Chapter 20: The Old Hungry

Spiderwebs and multiple layers of overhead walkways twisted and turned into the sky, shrouded in a layer of smog that made it feel like evening was approaching.

Orion wheezed as the chemical itch he first experienced in Entresol returned after descending into the Sump level, a harsh, burning sensation in his eyes, throat, and skin akin to being pepper-sprayed.

Grumbling, Orion glanced over at Claggor, who didn't have to worry about his eyes stinging thanks to his goggles, though he still coughed and wheezed. Mylo brought with him a stolen gas mask he'd stashed away but still squinted through teary eyes.

Soft, upset coughs drew Orion's attention to Powder, who clung to her sister with snot and tears coming out. His gaze rose to Vi, who had her fists clenched, walking forward with a determined expression and gritted teeth to hide her discomfort.

'Yeah, this is stupid. They should turn around soon. I don't know any normal kids who would go through this for long.'

Sniffing and grimacing, his nose was overwhelmed by the blend of industrial fumes and alchemical traces.

Where the gang walked now was the central hub. Lined on both sides were stalls offering various exotic, far-off or stolen goods. Every dark corner revealed gangs or thugs conducting business, unfriendly eyes peering out.

There were foreigners here, distinguished by their cleaner clothes, and Sump rats swarmed them. The foreigners, feigning a smile, kept one hand inside their cloak on their money and the other on a weapon.

One alley caught Orion's attention when he spotted stalls with weapons on display and weapon symbols, guarded by armed mercenaries. Above them, alchemical stalls lined the walkways, releasing numerous chem trails that contributed to the already oppressive and toxic smog.

The residents down here were far more dangerous and damaged than Entresol. Every other person was augmented, scarred, amputated, or had deformities of various kinds.

The kids huddled close together with Powder snug in the middle behind Vi. The boys attempted to keep up their confident demeanor while Orion trailed at the rear, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

"Maybe we should go back," Powder whispered to Vi, her wide eyes darting nervously between the eerie and dangerous presences surrounding them.

'Finally!' Orion thought, relieved. He found the weapons market he'd been looking for. Now he was just waiting for them to turn around.

"It's alright, Powder," Vi responded confidently.

Orion glanced down at her clenched fists, his own hidden inside his jacket, before his focus returned to scanning the crowd for potential threats. Several onlookers gave them ominous glances that betrayed their unfriendly intent.

"Those chumps from Westside said we couldn't do it," Mylo chimed in with ignorant bravado, raising his hands in exaggerated triumph.

"Look at us now!"

His declaration earned a nervous noise from Claggor and an apprehensive, quick side glance. His tense movements and nervous twitch betrayed the confidence he'd been trying to portray.

"Quiet," Vi hissed. Her head whipped around to glare at the others, her voice commanding.

"Stick close and keep it tight. We just need to reach the Old Hungry, grab something, and get out. Nobody will trash-talk us if we pull this off."

Her sharp blue eyes flicked back to Orion, a brief pause betraying her frayed nerves. Orion met her gaze and gave a small nod.

"Vi..." he muttered low enough so only she could hear. She raised a brow, irritated.

He leaned slightly closer.

"You don't need to force this just to prove a point. They already follow you."

For a split second, her jaw tightened, but she didn't respond. Instead, she turned back around, her pace a little quicker.

Orion gritted his teeth while frustration welled up at the situation, but spoke in a steady, reassuring tone, "We got this."

'If they made it to the Arcane TV show without being maimed, then this should work itself out without any major issues.'

Vi smirked faintly as if to say, "Yeah, I know," before her focus returned to the path ahead. Orion wanted to rip his hair out.

Powder nervously glanced back at Orion, her short, quick steps keeping her close to Vi.

"Have you been down here before?" Powder whispered anxiously.

"Yes."

Orion's flat reply earned surprised glances from the boys and a slightly relieved expression from Powder. From Vi, however, all he caught was a slight twitch of her head.

He wanted to berate Vi, or maybe even suplex her, but he forced reason into his head again.

'If they made it to Arcane...'

To the gang, Orion appeared the most relaxed. His hands were tucked in his pockets, his gaze wandering idly.

What they couldn't see were his fists clenched, nor hear his heart racing as he tried to remain calm.

Without meaning to, his demeanor ignited a competitive edge in Claggor and Mylo. The two exchanged glances, furrowed their brows, and nodded in unspoken agreement. They turned their focus back to the crowd with newfound determination and aggression, as if daring someone to pick a fight.

'Agh! I prefer them nervous instead of mean-mugging everyone,' Orion groaned internally. Glancing to the side, he spotted a stranger who locked eyes on the group and snarled from Claggor's side.

After a rough half-hour, the crowded stalls faded into a more open but foggy street lined with pipes. The scene felt like something straight out of a horror movie, unable to see farther than ten meters in any direction through the thick smog.

Yet somehow, Vi led them through and brought them unscathed to a larger clearing.

Orion's gaze rose, tracing a towering structure that disappeared into the fog before them.

'Why, oh why, does it never tell the time right?' Orion thought with a wry chuckle as the Old Hungry loomed before them.

From the tales he recalled in Runeterra Orion's memories, it was an ancient and haunted clock tower. Monstrous creatures allegedly lurked inside, ready to devour curious, innocent kids.

In reality, it was an old abandoned building covered in soot, grime, and oil slick. Old and neglected. Exposed mechanical gears and exits to overhead walkways dotted the building above.

'It's the smog and black colors,' Orion thought, tilting his head. 'Looks like an evil tower with a dark sorcerer living inside.'

Visible from Piltover, the clock tower hadn't told the correct time in over a decade except for twice a day.

Orion's gaze returned to the misfit crew that was about to break and enter for trinkets. He frowned when he saw them all staring blankly back at him.

"What?" he asked, realizing he'd chuckled out loud.

"It's not as haunting as the tales make it out to be," Orion shrugged.

The gang exchanged incredulous glances and glanced back at the clock tower.

"Huh?" Powder loudly protested as if Orion's words were insane.

Vi shook her head, sighed, and muttered, "Whatever."

As they approached the rusted, metallic entryway, noticeably with no security, Vi spoke up.

"Remember, keep it tight. Keep an eye out for anything with an insignia even if it's just a rusted gear. I doubt we'll find anything valuable."

Orion sighed with annoyance, muttering to himself.

"Time for a scavenging hunt."