-121- The power from Zaun

At 3 AM, in the conference center of Zaun.

Zaun's high-ranking officials gathered at night, all attentively listening through a Hextech phone.

Linwin frowned as he listened to the voice on the other end of the line.

"Dear members of Zaun, Piltover is facing an unprecedented crisis; we are under invasion by Noxian forces. We urgently need your help!"

The voice belonged to someone Linwin knew, a acquaintance of both him and Vi – Councilor Kiramman. 

The call was facilitated by Vi using her Hextech phone placed in front of them.

So the owner of the phone on the other side of the call was obviously Caitlyn.

"The Enforcers have suffered heavy casualties; the Upper City Center has been occupied by Noxian forces, and we were forced to retreat to the west. Please help us!"

"Heheh." The mocking laughter came from Sevika.

"Noxian forces invading you?" Silco questioned, his fingers resting on his chin, suspicion evident in his small pupils.

Noxians invading Piltover? 

It wasn't supposed to happen, and it wasn't a move that made sense strategically. 

Even if they managed to take over Piltover, Noxus would have to face the combined might of Demacia and potentially Ionia, given the conflicts on the Eastern Isles. 

The results of Noxian forces in the Eastern Isles were known to the outside world.

Despite Councilor Kiramman's anxious tone, Silco was not easily convinced.

"But I think what she said is true, and we should consider this seriously."

Standing nearby, Viktor voiced his opinion, "I don't believe Councilor Kiramman would joke about something like this."

"Even if it's true, so what?" Sevika gazed coldly at Viktor. Despite being an acquaintance of Linwin, Sevika did not give him a friendly look.

When Zaun was in trouble, what was Viktor doing? He was making a living in the Upper City!

Honestly, despite Viktor's genius and intelligence, Sevika couldn't bring herself to like him.

"When they need us, they call us 'Members of Zaun,' and when they don't, they label us as ignorant Undercity dwellers. Isn't that always the case?" Sevika sneered. 

"Moreover, why should we care about them being invaded by Noxus? To be honest, I see this as a good thing. If Piltover falls, then we truly gain independence, don't we?"

Councilor Kiramman didn't get angry at Sevika's tone; instead, she calmly said, "I understand that Piltover has been unfair to Zaun for a long time. However, there are still many people in Piltover who harbor good intentions towards Zaun. Besides, judging by Noxus's modus operandi, it's not hard for us to guess that if Piltover falls to them, the next target will undoubtedly be Zaun."

"Now, by helping Piltover, Zaun is helping itself!"

"Centuries ago, we were once united," 

"That statement isn't entirely wrong," Vander added. "Despite our conflicts with the Upper City, that's ultimately 'our' conflicts."

The conflicts between Piltover and Zaun were local disputes. Pushing further back, their ancestors probably knew each other, and they might have experienced life and death together.

"Sevika, Noxus is an outsider," Vander addressed Sevika.

"Linwin, what do you think we should do?" Silco looked at Linwin, exchanging a meaningful gaze.

Linwin immediately understood Silco's intention. 

He wasn't against aiding Piltover; he just wanted to know what Zaun would gain from it. 

The argument that Noxus would target Zaun after Piltover made sense, but it wasn't something that would easily convince the majority of Zaunites.

Linwin spoke, "I'm Linwin. Councilor Kiramman, I want to know, what do we gain after helping you repel the Noxian forces?"

"Linwin? I know you. I can speak on behalf of the two councilors, and both Jayce and Professor Heimerdinger, along with Councilor Medarda, are inclined towards Zaun. So, collectively, we six can support Zaun's independence!" Councilor Kiramman responded.

"Linwin, what we want is not the friendship of Piltover people," Silco interjected coldly. "What we want is dignity. You must apologize for the past mistreatment of Zaun and, under the condition of agreeing to Zaun's independence, Piltover must agree to transfer the usage rights of the Hex Gate to Zaun."

Silco continued, starting to negotiate. "And..."

"Boom!"

Suddenly, an explosion echoed from the other side.

Following that, a woman's voice rang out.

"Mother, I want to go out and help!"

It was a spirited female voice.

Councilor Kiramman did not stop her, and Noxus did not leave any breathing room for the major families in Piltover, nor did they leave any room for negotiation.

Their goal was obvious; they wanted the city and intended to erase all traces within it. Moreover, they wanted to take away the city's treasures.

And those treasures were controlled by the major families.

For this reason, they left one family in control, while exterminating the rest. This was something Noxus had always been good at.

Instigating a puppet king – they had done this too many times before.

"Everything else I can agree to on behalf of the councilors, but the Hex Gate.." Councilor Kiramman hesitated.

It wasn't that she didn't want to agree; it was just that the Hex Gate wasn't something she could control.

"I agree, and I'll also agree on behalf of Jayce!" Viktor spoke up. "Hextech was created by both Jayce and me. Now that Jayce is not here, I believe I have the right to agree on his behalf!"

Silco applauded and laughed. "Sevika, don't wear that expression. It's a simple truth.

While the Hex phone call was still ongoing, Silco, in front of the others, loudly declared, "As Councilor Kiramman mentioned, even if she doesn't agree to our demands, we must help Piltover drive away the Noxian forces. We need to provide each other a way out; trust can only be gained through mutual interests."

Silco looked at Linwin. "Can we depart now?"

"Kai'Sa, Vi, and I can leave right away," Linwin nodded. He then turned to Sevika, who still seemed displeased.

"But," Linwin addressed her, "Sevika, you follow Ekko. Enforcers will use Hextech hoverboards to swiftly relay the orders. Make sure they bring all the weapons."

Sevika nodded, and Ekko had already rushed out.

The winner of the Hextech hoverboard race, Ekko.

The second place went to a young Enforcer, and the third place was Powder.

"Right away, Big bro." Ekko said without looking back.

Silco nodded and said to Vander, "Vander, open the blockade and let the people from Piltover down."

Vander was taken aback for a moment, then grinned at Silco. "No problem."

This person, who once harbored the deepest hatred for Piltover, was now willing to let Piltover people come down.

After completing these tasks, Silco picked up the Hex phone.

"Did you hear that, Councilor Kiramman? In five minutes, you will see the army from Zaun," Silco declared.

"Thank you, thank you so much," though uncertain of its effectiveness, Councilor Jela Main quickly expressed her gratitude.

Silco hung up the phone.

Looking at Linwin, Silco, with a faint smile and utmost seriousness, said, "Let's go, our true leader."

"It's time for you to speak."

Linwin didn't feel awkward; he took a big step forward, surveying the crowd.

Then, Linwin spoke:

"I have nothing special to say. Let the Noxian forces witness the power from Zaun!"

"Everyone!"

Linwin let out a low roar.

"Here!" Sevika, Vander, Silco, Vi, Powder, and the Chem Baron present all responded at the same time.

Kai'Sa hesitated for a moment, then quickly joined in, "Here!"

"Let's move out!"