Twin Cities: Who says scientists can't be conquerors?

Chapter 28 Progress Day and Obstacles

Progress Day is a big annual event in Piltover, not to mention the 200th anniversary of Progress Day.

Although there was still a day to go, when Aaron and the others stepped onto the Bridge of Progress and looked across at Piltover on the other side of Zaun, the festive atmosphere was overwhelming.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

Caitlin glanced at Aaron and Jinx with a hint of pride, and began to recount the various events surrounding "Progress Day":

"Progress Day originated from a major turning point in Piltover's history—the opening of the Piltover Canal."

"This project was truly magnificent, as it opened up the oceans on both sides of Valoran, creating a trade route connecting the eastern and western continents, and was also known as the 'Gate of the Sun'."

"Thus, Piltover became a hub of global trade, and wealth poured into the city's treasury like a tidal wave, a trend that continues to this day."

After she finished speaking, she also mentioned Zaun with a sigh, believing that although Zaun and Piltover were two cities in one, Zaun failed to seize the opportunity to change the fate of the city-state, so it has not been able to develop effectively.

Caitlyn's words were full of praise and admiration for Piltover, but she did not show any disdain for Zaun or its people.

She even made a point of explaining to Jinx, saying, "Zaun is doing pretty well now, but she can do even better," to soothe Jinx's frustrated emotions.

From Aaron's detached perspective, Caitlin's actions were already considered to be extremely moral and humanitarian.

In fact, is the truth of history really as easy and pleasant as Caitlin claims?

Oh.

Aaron wanted to interrupt when Caitlin was explaining the origins of Progress Day, but he held back and crossed the bridge at a steady pace with a calm expression.

He knew that even if he said some things now, no one would believe him.

Only by letting cold, hard facts prove the truth can something possess undeniable persuasiveness.

Did Zuan fail to seize the opportunity for development?

What nonsense!

Caitlin's history lessons from childhood did not cover the bloody history of Zaun.

To be precise, Piltover built its reputation as the "City of Progress" by dumping truckloads of waste and exhaust fumes into Zaun, while simultaneously creating a bloody and tearful history for Zaun!

The relationship between the two cities was once incredibly close.

This was all because it directly sank the Sun Gate of Zaun's land base, causing the people of Zaun to lose the protection of the mountains and suffer from that terrible flood that was the worst in a thousand years!

It was also 200 years ago, on Progress Day.

As the Piltover people commemorate how they used their wisdom and innovation to open up trade routes and build a prosperous commercial empire.

Countless people from Zaun cried out in terror as they were displaced, forced to seek refuge in mines filled with toxic gases and dust in order to escape being swept away by the terrible flood.

In other words, Piltover's celebration of the Day of Civilization's Advancement is essentially Zaun's day of mourning for their loved ones!

Of course, the current conflict between the two cities has little to do with these old grievances.

The crux of the matter lies in the fact that, after the completion of the Sun Gate, Piltover, in an arrogant and malicious manner, "betrayed" its brother city—

First, the Piltover residents began dumping all the waste and wastewater they generated in their production and daily life into Zaun.

It's fine in the short term. Zu'an, with its near-zero altitude, is perfectly capable of handling this garbage.

However, as Piltover increasingly emphasized scientific research, it needed to present a glamorous image to merchants from all directions. They not only endlessly dumped filth and garbage, but also began to go to great lengths to plunder Zaun's rich mineral resources.

This has directly impacted the fundamental interests of the people of Zu'an!

With the Gate of the Sun, even Zaun, which doesn't have an advantage in trade for various products, can at least accumulate some wealth thanks to its abundant mineral resources.

But when the Piltover people set their sights on those ores, the Zaunites' "annihilation" was about to begin!

Those small-scale, family-run mining operations were completely crushed by Piltover's large corporations, and the miners were turned into exploited miners under Piltover's control.

Meanwhile, the people of Zaun, who were dissatisfied with the Piltover people's domineering behavior and their secret mining operations, also witnessed the power of Piltover's large corporations and began to follow suit.

They transformed into something even more terrifying, becoming the final straw that broke the camel's back for ordinary people in Zaun.

This is what is known as the "Alchemist Baron"!

Thinking of this, Aaron couldn't help but feel a little suffocated, and he started panting heavily.

Most people in Zu'an today have forgotten this history, let alone pieced together this clear and coherent historical narrative.

Like Jinx, they can now enjoy Progress Day without any psychological burden.

Their hatred for Piltover residents is merely a form of resistance disguised as resentment towards the wealthy—we may be poor, but you're not allowed to boss us around.

In Aaron's view, this level of ideological awareness is far from sufficient.

It cannot possibly become a solid and reliable belief to guide the people of Zuan to truly stand up and take charge of their own destiny.

Do you really think people from Zaun are destined to be poor?

Do you really think that just because you've intimidated the Piltover people, Zaun will rise to power?

"well……"

Aaron couldn't help but sigh.

This seemed rather out of place with Jinx and Caitlin's excited discussion about what kind of fireworks would be used for tomorrow's celebration.

"What's wrong?"

Jinx has the fastest reaction time.

She pulled her arm away from Caitlin's and walked to Aaron's other side, carefully observing him.

Recently, she has encountered too many emotionally upsetting events, whether it's burning a ship, being kidnapped, or "fiercely fighting" with Smith.

Although Jinx was somewhat enjoying herself, an intuition told her that Aaron wasn't as relaxed as she was.

She worried that Aaron might be injured, or that he might have some unresolved issues like hers, and that something she didn't want to accept might happen in the end.

"I'm fine, I just...felt a little sentimental."

Aaron shook his head, not telling the truth.

Although he was not a native of Runeterra, he had lived in Zaun for nine years and had come to regard it as his second home.

It was Progress Day in Piltover, and so many unrest had recently occurred, so he couldn't help but feel sentimental.

However, Aaron had already prepared to deal with all the complicated matters.

There's no need to make Jinx worry about it too.

After all, the bond between him and Jinx is difficult to summarize in a single word...

"Hey! You over there!"

Just as Caitlin was about to come over and see what was happening to Aaron, a rude shout suddenly came from the other side of the bridge.

Calling it a shout is an understatement; a more accurate term would be "command."

"Progress Day is just around the corner, can you poor bastards from Zaun get lost?"

A law enforcement officer wearing a helmet and a breathing mask, as if he couldn't stand any air from Zaun, stood with his hands on his hips at the bridgehead.

He arrogantly stretched out his arms, indicating that Aaron and the others could not cross the Progress Bridge, which was not under martial law at all.

His companion, dressed exactly like him, leaned against a bridge pillar and chuckled to himself.

They seem quite pleased to see people from Zaun being bullied and teased.

"We need to cross the bridge."

Now, Caitlin had no time to care about Aaron.

She walked directly up to the law enforcement officer and pointed to the Piltover lands right behind him: "It has nothing to do with Progress Day."

"I am Mrs. Piltover, and I am going home today, taking two of my companions with me..."

"Hahahaha!"

Before Caitlin could finish speaking, the two law enforcement officers burst into huge laughter, as if they had been amused by the funniest joke in the world.

They pounded their thighs, laughing so hard they couldn't lift their backs, until they were completely exhausted and slowly recovered.

"What did you just say? You're Mrs. Piltover?"

"That's right, my name is Kate..."

"Hahaha!"

The two of them laughed again.

As they laughed, they pulled out batons from their waists and pressed them against Caitlin's thigh, leaving Caitlin quite confused.

She glanced at Jinx and Aaron behind her and noticed that they were both making the same expression: pursing their lips and shrugging, as if to say, "You figure it out yourself."

"What do you mean?"

Caitlin frowned.

She never expected to encounter such an unreasonable thing when she went home.

She glanced at her clothes, which were clean but clearly patched and had loose threads, and belatedly realized what the law enforcement officer was laughing at—

"You don't believe I'm from Piltover?!"