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Chapter 30: Preparations
In the temporary council chamber, tension filled the room. "I have three suppliers who have refused to provide goods!" the bald-headed councilor exclaimed, concerned only with his personal interests. He seemed oblivious to the fact that the meeting wasn't about the loss of goods. "What we need to worry about now is not an issue of profit; we must look beyond that," someone else interjected.
Jayce listened to their bickering, frowning in frustration. "Action is key, or else more people will suffer," he asserted firmly. Caitlyn's mother suddenly stood up, drawing everyone's attention as Caitlyn and Vi entered the meeting room. "Councilors, my daughter has some unique insights on the situation in the Undercity," she announced.
"This is Vi," Caitlyn introduced. "Despite how many times we've failed and hurt her, she has shown me the truth about the Undercity. They suffer from disease and poverty and are further plagued by the shimmer drug. Suppressed by various factions, they are barely surviving, and the leader of these factions is Silco."
"I've already investigated Silco's background. He's an alchemical baron and entrepreneur; he has no need to do these things," a councilor interrupted. However, Caitlyn's question, "Who did you send to investigate, then?" left him speechless.
Jayce exchanged a glance with Mel and exhaled heavily. "What's his agenda against us?" he asked. Caitlyn replied, "He wants Zuan to break free from Piltover's control and create a new Zuan." Jayce then held up the mechanical firelight and asked, "And what about this? Who invented this?" Caitlyn glanced at Vi, unsure, but Vi intervened, "She's called Jinx," taking Caitlyn's hand.
"Has she got the gemstone?" Jayce inquired. Caitlyn nodded, and Jayce slammed the table in frustration saying, "Then force is the only solution." His youthful vigor made him impulsive, but Mel and Caitlyn objected simultaneously, warning, "That will provoke a war. There are many innocent people in the Undercity."
"Heh, there are plenty of villains as well," a councilor scoffed. Caitlyn continued, "Even if we press on, they have shimmer. Not to mention more formidable weapons—mechas. I'm not sure if they're mass-produced, but these mechas have terrifying power."
"We have Hextech," Jayce said, splaying his hands. Caitlyn frowned and questioned why he seemed so cavalier. "We've been having meetings incessantly, and the blood on the bridge hasn't even been cleaned up. How long are we supposed to endure?" Jayce argued, exasperated.
"Jayce, you don't understand war. I do," Mel advised. "We should never resort to war unless absolutely necessary. We can attempt diplomatic means." Seeing the council members sharing Mel's view, Jayce sighed helplessly. The meeting seemed destined to end inconclusively.
"Negotiate? You want to negotiate with Silco?" Vi angrily walked to the center of the council. "Ha, Vander also negotiated with him. He promised Vander he wouldn't misuse shimmer. And what happened?" Vi continued, venting her accumulated frustrations. "Oh well, you probably don't even know who Vander is. You should've learned your lesson! There's nothing to negotiate with Silco. He despises you and all that you've done." She was at odds with Silco, possibly for the people of Zuan or maybe because of the anger at Silco for turning her sister into what she had become.
"Enforcers, please escort these two ladies out," a councilor demanded, unable to handle Vi's verbal assault. Vi retorted, "I can leave on my own. I know where your flashy doors are," as she stormed out.
In Zuan, Phil slowly opened his eyes, feeling weak. The first thing he saw was Jinx by his side, her once vibrant blue eyes now lacking their former liveliness. "You're awake?" Silco's slightly hoarse voice sounded. Phil turned his head to see a cigarette ashtray filled with ashes. "I'm fine. How long have I been unconscious?" Unaware of his physical condition, Phil tried to sit up but winced in pain as his wound reopened.
Miraculously, a thin scab had formed over the wound on Phil's back. "Two days and one night," Jinx said, her lips chapped and lacking her usual vigor. "Don't be like this, Jinx. Isn't it good enough that we're alive?" Phil patted her head gently. "What's the current situation? Has the Upper City taken any countermeasures?" "No reaction yet, but that's also a good thing. Hopefully, it never does. That would be akin to Zaun's self-governance. Our main focus should be on capturing some trade routes. With its own economic development, Zaun can only get better," Silco explained clearly.
"What about Noxus? Have they taken any action? Do we still have a connection with them?" Phil asked weakly. "Them? Ha, an invading nation won't waste its energy taking over here. Other countries wouldn't idly watch Noxus control the global logistics hub. As for other methods, do you think we need to fear them? We just need to find new trading partners." "What about Bilgewater? It thrives on chaos, force, and money. They need shimmer and weapons," Phil suggested. "Not bad, I was thinking the same thing," Silco said, casting an approving glance at Phil. "I'll arrange for a fleet to head to Bilgewater soon. Even if the Upper City stalls, we'll have our trading channels and can engage in a prolonged battle with them."
Phil looked over at Silco, then at Jinx. "Jinx, come with me. Let Sevika stay behind to help you handle the Upper City issues. As for the Mecha Wolf, I won't take it. She should be able to make use of it." Phil didn't want Jinx to continue her love-hate battles with Vi. This time, he considered it a business trip that could also serve as a leisure trip. Having been in this world for so long, he'd never seen the sights of other cities and was curious to explore. Moreover, Jinx's emotions were unstable. She seemed calm now, but if she saw her sister and got provoked again, it might be difficult for him and Silco to handle. Clearly, Silco understood Phil's thoughts and nodded in agreement.
"I want to avenge Phil," Jinx suddenly spoke up, blaming Ekko and the enforcers for Phil's injuries—classic Jinx. "Phil is injured and needs protection on the journey. Are you sure you won't go?" Jinx pouted, "Fine, fine, I'll go." "Then it's settled. The sooner we act, the sooner we return. Prepare a merchant ship today, and head to Bilgewater at dawn," Phil decisively concluded.