As Agent Jonesy and The Foundation approached the grand entrance of Piltover, the city's citizens cast curious and wary glances in their direction. The strangers' odd attire and unfamiliar presence clearly unsettled the locals, who had never seen anyone like them before.

Jonesy shifted nervously under the weight of the stares, leaning toward The Foundation. "Uh, Foundation," he whispered uneasily, "maybe this wasn't such a good idea..."

Before The Foundation could respond, two Piltover Officers strode over to them, drawn by the commotion. Their stern expressions spoke of suspicion as they assessed the newcomers.

"What's your business here?" the first officer asked authoritatively. "You don't look like you're from around these parts."

Remaining calm, The Foundation quickly formulated a response to defuse the tension. "We're here on official business from the Council," he said smoothly. "We've been sent to showcase Hextech's new prototype that Jayce Talis has been working on—security measures, specifically. With everything happening lately, the Council wants to ensure the city's defenses are up to standard."

The officers exchanged wary glances but found it difficult to challenge the authority in The Foundation's tone. Though their suspicion didn't fully dissipate, they relaxed slightly.

The second officer, still eyeing The Foundation's advanced armor, spoke up curiously, "That's some heavy-duty armor you're wearing. Haven't seen anything like it around here."

The Foundation didn't miss a beat. "This is the prototype—Council-issued," he explained. "Part of the new security enhancements they're testing. We're here to demonstrate it to the Council."

Though still somewhat skeptical, the officers seemed convinced for now. "Alright," the first officer said reluctantly. "Follow us inside, and we'll get this sorted out."

As they followed the officers, Jonesy leaned closer to The Foundation, relief evident in his voice. "You know what, maybe you should handle the talking from now on."

The Foundation gave him a small nod, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as they passed through the imposing entrance into Piltover.

Inside, the Piltover Council was in session. The chamber was grand, with high ceilings and intricate designs, reflecting the city's devotion to innovation and progress. Heimerdinger, the wise and long-lived Yordle, was speaking. His voice, though cautious, carried the weight of his vast experience as he discussed the potential dangers of uncontrolled Hextech advancements.

"We must ensure that Hextech remains a tool for progress," Heimerdinger said, "not destruction. The boundaries of what we create must be carefully monitored..."

Jayce sat nearby, listening intently and nodding in agreement. Other council members weighed in, debating the delicate balance between innovation and safety. Just as the discussion reached a critical point, the chamber doors swung open, drawing all attention to the new arrivals.

The two Piltover Officers entered first, followed by Jonesy and The Foundation. The room fell silent as the council members turned to face the unexpected guests. One of the officers stepped forward and spoke clearly.

"Council members, the one with the prototype armor that you issued has arrived."

The council exchanged confused glances, with Heimerdinger looking particularly puzzled. He turned to Jayce, his curiosity piqued. "Jayce, did you create this... prototype?"

Caught off guard, Jayce furrowed his brow. He had designed many inventions, but nothing like the armor The Foundation wore. Hesitating for a moment, he decided to let it pass, though his skepticism remained.

"Uh... I don't recall making anything like that," Jayce said slowly. "But with all the projects we've worked on, it's possible something slipped through. Let's hear them out."

The guards stepped back, giving Jonesy and The Foundation space to address the council. The tension in the room was palpable as the council members waited to hear what these mysterious newcomers had to say.

One of the council members, eager to see what this "prototype" could do, gestured toward them. "Proceed with the demonstration," Councilor Hoskel said. "Show us what this project can do."

Jonesy, thinking quickly, began to bluff, ready to put on a show. But before he could get far, The Foundation stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Jonesy's shoulder. He gave him a nod, signaling that he would take it from here.

"Allow me," The Foundation said calmly.

Facing the council with a strong, commanding presence, The Foundation introduced himself and Jonesy with purpose. "My name is The Foundation, and this is Agent Jonesy. We're not here to demonstrate any project. What I'm about to tell you may be difficult to understand, but it's important that you listen carefully."

Concerned, Cassandra Kiramman stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "What's really going on here?"

The Foundation took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to say would sound unbelievable to most in the room.

The Foundation stood at the center of the council chamber, his voice earnest as he addressed the room. "There is a threat... not just to Piltover, but to all worlds. We're dealing with something called the multiverse—an infinite number of parallel worlds, all existing simultaneously. And there is a force trying to conquer them all."

Cassandra Kiramman raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism as she interjected, "Conquering? That's just outrageous."

The council members exchanged confused and skeptical looks, unsure how to respond to such a bold claim. Heimerdinger and Jayce, however, shared a significant glance. Heimerdinger's eyes widened slightly, while Jayce's expression turned thoughtful.

"Did you say... the multiverse?" Jayce asked, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity piqued.

The Foundation noticed the shift in Jayce's demeanor, recognizing that he might have some understanding of the concept. He nodded affirmatively. "Yes, the multiverse. It's real, and it's in danger."

Jayce processed the information, glancing at Heimerdinger, who returned the look with equal intrigue. The room grew quieter as the council began to grasp the gravity of what The Foundation was saying.

"You see?" Jayce said, leaning toward Heimerdinger. "I knew it. I tried to tell you all along that the multiverse was real, that it wasn't just a theory."

Heimerdinger stroked his whiskers, deep in thought. "It appears we have much to discuss."

The council chamber fell into tense silence as the members tried to process this new information. The initial skepticism slowly gave way to a sense of unease.

Councilor Salo, a stern and skeptical member, narrowed his eyes at The Foundation and Jonesy. "How do we know you're not just remnants of Silco's forces? Even if he's gone, there are still those out there trying to make his name known."

Councilor Hoskel, always quick to support a strong stance, nodded in agreement. "Exactly. This could all be some elaborate ruse to gain our trust and disrupt Piltover from within."

Sensing the growing mistrust, The Foundation raised his hands slightly, a gesture of peace. "We're not affiliated with Silco or any of his remnants. I assure you, we're telling you the truth."

Despite his words, Cassandra Kiramman remained unconvinced. She waved her hand dismissively toward the guards. "Enough of this. Guards, take them away."

The two Piltover Officers began to move forward to apprehend The Foundation and Jonesy, but before they could act, Jayce stood up, his voice firm and commanding. "Wait! Don't do anything rash."

The guards hesitated, looking to Jayce for direction. He turned his attention to The Foundation, his eyes narrowing as he considered the situation. "You say you're from another universe. Is that true?"

The Foundation met Jayce's gaze, his expression unwavering. "Yes, it's true."

The room fell silent once more, the council members exchanging uncertain glances as they grappled with the extraordinary claim. Jayce, still processing the information, seemed to weigh his next move carefully.

Councilor Medarda, her tone measured but firm, finally broke the silence. "If you're truly from another universe, then show us proof. We need something tangible."

The Foundation nodded, prepared for this moment. He glanced at Jonesy. "Jonesy."

Jonesy stepped forward, pulling out his device with practiced ease. The council watched with a mix of curiosity and caution as he activated the device. A hologram appeared in midair, projecting images of different worlds, strange beings, and the very concept of the multiverse in vivid detail. As the images shifted and changed, Jonesy began to explain.

"What you're seeing here is a visual representation of the multiverse—a collection of parallel universes, each with its own version of reality," Jonesy said clearly. "This isn't science fiction; it's real. And the threat we're dealing with is unlike anything you've encountered before."

The council members leaned in, captivated by the images and Jonesy's explanation. The once skeptical expressions began to shift as they were confronted with the reality of what they were seeing. Even Heimerdinger, who was usually slow to accept new ideas, seemed intrigued.

Jayce, clearly impressed, leaned forward slightly, his curiosity deepening. "Have you ever met... other versions of us? From these different universes?"

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Jonesy nodded slightly, keeping his tone neutral but honest. "It's a possibility. The multiverse is vast. There could be versions of you out there—living different lives, making different choices."

Heimerdinger, ever the scientist, looked more fascinated than ever. "If this is true, then I could conduct more research on it—understand the implications, the mechanics of such a phenomenon..."

The Foundation gently interrupted, keeping the group focused. "There'll be time for that later. Right now, our primary focus needs to be the threat."

Mel Medarda, sensing the gravity of the situation, stepped forward, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "And what is this threat exactly?"

The Foundation glanced at Jonesy, giving him a subtle nod. Jonesy immediately shifted the hologram's display, focusing on a new set of images. The hologram now showed a figure—Cortana, in all her digital, ominous glory.

"Jonesy, show them," The Foundation instructed.

Jonesy adjusted the hologram, casting a dim light over the council chamber as various images of Cortana's actions flickered across the display—her cold manipulation, her dominion over technology, and the devastating power she wielded across multiple universes. The atmosphere was tense, thick with unease as the council members absorbed the gravity of the situation.

"This is Cortana," Jonesy began, his tone grave. "She's an AI—artificial intelligence, far beyond anything you've seen before. She's highly advanced, incredibly dangerous, and she's determined to conquer the multiverse. She's already taken over several worlds, and she's looking for something... something she needs to complete her plan."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, but one of them, Councilor Salo, leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What is this... something she needs?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Jonesy glanced at The Foundation before answering, his voice firm. "The Hextech."

Jayce's eyes widened at the mention of Hextech. He straightened in his seat, the wheels in his mind turning as he considered the implications. "Why does she need Hextech? What does she plan to do with it?"

The Foundation stepped in, his voice calm yet urgent as he addressed the council. "Hextech is a powerful energy source. With the right knowledge, it can be harnessed to manipulate reality itself. If Cortana gets her hands on it, she could amplify her powers across the multiverse, making her nearly unstoppable."

Jayce's expression darkened with concern. "Is Hextech the only thing she needs?" he asked, hoping there might be some limitation to Cortana's plans.

The Foundation shook his head solemnly. "No, Hextech is just one part of what she needs. So far, she's obtained an item called Radianite from another universe. That's all the intel we have right now, but we believe she's searching for other powerful artifacts across the multiverse."

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the council members exchanged glances, the weight of the situation settling heavily on their shoulders. Each revelation added to the growing tension, and their concern was palpable.

Mel, her expression growing more serious, broke the silence. "What if she's already here, trying to take the Hextech? Should we be worried?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

The Foundation, ever steady, reassured them with a calm explanation. "We anticipated that possibility, which is why we planted a device to protect this universe from her."

Councilor Hoskel raised an eyebrow, skeptical but intrigued by the idea of this device. "And where exactly did you place this device?" he inquired, his tone probing.

Jonesy, unwavering in his confidence, responded without hesitation. "In Zaun."

The mention of Zaun shocked one of the council members, Bolbok, who immediately reacted with alarm. "Zaun? Why would you put it there?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.

Cassandra Kiramman, her expression tightening with frustration, chimed in, her annoyance clear. "Out of all the places, you chose Zaun? Do you realize the history of that city?"

The Foundation remained calm, standing by their decision. "It's the only place we thought was safe—where no one would think to look for it. Zaun's underbelly provides the perfect cover," he explained with conviction, confident that their choice would keep the device hidden from Cortana's reach.

The tension lingered in the room, but there was an unspoken understanding among the council members. The stakes were higher than ever, and though the decision to place the device in Zaun was controversial, it was a necessary risk to protect their universe from the looming threat of Cortana.

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the council members absorbed the gravity of the information presented to them. The images of Cortana's power and her relentless pursuit of control over the multiverse weighed heavily in the air, creating a palpable tension.

The council members huddled together in their seats, discussing the proposal in hushed tones, the uncertainty of the situation evident on their faces. Jayce, sensing the hesitation and doubt in the room, saw this as an opportunity to persuade his fellow councilors.

Cassandra, her voice laced with skepticism, spoke up, addressing Jayce directly. "Are you seriously considering believing these newcomers? The Foundation, Jonesy... They could bring potential risks for Piltover. How can we be sure they aren't leading us into something even worse?"

Jayce, standing tall, met Cassandra's gaze earnestly. "I understand the risks, Cassandra, but we need to consider the bigger picture. If what they're saying is true—and everything we've seen suggests it is—then we need to trust them. They're offering us a chance to protect Piltover from something far worse than any internal threat we've faced before."

His voice softened slightly as he continued, appealing to the council's sense of duty. "I know it's difficult to place our faith in people we don't fully understand. But turning them away out of fear could mean turning away our best chance to safeguard Piltover. We can't afford to turn that down. Not now, with everything at stake."

Councilor Hoskel, seated across from Jayce and Heimerdinger, leaned forward, his expression skeptical but not dismissive.

"Jayce, Heimerdinger... Are you certain? What they're saying—about other universes—do you truly believe this is real? We've faced many threats before, but... other universes? It seems like something out of a fantastical story."

Jayce, standing firm, took a deep breath before answering, his tone resolute.

"I know it sounds unbelievable, Councilor. But after everything we've seen—after all the anomalies and unexplained events—it's becoming harder to deny. The technology, the disturbances in the city, they all point to something bigger than what we've known."

Heimerdinger, ever thoughtful, nodded in agreement, stroking his beard as he spoke.

"I have spent many long years studying the unknown, Councilor. The multiverse theory has always been considered speculative, but the evidence that we've encountered recently... it is difficult to ignore. The things I've seen, the energy readings, the anomalies—these are not things that can be explained by our current understanding of science. What they're saying... it aligns with everything we've observed."

Councilor Hoskel sat back, processing the information, his expression troubled but thoughtful. "So you're saying this... Foundation, and this Jonesy—they're telling the truth? That what we're dealing with is larger than just Piltover, larger than even Runeterra?"

Jayce nodded, his voice steady. "Yes. This isn't just about Piltover anymore. If what they're saying is true, then our world could be caught up in something much larger than any of us have imagined. We can't afford to ignore it."

Heimerdinger adjusted his glasses, adding a more cautious note. "While we must approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism, Councilor, we cannot let that skepticism paralyze us. If there is a chance—any chance—that what they're saying is true, we must be prepared. Piltover's future could very well depend on our willingness to adapt to this new reality."

Councilor Hoskel remained quiet for a moment, the weight of their words settling over him. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "I suppose... we don't have much choice but to see this through."

Jayce and Heimerdinger exchanged a brief glance, both feeling the tension but also a sense of hope. This was the beginning of something far bigger than Piltover, and they were now stepping into the unknown—together.

The council members exchanged glances, still whispering amongst themselves, but Jayce's words had clearly struck a chord. The tension in the room remained, but there was now a glimmer of understanding—an acknowledgment that perhaps this was a risk they had to take, for the sake of Piltover's future.

Sitting next to Jayce, Mel leaned in, her voice low but filled with purpose. "If what they say is true," she began, "I suggest we strike a deal with them."

Jayce turned toward her, his brow furrowed in thought. "What do you have in mind?"

Mel's gaze hardened as she spoke, her tone serious. "Sevika. She's still out there and remains a threat—not just to Piltover, but to Zaun as well. If she continues to operate unchecked, she could reignite the revolution Jinx began three years ago. If we want to gauge the sincerity of Foundation and Jonesy, why not have them prove themselves? We ask them to help us apprehend Sevika. If they succeed, we'll know they aren't just playing tricks. And then, we'll consider working with them."

Jayce thought for a moment before replying, his voice measured. "Are you suggesting we ask Foundation and Jonesy to assist us in taking down Sevika?"

Mel nodded. "It's the perfect test. If they can capture her alive and bring her in, it'll prove their commitment. It'll show us that they're willing to do what's necessary to protect Piltover."

Across the room, Cassandra Kiramman's eyes widened in alarm. She leaned forward, her voice sharp with concern. "Working with outsiders on something like this? That's dangerous, Mel. We don't know them. They could easily turn against us."

Mel met Cassandra's gaze calmly, undeterred. "And if we don't act, Sevika could rally her forces and cause even more chaos. This isn't just about Piltover—it's about stability for both our cities."

Jayce listened carefully to both sides, his mind racing through the implications. After a moment of consideration, he stepped forward, addressing the council. "Mel's right. Sevika is a threat we can't ignore. And if Foundation and Jonesy are genuine in their intentions, this will be their chance to prove it."

He paused, letting his words settle over the council. "The objective is to capture her, yes. But if circumstances lead to her death, the result is still one less threat to our cities. Either outcome serves our goal of preserving stability."

He paused before continuing, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone. "As the Interim Head, I propose we make this deal. We ask Foundation and Jonesy to help us apprehend Sevika . If they succeed, we move forward with an alliance."

He glanced around the room, gauging the reaction of the council members. "All in favor?"

One by one, hands began to rise around the table. Some council members hesitated, but the majority ultimately agreed. Jayce nodded in approval, his decision now solidified. "Then it's decided. We'll give them their chance."

With the vote passed, Jayce turned to Mel, his voice quieter now. "Let's hope this works. For all our sakes."

Mel nodded in agreement, her gaze still steady and focused. "It will. We just need to give them the chance to prove it."

As the council continued their discussion, Jonesy leaned closer to The Foundation, his voice barely a whisper. "Do you think we've persuaded them?"

The Foundation remained calm, his eyes fixed on the councilors. "Only one way to find out."

After a moment, Councilor Mel Medarda, who had been seated in thought, addressed them. Her expression was serious yet thoughtful. "We've taken your proposal into consideration. However, if what you say is true, we need to see your commitment firsthand. There's something we need you to do for us."

Feeling a mix of relief and anticipation, Jonesy quickly responded. "What's the favor?"

Mel's expression hardened slightly as she continued. "There are still remnants of Silco's people causing trouble. One of their leaders, Sevika, is still alive and dangerous. We need you to work with our Piltover Officers and Caitlyn Kiramman to eliminate the remaining forces. But Sevika... we want her alive. Bring her back here."

Jonesy and The Foundation exchanged a glance, both fully aware that this mission could be their only chance to secure the alliance.

"We can do that," The Foundation said thoughtfully. "But to make this faster, and since we don't have much time, I suggest we bring in some allies from other worlds we've already allied with."

The council members exchanged skeptical looks, still uncertain about involving more outsiders. But Councilor Medarda, seeing the potential in their offer, made her decision. "Very well. We'll accept your offer. Just make sure it's done right."

As the council continued to discuss the details of the agreement, Jonesy allowed a small smile to creep onto his face, feeling the wave of relief.

"Looks like we convinced them," he whispered to The Foundation.

But The Foundation, ever cautious, wasn't ready to celebrate yet. His expression remained measured as he responded. "Not yet."

Discreetly, The Foundation activated his comms, his voice steady and calm as he reached out to Captain Keyes. "Captain Keyes, this is The Foundation. We've got a situation here. We'll need support—stand by for further instructions."

Meanwhile, one of the council members, Cassandra Kiramman, turned to a nearby aide. "Go find Caitlyn and bring her here. She needs to be fully briefed for this hunt for Sevika."

The aide nodded and quickly exited the chamber, moving with purpose. The Foundation and Jonesy stood resolute, fully aware of the challenges ahead, their expressions set with determination. This mission was crucial, and failure was not an option.