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Was it difficult to go to Bilgewater and kill Gangplank?
From the perspective of Gangplank's personal strength, it was a simple task.
The fact that Gangplank was still able to reign over the seas meant that he had not yet experienced the events of The Burning Tides. This also meant that he had not undergone the trials of Nagakabouros, and his soul and will had not been tempered to break the limits of mortality.
The current Gangplank was just a mortal who relied on his cunning and firearms to dominate the seas.
And mortals, in the eyes of Link Star and Pride, were nothing more than ants. The only difference was whether they were strong or weak.
However, when considering the power and influence Gangplank wielded, the task became much more complicated.
Bilgewater was entirely under Gangplank's control. From the city's administrators to the street thugs, everyone was part of his network. To kill Gangplank meant preparing to face the entire city.
What was Bilgewater's military strength like?
Aside from a few exceptional individuals, Link Star could easily slaughter his way through.
But the real challenge lay in the legendary Four Terrors: the tax-collecting Leviathan, the debt-collecting Pyke, the mischievous Fizz, and the greedy Tahm Kench.
Moreover, Bilgewater's unique geographical location bred a population of ruthless, greedy, and cunning individuals.
Most importantly, there was the festival known as the Harrowing.
During this festival, the death god Kindred was highly likely to appear, toying with mortals and leaving behind tales of terror.
Of course, in Link Star's opinion, the biggest reason was Bilgewater's proximity to the Shadow Isles. The undead souls trapped on the Shadow Isles were like a feast locked in a cage for Kindred—visible but untouchable.
Driven by their duty as death gods, Kindred harbored an insatiable desire to hunt down any souls that should have passed on but remained in the mortal world.
They would not treat these souls with the same patience they showed mortals. For the undead, only fangs and arrows awaited.
In a way, the Twin Cities were no match for Bilgewater in terms of danger.
Additionally, there was the matter of Illaoi.
Though she was an ex-lover, she still held some affection for Gangplank. Otherwise, during the events of The Burning Tides, she wouldn't have sent help when Gangplank was in dire straits.
Therefore, to eliminate the threat and trouble posed by Gangplank, Link Star's only option was to act swiftly.
He needed to launch a blitzkrieg!
He had to ensure that Gangplank was dead before anyone could react.
But the problem remained: if the sole purpose was to kill Gangplank, the cost of this mission would far outweigh the benefits.
It was a losing deal.
After waiting for Link Star to ponder for a while, Dacoria's impatience got the better of her. "Do you have a plan?" she asked.
"I do," Link Star nodded. "I'll go to Bilgewater and kill Gangplank."
Dacoria shook her head. "That won't work!"
"Why not?" Link Star frowned.
Dacoria explained, "The Harrowing is approaching. Even with the Hexgate, you can reach Bilgewater quickly, but there won't be enough time for you to return to Piltover. Even if you kill Gangplank, you'll face retaliation from the entire city and the Black Mist of the Harrowing."
Link Star raised an eyebrow. Gangplank had chosen the perfect time to strike.
What was the Harrowing?
The Harrowing was the manifestation of the Ruination, a carnival for the undead and a disaster for the living—a recurring nightmare.
The Harrowing revived and transformed the dead, bringing forth endless waves of undead spirits and claiming all life in its path.
If Link Star chose to act before the Harrowing, even if he succeeded, he wouldn't be able to return in time and would have to face the Black Mist, stranded in Bilgewater.
The seas were far more dangerous than land during the Harrowing.
If he waited until after the Harrowing, Link Star would face a united pirate city that had just survived the ordeal.
Gangplank's control over Bilgewater was largely due to his ability to lead his people through the Harrowing.
Choosing to strike after the Harrowing would likely result in facing both the pirates and Illaoi.
But—
Link Star's eyes gleamed as he spoke, "No, we must take the initiative and strike during the Harrowing!"
"Are you insane?" Dacoria exclaimed in disbelief. "Do you even know what the Harrowing is?"
"I do, but great risks often bring even greater rewards!" Link Star paced in front of Dacoria, while Pride watched him curiously from a distance.
"Do you know why Gangplank has been able to hold onto his position as the Pirate King for so long?"
Dacoria hesitated. "Because of his ruthlessness?"
"That's only part of it. The main reason is that he fights on the front lines during the Harrowing, helping Bilgewater survive with minimal losses and allowing its people to see the next day's sun."
Link Star also recalled the events of Fortune's Smile, where Miss Fortune, after avenging herself by blowing up Gangplank's ship, struggled to gain control of the city.
Why?
Because she hadn't proven herself worthy of being the Pirate Queen.
That worthiness was determined by her ability to lead Bilgewater through the Harrowing, just as Gangplank had.
Gangplank was strong, but his reign wasn't solely due to his ruthlessness. It was also because he gave people hope during the Harrowing and fought against the Black Mist.
"Are you suggesting...?" Dacoria covered her mouth in shock.
Link Star smiled. "The losses suffered by House Ferros won't just be repaid by Gangplank. I'll take the entire city as compensation."
"But the Harrowing is extremely dangerous," Dacoria said with concern.
Link Star took a deep breath. "But it's also an opportunity for us."
"Kill Gangplank, subdue the city, fight the Harrowing, and seize the Pirate King's throne. Bring Bilgewater under my—under our—under House Ferros' control!"
"The Hexgate's flaw is well-known: it only allows one-way travel. Returning requires sea or air transport.
"Sea travel is costly, and the fuel for airships is even more expensive.
"But if we take Bilgewater, House Ferros will no longer have to fear the risks and losses of sea travel. We can monopolize the wealth of half of Runeterra!"
"You're a madman!" Dacoria muttered in disbelief.
Link Star reached out and gently touched Dacoria's silver-gray hair, reminiscent of Camille's. "Yes, I'm a madman. But I know exactly what I'm doing and what I stand to gain."
"No, this is too risky," Dacoria shook her head. "I can't let you take such a gamble over a shipment of goods!"
"This isn't up for debate!"
"Then I'll take it to Camille," Link Star said calmly. "She'll support me."
"No, she won't!" Dacoria retorted. "Even Grandmother wouldn't allow you to act so recklessly."
"Really?"
Link Star glanced to the side, and Dacoria followed his gaze to see Camille, who had arrived unnoticed.
Camille was dressed in a tailored suit, her hands folded elegantly over her abdomen. Her demeanor was calm and composed, as if nothing in the world could faze her.
"Grandmother!" Dacoria rushed to Camille like a tattletale student. "Link Star has gone mad! He—"
Camille placed a finger on Dacoria's lips, her blue eyes locking onto Link Star as the veins around her eyes glowed faintly.
"My dear, are you confident in this plan?"
Link Star glanced at Pride before answering confidently, "I can bring a new city under the family's control."
"Then go ahead. The family will always be your strongest support."
Camille removed her finger from Dacoria's lips and returned to her composed stance.
"The entire Twin Cities are at your disposal—manpower, resources, even me." Camille tilted her chin slightly. "You may use and command everything as you see fit."
"But on one condition—"
"I understand," Link Star nodded.
"Then prepare yourself, my dear. I look forward to the surprises you'll bring."
"Yes."
Link Star called Pride back to the workshop. He still needed to continue his injections of the human enhancement serum.
After Link Star left, Dacoria asked, "Grandmother, why did you—?"
"Dacoria," Camille's voice was cold and emotionless.
Dacoria shuddered, recalling the afternoon when her grandfather had been strangled to death by Camille.
"Grandmother," Dacoria stammered.
"Link Star is your spy, your shadow. If you can't even trust your own shadow, then you're not fit to be the head of this family."
Dacoria trembled as Camille continued, "If you can't handle the responsibilities of being the family head, then step aside and focus on bearing children for Link Star, ensuring the continuation of the Ferros bloodline."
Dacoria lowered her head in fear, but Camille forcefully lifted her chin, forcing her to meet her gaze.
"Now, repeat the family motto."
Dacoria's voice shook as she forced out the words, "For my family, I will sacrifice everything."
"Good," Camille released Dacoria's chin and straightened her collar. "Never forget your duty."
"Yes—"
"Go now. Prepare everything Link Star needs."
"As you command, Lady Ferros."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 130 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 310 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.