Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

The bustling eastern district of High Silvermere was thrown into chaos. A colossal wave of dark magic blanketed the skies, casting a shadow over the capital and jolting its citizens into a state of panic. Some magic, it seemed, was impervious even to petricite's suppression. 

The people of High Silvermere.

While some barricaded themselves indoors, others hastily packed their belongings, fleeing in droves before the seemingly unstoppable foe reached the city walls. Despite the swift actions of the Crowned Shield royal family—deploying soldiers to maintain order and reassuring the public that the city was their safest haven—the efforts fell on deaf ears. 

With High Silvermere's medieval infrastructure and limited education among its populace, only a minority could critically evaluate information. Most people succumbed to rumors as if they were gospel. 

They had somehow heard that Morgana's adversary was none other than her sister, and whispers of the Winged Protectors' legendary feud spread like wildfire. Tales of their centuries-old battle that decimated an entire city-state, leaving untold casualties, fueled the citizens' paranoia. 

To many, High Silvermere once-secure city walls now felt like a death trap. The citizens refused to wait passively and instead swarmed the eastern and northeastern gates, demanding to leave. 

However, the captain of the guard, under strict orders from the king, had sealed the gates, allowing no one to exit. Inevitably, tensions flared. 

"Why won't you let us leave?" 

"Do you want us to die here?" 

"The petricite here can't suppress this magic!" 

"Do you understand? We're dealing with gods! How can we resist gods?" 

"The Winged Protectors' care for their people is a lie! All they want is to control us!" 

The accusations grew louder and more extreme as fear consumed the crowd. People jostled against the guards, shouting abuse and pelting them with rotting vegetables and eggs. 

The soldiers, tasked with protecting the city's people, bore their frustration in silence. Their duty had become a thankless burden, and the more hot-headed among them began to argue back despite their comrades' efforts to de-escalate the situation. 

Unfortunately, these verbal altercations only heightened the already precarious atmosphere. 

Meanwhile, at the southern gates, the king received news of the growing unrest. His brows furrowed as he stared into the silent horizon. 

"Your Majesty," General Tiyana said gravely, "the stability of High Silvermere must be our top priority." 

Barrett quickly added, "The Marshal is right. Before addressing external threats, we must quell the chaos within. While your concern for Li Lin and Protector Morgana is commendable, their battle is beyond our reach. All we can do is pray for them." 

The noble council echoed similar sentiments, urging the king to prioritize the people's immediate safety over distant battles. 

"Father!" Jarvan IV gripped his drake-mounted spear tightly. "Let me take the royal guard and assess the situation personally!" 

King Jarvan III was silent for a moment before raising his hand to silence the room. The nobles' chatter ceased as all eyes turned to him. 

"Tiyana," the king said finally, "you and I will lead two vanguard companies to the DC district. Dispatch eight more vanguard companies to patrol the city, prioritizing a gentle approach to calm the citizens of Demacia. 

"Barrett, you and my son will lead the royal guard and two additional companies to roam High Silvermere. Provide aid wherever it's needed. As for the rest of you…" 

The king cast a measured glance at the gathered nobles. "If you have no pressing duties, return to your respective territories. Reassure your people and avoid using force." 

Back at the eastern Shining Silver Gate, the tension erupted. In the crowd, someone hurled a rock, striking a guard and leaving blood streaming down his face. 

That act of violence shattered the fragile peace. In an instant, the standoff escalated into outright conflict. 

"Madness! You're all mad! Do you realize you're breaking Demacian law?" the captain of the eastern gate guards bellowed. "Shields up!" 

But before the soldiers could fully form their defensive line, the crowd surged forward. Among them, burly men with bloodshot eyes charged at the guards, knocking them to the ground and raining blows upon them. 

Thankfully, the guards' standard-issue plate armor shielded them from serious harm. As long as they protected their faces, their injuries remained superficial. 

"You just want us to die here!" 

"This nation is a sham! It's rotten to the core!" 

"Everyone, rush them! They won't dare attack us if we break through!" 

"Raise your shields! Hurry!" 

"Damn it, hold them back!" 

"What are you doing? Why are you drawing your sword?!"

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In the midst of the violent and almost unnatural conflict, both the soldiers and the ordinary citizens were exceptionally agitated, as if they were not facing their fellow countrymen, but rather the blood-feuding Noxians and the barbaric northern invaders, who had been burning, killing, and looting.

Soon, the news reached King Jarvan III, who was shocked by what he saw. He hurriedly ordered Tiyana to lead the Unyielding Vanguard Shield Formation to separate the two sides.

"His Majesty, King Jarvan III, has arrived! Everyone stop!" Tiyana shouted, drawing her sword.

However, the crowd, already enraged, and the shouts of the guards were like waves crashing against her commands, immediately drowning out her voice.

Left with no choice, she ordered the Unyielding Vanguard's shield formation to make way, attempting to disperse the warring crowds as best as they could.

"Xin Zhao, quickly, you need to help!" The King gave the order urgently.

"Your Majesty, my duty is to protect you," Zhao Xin replied, "In this time of unrest, I cannot leave your side for even a moment."

"You are being protected by the royal guard; you don't need to worry about me."

King Jarvan III waved his hand, his gaze quickly scanning the surroundings, trying to find a vantage point where everyone could see him, while speaking to Zhao Xin.

Zhao Xin tightened the reins of his steed, frowning slightly. "Your Majesty..."

He wasn't sure how things were in other districts of the capital, but from what he had witnessed at the eastern Shining Silver Gate, the situation was highly unusual, which made him uneasy. 

Based on the reports from the guards along the way, this turmoil was likely being deliberately instigated by an unseen hand.

Whether there were mages involved or if the chaos was aimed at the King, Xin Zhao had no way of knowing. 

Due to the lingering magic from Morgana, the metallic taste of decay still hung in the air, making it impossible for him to detect anything unusual through his senses.

In his own judgment, the people involved in the riots—guards included—were clearly under some sort of influence; otherwise, they wouldn't dare turn on each other.

"With your strength, you'll be able to break them up soon," King Jarvan III said. "We must resolve this conflict quickly, or it will only escalate."

Zhao Xin shook his head, recalling Li Lin's recent advice, "I cannot leave your side right now."

"This is no longer a request, Commander," King Jarvan III changed his tone, "This is an order."

Caught between his duty to protect the King and his commitment to follow orders, Zhao Xin felt conflicted.

Yet, he knew that King Jarvan III was unwavering in his determination. Whenever it came to the nation and the people, the King always placed their safety above his own.

For the over ten years that Zhao Xin had served the King in battles to defend the country, he had seen the King charge into the front lines time and again, facing peril at every turn.

Even when Barrett, the King's trusted comrade, had tried to dissuade him, the King had never changed his mind.

While Zhao Xin hesitated, King Jarvan III, under the protection of his royal guard, had already spurred his steed toward a small platform not far away, which had been hastily constructed for reasons unknown.

As Zhao Xin was lost in thought, he suddenly heard Tiyana's angry reprimands cutting through the crowd, reminding him of the oath he had once sworn to her.

No matter what, his duty was to protect the King—there could be no compromise.

Xin Zhao quickly spurred his horse and pursued.

At that moment, however, with his keen senses, Zhao Xin felt a sudden surge of magic within himself, followed by a faint sound of a weapon slicing through the air. In the blink of an eye, danger was near the King.

"Watch out, Your Majesty!" Zhao Xin shouted.

Without hesitation, Zhao Xin grabbed his triple-bladed spear and swung it in a wide arc, thrusting it forward with all his might.

A nearly transparent blast of energy shot from his hands, rapidly traveling down the shaft of the spear and into the blue gemstone at its core. It then surged through the sharp silver tip, bursting forth with incredible speed.

The energy pierced through the gap in the royal guard's formation, slamming into the air near the King. It exploded with a splash of fresh blood.

The force of Xin Zhao's attack startled the King's horse, which reared up on its hind legs with a loud neigh, throwing the unprepared King to the ground with a heavy thud.

"What was that?!"

"An assassin! Someone's trying to kill the King!"

"Protect His Majesty!"

"A mage! It's a mage!"

As the blood on the ground near the King caught the attention of the royal guards, panic ensued. They quickly dismounted, drawing their swords, and scanned the surroundings warily.

Even the Unyielding Vanguard, who had been busy suppressing the frenzied crowd, broke away and rushed toward the King.

But before they could reach him, the first to arrive at the King's side was Xin Zhao.

"Your Majesty!" he shouted, rushing to the King's aid.

(End of Chapter)

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