The gear mechanisms on the hall's ceiling and walls began to operate, and translucent glass panes with colorful patterns were slowly obscured by large metal sheets.
Before the spacious hall plunged completely into darkness, Hextech spotlights, already adjusted to the correct angle overhead, cast white light, illuminating the center of the circular councilor's table.
"Demon Hunter Master Vayne, please tell us about your findings regarding this incident!" Although Heimerdinger was a Yordle and small in stature, he still tried his best to maintain a dignified and upright posture.
Vayne crossed her arms over her chest, and her tall and outstanding figure emitted a clear voice: "First, one thing is certain: what has been committing crimes in Piltover during this period is indeed a monster, not some deranged serial killer, nor a Black Magic user."
"There's really a monster?"
The other councilors were somewhat surprised; they exchanged glances.
However, Councilor Jillaman, who bore some resemblance to Caitlyn, frowned and immediately denied it: "Impossible! Piltover has the Piltover Guard patrolling day and night, and it is protected by high walls and airships. Neither those fish-headed monsters nor the wolf cubs that run out of the mountains can possibly enter Piltover."
"Don't get agitated, Councilor Jillaman, let Demon Hunter Master Vayne continue speaking."
The speaker seemed to be a natural focus, impossible to ignore. Durin's first impression was not her feminine makeup, which was trivial, but rather how her demeanor exuded elegance, the etiquette of a noble education, and how her words, though seemingly gentle as a spring breeze, always maintained a sense of distance.
Durin, who had been observing, secretly recalled the information he knew: Councilor Mel, an outcast expelled by The Midarda Family.
However, after arriving in Piltover, she unexpectedly received investment from a benefactor, soaring to her current identity and status. Her mother was one of the important warlords of the Noxus Empire, not only holding significant military and political power but also keen on lobbying as a politician, truly ambitious.
In fact, after Hextech fully matured in a few years, her mother would reconcile with her daughter and attempt to introduce Hextech into the military.
As for the benefactor who invested in her, Durin already had some guesses, but he couldn't be certain.
"Actually, it can't really be considered a monster. I wonder if any of you councilors have heard of Demons?" Vayne's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a meaningful smile.
"Demons?"
The short, stout middle-aged man with a receding hairline pulled at his high collar and said skeptically, "To be honest, this is too far-fetched. Piltover hasn't seen Demon activity in over fifty years, and those filthy things living in the Undercity are far more dangerous than these creatures."
"Don't even think about that deal with Noxus. This matter has clearly exceeded expectations. Perhaps the Demon is hiding somewhere in the city, preparing to plan its next hunt and feeding. Piltover cannot afford any more deaths; this matter must be concluded as soon as possible!" The young councilor with neatly combed golden hair put down his nail clippers and said earnestly.
"Then tell me, where will this cunning Demon conduct its next hunt? The Baywalk? Or our Memorial Park?" The middle-aged councilor with the receding hairline glared at the other, his words dripping with sarcasm.
The young blonde councilor picked up his nail clippers again and lightly trimmed his nails, making a rustling sound in the council hall, and said nonchalantly, "Has the council lowered its standards? How can even a pig-brained individual sit in this position? Isn't the standard Piltover's first truth?"
Just as the two councilors were about to start arguing, Councilor Bolbok, whose entire body was modified with brass machinery, adjusted the mechanical device in his throat and spoke in a deep, rigid mechanical voice: "—Enough, don't forget the purpose of today's meeting."
After a moment of silence.
Durin raised an eyebrow. He knew it wasn't his turn to speak yet, so he could only wait and see.
At this moment, Councilor Jillaman looked down at the time, straightening the wristwatch on her wrist, and slowly said, "Mr. Durin, as a newly enrolled student at Piltover University, you bravely fought against a Demon as a Mage Apprentice, demonstrating the noble quality of Piltover's tenacious struggle. We will award you a certificate for outstanding citizen."
"What a brave gentleman," Mel praised with a smile.
"Thank you for the councilor's praise. This is what I should do, and it's the demeanor every Piltover citizen should display when facing a Demon," Durin responded, neither humble nor arrogant.
"Since you are the person involved, and currently the only survivor in Piltover to have faced a Demon and lived, please recount everything you saw and experienced to the councilors present!" Councilor Jillaman continued.
"Understood, Councilor."
Durin's gaze lingered for a moment on Councilor Jillaman, whose face bore some resemblance to Caitlyn, then he looked around, taking a deep breath.
"It happened like this…"
He spent a few minutes "recounting" the scene, adding his own embellishments.
He changed the part where he used Darkin power to him relying on a magic item to contend with the Demon, but everything else, from his encounter with the Demon disguised as a noblewoman until he broke through the illusion, was recounted in full detail.
This was also the story he had told Vayne this morning.
However, on the way here, Vayne, wanting to gain more profit, specifically instructed him to exaggerate the severity of the situation. Of course, she was willing to offer a favor within her capabilities as a condition.
Durin figured it wouldn't affect him much, and he could gain Vayne's favor, so he agreed.
"It truly is a Demon." The gears on Polbok's metal face rotated, emitting a deep metallic voice. "Many of my people died because of this when Piltover was first established years ago. That's when we proposed that Piltover University lead the establishment of a regulated Magic Academy, precisely to prevent Demons from appearing in Piltover again."
The blonde councilor was clearly very interested in the Demon's true form as described by Durin, and, with a delicate gesture of her hand, asked, "Wait, can you describe its appearance in detail?"
Clink, clink, clink—
"Everyone, I think the focus we should be paying attention to isn't this, is it?" Councilor Mel gently tapped the stemmed glass in front of her, and the crisp sound made the already quiet conference room fall silent again.
"Do I need to remind you that we spent a fortune inviting Demon Hunter Master Vayne from Demacia, traveling thousands of miles, precisely to completely eradicate Piltover's troubles? Whether it's a Demon, a Black Magic user, or some strange monster, they must all disappear completely! Stabilizing the hearts of Piltover's people even one day earlier, how many fewer people are at the Ecliptic Vaults, how much less income is lost daily, I don't need to explain, do I?!"
Clack, clack, clack!
Durin's attention was drawn by the tapping sound. He saw that Councilor Kyle Ward, with her firm and cold demeanor, was already showing impatience.
One could tell from her left hand, adorned with golden nail covers, which was repeatedly tapping on the marble tabletop, and the speed had increased significantly, so much so that the mechanical gears on her neck collar meshed perfectly with each tap of her fingers.
"Durin, let me be direct. I don't care what other councilors think. I need you to follow Demon Hunter Master Vayne in Piltover, catch that damned Demon, and kill it! No matter what method you use, just don't let similar deaths happen in Piltover again."
Durin was stunned, and even Vayne hadn't reacted yet.
She lowered her head slightly, revealing a pair of beautiful eyes beneath her dark red sunglasses, and the burgundy eyeshadow made her eyes look particularly captivating.
"Me?"
Durin was a little surprised. Although he genuinely wanted to kill the Demon immediately, he was very clear about the difference in strength between himself and the Demon.
"Yes!"
"You can understand this as a business deal; you won't be doing it for free. Once it's done, I'm personally willing to pay 50 gold cogwheels! Aren't you living in the Harbor District now? I can additionally find you a residence and waive half a year or a year of your rent."
"Since Councilor Kyle Ward has expressed her willingness, then as long as you resolve this Demon issue, you can also receive this year's Piltover University scholarship and the outstanding student award. After you graduate, we will prioritize considering you to stay and teach at the university," Councilor Mel said with a slight smile, continuing the conversation.
Councilor Jillaman added, "If you feel these conditions are not generous enough, I can also provide an additional item you need to advance as a Mage. Furthermore, during this pursuit, I can grant you a temporary position with the Piltover Guard, giving you high-level search, investigation, interrogation, and use-of-force authority."
"…Isn't that going too far?" The middle-aged, obese councilor with a receding hairline frowned, speaking with slight hesitation.
Councilor Polbok emitted a deep metallic voice: "The Council still has many matters that need to be decided; we cannot be continuously delayed by this…"
"Then let's initiate a vote. I support Councilor Jillaman's proposal." Mel was the first to raise her right hand.
A spotlight fell from above, enveloping her. This was a tradition of the Piltover Council's voting, symbolizing the beginning of democratic deliberation.
Other councilors also raised their hands one after another, and finally, the middle-aged, obese councilor could only shrug and follow suit, raising his hand.
"Mr. Durin, after the Council meeting concludes, someone will naturally send all relevant documents to your residence. Starting tomorrow, you will cooperate with Demon Hunter Master Vayne in all actions to eradicate the Demon as soon as possible," Councilor Jillaman said in a deep voice.
"Then let's adjourn!" Heimerdinger coughed twice, delivering the closing remarks.
…
After leaving the Council Tower, Durin was about to speak to Vayne when the Demacian huntress pushed up her sunglasses on her nose and calmly said, "I know you have many thoughts, but this isn't a suitable place to talk. Let's go find a tavern and chat while we eat!"
"No problem, I know a good tavern nearby that even has private rooms," Durin readily agreed.
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"