Free Web NovelChapter 110: Between Battles And Bonds (3)
(Unedited Chapter. Please feel free to point out any mistake you see. I’ll edit the Chapter shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience.)
Shinon sat at the table in the dimly lit restaurant, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts as he stared at Selena, who sat across from him. The gentle ambience of the establishment enveloped them, providing a temporary respite from the chaos of the outside world.
Selena took a deep breath, her gaze locked onto Shinon’s, her voice filled with sincerity. "Shinon, I know we have a complicated history, and I’ve caused you pain in the past. But I want you to know that I am truly sorry for everything."
Shinon’s eyes softened as he listened to her words. It was clear that Selena was baring her soul, desperately seeking forgiveness and a chance at redemption.
He wanted to forgive her more than anything, but it wasn’t that easy for him. Just as he thought about the complexity of his decision, a sudden system prompt materialised before him as if offering guidance and assistance.
__
You have been assigned a relation quest!
[Forgotten Ally]
Accept Selena’s request, allowing her to join your ranks.
Condition for failure: None.
Punishment for failure: None. The decision solely rests on the user.
Reward for success: Ally +1, Influence over the settlement +200.
__
Shinon’s eyes widened in surprise as he went through the quest log. It was the first time he had gotten a quest without penalties for declining the mission.
That said, Shinon needed to figure out what to do next. Having Selena on his side was definitely valuable, as she could have acted as his spy to keep tabs on the Phoenixes.
However, their shared past was stopping him from taking the next step, or at least that’s how Shinon has been thinking till now. Deep down, it was his insecurities about her that were clouding his judgement.
’Fuck it, let’s get it over with.’
He leaned forward, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "Selena, it’s not easy for me to forget what happened between us. But I also understand that people can change, and we all deserve second chances."
While Shinon’s words seemed magnanimous, deep down, he had ulterior motives. He recognised that Selena’s connection with Marcus could benefit his personal agenda.
Having her as an ally within the Phoenixes would give him an insider’s perspective and a way to undermine their authority. His true intentions remained hidden beneath the façade of sincerity, and Selena, unaware of his true motives, took his words at face value.
As Shinon observed Selena’s hopeful expression, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. But the guilt quickly passed once he remembered what those Phoenixes had done, and if he was being honest, he knew Selena also knew about some of it, if not all.
Unknowingly, Selena kept staring at Shinon with a relieved expression. Although she had no idea what the Phoenixes had done to other settlements around them, her experiences made it clear that they were not the allies she once believed them to be.
For Selena, that alone was enough reason to sever ties and embrace a new path.
"So... we’re friends again?" Selena mumbled, dodging Shinon’s eyes as he smiled.
"You can say that," Shinon replied with a smirk.
[Quest accomplished!]
[You have gained a new ally!]
[Influence within the Settlement increase by 200 points!]
Selena’s eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. She reached across the table and gently placed her hand on top of Shinon’s, a gesture of gratitude and trust.
"Thank you, Shinon. I promise you won’t regret this."
"I know I won’t," Shinon replied before quickly taking his hands off the table. "I... don’t like to be touched like this. I hope that as a friend, you’d respect that."
Selena withdrew her hand, a tinge of embarrassment colouring her cheeks. "Of course, Shinon. I apologise for overstepping my boundaries."
"It’s not a big deal," Shinon smiled. "Let’s focus on the food."
~~~
As Shinon and Selena left the restaurant, they found themselves walking under a sky adorned with countless twinkling stars. The sounds of celebration echoed in the distance, but they sought solace in the peacefulness of the night.
They found a quiet spot away from the festivities, where they could immerse themselves in the calmness of the moment. They sat side by side, their gazes drifting upwards towards the vast expanse of the starlit sky.
"I always wanted to ask you but never got around it because of all the drama," Selena said, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "What’s your Earth like?"
"You can say it’s somewhat similar to this place," Shinon spoke with nostalgia and longing for his world. "My world was filled with danger and adventure.
As a blacksmith, I crafted weapons and armour for the Dungeon Divers, a group of brave warriors who ventured into treacherous dungeons infested with countless monsters."
He paused, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "Those dungeons held unimaginable treasures and secrets but were also home to deadly creatures. We fought tooth and nail to protect our world and ensure those monsters didn’t escape into our lands."
Selena listened intently, her eyes fixed on Shinon. She could sense the passion in his words, the yearning to return to his world and the life he had left behind. It intrigued her, and she found herself drawn to the depth of his experiences.
"You must miss it," Selena said softly, her voice tinged with empathy. "Your world, your friends, everything you’ve known... it’s only natural to long for it." ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
"I can’t say that I don’t," Shinon replied, his eyes never leaving the trail of stars painting the night sky. "Every day, I think about going back, about finding a way to return to where I belong. This world is strange and fascinating, but it’s not my home."
"I understand, Shinon. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be separated from everything you’ve ever known. But know that you’re not alone in this journey. All of us will help you find a way to help you get back to your world. I can promise you that!"
Shinon didn’t reply and simply nodded as they gazed at the vast expanse of the night sky. Shinon couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps, one day, he would find his way back to his world.
Until then, he would fight alongside the settlers, forging a new path for them to follow once he was gone.
