Project N: Completion

Viktor sat alone at his new desk, a mug of sweet milk in hand, enjoying the comforting aroma that wafted up from his drink. Though still a far cry from the sanctum he had created for himself at the factory, this room was steadily becoming a serviceable replacement. Stacks of boxes cluttered the space, and likely would continue to do so for several more weeks, but the most important items had already been located and unpacked. One of those items now sat on the desk before Viktor; a file labeled "Project: N." He placed his drink down, flipped the file open to its first blank page, and began to write.

Day 388

Project – Iteration – Subject: N-14, N-12 V.2, Renatus

Twenty days have passed since the attack. Subject Renatus has shown incredible resilience, both physically and emotionally. He has already requested to return to his hero work. I obliged. Activity is beneficial for him. Aiding others increases subject's morale and provides ample opportunity to monitor effectiveness of augmentations.

Discomfort is still present in arm augmentation, even after additional subdermal supports were integrated into subject. Renatus denies this discomfort. Would rather work through the pain than rest. Tenacity is admirable, if not mildly self-detrimental.

He practices with the limb daily, both with the exercises I have provided (see Day 376) and those of his own design. He is keen to regain the fine motor skills possessed by his organic limb. It is a long term goal. I will aid how I can. Increased fine motor skills would be beneficial for both of our left hands. Will create new file to better record results from augmented arm.

Progress on leg augmentation more intriguing. N-14 limb has responded exceptionally well to its new power source of a true hextech shard. Power capabilities of limb have doubled and the sensitivity to inputs has increased. Reflex response in the limb is as quick as his organic limb's response. Augmentation has also been responding to more subconscious impulses, such as Renatus tapping his toes when he grows impatient, than when the limb was powered by the artificial crystal. Renatus has commented that it feels as though he must learn how to control the limb "all over again." Rather than frustration, he showed excitement at prospect.

"Think of how far and high I'll be able to jump. How fiery my rocket kicks will be. When I can control this, I'll be unstoppable." – Subject Renatus

He still overestimates his own abilities and makes foolish declarations, but there is some truth behind his claims. The crystal has enhanced Renatus's body beyond his augmentation. Physical capabilities have improved, relaxes are faster, and endurance has increased. If Renatus is able to continue to perform at this enhanced state, I may consider integrating my own hexcrystal shard more directly into myself.

I am aware of reports that repeated use of hexcrystal devices causing accelerated deterioration of both muscles and bones. Will continue to monitor Renatus closely to ensure that increased performance does not have adverse effect on health. If part of the body does deteriorate, subject has consented to additional augmentation. The prospect of augmenting the boy further is exciting.

Viktor put down his pen. His metal fingers drummed loudly upon the desk as he thought. He flipped through the previous few entries in the Project N log before turning back to the one he was writing. Very few were about the model N augmentation anymore. At the beginning, N-1, this log had been exclusively about the augmentation. That changed when he began recording N-12, Renatus, and they became equal parts about the limb as the boy. Now, all the way at N-14, each entry was exclusively about his apprentice.

With a resigned sigh, Viktor stood and rummaged through the boxes until he found a new notebook. Back at his desk, Viktor moved the old file aside and began to write in the new notebook.

Apprentice Renatus

I have an apprentice. His name is Renatus. 388 Days ago I found him, a young male, age sixteen, in the Sump level of Zaun. He was malnourished, filthy, and missing the distal portion of his right foot. The flesh was growing necrotic and death was almost certain. The boy reached out to me, begged for aid. I obliged, offering him medical treatment in exchange for aiding me in testing the Project N limb. (See file for Project N for more details about the augmentation) Following files are to record Renatus's progress. . .

Time passed softly as Viktor began to fill the notebook with the events of the past year, the silence only broken by the dull tolling of the neighborhood's clock tower.

. . . But one question remains, where do we go from here?

I had never considered taking on an apprentice. I have had assistants before, people who referred to themselves as my "acolytes" and viewed me as a prophetic figure. Such treatment was unwanted, but the aid they provided was valuable, so their behavior was tolerated. Renatus is unlike them.

He does not view me in a similar light. Though we share ideals for a stronger, more independent, Zaun, we have differing plans for how to achieve that. I still believe that only by shedding the inherent weakness of flesh and the unreliability of human emotion that we can truly evolve. Renatus disagrees. He believes that augmentation can lead to a better life, but he also still holds the belief that emotions are needed for humanity to succeed. Despite this disagreement, he does not shun me and still desires to work alongside me. Such tolerance is unexpected.

No, Renatus's actions go beyond simply working alongside. He desires to learn from me, aid me, challenge my views at times, and even defend me from those who would harm me. At first, I attributed his devotion to an obligation to repay me for the augmentation I gave him, then I attributed it to a dependency on the food and shelter I provided, but I know that now, these are not the primary motivations behind his actions. The boy has developed affection towards me. I imagine that the way he looks at me is similar to the way I looked at my father in his workshop all those years ago.

Do I feel affection towards him? Uncertain. I have not felt such an emotion since before I augmented myself. What I can confirm is that I find his companionship amicable and prefer his company over the vast majority of others. I also feel a sense of pride when I look at him. This source goes beyond simply seeing him augmented with my work. It is how he uses what was given to him, how he constantly pushes himself, and how he desires to learn more that makes me proud of him. This is what makes him an exceptional apprentice. I am fortunate to have found him.

The sound of the heavy gears of the front door opening alerted Viktor to Ren's return. With a grunt, he stood from his desk and stretched. He went to grab a small collection of medical supplies to help treat the scratches and bruises that Ren was guaranteed to acquire anytime he went out to perform heroics. But before he went to go see to his apprentice, he turned back to the file in the corner of the desk and added a final note.

For further notes on the progress of Subject Renatus, refer to the files for "Apprentice Renatus."

Project N: Completed

Viktor closed the file.


Greetings Summoners,

Well, here we are, after four years, the end. It has been an unbelievable journey to write for you all. I couldn't have done it without all your support, excitement, and feedback. I hope you have all had as much fun reading as I have had writing. If anyone has any lingering questions, please, ask away. I will be more than happy to answer them. Any final thoughts or comments? Tell me what you think. Is a sequel something you would be interested in? Let me know and it might just happen. Zaun is a big city, and there is another big city right above it, and a bigger world beyond the River Pilt. No shortage of stories to tell.

Speaking of which, I do have two final bonus treats for all you wonderful readers. On Christmas Eve, there will be an epilogue and, on Christmas day as my gift to you all, a special bonus; Ren's "champion release," what I imagine his abilities, voice over, and potential skins would look like if he were introduced to the game. I like to think some of you would pick him up and give him a play.

Until the time comes when I tell another story, I wish you best of luck on the Rift.

- Gwoo "Alex" Wowarr