Transmigrating: Starting in the Cyberpunk World

Madame Kiramann was essentially Kael's spokesperson, or rather, his agent. As long as her own interests were guaranteed, she could often communicate with the outside world on his behalf.

Just as Councilor Mel was to Jayce.

Therefore, Kael only needed to make an appearance now; Madame Kiramann would handle the negotiations for him.

Dealing with these old foxes was no easy task. Fortunately, Madame Kiramann was quite adept at it, ensuring that Kael would at least not suffer any losses.

"The time is about right. I think you can go down now and invite Caitlyn for the first dance of the evening."

Madame Kiramann whispered to Kael.

"Apologies, ladies and gentlemen, but my partner is waiting for me."

Kael spoke with an apologetic expression, met by a wave of well-meaning banter. No matter how rational and cold-blooded they might be when dividing interests, they maintained a considerable level of etiquette and grace on the surface.

A moment later, the originally melodious music changed its tempo.

This was a musical signal.

It was already past ten o'clock in the evening, and the climax of the banquet was approaching.

Caitlyn looked up frequently, searching for someone's figure. She had already turned down several men who had tried to invite her.

Despite her reputation as the 'Bonebreaker' of the dance floor being well-known in aristocratic circles, Caitlyn's status and appearance ensured there was never a shortage of brave souls willing to try.

Even if they couldn't win her heart, being able to invite the young Miss Caitlyn for a dance was something that would bring great prestige.

Of course, a large part of the reason was that Miss Caitlyn's companion had disappeared.

In formal settings, to invite a lady to dance, one first had to obtain the permission of the gentleman accompanying her.

Usually, a lady wouldn't personally voice a refusal, as it was somewhat disrespectful to the inviting gentleman.

However, Miss Caitlyn had always been rather 'willful' and would simply refuse if she wanted to.

Another young 'brave soul' walked up to Caitlyn, stopping at an appropriate distance. With a smile, he bowed slightly, extended his right hand palm-up, and asked politely.

"May I have this dance?"

Just as Caitlyn was about to politely refuse again, a familiar voice came from beside her, answering on her behalf.

"Sorry, no. Caitlyn is already booked."

"Well then, that is truly a pity."

The gentleman was not discouraged; he left politely to find another young noble lady.

"I thought you weren't coming back."

Caitlyn's voice unconsciously carried a hint of coquettishness.

"How could I? I've been preparing for today for a long time."

Kael said the sweet words as he walked up to Caitlyn, performing the same invitation etiquette and saying openly,

"May I have this dance, beautiful lady?"

"I'll have to think about it."

Caitlyn winked playfully. Despite her words, her hand was placed in Kael's palm immediately.

"So, have you made up your mind?"

Kael asked knowingly, earning a roll of the eyes from Miss Caitlyn.

He really was a fellow who didn't understand how to be a gentleman.

Kael gently guided Caitlyn into the dance floor with her left hand. There were many other pairs like them, but none were as perfectly matched in appearance and temperament as this pair.

Generally, the dances performed at these types of banquets were ballroom dances.

It wasn't a particularly complex type of dance.

Kael had taken some lessons from Orianna a while back. With his learning ability and physical control, keeping up with Caitlyn, the 'Bonebreaker' of the dance floor, was no problem at all.

"Relax, Miss. You won't step on me."

Noticing that Caitlyn was a bit nervous, Kael whispered in her ear.

"I'm not worried about that."

Caitlyn was being a bit dishonest with her feelings.

However, as the dance progressed, she indeed found that she and Kael had an unexpected coordination and chemistry.

Though it was still hard for her to stay on beat, at least she wasn't stepping on Kael's feet.

This pleased Caitlyn, and she gradually let herself go into the movements.

The atmosphere between the two changed quietly; the temperature seemed to rise, making one feel slightly flushed.

Until the music stopped, Caitlyn still hadn't quite recovered. Her arm remained on Kael's shoulder, quite immersed in the moment, until he gently reminded her.

"My lady, it's time to exit."

"..."

With her head lowered and earlobes turning red, Caitlyn was led back to their original position by Kael.

A new group of people took their place.

Such a banquet would last until midnight, which was quite physically demanding.

However, just as the second dance tune began to play, a waiter approached Kael and whispered a few words.

"Sir, someone is looking for you outside."

"Caitlyn, I'll be back in a moment."

Kael frowned slightly upon hearing this. Someone looking for him at this time certainly wouldn't be for anything good. He left with the waiter as he spoke.

Caitlyn hesitated for a moment, then lifted her skirt and followed.

In the corridor not far from the banquet hall, Vi and the others were staring down the host family's security personnel.

If Vi hadn't had identification and mentioned Kael's name, these guards would have long since arrested them as thieves.

Of course, whether they could actually catch them was another matter entirely.

Vi had grown smarter now. In her old way of doing things, she wouldn't have bothered with identification; she would have just barged in.

As for how Vi knew Kael was here...

One could guess by looking at Orianna, who was standing beside Powder.

The group had first gone to Kael's house and were then brought here by Orianna.

"Kael!"

Seeing Kael arrive, Vi shouted loudly, pushed aside the guard next to her, and rushed over anxiously.

Seeing this, the other security personnel were about to intervene but were stopped by Kael raising his hand.

"They are indeed my friends. I'll take it from here."

"Very well, sir."

The guards left upon hearing this.

"Something's happened! Vander's been taken!"

Vi's voice was excited, even trembling slightly. Her emotions, which she had managed to keep stable, began to spiral out of control upon seeing Kael.

"Speak slowly. What happened?"

Kael felt a bit helpless. That place, Zaun, really couldn't go a single day without trouble.

Silco had been sealed away in a canister; how could someone still be causing trouble?

It seemed Vander really was getting old, becoming less and less able to keep Zaun under control.

Vi briefly described the current situation as she knew it.

As soon as Kael heard it, he knew a third-party force had intervened. Otherwise, with the nature and abilities of those factory owners, they couldn't have stirred up such a storm.

"I'll get Vander back. You take Powder and the others to stay at my house for now."

Kael wasn't worried about Vander's life for the moment.

Judging from those people's behavior, they clearly wanted to keep him alive. As for who they were targeting, it was already obvious.

In Piltover, Kael had the protection of Madame Kiramann, Councilor Mel, Professor Heimerdinger, and others, and he had also gathered a circle of interest groups. Others had no chance to move against him.

Only that place, Zaun, was full of vulnerabilities, making it easy for external forces to penetrate.

He had long told Vander to strengthen the consolidation of power in Zaun, but the man still had some subconscious resistance to it. Coupled with various objective factors, he had been slow to take action.

Now it seemed Kael would have to step in and integrate things himself.

At the very least, the middle industrial zone could not have a second voice, if only to protect his own interests.

Madame Kiramann and the others had mentioned more than once that they hoped Kael would move the chemical plant to the Upper City. It was only because of his insistence and Zaun's low costs that they eventually agreed.

And all of this was predicated on ensuring normal production and supply.

It was time to put into practice the methods he had learned in Night City.

The corporate system of Night City itself was not inherently problematic; it was a very good management tool. It only became a negative example because the corporate upper management didn't treat employees as human beings.

But looking at it from another angle, the fact that various corporations could rule Night City for so long also proved the viability of the corporate system.

After all, concentrating some of Zaun's power in Kael's hands was better than letting the current factory owners or future Chem-Barons carve it up. At least he had no interest in enslavement and exploitation.

If modified slightly and localized, it could certainly be implemented in Zaun.

While thinking about how to carry out the rescue, Kael also decided to start a company in Zaun.

Honestly, if Vander could just be a bit more reliable, he wouldn't have to take on this burden.

"I'm not staying behind! I'm going with you!"

Vi's tone was very insistent, with an air of 'if you dare leave me behind, I'll go by myself'.

The few companions behind her were also restless, responding one after another. No matter what, Vander was their father; how could they just stand by and watch?

"That's right, that's right!"

Orianna nodded in deep agreement.

Though she didn't quite understand what was happening, nodding was the right move.

"And what does this have to do with you, little Anna? Have you finished your schoolwork for today? Does Shopkeeper Colin know you ran out?"

Kael glanced sideways, and Orianna immediately lowered her head and shut up, her guilty little eyes darting around.

"Caitlyn, could you please help me take Orianna back?"

Kael turned back and said to Caitlyn, who was standing not far away.

"Eh? Just me?"

Orianna's eyes widened, and she spoke with indignation.

"Orianna."

Kael narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I was wrong. I'll go back with Sister Caitlyn right now."

Hearing Kael start using her full name, Orianna immediately backed down. She knew that if she continued to resist, her backside would be swollen tonight.

Orianna had realized this long ago.

If she didn't listen to Shopkeeper Colin, Kael could back her up. But if she didn't listen to Kael, Shopkeeper Colin would only silently clear the space for Kael to educate her.

"Is there anything I can help with?"

Miss Caitlyn's eyes showed a hint of worry and concern.

"Please apologize to the Madam for me. It seems I have to leave early today."

Kael did not intend to let Caitlyn get involved.

Caitlyn naturally understood the meaning behind these words. A sense of loneliness rose in her heart, but she still nodded with a smile.

"Don't worry, it's just a small matter that needs handling."

"I'm not worried."

Hearing Kael say that, Caitlyn subconsciously acted a bit tsundere.

Kael smiled and led Vi and the others away from the mansion.

"This isn't the way to Zaun."

Vi looked at Kael walking ahead and couldn't help but remind him.

"I know that. We don't even know the specific situation yet. You don't expect me to go rescue someone empty-handed, do you?"

Kael countered.

To be honest, it wasn't that he couldn't do it, but doing so would be too out of the ordinary and inhuman.

Before the rise of Hextech weapons, the level of combat in the Twin Cities was still within the realm of mortals.

With the strength of ten 'Kael added to him, Kael could walk tall even empty-handed at this stage. But if he wanted to avoid trouble later on, that wouldn't be enough.

Ark Rune were his greatest reliance for the future; this was more realistic and reliable than relying on others.

Kael's workshop was not far from the city center.

There weren't many pedestrians on the streets late at night, and the roads were clear. They reached their destination in a few minutes.

Kael pushed the door open and entered his studio.

The defenses and traps here were designed by him personally. Without a key, outsiders couldn't enter at all. Even if they tore off the roof, it would be useless, as the studio would automatically seal itself.

He would further strengthen and perfect it later.

Using an ark rune reactor as the energy core, he would activate rune sets to provide spatial isolation magic.

This was also for insurance. If the weapons and equipment inside were leaked, it would be a huge mess.

However, the workload for this was too great.

Setting aside the computational power needed to arrange such a large rune set, the Mithril needed to conduct energy alone would require a vast amount of time and money to refine.

Professor Heimerdinger had always been worried about Jayce's Hextech, but he didn't know that Kael's exploration and mastery of Ark Rune technology was even more aggressive than Hextech.

By now, it could be maturely applied to weapon manufacturing.

"Don't touch the things on the table."

Kael warned Vi and the others. These several characters all had prior records; their hands might start itching in a moment.

"I'll keep an eye on them for Kael!"

Powder had a serious and earnest look on her face.

"Whose sister are you exactly?"

Vi couldn't help but pinch Powder's face.

Kael ignored the playful sisters, walked up to the Adamantine Rune Combat Suit, took the ark rune reactor from his breast, and embedded it into the reserved interface.

This rune combat suit was actually not yet fully completed. He had only recently perfected the middle-layer power rune set, but it could already provide various basic combat capabilities.

Kael had tested it once before.

However, limited by the space and environment of the workshop, he had been unable to obtain all the experimental data.

This time would serve perfectly as a practical combat test.

With the embedding of the ark rune reactor, a crisp click sounded, signifying that the fit was normal.

Immediately, the internal rune layers were activated by the energy output from the reactor. Like surging blood, they drove the precision gears to turn, giving the entire combat suit a breath of 'life'.

As Kael turned his back, the Adamantine Rune Combat Suit sensed it.

The outer armor peeled away layer by layer under the action of the gears. The core structures, such as the mimetic bionic gear system, rune kinetic energy, and defense modules, flashed by.

The shock and impact brought by that combination of magic and technology were truly hard to describe in words.