"I... I know some basic arithmetic. What can I do?"
Viktor spoke in a low voice, wanting to see how this former gang member-turned-enforcer would arrange things.
"So, you do have some literacy and knowledge, huh? Makes sense. You definitely have that scholarly air about you, totally different from a brute like me." The enforcer smiled with genuine warmth as he studied Viktor. "Bet you could do more than just count coins."
"I... prefer to start from the bottom," Viktor replied carefully.
"Humble too. Zaun needs more like you." The enforcer burst into laughter, taking Viktor's arithmetic skills very seriously.
"Literate people are exactly what Zaun desperately needs. You can work at the tax bureau as a public servant, serving as a tax officer for the undercity's revenue services."
"Deputy Mayor Silco has been telling us over and over that the tax bureau is short on people and that we need to find more mathematically talented individuals. He'll definitely welcome you aboard."
He extended his chem-enhanced mechanical hand toward Viktor.
Viktor stared at the enforcer's hand. These mechanical hands, created with chem-tech, had taken the lives of many Zaunites in the past. But now, they were being used to contribute to Zaun.
After hesitating for a moment, he still shook hands with the enforcer.
This enforcer had been a villain in the past because he had no choice. Now, he was trying to be a good man.
"Hello, we need help too. What can we do?"
Mel, for some unknown reason, pulled Jayce along and joined the conversation, smiling as she spoke to the enforcer.
"We're quite capable of contributing to Zaun's growth," she added smoothly.
"You two?" The enforcer's eyes narrowed as he studied their features.
The he hesitated, mainly because he didn't quite trust them. Something was off about these two. Too clean, too proper.
Just yesterday, after returning from Piltover, Cipher had issued an order for a strict crackdown on Piltover spies and even taught some simple methods for identifying them.
Even though they were now wearing cheap clothing, Mel and Jayce still didn't look like Zaunites, neither in spirit nor appearance.
Their skin was too smooth, their physiques too well-proportioned, and their expressions lacked the usual hardship and suffering seen on the faces of most Zaunites.
Especially Jayce, with his towering and muscular frame, honestly, the enforcer strongly suspected he was a Piltover spy.
But Jayce looked a little too naive and goofy to actually be a spy. He had none of the careful calculation the enforcer had learned to watch for.
"Miss, you can go to the textile factory and learn weaving skills. The work isn't too hard and is quite suitable for women. As for this gentleman..."
The enforcer squinted his eyes and came up with a good idea. "With a body like that, it'd be a waste not to join the enforcers. How about joining our team?"
His reasoning was simple, whether Jayce was a spy or not, as long as his name was reported as a suspicious individual, he would be stuck under the watchful eyes of the Police and Military Bureau. He wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble.
"New recruits in the enforcers can only start as reserves."
"You'll have to pass the combat assessment set by Deputy Vander and the law enforcement regulations exam set by Mayor Cipher before officially becoming an enforcer."
"Maintaining order and contributing to Zaun isn't easy, many reserve enforcers have taken the tests multiple times and still haven't passed."
"There's even a pink-haired girl who's taken the test nearly 30 times and still hasn't passed. But I think you'll do just fine."
The enforcer grinned, revealing his less-than-perfect teeth, and gave Jayce a big thumbs-up.
Jayce suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He waved his hands frantically and refused, "No, no, I'm good as I am. I have advanced engineering knowledge—"
The enforcer's expression instantly darkened. He knew this guy wasn't trustworthy, definitely suspicious. Silco's First Law of Security: Those who resist inspection the loudest usually have the most to hide.
"In that case, sir and madam, you'll need to come with me to the district government office for questioning."
"You're not criminals, yet, so I won't cuff you, but I hope you'll cooperate with my work. If you resist law enforcement, I am authorized to use reasonable force."
The enforcer extended a hand, politely inviting Jayce and Mel onto the chem-tech motorcycle.
"No, you can't do this! We haven't done anything wrong. You're abusing your power!"
Jayce immediately exploded. He hadn't done anything, yet he was being treated like a suspect, this was ridiculous!
"I am not abusing my power. This is my legal authority granted by the Public Security Management Act. Special times call for special measures. We are currently in a wartime state, so strict investigations are necessary."
"If you are proven innocent afterward, both I and the district government will issue a formal apology and compensate you accordingly."
"But for now, please, come with me."
The enforcer drew his electric baton, his expression turning stern.
"You—"
Jayce flew into a rage, instinctively wanting to argue back.
"Enough. Let's just go with the enforcer." Mel placed a restraining hand on his arm. "We understand these are difficult times. Lead the way, officer."
"Smart woman. Maybe you should teach your friend here about cooperation."
Mel immediately stopped Jayce from doing something foolish. She knew very well that if he kept causing trouble, the enforcer wouldn't hesitate to shock him with that baton.
They were headed to the district government anyway, once they got there, the misunderstanding would be cleared up. There was no need to suffer unnecessarily.
Behind them, Viktor watched Jayce's actions and shook his head. He was growing increasingly dissatisfied with Jayce, not with his character or abilities, but with his lack of awareness.
He was just like a child who hadn't grown up!
"You come along too. If you want to work at the tax bureau, you'll need to meet Deputy Mayor Silco first. He's also at the district government, so we'll go together."
Seeing that Jayce had finally quieted down, the enforcer's expression softened a little. He put away his electric baton and turned to Viktor.
His attitude toward Viktor was much better, he knew Viktor was a true Zaunite. He didn't need any proof; he could see the love for Zaun in Viktor's eyes.
"Alright."
Viktor nodded.
The enforcer helped him onto the motorcycle, carefully securing his cane before getting on himself.
But when it came to Jayce and Mel, he didn't bother being polite. He simply said, "Get on."
Jayce and Mel exchanged a look, sighed in resignation, and climbed onto the motorcycle. Fortunately, it was designed to be quite large, so the four of them fit without feeling cramped.
Once everyone was seated, the enforcer started the engine. With a twist of the throttle, the motorcycle roared to life, speeding down the road like a thunderbolt.
"Why is it so loud? Won't it disturb the people?"
The motorcycle was designed specifically for Zaun's environment, making for a smooth ride without any bumps. But Viktor wasn't satisfied with the noise, it wasn't just the sound of the engine working; it had an added amplification system, like a built-in speaker.
If it were up to him, he would have designed it to be as quiet as possible, minimizing unnecessary noise.
"Haha! You've been in Piltover too long. Zaunites are born to chase after freedom! The people here love the sound, it's powerful, a real beauty!"
"The volume can be controlled, of course. Normally, it wouldn't be this loud. But right now, I'm on duty, and I need to get to the district government as quickly as possible."
"I need to let people know that the enforcer is enforcing the law so they can clear the way ahead of time."
"And in emergencies, the sound lets Zaunites know that the enforcer has arrived, they're safe now."
He laughed heartily, clearly pleased with the exclusive enforcer motorcycles.
Many Zaunites dreamed of riding one, motorcycles had even become a cultural trend in Zaun because of them. The streets were filled with people who stopped to watch them pass, some waving, others hurrying out of the way.
With its high speed, the ride didn't take long, and soon they arrived at their destination: The Last Drop, the district government's base of operations.
"Welcome to the district government," the enforcer announced as they dismounted. "Not as fancy as Piltover council, but we get things done."
Ignoring the "Temporarily Closed" sign hanging at the entrance, the enforcer confidently pushed open the door and led the three of them inside.
The sign was only there because the district government and the bar operated together. When important or high-profile guests arrived, the bar would temporarily close to the public, but government business continued as usual.
"After you, citizens of Zaun," the enforcer said, holding the door.
As soon as Viktor, Jayce, and Mel stepped inside, they saw someone completely unexpected.
"Professor?! What are you doing here?"
All three of them exclaimed in shock!