[Of course he understood the value of funding research, especially when it would directly benefit one's rise to power. There were pros and cons to all research, and the Doctor had been one of the best investments he had ever made. They understood each other and he knew they mutually benefitted, though the unfortunate fire had dampened some of their previous enthusiasm.

Everyone with money wanted the silver bullet, as it were. It was all part of cultivating control and profits within the system they had to play by.

However, that wasn't the interesting part. The silence that fell soon after was far more telling. So, the partner had not divulged weaponizing hextech and using it upon the people of Zaun? No doubt both of them had their own pressures, but given that seemed to be a fundamental caveat to Viktor's argument with him, it seemed to sound hollow now.]

Indeed, enforcers with Councilor Talis raided a shimmer production factory. He brought an impressive hammer with him for the raid. I'll admit I didn't think he had the stomach for direct action, but he proved me wrong. [He reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a cigar case, letting Viktor grow uncomfortable with with the truth of their brokered 'peace' being built on the bodies of Zaunites and Pilities alike. He slipped a cigar between his lips and lit the end.]

He asked for parlay shortly after that. So the peace you touted about earlier? It came because of weaponized hextech, and your partner showed us exactly what our annihilation would look like.