lol: After being blessed by the Happy Demon, I became the harem king

Page 36

Upon hearing what Farn said, everyone present nodded and began to discuss the Piltover intervention issue more openly, exchanging ideas on the next reform plan—which required the cooperation of the reform movement and the cadre group under Hilko.

Yes, most of the cadres under Hilko were previously selected clean individuals, not accomplices of the Alchemist Baron and the Alchemist Thugs. And now, after vetting, they are being incorporated into the Winds of Change one by one.

Seeing that they were already discussing this matter, Farn didn't interrupt.

Now that he's in this position, all Fan needs to do is keep an eye on the big picture. Doing everything himself isn't Fan's style, nor is it something he's good at.

Once the overall strategy was determined, the news spread rapidly throughout Zaun that very evening, reaching every corner from the top to the bottom of the community via radio. During this process, some felt hope, but many more remained on the sidelines, observing. Among them were quite a few who were pessimistic.

There was no way around it; Piltover was looming overhead, visible every time you looked up. It was impossible not to feel the pressure. Under these circumstances, no one could be sure when Piltover might suddenly send a team of law enforcement officers to attack.

But when that time comes, can the changes in Zaun continue?

People are pessimistic.

72. Ultimatum and Response

After Farn determined the overall direction, the members of the Winds of Change organization quickly began to tackle the many deep-seated problems within Zaun.

The Piltover councilors had been waiting for news from Zaun for over two weeks, but there was still no indication of any intention to communicate. Their patience was wearing thin during the long wait.

Following the latest round of meetings, Piltover issued an ultimatum.

The contents of the ultimatum were public, and almost immediately after Piltover issued the relevant information, newspapers throughout the two cities quickly reported on the matter.

The content of this article undoubtedly angered everyone who sympathized with Zu'an.

[Piltwolf Council's Ultimatum to Zaun]

As Zaun's sister city, Piltover has been severely shaken by the riots instigated by the "Winds of Change" organization. Piltover attempted to stop the riots, but the "Winds of Change" organization persisted. Left with no other option, the Piltover Council issued an ultimatum: for the sake of the people and future of both cities, Piltover demands that Zaun restore peace.

The details of the ultimatum are as follows:

1. "Immediately end the riots."

① Surrender all control of the micro-light factories and immediately resume production to ensure that the shutdown during the riot will not affect future resource supply.

② Disband any armed groups (including those formerly under the command of Alchemist Baron Hilcor), or face extermination by Hextech Armed Forces.

Second: "Comprehensive Takeover of Resources and Channels"

① Before the uprising is completely stopped, the right of passage across the Bridge of Progress will be forcibly controlled indefinitely by Piltover Enforcers, and Zaun workers will need to hold a "permit" to enter the country.

② Before the riots are completely over, the export prices of Zaun minerals and alchemy raw materials will be set by the Piltover Council. At the same time, the fees for the Sun Gate-related alleys will increase, and the tax rate will rise to 54%.

Third: "Unconditional transfer of law enforcement power"

① Before the riots are completely stopped, Piltover police officers can arrest "those who threaten the stability of the two cities" across borders. Zaun will not be allowed to provide shelter or trial for them. All relevant individuals involved will be transferred to the Piltover court and, after conviction, transported to Cleanwater Prison.

② Before the riots are completely over, the Zaun security team and patrol teams must wear Piltover security-related monitoring devices, report their operations 24 hours in advance, and transmit a signal every five minutes during patrols to ensure the safety of personnel and their whereabouts.

Fourth: "Maintaining Stability in Zu'an"

① The winds of change must immediately cease all related crimes, infringements, and actions that harm the interests of the people of both cities. Furthermore, a “Zuan Maintenance Committee” must be immediately established, with its members appointed and reviewed by the Piltover Council to ensure they possess sufficient compassion.

② Considering the local situation in Zaun, the maintenance council has no power to enact laws, but it can enforce the "Twin Cities Co-administration Treaty" signed by the Piltover Council.

Five: "The Consequences of Refusing"

① If the agreement is refused and no response is given within 24 hours, Piltover will immediately cut off Zaun's medical supplies, clean water, and Hextech energy supply.

② If the agreement is refused, the interest rate on Zuan's debt will be increased by 300%, and those who fail to repay on time will have their land and industrial facilities confiscated.

Supplementary Provisions:

"Any act of resistance shall be considered a declaration of war against Piltover and its allies."

—Signatures: Piltover Supreme Council Collective. —

"I want to leave, I want to leave right now!!"

Inside Jess's weapons workshop, Viktor, despite his chronic ailment, forced himself to stand, his face contorted with rage, and said, "Not again! This is the third time in my life that Piltover has issued such an ultimatum to Zaun!"

Viktor gritted his teeth and said, "The first time it was Vander, the second time it was Hillco, and now it's Winds of Change, that guy named Farn... I finally understand, Piltover has never treated Zaun as a brother city, but as a blood bank!!"

Upon hearing this, Jess, who had developed a thick stubble on his face due to his all-night studying, opened his mouth but ultimately did not express his thoughts. Jess really wanted to ask: You're only finding out now?

But upon closer reflection, Jess would also think that Viktor's behavior was normal.

As a close friend, Jess knew very well that Viktor was a tech geek in the truest sense of the word. Although the two of them had developed many technologies together that advanced Piltover's science and technology, especially those related to Hextech crystals, by decades, Viktor was simply too pure, even somewhat naive.

He attempted to develop technology in Piltover to benefit Zaun and ultimately change its status quo… Viktor had always done this. Even Jayce himself once believed that Viktor's approach was correct, the method civilized people should choose.

However, after joining the Piltover Council, Jayce now clearly realizes that it was all bullshit.

Technology is useful, but how it's implemented depends on how those in power use it. And Jayce, as a member of the Piltover Council, was molded into a representative of the Piltover dream, but he now knows very well that the Piltover dream is utter nonsense.

Even Jayce is dissatisfied with the changes in Zaun... Of course, Jayce won't say it directly. In essence, he is still a kind person, but growing up in Piltover has given him some of the ostentation and pride nurtured by the local social environment.

Thinking this, Jayce coughed lightly, then carefully chose his words and said to Viktor, "Actually... Viktor, don't you think what Zaun is doing right now is a bit illogical? Zaun is basically rushing headlong down a dead end. This constant refusal to communicate and the ban on factories and trade in Piltover, to be honest, I feel that the responsibility lies with those guys from the Zaun ditch."

Upon hearing this, Viktor looked at Jess beside him with disbelief. His thin face was full of incredulity, and his mouth was wide open, as if he had a lot to say, but in the end, he didn't know how to say it.

After a long silence, Viktor finally spoke, his voice hoarse, "Why...why do you feel that way..."

"Because the Hextech factory has stopped production!" Hearing Viktor's words and feeling his gaze, Jess, who clearly believed he was the one who was right and had the right mindset, felt inexplicably agitated. He then gritted his teeth and said:

“Think about it, Viktor, think about it carefully. Why were we able to change our lives? Why were we able to become the representatives of the Piltover dream? Isn’t it precisely because we successfully improved Hextech Crystal energy technology, enabling the construction of flying gates and airships, allowing Piltover caravans to reach farther places more safely and in less time?”

“But let’s think about this carefully, what do we have left besides this?!” Jayce frowned, looking intently at Viktor. “All our reputation, glory, wealth, resources… are built on our workshops, on our patents in Hextech Crystal energy. And now, with the Zaun riots, the Hextech Crystal refining plants shut down, and the Hextech Crystal-related technology industry ceasing production and development—we’re on the verge of destruction!!!”

"Zaun isn't rioting! It's undergoing self-reform!!" Viktor couldn't hold back any longer as Jayce shouted, staring intently at him and saying, "Hasn't Piltover always said that Zaun is a lawless place, a city of sin? So now that Zaun wants to change, why is Piltover issuing an ultimatum to question us?"

"No, it's not questioning!" Viktor paused, then said through gritted teeth, "It's coercion!! Piltover is forcing Zaun to make a choice! Forcing Zaun to choose between dying and continuing to be a blood bag!!"

"Almost done!"

Suddenly, Jayce also burst out: "Does Zaun have a better option? That guy named Fane is powerful, but can he kill Piltover's cannons and armor?! Zaun never had a better option from the start! But you! But you, Viktor! You should think about where you are right now! Would you be more comfortable going back to that stinking sewer of Zaun than staying in this Hextech workshop?!"

"Jess!!" Upon hearing this, Viktor's eyes widened in disbelief: "Why would you think that? And why would you think that about me?!"

Sensing the intense disbelief in Viktor's eyes, Jayce opened his mouth, then thought of his current status, reputation, identity, honor, wealth, achievements... and the 'Piltover dream' he had achieved through hard work.

Jess pursed his lips and said in a deep voice, "Call me Congressman."

Upon hearing this, Victor opened his mouth, then suddenly seemed to have all his strength drained away, his whole body slumped down, and then walked past Jess without saying a word, coldly saying, "I'm leaving this place."

Sensing Viktor's indifference, Jess pursed his lips, but ultimately remained silent.

But not long after Viktor left, and while Jess was still contemplating whether he should back out, Viktor returned, his face contorted with rage, as if betrayed by his best friend. He glared at Jess and said, "Did you call those people down there?!"

"Huh?" Upon hearing this, Jess was taken aback, and then realized that a group of law enforcement officers had appeared outside the door at some point.

"No, it wasn't me, I don't know!"

Seeing the panic on Jess's face, Viktor frowned as well. He then looked at the enforcer behind him, who remained expressionless. He simply took out a document signed by the Piltover Council. The document was not long and mainly contained information on monitoring and investigating suspicious individuals who sympathized with Zaun, and protecting special personnel who might be attacked by Zaun.

And Viktor...

"Protection? Isn't it surveillance?!"

Viktor, exasperated, laughed and coughed repeatedly, his hands resting on the table.

"Isn't this surveillance?"

Upon hearing this, Jess's face was filled with embarrassment; clearly, he didn't believe he was protecting Viktor either...

Just then, a dark-skinned, curly-haired female researcher ran over and said to Viktor and the others, "Zaun's response is out!"

73. Zaun's Response

Skye, Victor's best friend and mutual admirer.

Born in Zaun, she is nominally Viktor's female assistant, but in reality, their bond began long ago when they played together in the same Zaunian canyon after Viktor disappeared.

Viktor had been in poor health since childhood and therefore had few friends. It was under these circumstances that Tear-chan, who had admired and looked up to Viktor since childhood, saw his resilience as a source of inspiration for her. Viktor, in turn, loved this girl who didn't care about his physical frailty but appreciated his rich inner world.

However, both of them were rather reserved, so while they were grateful to each other, they never dared to break the final barrier between them.

Even so, the two are still the closest of friends—at least much stronger than the relationship between Jess and Mel during the Battle of the Twin Cities.

Ultimately, she was reduced to dust during one of Viktor's illegal experiments. However, after Viktor received a leap in his life level from the runes, Skye reappeared in Viktor's spiritual realm to accompany him. Only when Viktor completely abandoned his humanity did he finally disappear from the game.

But at this point in time, Skye is still alive and in much better condition than during the Battle of the Twin Cities. After all, Piltover's development in this timeline is much more rapid than in the Battle of the Twin Cities timeline.

To put it another way, the exploitation of Zuan is even more intense.

Upon hearing Skye's words, not only Victor and Jess, but even the law enforcement officers who were ordered to monitor... or protect Victor, glanced at her slightly and did not discuss Skye's forced entry into the place.

Looking at Jess, despite their recent argument, they were still good friends. After calming down and thinking it over carefully, Victor realized that they had known each other for some time and understood Jess's character—a kind-hearted Mrs. Piltover who didn't fit the stereotypical image of a rigid woman.

His prejudice against Zaun was genuine, but it mostly stemmed from hearsay. He never held genuine talent in prejudice because of their background. In fact, his prejudice against Zaun led him to admire scholars from Zaun, seeing them as untainted by their surroundings.

Generally speaking, such people only need to experience the living environment and social atmosphere of Zaun firsthand to understand it.

Given Jayce's personality... if it really was an enforcer Jayce had sent to monitor him, he wouldn't even have made it to the workshop yet; he'd probably be taken to Piltover Police Station for questioning before he even left his apartment. Instead, he's now looking at the enforcer with surprise and disbelief, seemingly unable to understand why Piltover would treat a high-ranking scholar like himself this way.

Thinking this through, after a moment of silence, Viktor took the initiative to speak: "What is the response from the Winds of Change side?"

Upon hearing Viktor's question, Skye nodded and quickly produced a brief copy of Zaun's response.

After a quick glance, a look of surprise appeared in Viktor and Jess's eyes.

The reason is simple: the wording of this response was extremely strong. In fact, it wasn't just a response to Piltover's ultimatum, but rather a message to rule Piltover—

"Zaun has suffered countless exploitations from Piltover over the past decades, but from now on, Zaun will belong to the Zaunites, and will be governed by the Zaunites themselves. Piltover has taken in the Alchemist Barons who caused chaos in Zaun and are now on the run. Piltover has 24 hours to send all the Alchemist Barons back to Zaun, or Zaun will take strong measures."

Upon seeing the last sentence, "Zaun will become Zaun for the people of Zaun," Viktor's heart skipped a beat. And when he saw the following sentence restricting Piltover from handing over the Alchemist Baron, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Heh... Ha!"

A disdainful laugh came from the side. Upon hearing this, Victor and Jess also turned their gazes toward the law enforcement officer standing to the side.

Sensing their gazes, the law enforcement officer rubbed his face, then gave an awkward but polite smile before continuing to stand aside and 'protect' Viktor.

After a moment of silence, Jayce shrugged, his expression somewhat subtle and awkward, and said, "Uh... to be honest, Viktor, I think those guys from Zaun are probably just a bunch of pure lunatics."

"What are they trying to do? What are they planning to do? Do they really think that having that guy named Fain will be enough to take down Piltover? And even if they did, so what? You know the interests in Piltover are far more complex than they appear. Forget about the other city-states, the Middarda family of the Piltover Council alone comes from Noxus. Otherwise, why would the Middarda family be able to monopolize all of Noxus's trade..."

Upon hearing this, Viktor fell silent for a moment, but then said, "They know about this too."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Jess looked at Viktor with a puzzled expression, but Viktor simply said quietly, "Think back to the twin-city model that Farn gave us... Do you remember? The final conclusion of that model. I don't know what results you got through your calculations, but in my verification, a fierce violent conflict will break out between the twin cities sooner or later."

"So what? So he dragged the entire Zaun here to their deaths? To crash headfirst into the outer wall of Piltover? And you're still here supporting him?" Jayce's face was full of disbelief.

Victor shook his head: "I don't believe that someone who can produce a Twin Cities model is a reckless person without wisdom. Moreover, the fact that they responded immediately to Piltover's ultimatum shows that Zaun had anticipated this and had already finalized their plans."

As he said this, Viktor's eyes gradually brightened.

"Although I don't know what Fan's purpose is, I believe they must have a reason for doing this. Otherwise, they wouldn't have responded so immediately."

As he spoke, Viktor's eyes also revealed an expectant look: "Let's wait and see how it goes."

While Victor and the others were waiting to see what would happen, Zaun responded from the other side, and Hilko and the others began to set up the grounds in the middle plaza.

Given the previous Zaun riots, the appearance of Hilko and his group in the mid-level plaza immediately raised high alert among the Piltover law enforcement forces.

Piltover merchants and residents who were originally located near the central plaza were forcibly relocated, and a large number of law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the central plaza and began to build a defensive line at the edge of the boundary between the two cities.

To the surprise of the people of Piltover, the Zaunites, upon arriving at the mid-level plaza, showed no intention of engaging in combat. Instead, the Zaunite workers, upon witnessing the Piltover women's reaction, simply and nonchalantly constructed a setup resembling a concert stage.

Although it seemed insignificant, this still drew serious attention from those in Piltover. Even Vi's visits were temporarily suspended—Vi's identity was rather special; as Vander's former adopted daughter, her identity could play a crucial role that even Vander himself might not realize when necessary. However, precisely because of this, it had to be used with caution.

On the other hand, although he already had a relatively clear understanding of Fane's power, Hilko was still somewhat amazed and nervous about what Fane was about to do.

"That guy... your son-in-law, are you sure you want to do this?"

Hilko turned to the side, where Shuona, who was standing with her arms crossed and was even larger than herself, and said, "This is no joke... I'm not very familiar with Fan, so what do you think of Fan's preparations?"

Hearing this, Shuona glanced at Hilko and shrugged, saying, "You're asking a frog how powerful a shark in the ocean is... You're asking me how well Fane is prepared. Even if he wasn't prepared, I wouldn't be his match. How would I know if he's prepared or not?"

“...That’s true.” Upon hearing this, Hilko nodded, then sighed and said, “Now that things have come to this, I have no other choice but to believe.”

"The worst that can happen is that it'll just turn back into the way it was when you ruled Zaun. What's there to worry about?" Shuona shook her head indifferently, then, as if remembering something, the corners of her mouth curved slightly, and she said with great interest, "More importantly, you've seen Piltover's response, right? What did you think of it?"

Hearing Shuona's enthusiastic question, Hilko recalled Piltover's response to Fain. For a moment, even someone as bitter and resentful as Hilko couldn't help but smile, before quickly regaining his composure and saying:

"Actually, in a sense, I can understand why they think that way. After all, I only learned so much about the truth of Zaun after I actually met Janna."

As he said this, Hilko glanced at the Storm Mark on the back of his hand, then looked toward the Piltover front not far away. After a moment of silence, a light smile appeared on his lips.

The following day, as the 24-hour deadline given by Farn drew ever closer, and with Piltover on high alert, Zaun also made a new move.