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"Sounds good. I used to be a blacksmith, but... my hand."
Mir glanced sadly at the space where his right arm used to be.
Despite holding a sledgehammer in his left hand, he had used it to defeat countless enemies of the empire.
"There's no problem with your hand," Seraphine said with a soft smile.
"I suggest you join the Mechanical Department. That way, you can personally assist in designing and building your new arm."
"Can Dad's hand grow back?" Ryder, Mir's son, asked anxiously.
"It may be difficult to regenerate," Seraphine admitted, "but the academy is working on mass-producing prosthetic arms. Second Lieutenant Mir and other soldiers have shed blood for the empire, and Noxus never abandons its own. It's just..."
Seraphine spread her hands, her tone turning apologetic.
"Everything is still under development so that it will take some time."
"We'll wait as long as it takes!"
Mir's expression brightened with excitement. His body trembled slightly as he replied with unwavering determination:
"I'm willing to join the Mechanical Department, not just for myself but also for my comrades who are still bedridden with severe injuries!"
The chance to serve Noxus again was a dream he thought he'd lost forever.
"I'll join too!" Ryder piped up eagerly, waving his hand.
"I've been learning from my dad and can pick things up quickly!"
Mir chuckled softly. Since Ryder was a child, he had told his son that he must contribute to the empire when he grew up.
Mir and his wife hadn't always been Noxians. Before Noxus came, they were treated as outcasts in a kingdom that had long since disappeared.
They toiled endlessly for ungrateful nobles, barely surviving day to day.
When Noxus arrived, everything changed. The empire brought light into their lives, and Mir was able to marry his beloved wife.
To repay Noxus, Mir had taken his hammer—not just for forging but for battle.
Even his wife had instilled in Ryder the importance of serving the empire.
"Fight for Noxus!"
Ryder had heard those words countless times from his parents, but he had never truly grasped their meaning—until now.
When the pink-haired sister before him, Seraphine, spoke so earnestly of his father's achievements, and when he felt the admiration of others directed toward his family, Ryder began to understand.
His father would have his right arm again. Mir would return to the battlefield, fighting for Noxus with renewed strength.
One day, people wouldn't just admire him Mir's son.
"It's wonderful." Seraphine smiled warmly as she handed over the completed forms.
"I've filled out the applications for you. I wish you both success in your studies."
As she listened to the harmonious emotions resonating from the father and son, Seraphine offered them her heartfelt blessing.
Such moments had happened countless times that day, but each encounter gave her a fresh perspective.
Noxus—the so-called tyrannical empire. Zaun—the infamous slum beneath Piltover.
She had heard countless disparaging remarks about these places back in Piltover.
But when she visited them herself, she experienced something that resonated deeply within her soul.
Every person, from the elderly to the youngest children, carried their own hopes and beliefs.
Each day, they lived out their convictions, pure and unrelenting.
They were the most vibrant, driven people she had ever seen.
Seraphine had come to love her time in Noxus, where every household had its own story and dream.
It saddened her that her current abilities weren't yet enough.
The gift she was preparing for this place wasn't complete.
But one day, it would shine.
As the queue moved steadily forward, Seraphine carefully recorded the names of each applicant.
"Hm?"
Her head snapped up suddenly, her expression shifting. She had heard a faint melody—timid and filled with loneliness and despair.
Yet, its energy was undeniably powerful.
Seraphine scanned the crowd with growing interest, her gaze locking onto a young girl with short brown hair standing near the back of the line.
She glanced around timidly, her clothes and face stained with dirt, signs of neglect evident in every detail.
Unlike the others who stood in groups or pairs, she was alone.
If one could say she had a companion, it would be the worn, threadbare teddy bear clutched tightly in her hand.
While assisting the people at the front of the queue, Seraphine kept her gaze on the little girl in the corner of her eye, her ears attuned to the soft, unconscious melody the child was singing.
As Seraphine listened, a wave of sadness and pity washed over her, reflected in the gentle downturn of her lips.
The queue moved slowly, and it was the little girl's turn before long.
"Hello, what's your name?"
Seraphine masked her emotions, her tone warm and inviting.
"Annie..."
The girl spoke timidly, her voice shaky. Her gaze darted nervously, and as if in response to her unease, faint wisps of flame flickered from the edges of her tattered red dress.
Magic? As I thought...
"Don't be nervous, Little Annie. My name is Seraphine—you can just call me sister," she said soothingly.
Her voice carried an enchanting melody, resonating with Annie's emotions. The flames receded, and the girl's anxious heart began to calm.
For reasons she couldn't quite explain, Annie found herself trusting the older girl in front of her.
"It's rare to see someone with such incredible magical talent, little Annie. You're among the top three most gifted people I've ever met," Seraphine said, admiration evident in her tone as she gently took Annie's tiny hand.
Her slender, pale fingers brushed against Annie's mud-streaked hand, causing the child to flinch.
"Dirty..." Annie whispered, hesitating.
But when she looked up and saw the kind smile on Seraphine's face and the encouragement in her eyes, she instinctively reached out again, this time holding the extended hand tightly.
"Who said you were dirty? This is your natural color," Seraphine replied gently.
"Leanna says that about me," Annie admitted, tilting her head.
"But she's scared of my flames because I can't control them well."
Seraphine laughed softly. "Magic control is tricky, isn't it? But don't worry—I'll teach you. Come here!"
She led Annie to a quieter spot nearby, her expression brimming with enthusiasm.
Seraphine poured a cup of hot water for the girl and placed a small plate of pastries she had prepared for herself in front of her.
"You haven't eaten all day, have you?" Seraphine said knowingly.
"Even with great talent for fire magic, your body still needs proper nutrition."
Annie's stomach growled softly, a clear answer to Seraphine's question.
The child nodded hesitantly, gratitude flickering in her eyes.
"Wait here for me, Sister Annie. Take your time and eat something," Seraphine said warmly before returning to the line to assist more students.
Annie glanced down at the beautifully arranged teacup and pastries, her hunger urging her to reach out. But hesitation crept in, her fingers trembling slightly.
Leanna said not to touch other people's things with dirty hands...
She thought of her father's disapproving gaze whenever she accidentally touched anything valuable or delicate.
"Go on! Today's snack is a small gift for your school entrance," Seraphine called out encouragingly, her voice cutting through Annie's doubts.
Reassured, Annie picked up the small spoon, carefully scooping a bit of cake and tasting it. Her eyes widened as the sweet flavor filled her mouth.
"Delicious! Thank you..." Annie murmured, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
In her heart, she felt that Seraphine was the kindest person she had ever met. There was something about the older girl—a sense of familiarity as she could easily understand Annie's thoughts and needs.
No one had ever treated her so well before.
Encouraged by Seraphine's warm gaze, Annie stopped holding back and began eating with gusto. She was truly starving.
"Drink some water—it's still warm. I think you'll like it," Seraphine said, handing her the glass at just the right moment.
Annie accepted it with both hands, taking small sips.
The warmth of the water spread through her, comforting her more than words could.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Annie felt safe, cared for, and hopeful.