Free Web NovelChapter 126: Weirdest Quest Ever (1)
The sun began to cast its golden rays upon the settlement as the following day arrived. Shinon and Lova stood at the outskirts of the community, ready to venture into the unknown in search of insectoids for the crucial samples they needed.
Kira approached them with a grave expression as they made their final preparations. freewёbnoνel.com
"Shinon, can I speak with you for a moment?" Kira’s voice held a tone of concern as she gestured for him to step aside from Lova’s hearing range.
Intrigued by her urgency, Shinon obliged, quickly glancing back at Lova before moving away with Kira. Kira wasted no time voicing her worries as they found a relatively secluded spot nearby. Her gaze was filled with genuine concern for Shinon’s well-being as she spoke in a hushed tone.
"Shinon, I need you to be extremely careful around Lova," Kira cautioned, her voice tinged with urgency. "I’ve noticed her growing hostility towards you, and I can’t shake off the feeling that she might do something reckless, even go as far as claiming the insectoids got the better of you."
Shinon’s gaze met Kira’s concerned eyes, his expression determined yet reassuring. He understood the weight of her worries and the potential dangers that Lova’s hostility could pose. With a calm voice, he spoke, hoping to alleviate Kira’s concerns.
"Kira, I appreciate your concern, but please don’t worry. I can handle whatever Lova throws my way," Shinon assured her, his voice laced with confidence. "I’ve dealt with difficult situations before, and I won’t let her actions affect our mission or put anyone in danger."
"I trust you, Shinon," Kira replied, her voice filled with relief and conviction. "Just promise me that you’ll prioritise your safety above all else. We need you back here in one piece."
A gentle smile tugged at the corners of Shinon’s lips as he placed a reassuring hand on Kira’s shoulder. "You have my word, Kira. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure my safety. Don’t worry."
Their eyes locked for a moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Kira knew that she couldn’t control the actions of others, but she trusted Shinon’s ability to protect himself. With a nod, she stepped back, no longer worried about him.
As Shinon returned to the gates, Lova had already gone ahead, and he had to rush to catch her standing in front of a rusty Camaro.
Lova walked up to the car and glanced at Shinon, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.
"Here we are," Lova said, her voice laced with a touch of annoyance. "Our ride for the day."
Shinon stepped out of the gates, his gaze scanning the surroundings. He couldn’t help but notice the worn upholstery, the dents and scratches that adorned the vehicle’s exterior, and the faint smell of gasoline that lingered inside.
He turned to Lova, a curious expression on his face. "You must really love this car, Lova. It’s got character, that’s for sure."
Lova averted her gaze, her arms folded across her chest defensively. "It’s just a means to an end, Shinon. It gets me from point A to point B. Nothing more."
Undeterred, Shinon circled the car, running his hand along its worn surface as if trying to understand its story. "You’re not fooling me, Lova. I can see how you care for it, the attention to detail. This car means more to you than you let on."
Lova sighed, her defences weakening. She walked over to Shinon and leaned against the car, her voice softer this time. "Look, Shinon, I’ve spent countless hours under the hood of this car, pouring my heart and soul into keeping it running... let’s just focus on the mission, shall we?"
"Sure," Shinon smiled as he entered the passenger seat. He had finally found the weakness he had been looking for and wouldn’t let the opportunity go to waste.
~~~
The rusty car rattled and groaned as Lova skillfully navigated the desolate streets of the barren city. Shinon sat beside her, the wind whipping through his hair, and he couldn’t help but comment on the car’s surprisingly good condition, given its age.
"I expected the ride to be a lot more bumpy than this," Shinon remarked, his voice barely audible over the engine’s roar.
Lova responded with a noncommittal grunt, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. She had always taken pride in maintaining her car, but acknowledging its condition was not something she openly expressed.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Shinon leaned back in his seat and turned towards Lova. "You know, not many people in the settlement share your passion for cars. It’s rare to find someone who appreciates them as much as you do." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Lova’s grip on the steering wheel tightened momentarily before she glanced at Shinon, surprise flickering in her eyes.
She had grown accustomed to the disinterest or indifference of others when it came to her beloved car. The fact that Shinon noticed and initiated the conversation struck a chord within her.
Even Marcus had never shown interest in her hobbies, even though he ’respected’ her, his words, not hers. However, the thought of talking with someone about cars was... interesting.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Lova’s lips as she realised she might have found a kindred spirit.
"Yeah, it’s true. Most folks just see cars as a means of transportation, but to me, they’re so much more. They have character, you know? Each one has a story to tell."
Unfortunately for them, before they could continue their conversation, they heard a loud thud resonating through the car as a massive insectoid landed on the hood, its sharp claws digging into the metal.
Lova slammed on the brakes, sending the vehicle screeching to a halt, forcing the insectoid to land in front of the car.
Shinon’s heart raced as he locked eyes with the creature, its menacing presence sending a shiver down his spine.
"I did not expect to find one this easily," Lova commented.
"I like it better when it was dead," Shinon whispered.
"You’re right about that!" Lova chimed in.
