to protect me with your remaining time, but a weak bodyguard won't do. And your planned 'term' was too short."
"Meow remembers. Meow keeps promises. Your investment won't fail. Meow will use this power to fulfill past goals."
Kate's gaze was resolute. God Valley, now her heart—Oran's motives aside, she owed him twice.
She recalled his words at God Valley, solidifying her resolve to follow him.
"Good. Now, the side effects. They're minor, even beneficial.
First, your growth will slow, halting at your body's peak."
The Hextech heart's energy would affect her whole body. Camille stayed youthful while her brother aged, serving her clan. Oran tweaked it to let Kate grow.
"The bigger risk: if you lose your core self, emotions may fade over time. That's up to you."
If she avoided further Hextech enhancements, this risk was low. But succumbing to power could lead to ruin.
Still, without humanity concerns, it could be seen as a boost.
"That meow... still meow?"
"Still you, just more rational. Your inner strength can overcome it."
"Got it. Meow's ready. Start anytime!"
"I checked the operating room—it's up to standard. Stop eating now, no water from morning. Also, surgery requires prepping—you know what that means."
Oran doubted Zou's medical standards, so he warned Kate. Her confused look showed she didn't.
"It's simple, but step one: you need to shave."
"Sh-shave?!"
The word hit like a lightning bolt, sending Kate into a furry panic. Losing her fur scared her more than open-heart surgery.
Fur Tribe cherished their coats. Regrowth was possible, but the bald phase terrified her.
"C-can we skip that... meow?"
"Sorry, no. Nurses will handle it. Sleep soundly, and you'll soon have a healthy body."
After explaining, Oran sent Kate to rest. He and Blitzcrank returned to their church lodging.
"Kuma, Ginny, I'm leaving."
"Leaving? Like Big Brother, chasing freedom?" Ginny asked.
Oran's words froze them. Despite looking only a bit older, Oran felt like a father or teacher these past months.
His departure was expected, but its speed surprised them.
"Something like that. Staying here won't fulfill my plans. What about you? Come with me or stay?"
Kuma's abilities and Ginny's eavesdropping talent were exceptional, but their youth and Kuma's gentle nature could burden the journey. Oran left it to them.
"Big Brother Oran, we—"
Kuma thought, then shared their choice.
Like Ivankov, they wanted to stay in Sorbet Kingdom for now, seeking stability.
"That's fine. Then I'll entrust the smelter's upgrades to you. Deliver parts to Bulldog periodically.
You've grasped the basics. Keep studying my notes, stockpile materials, and recruit outsiders if possible.
When I find a safer place, I'll contact you. We'll meet again."
"Got it. When you need us, we'll help," Kuma vowed.
"Yeah! I'll upgrade the Den Den Mushi so you can reach us from afar. Ivankov left too fast to get one," Ginny added.
Kuma and Ginny pledged to stay, "mining" at home, while Oran scouted a better "mine."
(End of Chapter)
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