Arcane: Winds of Change

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Chapter 18: Stillwater Prison

Soon, Silco's orders spread across the Undercity, stirring up everyone in the back alleys. They had been waiting for this day for a long time. "Sevika, are we declaring war on the Upper City?" someone asked in disbelief. "This is Silco's order. Your job is just to do what you're supposed to do," Sevika said coldly, but it was clear she was also excited. After re-injecting the alchemy serum into her modified arm, Sevika looked at the crowd: "Now, let's give those enforcers a surprise."

Marcus in Piltover was unaware of Zuan's intentions of waging war against the Upper City. The unprepared enforcers were caught off guard. Most were beaten up and captured, with only a few managing to escape back to Piltover to report the news.

At this moment, Sheriff Marcus was overwhelmed with stress. Just yesterday, he had promised Jayce that the culprits could be captured, but today, a significant number of enforcers were decimated in the back alleys. It was after two in the morning, and he dared not cover up the incident any longer. He quickly relocated his wife and daughter before reporting the matter to the council.

At three in the morning, the council convened once more due to the uprising in Zuan. "Marcus, I recall what you told me last night!" Jayce exclaimed with a very displeased expression. It was only his first day in office, and already such a crisis occurred. "Ha~ can't this wait until morning?" a bald councilor yawned, reluctant to lose his sleep since he wasn't affected.

"The situation is very serious! Zuan's actions are practically a declaration of war against us." Mel's expression was solemn. Being from Noxus, she understood the harsh realities of war. "Sheriff Marcus, please share your current investigation results and the situation in Zuan."

Forced to muster courage, Marcus reluctantly spoke of what he knew: "According to my subordinates, last night, just as the enforcers were preparing to withdraw, people from the Undercity suddenly counterattacked. They had some armor and a lot of weapons. Our enforcers were caught completely off guard."

"Investigations show that the group inciting the Undercity uprising is a gang led by Silco. They have long operated in the back alleys and have become a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, the shimmer serum they produce and sell is addictive and can significantly amplify human potential." 

"Why wasn't this crucial information in your earlier report?" Councilor Talis fumed with anger. "Also, new information just came in: a merchant ship was completely looted while passing near the Sun Gate. All its cargo was taken, and the ship was destroyed. Luckily, there were no casualties, but the merchants unanimously believe that Piltover should bear the losses," Marcus revealed all the clues.

He genuinely cared for Piltover, though a small personal interest involved him with Silco. He never intended to betray Piltover. Realizing his position was already threatened, and having moved his family, he decided to disclose everything he knew. "Silco's influence in the back alleys is formidable. I recommend a cautious approach to countermeasures," Marcus concluded, stepping back silently.

"Given Sheriff Marcus's negligence, I believe he is no longer suitable for his position," Councilor Kiramman proposed. "I agree with Councilor Kiramman." "I second that." The remaining council members expressed their agreement one after another.

Deciding who would take responsibility for the matter was another issue. As everyone tried to shirk the responsibility, Jayce eventually volunteered, stating that he would quickly quell the uprising in Zuan. After the emergency meeting, Jayce didn't go home but returned to his laboratory. To his surprise, Viktor was still there conducting research.

"Viktor, we need to accelerate the development of stable Hextech crystals," Jayce said, recounting the day's events to his close friend.

"You want to make weapons? No, Jayce. We are scientists, not warmongers with ambitions for weaponry," Viktor firmly objected. Progress had already been made on the stable Hextech crystals, and focusing more resources on the project could yield results soon.

"I'm not just a scientist; I'm a councilor! I have to be responsible for Piltover. Besides, the ones we're dealing with are just lowly Zuanites," Jayce was a bit anxious.

Viktor gave Jayce a deep look and said, "I am a Zuanite," before leaving the lab. Jayce reached out to try and stop him but found himself unable to say anything.

Under the cover of night, Caitlyn took a small boat to Stillwater Prison. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, the prison had an oppressive feel. After climbing the long stairs, Caitlyn found herself in front of the corpulent warden. "I need to interrogate one of your prisoners," she said.

The warden smiled slyly. "Sure, but the prisoners here don't always answer questions. They're not very talkative."

Caitlyn was unsure of what he meant. "I'm looking for the culprit of the explosion from two years ago, Violet. I hope you'll cooperate with me."

"Oh? Prisoner 516? We just gave her some special attention today," the warden said with a grin. "You can ask her if she's in a condition to talk."

As the elevator descended, Caitlyn rode deep into the prison. The warden's words echoed in her mind, making her feel a chill down her spine, unaccustomed to the harshness outside her sheltered upbringing. She slowly approached the designated cell, where a girl was curled up in a corner, blood staining the ground, though a glint of defiance could still be seen in her eyes.

Hearing footsteps in the hallway, she slowly stood up, bracing against the wall. "Who?!"

"You're the one responsible for the explosion two years ago, right?" Caitlyn asked directly, alarmed by the sight of blood in the cell.

"If you say so," Vi replied flatly.

"Your accomplices perished in the explosion in the Undercity?" Caitlyn brought up the topic directly.

Vi's lip twitched. "How should I know?"

"Asking you is a waste of time," Caitlyn said, realizing Vi wasn't going to cooperate.

"Isn't it just?" Vi replied.

Caitlyn was a little infuriated; few people born into the Kiramman family dared speak to her this way. Suppressing her temper, she pulled out a manuscript. "Have you seen this?"