Arcane: Winds of Change

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Chapter Thirty-Eight: Preparing for Battle

Listening to Mel, Silco's expression remained unchanged. "Whether Zaun is destroyed or not, there's not much profit for you. Your Councilor Talis came secretly because he didn't want too many innocent people to die. But that's okay, you can still consider my terms. I'll give you time, but not much."

"You need to stop the production of Shimmer, return the Hex Gemstone, and safely hand back the captured enforcers and Councilor Talis. Also, Jinx and Phil need to come out and take responsibility for the explosion in the upper city," Mel stated their conditions one by one.

Silco, who had been slightly swaying while listening, suddenly froze, and his gaze became sharp. "Then why don't you arrest me as well? I was the one who gave the order."

"That would be ideal if Zaun doesn't fall into chaos once you're gone," Councilor Kiramman interjected.

"Everything else is negotiable, but that is absolutely out of the question," Silco said firmly.

"So, you mean to say that even before a war between Zaun and Piltover begins, we have to accept your terms of victory?" It was a matter of pride; if the two culprits were caught, it could be explained as a result of negotiation. But if Piltover did nothing, its dignity would be utterly destroyed.

Silco was silent, resting his face in his hands. His scarred face was covered in foundation, a habit he developed to avoid scaring Jinx. Seeing the prospect of his old dreams about to be realized, he should have agreed joyfully. After all, two people were nothing compared to his years-long ambition. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

"This is non-negotiable," he said after a pause.

"It must be negotiated!" Mel insisted unwaveringly.

"Then let's go to war and see if Zaun can take a bite out of you," Silco left with this parting shot. He chose not to keep these councilors in Zaun, as it held no meaning.

In the conference room, the three councilors looked at each other, not quite understanding why Silco wouldn't agree to what wasn't such an unreasonable demand. "If that's the case, then let's go to war. It seems like these Zaunites have completely forgotten who's in charge," the cybernetic councilor said angrily, not expecting Silco to be so unyielding.

At this moment, Mel's mind was filled with worry for Jayce's safety. She had to admit that she had fallen in love with him. "But what about the enforcers and Councilor Talis?" She smartly put the enforcers' safety at the forefront. "Scare them enough, and they'll naturally come back to negotiate a ceasefire agreement. Let's leave here first." With that, Councilor Kiramman was the first to stand and exit.

----Zaun----

At this moment, Silco was in an alley beside an old, abandoned fountain, where Vander's statue stood. He looked at Zaun's environment somewhat sorrowfully, the dim sky making it indistinguishable whether it was dusk or day: "I never thought our former vision would be within reach. Vander, I once said to become powerful, one must give up some things." As he spoke, Silco poured some alcohol from his flask into the pool.

"I know what's wrong with me," Silco raised his glass and took a deep swig. "Nothing is more overwhelming than having two children. Or perhaps there is - having four children." He began to understand Vander a bit more. "Maybe I'm just getting old. Now, Zaun has some strength, but I know very well it can't stand against Piltover," Silco continued. "When Phil returns, I'll leave Zaun to him. Although he's still young, he already has the capability to lead. He's different from me; he does things better. His only flaw is that he's not mature enough."

"But I'll make sure he secures his position. I'll make Zaun better, my brother." Silco downed the last of his drink, leaving the cup at Vander's feet. No one noticed a humanoid creature covered in fur darting through a part of the alley.

After leaving the alley, Silco gathered all his subordinates and informed them that a war was imminent. He distributed weapons and ample ammunition to everyone, transported mechs to the bridge, and organized them into groups of ten, conducting round-the-clock, thorough searches throughout Zaun for any anomalies. This time, it must not be like the last war between the two cities, where Piltover was barely affected.

Once everything was arranged, Silco went to visit Vi and Jayce's cell. "We negotiated with the upper city, and the result is that Zaun and Piltover are at war. You've been abandoned," Silco leaned against the door.

"Impossible! They wouldn't risk so much to go to war," Jayce said in disbelief.

"Maybe, but the facts are right here. I'm offering you a chance—join us," Silco extended an olive branch.

"I'd rather die than join you. You're not fighting for Zaun, you're just in it for yourself." Vi spat.

"Is that so? So you choose to side with Piltover and become a traitor to Zaun?" Silco asked directly.

"Alright, since neither of you agrees, then good luck. When the war breaks out, you will be the first to perish," Silco, seeing Jayce remain unmoved, could only helplessly pick up the Hex Crystal from the center of the Mercury Hammer.

"Wait! I can negotiate with the Council again," Jayce couldn't help but interject; he didn't care what happened to Silco, but he couldn't bear the thought of so many enforcers being sacrificed.

"How can I trust you, Councilor Talis?" A peaceful resolution would be ideal.

"That's your problem."

"Oh, so this is Bilgewater. Feels even grittier than Zaun." The newcomers were a bit taken aback by the scenery inside Bilgewater.

Settlements in the outer city were built on the remains of an even older civilization. Abandoned temples served as homes and shops, connected by suspended walkways between structures. Due to the lack of natural building materials, most of Bilgewater's construction materials were brought, found, or stolen by the inhabitants—ranging from repurposed stone carvings to the hulls of ships they arrived on, now derelict. This made the architecture distinctly dilapidated.

"Did that guy invite us to trade over there?" Phil stood at the bow, observing the unique mix of decay and vibrancy in Bilgewater.

"On a small island in the outer bay, apparently there's a famous gunslinger, Abigail Fortune," Ba Phil commented. Every mention of the person poised to unify the Bilgewater waters brought him a mix of trepidation.