Who Agrees, Who Opposes?

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The roar—

It was like a thunderstorm, shaking the entire hall. The air rippled, and the faint waves of energy pushed outward, transforming into a violent gust of wind that assaulted everyone present indiscriminately.

In an instant, chaos ensued.

The marble floor cracked and caved in, spiderweb-like fissures spreading across every corner of the banquet hall. Tables laden with food and drinks were overturned, sending plates and glasses flying. Even the grand crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling swayed dangerously.

In just a few seconds, the once-pristine banquet hall looked as if it had been hit by a hurricane.

When the roar finally subsided, the guests were left in stunned silence, their faces pale with fear and awe. They turned their trembling gazes toward Pride, their hearts pounding uncontrollably.

"Enough. You're scaring them," Link Star said calmly, his voice cutting through the tension.

Pride immediately stopped roaring, steam billowing from its nostrils. Its glowing red eyes scanned the room, and wherever its gaze fell, the guests felt as though an invisible hand had gripped their hearts, making it hard to breathe.

"What... is this?" Ambessa Medarda, one of the attendees, muttered under her breath. After the initial shock wore off, her eyes widened with pure greed and ambition.

If she could obtain such a weapon, not only would the threat of the Black Rose be trivial, but she could even return to Noxus and overthrow the current regime without breaking a sweat.

"Is this guy trying to intimidate us?" Caitlyn muttered, brushing off the stains on her dress. The food and drinks spilled during Pride's roar had left a mess on her outfit.

As an enforcer, her instincts told her that this was indeed a show of force—directed at all the powerful figures in the room.

"But what's the purpose?" Caitlyn wondered, glancing at her father. She regretted not bringing Vi along. If Vi were here, the two of them could handle any sudden crisis and ensure her father's safe escape.

But it was too late for regrets now. She had to face this situation alone.

"Link Star, this guy..." Jayce clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Even in a setting like this, he's still so... brutish!"

"No, Jayce," Viktor interjected, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "This isn't just a display of power. It's a warning."

"A warning?" Ekko asked, turning to Viktor.

"Just keep watching," Viktor replied softly. "I believe we'll get our answers soon."

"Ladies and gentlemen, my sincerest apologies," Link Star said with a polite smile. He raised his hand, and Pride obediently lowered its head, allowing Link Star to pat it gently.

"This child was only recently born. It's still learning to control itself and is... a bit shy."

Pride's eyes narrowed, its gaze sharp and cold, sending shivers down everyone's spines.

Shy? The guests screamed internally.

Since when does a 'shy' child unleash a hurricane in the middle of a banquet hall?!

This is pure intimidation!

Despite their inner protests, none dared to voice their thoughts. Instead, they forced out nervous laughter.

"Oh, it's fine. Children are always a bit shy at first."

"Yes, it's quite... endearing."

"Haha, I love shy children! Haha—"

...

"I'm glad you all understand. After all, Pride is still maturing mentally," Link Star said, his words carrying a subtle undertone that some of the more perceptive guests picked up on.

Mentally maturing?

Does that mean this mechanical beast has its own thoughts?

If it can think for itself, then it can grow... and evolve.

The implications sent a wave of fear through the room.

"To make up for the fright, I'll have Pride perform a little show for everyone," Link Star announced, leading Pride toward the balcony overlooking the sea.

The crowd parted like the Red Sea as they passed.

Once on the balcony, Link Star nodded to Janna, who clapped her hands. Instantly, buoys lit up on the dark ocean, their lights flickering like fireflies on the waves.

"Pride, activate annihilation mode," Link Star commanded, his voice cold and detached.

Pride's eyes glowed red as its wings unfolded, and crystalline armor began to form around its body. Energy pulses radiated from its form, and the heat it emitted was almost unbearable.

"Target: the buoys. Mission: total destruction."

As soon as Link Star finished speaking, another gust of wind swept through the hall, knocking guests off their feet. Pride shot into the sky, leaving a trail of red and blue light as it descended upon the buoys.

"Ladies and gentlemen, keep your eyes open. A show like this is a rare sight!" Link Star declared.

The guests watched in awe as Pride dove toward the buoys.

Then—

Whoosh!

A brilliant beam of energy tore through the night, illuminating the sky and sea. The explosion that followed vaporized the buoys and sent massive waves crashing across the ocean.

In that moment, every guest's face turned as pale as snow, their hearts frozen with fear.

From the shadows, Camille Ferros smirked and turned away.

The game is over. From this day forward, House Ferros will remain the unspoken rulers of Piltover and Zaun.

No one will dare to oppose us.

The sound of air being sliced echoed as Pride returned to the balcony, its wings spread wide, exuding an air of invincibility as it gazed down at the guests.

"The show is over. I hope you enjoyed it," Link Star said, bowing like a performer at the end of a grand act.

The hall was silent, save for the sound of someone clapping. Soon, the entire room erupted into applause, the guests clapping so hard their hands turned red.

"Thank you, thank you," Link Star said with a satisfied smile. He raised his hand, and the applause ceased immediately.

The guests waited anxiously for his next words.

How could they not be anxious?

With a mechanical beast like Pride, capable of dominating the entire room with a single roar, flying, and obliterating targets in seconds, Link Star held unimaginable power.

This wasn't just a weapon—it was a force of nature, a dragon from the tales of old, capable of ruling over nations.

"Now that the entertainment is over, let's move on to the main event," Link Star said, stepping down from the balcony.

"In recent times, the conflict between Piltover and Zaun has escalated. Attacks between the two cities have become frequent, and the people of both sides have grown to hate each other."

"This troubles me deeply."

"As a member of House Ferros and a citizen of Piltover, I believe it is my duty to step forward and put an end to this strife."

The guests exchanged uneasy glances.

Is he trying to seize control of Piltover and annex Zaun?

His ambition is staggering.

But as their eyes fell on Pride, any thoughts of opposition vanished.

"Mr. Link Star, we fully support your decision!"

"Yes, those filthy Zaunites deserve to be purged!"

"They're a waste of resources. We should eliminate all threats from Zaun!"

...

The crowd erupted with angry shouts, their words filled with venom. The Zaunite representatives in the room clenched their fists, their faces a mix of fear and rage.

Only Viktor remained calm.

"Don't react," he said quietly. "These are the opinions of Piltover's elite, not Link Star's."

His words calmed Ekko, Zeri, and Sevika.

Link Star raised his hand again, silencing the room.

"While your words may hold some truth, I believe the root of the conflict lies elsewhere."

His gaze swept across the room, landing on each of the powerful figures present.

"It lies with those who control the majority of Piltover and Zaun's wealth and power."

Some of the guests shifted uncomfortably.

"Those who form cliques, monopolize resources, and oppress the people of Zaun."

More faces turned pale.

"Those who, despite their wealth and power, continue to exploit Zaun, draining its people of their blood and sweat."

By now, nearly everyone in the room looked uneasy.

"The unequal distribution of wealth, the disparity in social status, and the monopolization of opportunities are the true sources of the conflict between our cities."

"Therefore, I propose the following:" Link Star's voice was firm.

"Grant Zaun autonomy, share trade routes, lift the restrictions on Zaun, and give its people the respect they deserve. End the suppression of Zaunite talent and grant them a voice in a new, unified council for both cities."

"Furthermore, allocate funds and resources from Piltover to help Zaun improve its living conditions, clean up pollution, reduce poverty, and establish hospitals, schools, law enforcement, post offices, and fire departments."

"Encourage intermarriage and cultural exchange between Piltover and Zaun. Develop Zaun's education system, creating primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. Let Piltover's youth study in Zaun, and let Zaun's people work in Piltover."

"Through these measures, we can bridge the divide between our cities, unite as one, and become a single family."

Link Star paused, his eyes scanning the room.

"Who agrees, and who opposes?"

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. No one dared to speak.

Pride's presence loomed large, a reminder of the consequences of defiance.

The future of Piltover and Zaun had been decided—not through debate, but through sheer, undeniable power.

And in that moment, Link Star stood at the center of it all, the architect of a new era.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 125 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 200 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.