The third day of Progress Day—
Piltover.
The council convened, and Councilor Mel's expression remained calm, but her keen gaze scrutinized every council member present.
In her view, everyone in the room, except for Professor Heimerdinger, had ulterior motives. Including Mel herself, there were five council members attending this meeting, and even though not all were present, the presence of five council members indicated that the matter to be discussed was of great importance.
Indeed, it was.
Standing outside the circular council table was a robust woman. Mel pressed a button on the table, and a spotlight illuminated her as she stood up, elegantly and nobly saying:
"Grayson."
Mel looked down on the sturdy woman as she continued in a solemn tone, "The Council has given you ample time, but you have still failed to complete your mission."
"It's my dereliction, Councilor."
With her brown curly hair and a robust physique, Grayson stood there holding her Enforcer helmet. Her face remained composed, and she calmly addressed Mel, saying, "Councilor, the Undercity residents are now united, under the leadership of Vander. They have formed a new alliance, and the barons in the Undercity now follow his lead."
Grayson, helmet in hand and the other hand behind her back, went on to say, "The Undercity residents are no longer fragmented; they are now united and resisting our control."
At the mention of "Vander," a rotund council member on one side of the circular table narrowed his eyes.
When the spotlight fell on him, he frowned and said, "I remember this person. A few years ago during the ashes, he led the Undercity residents in the attack the bridge, right?"
"It's him, I recall now," a tall and thin council member extended his hand, looking left and right as the spotlight shone on him. He then spoke, "It seems the Undercity residents are resolute in their actions."
"Why didn't he die during that riot?"
Mel stood there, feeling somewhat of a headache. She sighed and said, "The Undercity had just recently stabilized; why is it erupting into chaos once again?"
However, Grayson remained silent.
"Now we know that what was stolen from Talis was Hextech crystals, but in reality, I would say that these items are available for sale in the Ferros's family shops. Though they might explode and be dangerous, they can hardly be considered illegal," the tall and thin council member said.
After hearing his words and seeing his expression, Grayson knew what he was thinking.
Perhaps he found holding meetings tedious and wanted the council to conclude quickly, so he could attend a musical, have afternoon tea, or something similar.
Grayson withdrew her gaze in silence.
Even though she knew that some of these council members weren't productive, she was powerless. Behind them stood powerful interest families that united to control Piltover. Those who were pushed to the forefront, the council members, were essentially pioneers seeking to secure their family's interests.
Grayson's guess was not incorrect.
On the council table, the tall and thin council member and the rotund council member exchanged a glance. The latter immediately nodded and raised his hand, saying, "I agree with his suggestion. Everyone, the Undercity residents are ignorant and foolish. Even if they obtained the Hextech crystals, they wouldn't be able to create anything useful. It's possible that the stolen Hextech crystals have already exploded, and the thief might have been killed."
The thin and tall councilor immediately chimed in, "Indeed, and even if they're hiding Hextech crystals, I don't believe they have the ability to craft Hextech gems. They are far from capable."
Mel, however, turned her gaze towards the Yordle sitting in his chair, unable to reach the ground, and asked, "Professor, what do you think?"
"Hmm? Mel, what?" Heimerdinger rubbed his hands together.
"Professor, I'm asking if you believe the Undercity residents are capable of controlling Hextech crystals?"
Heimerdinger pondered for a moment and replied, "There's a very small chance, but it's a one in a million chance. Even geniuses like Viktor would need to understand the significance of Hextech technology through Jayce's knowledge. I'm also learning from Jayce."
"If the Undercity could produce another genius like Viktor, and they had Jayce's guidance, then they might indeed have the potential to control Hextech."
Heimerdinger paused for a moment and then continued, "But given the Undercity's academic atmosphere and environment, even if they had a genius, they could become foolish due to a lack of proper guidance."
"The professor is correct."
"So, Councilor Mel, let the Undercity residents amuse themselves. We only need to cut off their black market, and it won't be long before they surrender to us on their own."
"Without their economy, the Undercity residents won't survive more than a few winters."
The thin and tall councilor also agreed, "Exactly. The issue of the Undercity isn't really an issue. What we should focus on now is the distribution of benefits from Hextech."
Suddenly, except for Professor Heimerdinger, the atmosphere among the council members turned tense. They had shifted from discussing the Undercity issue to discussing the allocation of benefits from Hextech.
Grayson, standing below, watched as the council members, who had previously discussed the Undercity issue, had now turned their attention to the distribution of benefits from Hextech.
As family investors, their vision was undoubtedly sharp, and anything that could amaze and impress Professor Heimerdinger was indeed promising.
This was why, even though Talis's Hextech technology was still a concept, it had received investments from several major families, including Medarda, Ferros, and Kiramman. These three families were some of the top-tier families in Piltover.
And now, Madame Kiramman happened to be sitting at one corner of the council table.
"I propose temporarily blocking the bridge. We can allow Undercity residents to seek employment in Piltover, but prohibit Piltover residents from entering the Undercity for trade. As long as we cut off their source of income, it won't take long for their so-called Zaun Alliance to self-destruct."
The portly councilor raised his hand, and with a "click," the room's lights dimmed.
Grayson stood below.
"Boom!"
With a burst of light, the first to agree with the portly councilor was the thin and tall councilor.
Next, Grayson saw Madame Kiramman's face.
Then, it was Councilor Mel.
Finally, Professor Heimerdinger.
Grayson stood there quietly.
She didn't know what to say.
She had already conveyed everything she could do and say.
But they were so dismissive of the unity among the Undercity residents.
It left Grayson feeling conflicted.
On one hand, she thought that no matter how united the Undercity residents might be, there was no possibility of resisting Piltover.
But on the other hand, Grayson felt...
This time, things might be different.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," a councilor waved a hand, and Grayson was expelled from the council.
The council that should have questioned her and dealt with the Undercity issue had changed.
"Now, let's discuss it."
Grayson heard his voice.
"The future of Piltover."