Transmigrating: Starting in the Cyberpunk World

The banquet hall of the Upper City was a masterclass in Piltovian "decency." Unlike the neon-soaked, alcohol-drenched rages Tony Stark was famous for, this gathering was a sensory feast of melodious rhythms and synchronized social rituals.

To Kael, it was a refreshing change of pace—a "light flavor" that didn't wear him out. To Caitlyn, however, it was a chore. She had spent her childhood under the strict thumb of Madame Kiramann's etiquette training, and the novelty had long since worn off.

"These cupcakes are actually decent. Want one?" Kael asked, already midway through a plate.

Caitlyn checked to ensure her mother was out of sight, then turned her back to the crowd and snatched a cake. The two of them hunkered down in a quiet corner, treating the high-society event like a secret picnic.

"Kael, it's been a while," a voice interrupted.

Jayce Talis walked over, looking every bit the "Man of Progress." He chuckled at the sight of Caitlyn's oily lips and offered a handkerchief. "Wipe that quickly. You don't want the Madam catching you."

Caitlyn rolled her eyes but took the cloth. Jayce looked triumphant; lately, he had been the sun around which the Piltovian social solar system orbited.

"So," Kael said, dropping a bombshell before Jayce could even take a sip of wine. "How are things with Councilor Mel? When do we get the wedding wine?"

Jayce nearly sprayed his vintage red across the floor. He coughed violently, checking over his shoulder for eavesdroppers. "Don't talk nonsense! It'll ruin her reputation!"

"Tsk. You're already calling her 'Mel'?" Kael smirked.

"I... I just remembered I have something to do. Excuse me," Jayce stammered, fleeing the corner with a speed that suggested he was practicing for a track meet.

"I really didn't expect that," Caitlyn whispered, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Jayce and Mel... imagine the dinner conversations."

Speak of the devil, and Councilor Mel appeared, her exotic gown swaying with an elegance that made her the most striking woman in the room.

"I think I just saw Jayce?" she asked.

"He had a sudden 'emergency'," Kael replied. "Do you need me to fetch him, or are you here for me?"

"I won't argue with a child," Mel said, though her "Councilor dignity" was clearly fraying under Kael's casual attitude. "Come with me. There are several guests from afar who wish to meet the mind behind the shimmer derivatives."

Kael sighed. He knew "guests from afar" was code for Noxians. He looked like a dejected child being dragged to visit a boring relative during a holiday as he followed Mel toward the private lounge.

"Come back soon," Caitlyn whispered, handing him a glass of juice. "I'll wait for the first dance."

Meanwhile, in the Upper Level of Zaun, the atmosphere was far from decent.

Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor were in their renovated arcade base. Vi was pounding a heavy bag, venting her frustration at being left behind by Vander. Powder was busy out-shooting Mylo, who was sulking at his own lack of talent.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open. Ekko burst in, gasping for air. "The factory... it's under attack! No news from Vander... Benson says we have to hide!"

Before they could move, the windows shattered. A dozen thugs, hired by the disgruntled Zaunite factory owners and backed by Noxian coin, burst in.

"Just grab them all," their gap-toothed leader ordered.

"Where's Vander?" Vi asked, her voice dropping into a dangerous chill as she reached behind her back for her Rune Gauntlets.

"I'll take you to him," the leader sneered.

He didn't see the flash of blue light. Vi lunged with a Mithril-enhanced uppercut. The sound of a shattering jawbone echoed through the arcade as the man was lifted off his feet and slammed into the ceiling.

"Seems I used a bit too much force," Vi noted, looking at the unconscious heap. "He won't be answering questions."

The remaining thugs charged. Mylo and Claggor reached for their Chomper Bombs, but Powder was faster. With a steady hand, she used her Banger Pistol to pin two thugs to the wall by their clothes and limbs.

In minutes, Vi was standing over the last conscious thug. "Speak. Where is Vander?"

"The... the deepest level! The Sump!" the man lisped through broken teeth. "Please, no more!"

Vi looked at her crew. "Vander's alive, but they've taken him deep. And the factories are under attack. We can't handle this alone."

"What do we do, Vi?" Powder asked.

"We go find the only Piltie who actually knows how to fight," Vi said firmly. "We find Kael."

They headed for the elevators, but the path to the Upper City was blockaded by a gang of "Shimmer-lite" thugs. Vi didn't hesitate. She activated the energy shields on her gauntlets and charged into the crowd. The wails of pain were the only music the Undercity was playing tonight.