Heartsteel: The Price of Fame (A League of Legends story)

Chapter 8: Strings Attached

Heartsteel's rehearsals were in full swing. The venue was massive, capable of holding tens of thousands of fans. As Kayn stepped onto the stage, he felt a rush. This was what he had dreamed of, the adulation, the fame, the power. But with it came the pressures.

"Fantastic rehearsal, Kayn." Silco stepped into the light, blowing a puff of smoke from his cigar. "You really are the star of the show."

Kayn, ever the defiant one, responded with his usual bravado, "Of course I was. Did you expect any less?"

Silco took a seat, his gaze fixed on Kayn. "You know, Kayn, I've been in this business a long time. I've seen talents come and go. But you... you're special."

"Is that so?" Kayn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Silco nodded. "But with great talent comes great responsibility. You have an image to uphold, a brand to build. And I can help you with that."

Kayn leaned back. "I think I've been doing just fine on my own."

Silco's smile faded slightly, "Don't get cocky, boy. Remember who put you on this stage."

The tension in the room was palpable. Kayn, not one to back down, retorted, "And don't forget who's drawing the crowds."

"Watch your tone, Kayn." Silco's eyes darkened. "You might be the flavor of the month now, but that can change."

Kayn's left eye twitched. He wanted to retort but he had heard enough stories of artists who had crossed the mogul and had their careers ruined. True Damage's disasterous release was still fresh in his mind. He settled for jamming the rest of his gear back into his bag.

Silco's smile persisted, but there was a coldness in his eyes. "Just remember, in this industry, it's not just about talent. It's about who you align with."

Kayn's confidence seemed to falter for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "I think I've aligned with the best."

Silco leaned in closer, clasping Kayn's shoulder in a fatherly way. "Then what do you say to some special training? I'll rocket you straight to the top of the charts. Who knows, maybe you'll even overthrow Ionia's number one rap sensation?"

"What do you have in mind?" Kayn asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder. It was a no-brainer. He'd do anything to surpass Akali more quickly.

"Leave it to me." Silco smiled and handed Kayn a card with the address of Ionia's finest training facility, used by the top artists in the business. "Be at the front doors - eight sharp tomorrow."

As Silco left the room, Kayn's initial unease transformed into defiance. He smirked to himself, thinking: I can play this game better than him. He was convinced that with his talent and newfound fame, he could outmaneuver Silco. Little did he know, this overconfidence would be a dangerous path to tread.