Arcane: Winds of Change

For more chapters (10+) or if you want to support me, visit https://www.patreon.com/FFAddict. Thank you!

Chapter 41: Casualties

Turmoil swept through Bilgewater as Phil and his companions evaded capture by Gangplank. Gangplank saw this pursuit as an opportunity to solidify his power and claim the title of the sea's ruler. He began absorbing smaller factions while creating friction with larger powers. Meanwhile, after fending off initial attacks, Phil and his allies managed to reach Ironwater, leaving the turbulent waters behind.

During the clash between Phil and Gangplank, a girl named Sarah awoke in intense pain. As she opened her eyes, she saw the wreckage around her and the two combatants locked in battle. One of them was the man who had killed her parents. Eager for revenge but aware of her current limitations, she hid in the corner, quietly observing the fight.

With Phil's departure and Gangplank's rage unabated, Sarah seized a chance to reclaim her broken dual pistols. These were her mother's masterpieces, representing the pinnacle of firearms technology in those seas—when intact. The young girl slipped away, nursing her wounds and gathering intelligence on the man. She learned that he had crowned himself the Pirate King, forcing all captains under his command. This knowledge planted a seed of vengeance within her heart, but that tale is for another time.

Phil was now aboard a ship bound for Zaun. "Phil, do you think Zaun won't go to war with Piltover now?" Jinx asked, clutching her gun beside him.

"No, they're both exercising restraint. Though Zaun and Piltover have long been at odds, they're technically one city. Any internal conflict would likely invite external threats," Phil replied, gazing out at the sea from the mast. Despite his confident tone, he remained uncertain about the situation over there.

"Alright, I was hoping for some action. Should I cause another big explosion when we get back?!" Jinx asked eagerly.

"Let's not. My old bones can't handle that kind of excitement." Phil had grown more cautious since his last injury.

While they spoke, Piltover began its armed suppression. The council had debated and ultimately decided to flex their military might. Piltover wasn't just reliant on the enforcers' threats; it wielded advanced technological weaponry.

Professor Heimerdinger had once found Piltover in turmoil, threatened by external forces due to its strategic location. Thus, weaponry was extensively developed, leading to a bloody conflict with many casualties—a fact that later stopped Heimerdinger from inventing more weapons and turning his focus to civilian infrastructure.

With Piltover's rapid advancement, other factions no longer dared to challenge it openly.

"Officer report! Combat Robot Model 0-1 is ready. There are ten squads, each with five robots. War Killer Model 0-2 is prepared, with five units positioned on the bridge, awaiting instructions," an enforcer reported the preparations, donned in his uniform.

"Very well, inform all departments. Launch the first probing attack in ten minutes. War Killers, stand by. The council's orders—we proceed with a full-scale assault if we breach the bridge in the first attack."

"Understood." With that, the enforcer saluted again and withdrew.

On the bridge, Piltover's enforcers were lined up, blue robots at the forefront ready to engage. Their robotic eyes devoid of emotion, programmed only to obliterate the intended targets.

--- Zaun ---

"Boss, looks like the uptowners are gearing up for an attack," a punk-styled youth informed Silco.

"Don't worry. We're well-prepared too. If they want a fight, we'll give them one they'll never forget, so they'll never underestimate Zaun or look down on us again," Silco declared resolutely.

With his order, cheers erupted among the people of Zaun. Their unity was their greatest strength. Impatient fighters stormed the bridge, armed with Silco's provided serums—the catalyst for a looming battle between the two cities. As each second ticked by, the blue robots, guided by their programming, advanced toward the opposite side of the bridge. The people of Zaun injected themselves with the serum, its purple liquid coursing through their veins, causing their blood vessels to bulge and muscles to swell. Their eyes glowed with an eerie purple light. The effects of the intravenous injection were more pronounced and dangerous than oral doses.

Zaun's warriors entered the fray, their massive fists striking the robots, sparking bursts of electricity. Bullets were absorbed by their enhanced muscles, unable to penetrate. In this moment, they seemed like true war machines. As they destroyed one robot after another, the robots' heads detached from their bodies, emitting terrifying electrical arcs. The first robot torn apart triggered a massive explosion. Subsequent explosions followed like a chain reaction. "Fall back!" Silco shouted, his voice filled with anguish from the rear command post. The people from the upper city lost machines, but Zaun lost real humans.

Zaun had suffered from dwindling population numbers over the years, and Silco felt the sting of each loss. As he issued the retreat order, those still retaining their senses withdrew. However, those consumed by power, now fearless of death, recklessly charged forward, trying to take down a few enforcers with their lives. With Silco's order to retreat, the robot explosions ceased. Both sides pulled back to count their casualties and plan their next move.

"Silco, let me lead the charge next time," proposed Sevika, Silco's top lieutenant and secretary. Silco's face was grim, realizing his strategy was to blame for the heavy losses. "I should have anticipated this when I saw the enforcers hold back. Next, we'll use firearms to clear the way, then deploy the alchemy mechs to minimize losses. It looks like they want a war of attrition." While Silco didn't directly answer Sevika, he issued his preparations.

"What about the casualties?" Sevika inquired. "Provide the highest level of compensation. If they have relatives, give it to them; otherwise, it goes to their spouses. We must show our commitment," Silco declared, lighting a cigar. Sevika hesitated but ultimately agreed, "Understood."

Silco knew what Sevika wanted to say—their reserves were depleting. Yet, Phil would return soon, hopefully bearing good news. Lost in thought, he gazed at Zaun's sky, shrouded in dark clouds.