The Boss Lady

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The next morning, in the underground workshop.

"Working through the night, I finally finished all these blueprints!"

Link Star tightened the last micro-screw on the sonic resonance gun, a weapon resembling a futuristic megaphone. It was one of the designs he had acquired from the Project: Irelia universe, capable of using sound waves to deal both damage and knockback effects. Alongside this, he had also obtained a material decomposition core, a stack of weapon blueprints, and other unique technological artifacts from the Project universe.

"I wonder if Miss Fortune has managed to stabilize things in Bilgewater," Link muttered, stretching his arms and glancing at the cluttered table. He pulled a nutrient drink from his pocket and downed it in one go.

Bilgewater, The Nine-Headed Hydra Tavern

The opulent tavern was surrounded by a crowd of rough-looking individuals, their eyes sharp and menacing as they scanned the streets. Inside, the air was thick with cigar smoke, and the most influential figures in Bilgewater had gathered.

At the head of the table sat Miss Fortune, her fiery red hair cascading down her back. She was clad in her Battle Bunny armor, her Hextech pistols resting on the table in front of her.

"Gentlemen, we've been at this all night. It's time to give your answer," she said, her voice calm but firm.

"Answer?" scoffed Oake, one of the local warlords, as he took a drag from his cigar. "Your boss may have taken down Gangplank, but if he wants our loyalty, why isn't he here himself? Instead, he sends a woman to do his bidding!"

"That's right!" another voice chimed in.

"Oake speaks the truth!"

"Let the pretty boy show his face!"

The room erupted in agreement, but Miss Fortune's smile never wavered. Beneath her calm exterior, however, a cold fury simmered. These bastards were stubborn, refusing to bow to her authority.

"Sarah, you've been in Bilgewater for over a decade, but you're still too green," Oake said, stubbing out his cigar on the table. "If your boss wants our loyalty, he'll have to prove himself during the Harrowing. Assuming, of course, you and your boss are still around afterward."

As Oake stood to leave, a sudden ripple of water appeared on the table. The liquid swirled, forming a vortex, and from it emerged a grotesque, corpulent figure clutching a burlap sack.

"The... the River King!" someone stammered, their voice trembling with fear.

Tahm Kench, the infamous demon of the rivers, had arrived.

"Seems I've arrived at an awkward time," Tahm drawled, his deep, resonant voice sending shivers down everyone's spines.

"Not at all," Miss Fortune replied smoothly, her smile widening. "We were just wrapping up."

"Wrapping up?" Tahm chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice. "Usually, after a meeting like this, there's a feast. Where are we dining, gentlemen?"

The room fell silent, the color draining from the faces of the gathered warlords. Oake, who had been so confident moments ago, now looked as if he might collapse.

"N-no, we weren't planning on leaving!" Oake stammered, forcing a shaky smile. "We wouldn't dare leave without Miss Fortune's permission!"

"Is that so?" Tahm leaned closer to Oake, his tongue flicking out menacingly. "What a shame. I was hoping for a hearty meal."

Oake's face turned pale as sweat dripped down his forehead. "W-we can arrange something for you, Lord Tahm!"

"Tempting, but I have rather... refined tastes," Tahm said, his gaze sweeping the room. "And besides, my master hasn't given me permission to dine just yet."

With that, Tahm turned to Miss Fortune and presented her with the burlap sack. "Boss Lady, this is from the boss. A little gift for you."

"Thank you, Tahm. I'll be sure to let him know you delivered it," Miss Fortune replied, her tone sweet but laced with authority.

Tahm gave her a knowing look, then opened another vortex. "I'll take my leave now. Do enjoy the rest of your meeting."

As Tahm disappeared, the room collectively exhaled, as if they had been holding their breath underwater.

Miss Fortune leaned back in her chair, her expression one of mild amusement. "My apologies for Tahm's rudeness. I'll have a word with him about his manners."

"N-no need!" Oake said quickly, his earlier bravado completely gone. "It's... it's fine!"

"Is that so?" Miss Fortune's gaze swept the room, her eyes sharp as daggers. "Well, then, let's get back to business."

She placed the burlap sack on the table and pulled out a curved blade, slamming it into the wood with a resounding thud. Raven, her first mate, placed a bag of coins beside it.

Miss Fortune poured the coins onto the table, the sound of clinking metal filling the room. "Now, gentlemen, you have a choice to make."

She stood, her presence commanding the room. "Take your time. Think carefully about which side you want to be on."

As Miss Fortune left the room, Raven took her place, standing beside the table with a sly grin.

"Choose wisely," he said, his eyes flicking between the blade and the coins. "The blade... or the coin. The decision is yours."

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 156 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 50 power stones I will publish the next chapter.