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Chapter Fifteen: Get Jinxed
On Progress Day, Caitlyn was excited—or rather, all the people in Piltover were excited. The annual Progress Day was a celebration for Piltover, much like the New Year in China. The streets were bustling with vendors, and the entire city was painted with joy. Everyone was ready to celebrate Progress Day.
Jayce had recently developed the Hexgate, and as his friend, Caitlyn was genuinely happy for him. From an almost expelled academy member, he had leapt to become Piltover's new star. However, her situation wasn't as fortunate; her mother didn't want her to become an enforcer, and she currently lacked the power to go against her parents' wishes.
She strolled down the streets of Piltover, shook her head, and decided to leave behind her unhappy thoughts. As she reached the steps of the Council Hall, she suddenly felt that something was amiss. Faint footprints could be seen on the Council Hall building, although she wasn't very sure and couldn't see clearly. However, her intuition had always been strong. She headed straight towards the Council Hall to verify her thoughts.
"Sorry, ma'am, no unauthorized personnel beyond this point," the diligent guard blocked Caitlyn from entering.
"There might have been a security breach in the Council Hall; I need to inspect it," Caitlyn said urgently.
"Our security measures are excellent; you needn't worry," the guard glanced at Caitlyn and then spoke calmly.
"But..." Caitlyn wanted to argue, but finally stamped her foot and left the door. She decided to conduct her investigation in her own way.
"Jinx, are the fireworks for tonight ready?" Phil asked while adjusting his outfit.
"All ready! I can't wait!" Jinx said excitedly. "I'm going to give the upper city a grand fireworks show!"
"It's time to initiate the war between Piltover and Zaun," Phil said coolly as he finished adjusting his tie. In his conversations with Silco, he had learned that preparations were nearly complete. All that was needed now was the right opportunity. Zaun became what it is not just because of the biohazard leak when the two cities were established, but also due to Piltover's actions, like waste disposal, which turned Zaun into a literal sewer.
Nightfall arrived, and Piltover was extraordinarily lively, the heated atmosphere reaching its peak. Most people gathered at the central square, where the Progress Day speech, as usual, was delivered by Piltover's father, Councilor Heimerdinger.
"It is an honor to be giving the Progress Day speech again this year," Heimerdinger said, taking small steps from backstage. Due to his height, he needed to stand on a chair. With some effort, Heimerdinger stood atop a chair that was about his height and began his speech.
"...However, the future of Piltover lies in its youth. The Hexgate was invented by two young minds from our academy, Jayce and Viktor. Let's give them a round of applause for their innovation."
"Piltover has always been a city of progress, and I am firmly convinced that as long as everyone has a heart for exploration and a dedication to the people, the fire of innovation in Piltover will burn eternally! Thank you, everyone!" As Heimerdinger concluded his speech and leaped off the chair, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
Suddenly, the stage lights went out. A young man's voice came through the speakers: "Let us thank Professor Heimerdinger for his speech; next, please leave the stage for us."
"Let's celebrate Progress Day! Hahahaha," followed by Jinx's loud laughter. Then the music began to fade in, and suddenly paused.
"Wanna join me and play?"
"But I might shoot you in your face."
"What's happening? Who arranged this program?" Backstage was a chaotic mess, with everyone startled by the unexpected incident. In the control room, the original staff lay sprawled on the floor, while Jinx was now the sound engineer! The audience and even Councilor Heimerdinger thought this was part of the scheduled program. They actually found it rather entertaining. Caitlyn, finally seizing the opportunity during the lax security, sneaked into the Council Hall. She picked up on the faint traces left by Jinx, carefully searching for clues.
"Do you ever wanna catch me." Jinx's voice grew increasingly exuberant as she immersed herself in the song. "Right now I'm feeling ignored." In the audience, a girl with pink hair trembled slightly. She possessed an extraordinary ability. Although born in Piltover, her parents were from Zaun. She could hear the souls of others—from the sounds of their voices. She could sense the oppression, the madness behind the song. "So you try a little harder." "I'm really getting bored." As the song intensified, the audience below lit up their flashlights, swaying to the rhythm. "Come on, shoot faster." "Just a little bit of energy." The venue was in a frenzy at the crescendo. Only Seraphine felt uneasy, hearing the madness contained within the song.
Elsewhere, Caitlyn followed the trace to find where the bomb was planted. Examining it, she discovered a timed device, a cluster bomb. With under three minutes before detonation, she dared not act recklessly. Though built with genius from Ziggs-like talent in Phil and Jinx's knack for explosives, even Ziggs himself might not defuse it in three minutes. Having no choice after her unsuccessful attempts, Caitlyn resolved to evacuate everyone. Fortunately, apart from the guards at the entrance, the hall was mostly empty. She quickly ran through the Council building, shouting for evacuation. She led the guards out as she exited the building in the final minute. Meanwhile, the concert reached its finale. As the music softened, the applause thundered, signaling the audience's appreciation for the emotionally charged song.
Then, the lights abruptly brightened, highlighting Phil slowly walking onto the stage. "We're truly honored you enjoyed our performance and delighted to share this moment with you on Progress Day," Phil said, holding the microphone and scanning the surroundings. By now, the councilors below sensed something was amiss. Councilor Kiramman stood, beginning to question the event organizers.