Free Web NovelChapter 124: An Infestation Issue (1)
As Shinon finished admiring the Beetle’s armour and carefully stowed it away within his shadow, a gentle knock echoed through the workshop.
He turned his attention to the door, wondering who could visit at this hour. With a swift stride, he made his way towards the entrance, curiosity piqued.
Opening the door, Shinon was greeted by Selena’s familiar face. Her eyes gleamed with excitement and urgency, causing Shinon’s brows to furrow slightly in response. He leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed, waiting for her to speak, but she didn’t.
"Selena, what brings you here?" Shinon asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Selena took a moment to catch her breath before answering, her words tumbling out in a rush.
"Shinon, the Phoenixes are calling for a meeting. They want all capable fighters to attend *pant*. It seems they have important plans to discuss, particularly regarding the insectoid that has established its nest nearby."
"I thought Lova took care of that?"
"Well... apparently not," Selena replied, scratching her head. "She only managed to destroy one of the entrances after chasing the insectoids back to their ’nest’."
Shinon let out an exasperated sigh, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. One would have thought the Phoenixes would at least ensure their deed before claiming they did something they did not.
"They sure know how to get everyone hyped up for nothing," Shinon shrugged as Selena kept expectantly looking at him.
Her eyes told her all he needed to know as she pleaded for him to attend the meeting without uttering a word.
Shinon had hoped for a moment of respite, a chance to revel in the completion of his latest creation. But it seemed that fate had other plans in store for him.
"Another meeting, huh?" he muttered, his voice tinged with mild annoyance. "I can’t catch a break, can I?"
Selena offered him an apologetic smile, understanding his weariness. "I know it may seem inconvenient, but the Phoenixes believe this insectoid nest poses a significant threat to the settlement. They want to discuss a strategy to neutralise it and protect our home." free𝑤ebnovel.com
"Yeah, I get that."
Shinon’s expression softened, realising the gravity of the situation. The Phoenixes wouldn’t call for a meeting unless they deemed it necessary. They preferred quietly doing all protection kind of shit out of the settlers’ attention.
However, since they asked for their help, it meant one of two things. Either they were trying to set many people up or genuinely wanted help.
Either way, Shinon nodded, resigning himself to the fact that duty called once again.
"Alright, Selena. I’ll be there," he replied. "in the meantime, feel free to gather anyone else you’d like."
Selena’s smile widened, relieved by his commitment. "Thank you, Shinon. Your skills and strength will be invaluable in this battle. I’m glad we can count on you."
Shinon nodded once more, acknowledging Selena’s words. "Tell the Phoenixes I’ll be there shortly. I just need to deal with a few things before I leave."
"Roger that." Selena mockingly performed a salute before rushing away.
As Selena turned to leave, Shinon’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure. He couldn’t help but feel admiration for her unwavering dedication to the settlement’s safety.
"She might have her flaws, but when it comes to the settlement, she takes shit from no one," Shinon smirked before returning inside the workshop. "Someday, she would prove a competent leader for the settlement."
~~~
The Townsquare buzzed with activity as three dozen individuals, each having mastered unique skills, congregated under the watchful eyes of the Phoenixes. The air crackled with anticipation, determination, and a hint of nervousness.
Shinon was met with nods and smiles as soon as he arrived there, gestures that he politely returned. It was then his gaze fell upon the raised platform that the Phoenixes had occupied.
Marcus stood tall, his voice carrying authority and conviction as he addressed the gathered fighters.
"We stand here today to discuss a formidable threat that looms over our settlement," Marcus began, his voice echoing through the square. "A species of insectoids, unlike any we have encountered before, has made their nest dangerously close to our borders.
They have already proven a formidable adversary, capable of inflicting significant damage if left unchecked... as most of you saw earlier."
His words hung in the air, casting a weighty atmosphere over the assembled fighters. Shinon observed the varying expressions on their faces—determination, concern, and a flicker of fear. The gravity of the situation was not lost on anyone present, including him.
Marcus continued, outlining the strategic importance of neutralising the insectoid threat. He emphasised the need for a well-coordinated plan that considered the creature’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities possessed by each fighter.
His words carried an air of wisdom from years of experience and a deep understanding of combat. Hell, it was the first time Shinon felt any sort of sincerity from his words.
For a moment, Shinon focused on Marcus’ head, wanting to ensure someone else wasn’t controlling him like a puppet.
As Marcus concluded his initial address, he opened the floor to the fighters, encouraging them to share their insights, ideas, and concerns.
The square erupted with voices, each person eager to contribute to the discussion. Shinon listened intently, his gaze shifting from one individual to another, absorbing their suggestions and perspectives.
The fighters stepped forward one by one, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and proposed strategies. Some suggested utilising traps and explosives to weaken the insectoid, while others highlighted the importance of reconnaissance and understanding its behaviour.
The square became a melting pot of ideas, each adding depth to the collective strategy. However, hidden beneath their camaraderie, a sense of scepticism began to creep into Shinon’s mind. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
As the discussions unfolded, he couldn’t help but notice that many of the proposed plans seemed overly simplistic, even naive.
They knew the challenges posed by the insectoid’s exoskeleton, a formidable barrier that had proven impervious to their previous attempts.
Shinon knew firsthand the difficulty of breaking through that tough shell. It was no easy feat, and their previous encounter had left them without even a scratch on the deceased insectoid.
Despite this, there was an air of unwarranted confidence in the square. Some seemed to believe they could single-handedly tackle a living insectoid as if their previous triumphs against lesser foes would be enough.
Shinon found it both surprising and concerning that so many underestimated the actual threat they faced.
However, instead of voicing his opinion, Shinon kept observing them, waiting for someone to devise a decent strategy that didn’t involve most of them getting their asses handed to them.
__
You have been assigned a surprise quest!
[Saviour’s Assistant]
Help Selena form a plan to take care of the insectoid infestation.
Condition for failure: Refusing to cooperate with the said individual(s).
Punishment for failure: The user’s stats will be reduced to 0.0001%
Reward for success: Stat upgrade card.
__
"...looks like I’ll have to be the one to help them yet again." Shinon sighed as Selena took to the stage next.
Her presence commanded attention. The murmurs of conversation died down, and all eyes turned toward her. She wore a serious expression, her gaze sweeping across the gathered fighters.
"I appreciate the passion and bravery each one of you brings to the table. However, we must be mindful of the immense challenge that lies ahead. The insectoid we face is unlike any foe we have encountered before."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in, to dispel any illusions of grandeur carried by everyone else. She continued, her voice filled with a hint of urgency.
"We must acknowledge the limitations of our past encounters with the insectoids. Their exoskeletons are formidable and resilient. To face this living creature, we need a plan beyond brute strength. We must exploit weaknesses, coordinate attacks, and approach with caution."
As Selena spoke, she sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The initial fervour and unwarranted confidence gave way to a more tempered understanding.
Her words resonated with those gathered as a realisation dawned upon them that their previous assumptions had been hasty and misguided.
"Overconfidence can be our greatest enemy. It blinds us to the dangers that lurk in the shadows, making us vulnerable to defeat. We must not let our past victories cloud our judgment or lull us into a false sense of security."
Selena’s gaze swept across the faces before her, her eyes meeting those of her fellow fighters. There was no trace of judgment in her expression, only a genuine concern for their well-being and the success of their mission.
"Everyone," Selena continued, her voice cutting through the silence like a sword. "I stand before you not to dampen your spirits or discourage your bravery but to remind us of the reality we face. We cannot underestimate the challenges ahead without paying a severe price."
Her eyes met with each individual in the square, a silent plea for their understanding and cooperation. It was not a reprimand fueled by frustration but an open call for collective growth and learning.
"That said, if anyone has any thoughts to share, please come forward," Selena said, her eyes fixated on Shinon as she continued. "All of us need your help more than you can think."
