Zaun was compromised of three main levels.
The Promenade level is the highest district in Piltover, starkly contrasting with the lower districts below. The distinct architecture of the Promenade sets it apart, making it clear that it is a place for the affluent citizens of Zaun. This is where the wealthy come to shop, dine, and trade goods and supplies sourced from the lower levels.
The Entresol level, located just below the Promenade, serves as the unofficial border between Piltover and Zaun. It is a lively area where brokers, dealers, traffickers, and entertainers come together in trading posts and workshops carved into the cliffs. This bustling hub features a mix of cosmopolitan commercial arcades, supper clubs, recital halls, joy houses, and clubs where "everything goes." It is one of the most densely populated districts of the cities and is where the Zaun Gray often congregates.
In contrast, the lowest level, the Sump, presents a starkly different environment. Here, the atmosphere is grim, increasingly chaotic, and poorly lit due to the sunlight being blocked by the polluted air. The area is crammed with piping and discarded items, and most of the working class resides either here or just above it.
The Zaun Gray has its origin here, rising from rank waterways or venting from corroded grilles. Thick chem-fumes thread the alleys between crowded abandoned industrial buildings.
Currently, Xavier was making his way through the Entrosol level of Zaun.
He wore a breathing apparatus and steampunk goggles over his eyes. His clothing was cleaner than that of most Zaunites. Thick leather gloves covered his arms, and a metallic chest plate rested on his torso.
He had tall black boots with thick metallic add-ons that clanged as he walked. Completing his look was a long, thick black cloak that reached his knees and featured a hood. The cloak concealed various gadgets and compact weapons he carried, keeping them hidden from view. His hood was pulled down, revealing his black hair.
Walking behind him were his two Chappie robots dressed in thick clothes and helmets to hide their true nature. Their close proximity to Xavier made it seem as if they were his hired bodyguards.
Xavier's fashion sense and pristine attire would typically have caught the attention of everyone in the bustling streets of Zaun. The vibrant fabric of his tailored garments, paired with polished shoes that gleamed even in the dim light, set him apart in a city where threadbare clothing was the norm. To the sharp-eyed Zaunites, Xavier stood out like a beacon—an irresistible target for opportunistic thieves or eager merchants keen to entice him with their wares. His presence stirred a mix of curiosity and greed, weaving him into the intricate tapestry of Zaun's street life.
After spending several weeks in the shadowy depths of the Undercity, Xavier had established a decent reputation that echoed through the bustling shopping district. His name was spoken with a mix of respect and intrigue among the crowd that filled the narrow, winding streets. Known as a genius inventor, he had crafted an array of impressive gadgets, from ingenious weaponry that fascinated local mercenaries to practical everyday tools that simplified life for weary residents.
Each creation showcased not only his technical prowess but also his keen understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those who called the Undercity home. As word of his talents spread, Xavier became a notable figure, drawing attention from all corners of the district, where whispers of his latest inventions mingled with the aromas of street food and the vibrant chatter of traders.
"What do you got for me today, Ritko?" Xavier asked after sliding his breathing mask and googled off his face. He stood in one of Zaun's prime commercial areas.
The bustling marketplace was alive with activity, with vibrant stalls lining the pathways and eager shoppers weaving through the displays. The air was filled with the sounds of chatter and the occasional laughter as people haggled over prices and exchanged banter. In the midst of this organized chaos, Xavier stood captivated before three expansive tables brimming with an eclectic array of mechanical parts and curious trinkets, each telling its own story. The stall, a treasure trove of wonders, was managed by a wiry man named Ritko, whose keen eyes sparkled with the thrill of trade as he engaged with his customers.
Ritko is a middle-aged man with a balding head and augmented body parts. He is one of the most well-known merchants in Zaun, specializing in the sale of mechanical goods and items. Ritko has also been Xavier's primary source for materials needed for his inventions.
"Ah, Xavier. Right on time." Ritko smiled and waved Xavier over to the table to his left. With a quick pull, he removed a dirty blanket that covered a pile of materials. "This may be my greatest haul yet! Have a look!"
"Don't mind if I do," Xavier said as he perused all of Ritko's new wares. His eyes scanned the materials quickly, and his mind was already hard at work on what each new item could be used for. "Not bad! I'll take it all!" He said with a grin while taking out a large bag of money.
"Ha! That's why you're my favorite customer!"
Xavier turned to his robots and directed them to take all his new materials and gear to his new hideout. Using their enhanced strength, it was no issue for them to carry over 400 kilograms.
Xavier waved goodbye to Ritko and walked off into the streets to find something to eat.
Xavier noticed a stand selling banana cues and decided to buy two skewers. Banana cues are a delicious street food made from caramelized bananas that are coated in sugar and deep-fried in a wok. They are served on a skewer for easy on-the-go eating.
With his snack in hand, he moved in and out through the crowds on his way to his hideout. Taking a left, he traveled through several compact alleyways.
A few hungry orphans stared at him with sad, pathetic expressions, but Xavier didn't care. Their hunger wasn't his concern.
During his conversation with Silco, Xavier hadn't completely lied. He genuinely wanted to help Zaun rise from the gutters and elevate itself above Piltover.
However, his motives weren't altruistic or heroic.
Xavier was driven by the desire to see the faces of those in Piltover twist in shock, confusion, and disbelief as his future empire brought their shiny city to its knees.
He was sure it would be hilarious.
With plans to use Zaun as his playground for Kingdom Building, Xavier intended to fulfill his promises to Silco. His motivation wasn't loyalty to Zaun or to the disfigured man but rather his own curiosity about whether he could create a city that would rival and eventually surpass Piltover.
As long as he remained entertained, Xavier was determined to see what new and exciting developments his ambitious plans would bring about.
However, he knew that these plans would take years to come to fruition. He had already achieved the first step by convincing Silco that he had Zaun's best interests at heart. With the man's assistance, Xavier could now proceed to the next stage of his plan.
Said step was his upcoming meeting with all of Zaun's top dogs, minus Vander, under one roof.
Silco had told him arranging such a meeting wouldn't be easy or quick. Especially considering that Vander, the Undercity's unspoken leader, made everyone hesitant to listen.
Regardless, Silco was a very persuasive man. He had succeeded in arranging the meeting after several weeks. A meeting which would take place a week from now.
Keeping said meeting under wraps and out of Vander's ears was no small feat. If the meeting failed, word of Xavier's plans would eventually be leaked, and he would most likely meet the Hound of the Underground sooner than he would like.
"Time to make an investment." Xavier grinned and turned back to the Banana Cue stand.
After purchasing every last piece of the vendor's stock, leaving the man grinning with gratitude, Xavier made his way back to the dimly lit alleyway.There, he paused to open the worn paper bag he had cradled against his side, revealing two golden-brown banana cues, their caramelized sugar glistening in the faded light.
In the shadows, a thin, dirty orphan boy emerged, his eyes wide with a mix of longing and wariness. The boy's ragged clothes hung loosely on his skeletal frame, and his dirty face was a canvas of both innocence and despair. He stared at the steaming food, clearly overwhelmed by the tantalizing aroma wafting through the alley; yet, an internal conflict held him back. The boy hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, uncertainty etched across his young features as he grappled with the dawning realization that he might actually accept such kindness from a stranger.
"Hi there, my name's Xavier. Go on, then. I won't hurt ya." Xavier smiled his best friendly smile, or at least he hoped it looked friendly, at the emaciated boy. "It's yummy!"
The loud growl of hunger broke the orphan's hesitation. He took the food out of Xavier's hand and quickly ate.
From there, Xavier handed out food to the rest of the hungry orphans with a fake cheerful smile.
"Children are the future." He said to himself as he handed out another bag to a hungry little girl with green hair.
Xavier wasn't giving out free food out of the goodness of his heart. No, this was a calculated move on his part, essential for his future plans to succeed. He understood that the up-and-coming generation needed to believe in him to place their faith and loyalty in him.
Eventually, the old guard would fade away, whether through old age or unexpected accidents. When that happens, the younger generation of Zaunites will take their places.
It was in Xavier's best interest to cultivate the minds of these young and impressionable individuals, making them believe he was Zaun's future. He needed their unwavering loyalty.
Unlike Silco, who garnered allegiance through terror and oppression, Xavier understood that loyalty earned through violence and threats was shaky and unreliable.
Loyalty founded on compassion, respect, and effective leadership is truly unbreakable.
Xavier understood that in order to secure his position as a leader of the future, he needed to engage with the younger generation of Zaun. It was crucial for them to view him not just as a figure of authority but as a visionary who genuinely cared about their hopes and aspirations. He knew that if Silco or any other influential leaders within Zaun ever turned against him or betrayed him, the support of the community would be essential for his survival and success.
However, building this kind of loyalty wouldn't happen overnight. Xavier recognized that it would require time, patience, and consistent effort to foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. He was prepared to invest the necessary resources into creating opportunities for dialogue, supporting initiatives that uplift the community, and demonstrating his commitment to their welfare. By doing so, he hoped to cultivate a sense of trust and shared purpose that would bind the people of Zaun to him as a reliable leader.
What better way to demonstrate his care for the sad and pathetic orphans than by giving a substantial amount of money to feed them?
This gesture also served the additional purpose of indicating to the shadow that had been following him that he was, at least in part, on Zaun's side.
What do you think of that, Savika?
••o••o••o••
"How long are you going to follow, little lamb?"
Xavier muttered through his breathing apparatus as he descended into Zaun's Sump level. The air around him was thick with toxic fumes and the echoes of the Gray.
After he gave some food to several starving orphans, Savika stopped following him, leaving him alone. However, that solitude lasted only five minutes before a new shadow began to trail Xavier.
Unlike Savika, this new follower was not very skilled at stealth.
Xavier had hoped that once he entered the Sump, this shadow would give up and leave him be. Unfortunately, the shadow pushed through the heavy, toxic air and harsh environment to continue following him.
Under his cloak, Xavier flexed his hands, and a sharp, hidden blade shot out from under his forearm.
Creating the famous hidden blades from Assassin's Creed was a walk in the park for him. These dual weapons granted him a quick and efficient way of dealing with anyone who thought they could walk up to him to rob him. A rather common occurrence that resulted in him leaving behind several dead bodies.
Coming to the end of the misty walkway he was on, Xavier took a right and disappeared out of sight. His shadow, a 12-year-old girl with light, tanned skin, olive green eyes, and shaggy lime green hair, sped up behind him.
Stepping out into a wide corridor full of strewn garbage and pipes, Zeri looked around for Xavier.
Silently, Xavier came up behind her with his right hand ready, but something odd flickered over Zeri. It was a spark of green electricity. The spark was small and almost invisible. But thanks to his goggles, he could pick up the spark of what he believed to be magic.
Hmm, let's see where this goes. Xavier thought and let his arm fall to his side.
"Why were you following me?"
Zeri jumped in fright and turned to Xavier. Tiny arcs of electricity floated around her, causing Xavier to grin slightly. Her large eyes stared at him in surprise as her left hand squeezed the paper bag that once contained the banana cue he had given her. She did her best to calm her quickly beating heart and lowered her head.
"I was... I'm sorry." She said softly. Her voice is soft and small. She lifted her paper bag, a look of wonder on her face. "I was just... curious. What was this called? It was very... tasty." She bashfully said.
Xavier took off his breathing apparatus and goggles. Kneeling down, he smiled kindly and placed a hand on Zeri's shoulder. "That was called a banana cue... Do you want some more?"
<<|||>>
AN: FYI, I don't know anything about LoL lore. I'm just flying from the seat of my pants.