Caleb did not consider himself some kind of saint.
It was just that the value of life was far too precious, precious almost beyond measure.
Of course, that was true for the owner of every life.
That was why Caleb did not like creating pointless slaughter. It would only make him drift farther and farther from the ground.
In the end, he would become like the Aspects, beings who did not care whether mortals lived or died.
Or even like the Dragon King, a being who could decide, on his own whim, whether all living things in a place should perish.
Caleb had always reminded himself that he was only a mortal from Stillwater Prison.
With the system's help, he had gained advanced technology. He had even obtained a high-level item like a World Rune.
But the education Caleb had received in his previous life had never taught him to stand high above others and wantonly take anyone's life.
Even against the Void and the Shadow Isles, Caleb understood that it was because there was no reasoning with them.
The two sides had to fight until one lived and one died. After all, once the planes fused, there was no possibility of reconciliation between the existences on either side.
But as for places like Demacia, and even the Mageseekers still strutting around the Great City, Caleb did not particularly want to interfere.
They could keep playing turtle all they wanted. Once Caleb devoted himself to changing the entire world, they would have no choice but to change as well.
Magic could stir up war, but it could also let the royal families of Ixtal enjoy luxurious lives.
In the end, every tool had two sides.
Using it for personal gain was human nature.
Even so, Caleb was still willing to believe that the "humanity" nurtured later in life would eventually overcome the "animal instinct" people were born with.
Unfortunately, Piltover had disappointed him.
As for the saying that poverty breeds schemes while wealth breeds conscience, that was total nonsense.
It was probably just some self-flattering garbage invented by rich people.
Caleb silently watched the unrest in Piltover. One noble industry after another was being taken over by Zaun. It would not be long before Zaun and Piltover truly became one.
Under the joint leadership of Clan Ferros and Renata's Clan Glasc.
Although Piltover's nobles had suffered a heavy blow, the total amount of wealth had not decreased.
So Caleb was fairly generous, directly throwing part of those things to Zaun and dividing the other part among Piltover's craftsmen.
Even if Clan Ferros wanted to swallow everything whole, they did not want to choke themselves to death.
Besides, now that they were the only oligarchs left, apart from Clan Glasc's pharmaceutical industry in the Undercity, which had already taken off, they could continue increasing their investments everywhere else.
"Was this idea yours, or Lucide's?"
Caleb looked at Camille, who was narrowing her eyes as she studied him, and felt somewhat irritated.
Her open scheme was something he could not solve at all. After all, the restraint Camille had shown had truly saved his life.
If the other side had won, they really had been the side that contributed money and manpower.
"They promised your family Morey's seat?"
Caleb silently took a sip of Zaun's drink. It was clean and hygienic, just a little short on ingredients.
He still missed Zaun's old street food, the kind that was dirty enough to taste right, but somehow never made you sick.
Zaun was much cleaner now, but the ingredients were naturally not as abundant.
It was actually a little regrettable.
"Secret."
Camille took a small sip of the black tea in her cup.
Under Caleb's instructions, only the Medarda family and the Kiramman family could be considered lucky in their misfortune. Although their industries had also been seized, they had been left with some face.
"How are Salo and that gear woman?"
Compared to the thunderous calculations Clan Ferros was making, Caleb was more concerned about how the property-seizure drama that Zaun's people loved watching was going.
"Neither of them is very willing. They're trying to get clever and transfer part of their assets elsewhere."
Camille sold out her allies with truly clean efficiency.
If he had not given the PROJECT-related information to Jinx...
Then by now, the title of the Gray Lady would probably have become a death sentence in the ears of everyone in Zaun.
Caleb looked at this cold-faced noblewoman, Camille, who had dedicated her life to her family and quietly made a fortune, and could not help sighing.
"Have Seraphine hold two more concerts to stabilize public sentiment."
Compared to the "great nobles" represented by the councilors, Piltover naturally had plenty of "lesser nobles" as well. They were probably terrified right now too.
"As for those two, if they still refuse to behave, chop off their hands."
"Anyway, the money they'll have afterward will be enough to hire a servant to feed them for the rest of their lives."
Caleb had come back twice, and both times, the council had caused trouble for him.
But from now on, there would be no need to consider the council causing him trouble again.
The current Clan Ferros sat securely as the greatest power in Piltover and second greatest in the twin cities. They were extremely comfortable, so naturally, there was no need for them to become Caleb's enemy.
"Form the new council as soon as possible. Don't even think about stuffing all your people into it."
Caleb's gaze locked onto Camille. She merely gave an indifferent shrug.
At present, there really was no need to stuff Clan Ferros's people into the council one by one.
"Begin construction on the new council hall as soon as possible. The old one is yours, Clan Ferros can have it."
The old council hall was in the center of Piltover, and every time Caleb went there, it was a pain. He had no desire to keep doing that in the future.
Camille nodded lightly, then continued, "Then I will take my leave."
Caleb nodded as well. After Camille's figure disappeared from sight, a wisp of clear wind faintly gathered beside him.
"Next time there is a battle, you can call me along."
Janna's voice was deeply soothing, calming the agitation that had been stirring in Caleb's heart.
"Your duty is to protect Zaun. If we're being a little excessive, then the twin cities are in your hands too."
Behind Caleb mobilizing all his forces, there had naturally been a defensive backup left behind.
During the Darkin War, Janna had at least protected ancient Zaun.
As for whether her current strength was stronger or weaker than it had been back then, Caleb did not know.
But with Janna in the rear, Caleb could rest assured that the twin cities would not be raided while he was away.
As for Clan Ferros... greater power naturally meant greater responsibility.
Caleb would not let them bet on both sides and only collect the benefits.
"Next time, bring me along anyway. I can heal the soldiers."
Janna's request was firm. Caleb had no choice but to agree.
The next battle, whether in Icathia or on Mount Targon, would have a steady stream of Void reinforcements.
And as for the iron-blooded warlord lying dormant in the Shadow Isles, no one knew when that restless man would launch another attack.
"Where are we fighting next?"
Yuumi had now latched herself onto Caleb and Kai'Sa, this pair of cat trees. After all, the two of them had Ascended-level combat strength at minimum, so following them around was basically risk-free.
Whether it was atop Mount Targon or in the abyss beneath the Freljord, there was nowhere Yuumi could not go.
More importantly, Yuumi could feel that her master was getting closer and closer.
It would not be long before she found her, right? Yuumi thought in satisfaction.
"I'm going to Ionia."
Caleb's answer was beyond both of their expectations.
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