âThe first of his typeâ. What an interesting accusation.
Viktor never claimed to be unique to begin with. Zaun was filled with people that possessed genius intellect, but the unfortunate circumstances barely scratched the surface; it was unfortunate, and the scientist wondered quite often as to what the world would turn into were someone out there to enable them and bring out not only gifted in mind, but also the aspiring youth, the inspiring figures, the determined underdogs.
However, Silcoâs words served as an evidence that he had often indulged in such philosophical discussions. A man such as himself had probably heard it all, seen people far more powerful and capable than Viktor on his doorstep. It only bid the question: what, exactly, was expected out of him? It did not really take that much of a brain power to deduce that this man hardly did anything without expecting something in return. Perhaps, staying there a moment too long, meant that he was already living on a borrowed time, and this was something that could be turned against him.
Ah, what a marvellous thing this was â human psychology. Truly, a grand playground.
âReality is what we make of it,â Viktor concluded Silcoâs dialogue. Unfortunate as it was, the kingpinâs words had merit; he was constantly being pushed to the edge, and he allowed his superiors to do so, but they were not the only ones that pushed him. Viktor was a perfectionist, constantly accompanied by not just dreams, but the determination to see them through. The drive was what held him in balance, kept him on a leash when someone else might have broken down, and as a result, he learned to practice impeccable control. For now. Just like with the rest of the world, it was only a matter of time when the pushing and pulling of forces would become far too much; as of such, it was inevitable for the object to plummet in the general direction of gravitational pull, but the question that remained then was this:âwhat would become of him and what effect would it have, if any at all?â
âYou put âravenous monsterâ and âdrive to discoverâ on a same scale when addressing and comparing me to yourself, as if those two are adjectives that are capable of describing a human whereas they barely even scratch the surface. I will not claim that âmonstersâ do not exist.â Viktor paused, his hazel eyes seeking out Silcoâs reflection from the ghastly aquarium; he had seen what Shimmer could do to people, but unfortunately, there really was no other way to describe this achievement any differently â they were monstrosities, through and through, obedient only to their master. But for how long did they last? A week? A month or two at best before the drug would eat away their minds and leave nothing but an empty husk behind? Was that even a worthy tool? A good investment? Perhaps in Silcoâs eyes. The drugged thugs were convenient, quick, and also a temporary solution, but was that even a problem when he had willing people, or sometimes unwilling, in hordes? âBut monsters are often perceived as mutations of what strays from the norms of the society. Not every monstrous thing is âatrociousâ is natural or genetically engineered.â As ironic as it was, he too was a monster of sorts in the very city that fed of his labour.
Viktor turned himself, shifting the weight from one leg to another, and he leaned more onto his cane. This philosophical discussion, albeit interesting, was leading them nowhere. âDreams and aspirations aside, why was I brought here? You speak in lengths of the results and efforts put into the drive, but was you, criticizing my âidealist and dreamerâs natureâ truly worth the trouble?â
The scientistâs eyes ventured south for a moment, and he studied the floor as he gathered his thoughts and sought out the right words to approach the matter; he had made his own conclusions already, but it was best to hear any sort of affirmation or denial from Silco first:âAs men of same heritage, I propose we shed this pretense and, for once, speak freely.â
Silco had learned an early, early lesson, living down in the streets near Pilt. Life was cruel and life did not care who or what it took, but sometimes there were those who simply had a better advantage in being able to fight off the disharmony that life threw at them. Death could come to any Piltie or Zaunite in the form of a heart attack, but to those from the Undercity it could be a fat rich diet while in the slums it was the exposure to toxic chemicals and waste in the water supply. Even in death, people had luxuries that others could not afford and in those long ago days, what felt like eternity, Silco had learned the hardest lesson of all was that life, in her neutrality, could also give opportunities if one was as willing to be as cruel as she.
He knew what people needed. He knew how to toss out the gold coins and pour the right booze for the right lord. He knew when to step on the throat or to offer the handshake. Experience came at him fast and he had learned that one could either win, or they could learn. Life was a fascinating teacher and Silco was her student.
He would become just as cruel as her and toss aside those in favor for himself. The bodies that littered under his feet were necessary so as the children of Zaun might someday breath clean air. The day Zaun was a nation of itself, Silco felt that perhaps he could finally, really rest from his endeavors. He would allow himself to feel guilty then.
The discussion about monsters only drew a snort from Silco, his hands turning to rest on angular hips as he looked down his gaze as Viktor. The young man was smart, smarter than many in fact, and Silco could appreciate that. This man was not one of those thugs who he could shoot full of Shimmer and send them on their way. No, this young man proved formidable already.
âYour observation alone already marks you as above merit for why youâre here.â Silco stated, lilt rolling off his tongue in a well-spoken manner. âI had you brought here because I know that things up there are already starting to fall around you. There are morals up top that I think hinder your ability to grow. You have a helpful mind, my friend, one that wants to see prosperity. I also have the same dreams, be it in less--â he gestured near his face, as though trying to find the best words to articulate.
        â-- well, letâs just say Iâm not afraid of showing the world what I am making.â
A long finger pointed towards Viktor and the kingpin hummed. He did not smile, but there was a hint of something warmer in his good eye. Something that did not trigger the sense he was a dog ready to bare his teeth into the younger manâs throat.
âYou have goals that line up well with my own and we seek a similar cause. I am willing to help you in any way necessary for you to get what you want. No strings attached and certainly no regulations on what you can and canât produce.â