Interlude 3: The University of Piltover

The most amazing discoveries can often come from the most surprising of sources. It was something he, as the head of the Hextech Department, can attest to. There in front of his desk might just be the clearest picture of the mystery flier that became headline news for quite some time now.

It was from the Piltover Journal, which might but might not be the most reputable of sources but their cameras were of the best quality. I Should know since I helped make the lenses for the particular brand they’re using. The amount of detail shown in the picture was simply exquisite. All the little details captured for us to dissect and analyze.

“By the Aspects Cecil, this might just be the invention of the century. Powered flight downscaled for personal use and made by someone so young… Do you think they’re apprenticed under someone? Come on Cecil, you must know who this is right? Is it the apprenta sponsored by the Giopara’s?” My colleague, Professor Stanwick, exclaimed as he paced around in my office.

He was kicking up quite a dust storm from my Shuriman rug as he paced back and forth which reminded me I needed to get the room cleaned… or maybe I could just make an automaton dedicated to cleaning. A room vacuum... roomva… What a peculiar name. But how would I make it distinguish between trash and notes I’ve accidentally knocked off my desk?

My train of thought was broken as Stanwick called for my attention. “Cecils, Piltover to Cecil?” I blinked as I looked up at the other professor.

“What were we talking about again? I’ve just thought of the most wonderful idea, a roomva” I’ve honestly forgotten about it. This roomva was simply too promising of an idea to let go. My hand was already reaching for a pen and paper as I drew the schematics for one.

“Roomva?” Professor Stanwick asked, looking dumbfounded at my idea. Maybe I should explain it a bit more. “Cecil, we’re talking about the Owl Boy”

I stopped for a bit before raising the blueprint I’ve been drawing up to see the Flier. Ah yes, the flier, how can I forget. “Oh that’s not one of mine and young Jayce is far more focused on his mechashifting hammer”

“What? It’s not one of yours? Is it from one of your associate professors?” Stanwick asked while I inspected my rough rudimentary blueprint before nodding as I tossed it in my idea bin. Who knew a simple barrel can help me hold my ideas for a while. Grabbing the picture, I held it closely as my magnifying glass came down to help me tease out the details that escaped me earlier.

“No, he is not” A look of concern washed over my fellow professor from the edge of my vision as he then asked

“Is he from one of our rival colleges or is he from the workshops of one of the clans?” All entirely possible but an impossibility thanks to some details

“Oh no, he’s Zaunite” I answered but I was met with a look of scepticism.

"A Zaunite? I know there's some smart Zaunite but their expertise lies in another field. Just look at here, there's no sign of Chemtech" Stanwick replied

"Oh I know and this device is entirely powered from a single crystal located right at his belt if my guess is right"

"See? He must must be a Piltovan"

"I would have said the same if it wasn't for the quality of his clothes. See the weaving right here?" I asked as I detached my magnifying lens and held it over a patch of clothing. The stitching was uneven and hastily made and there was the fabric. These clothings were of poorer quality than even the cheapest clothing in Piltover.

"There's also the metals he used. They were beaten into shape rather than machined. Structurally poor but great too look at which makes me think that the wings he has are merely decorative rather than functional. Whatever powers his flight is far more elusive than many would realize. I still don't get why some of these gossip rags think he flaps his wings like a bird. It's ridiculous! The proportions aren't even proper if it's mechanical flight or even only half mechanical" I ranted before deflating as I leaned back against my chair.

"It's still a work in progress by the way. The exposed wirings along with the lack of polish in the design makes it quite clear. Must be self taught as well because I simply do not see the telltale signs of any Piltovan design on it"

Professor Stanwick nodded as he mulled over what I've said. Speaking of Zaunites, I wonder if Stanwick was still going to invite that promising young man. "Speaking of Zaunites, have you sent your letter to this Viktor lad?"

"Hmmm? Oh, I haven't actually. I forgot because of all the talks about this Owl Boy'' and maybe you wanted to poach this boy if he was one of my students. Classic Stanwick. "Been thinking of trying to find out who this bird boy instead"

I shook my head at that. I already have too many students to handle along with professors to coordinate. Taking in an apprenta would be too much but poor Viktor. No one should have been denied a chance like this

Our peaceful talk however would soon be disturbed as the sound of thunder echoed from the cracks of Zaun before a deep rumble shook the building. Dust fell from the ceiling while loose towers of books toppled over

"What was that?" asked Professor Stanwick as columns of smoke rose from Zaun.

"I'm not sure Stanwick but maybe we should go check on some of the more sensitive experiments"