Chapter 130: Waiting For Rescue (3)
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the forest. Shinon stirred, his eyes blinking open as he slowly emerged from his brief slumber. Sitting up, he scanned his surroundings, a frown etching across his features. Lova was nowhere to be seen.
"Why am I even surprised?" he shook his head as he got up to find her.
Lova was supposed to keep watch while he slept, ensuring their safety during the night. It was unusual for her to abandon her post without warning. Shinon rose to his feet, his senses on high alert as he searched for any sign of her presence.
His gaze shifted upward, drawn to the silhouette perched upon a sturdy branch. Lova sat there, her gaze fixed upon the night sky, which held a mesmerising greenish hue.
"This... bitch."
"Lova, where were you?" Shinon’s voice held a tinge of concern, his eyes flickering with annoyance. "You were supposed to be on guard duty. We can’t afford to be careless, especially in these difficult times."
Lova remained still, her eyes never leaving the captivating night sky. She seemed unfazed by Shinon’s reprimand, her voice calm and detached as she finally responded.
"Shinon, I am one of the Phoenixes," Lova stated, her tone carrying an air of authority. "I answer to a different code, one that grants me certain privileges. I do not require constant vigilance like you do."
"Lova, I understand your position, but we are still partners in this mission," Shinon replied, his voice laced with frustration. "It would take effort from both of us to get back to the settlement in one piece."
Lova finally tore her gaze away from the night sky, her piercing eyes meeting Shinon’s with an unwavering intensity. She jumped down from the branch with a graceful landing, her posture exuding confidence and conviction.
"I am well aware of our partnership, Shinon," Lova retorted, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "But do not mistake my independent nature for carelessness. I have my own ways of ensuring our safety." free𝑤ebnovel.com
Much to Shinon’s surprise, Lova picked up a small stone from the forest floor and tossed it into the air. To his surprise, the rock bounced off an invisible barrier as if hitting an impenetrable forcefield.
Shinon’s eyes widened in astonishment, realising that Lova had constructed a protective shield around them. Which also explained why she was behaving so nonchalantly.
"A force field? Impressive." Shinon smiled.
Lova nodded, her expression calm and composed. "Yes, it’s a simple barrier spell I’ve developed. It provides protection against potential threats while allowing us to move freely inside."
Shinon cautiously approached the forcefield, extending a hand to feel the subtle vibrations of the invisible energy. As he touched the barrier, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
Lova’s power seemed broken, making him understand why Marcus often hesitated to challenge her.
However, as Shinon’s initial scepticism lingered, a different realisation dawned upon him. He recalled the significant drawback of Lova’s abilities—the lengthy charging time required before unleashing their devastating power.
It occurred to him that relying on an ability that could take hours to charge amid a battle was less impressive than it initially seemed.
"Since you’re up, I’m off to sleep."
"Sure," Shinon replied, finding himself a good spot to keep watch.
Lova positioned herself a short distance away, finding a suitable spot to lie down. Her eyes lingered on Shinon for a moment before she spoke. "Remember, stay vigilant. If you notice anything suspicious, wake me immediately."
Shinon nodded, not bothering to look at her. With a final glance, Lova closed her eyes and succumbed to the embrace of sleep, her body relaxing against the backdrop of the night.
Shinon, now alone with his thoughts, turned his attention to the surroundings. He kept his senses sharp, his gaze sweeping the area for any signs of danger. The night seemed peaceful, the soft moonlight casting gentle shadows on the forest floor.
An hour passed, marked by the rhythmic sounds of nature. The tranquillity of the night began to settle deep within Shinon’s bones, calming his mind while keeping his instincts honed.
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the whispers of the night. Shinon’s eyes flickered between the surrounding darkness, searching for anomalies that might threaten their rest.
His grip tightened on the hilt of his weapon, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
As time trickled by, fatigue tugged at Shinon’s consciousness. He fought against the weariness. Yet, despite his efforts, the exhaustion persisted.
His eyelids grew heavy, and his body yearned for the respite of sleep. The struggle between his responsibility and exhaustion became increasingly burdensome.
"Fucking hell, I need to do something about this stupid sleep..." With a determined sigh, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
In the dim moonlight filtering through the canopy above, Shinon swiftly removed his shirt, exposing his well-toned physique. The night air kissed his bare skin, sending a shiver of awakening through his body. The sensation jolted him awake in a second. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
With his shirt now discarded, Shinon positioned himself in an open space, away from any obstacles that might impede his movements. He stretched his limbs, feeling the tension melt away as his muscles awakened.
The night sky became his canvas, and the symphony of nature provided the backdrop for his impromptu workout. Shinon began with a series of jumping jacks, his body moving in perfect synchrony with the rhythm of his breathing.
The repetitive motion served to invigorate his senses, driving away the remnants of fatigue that threatened to consume him.
As beads of perspiration formed on his brow, Shinon transitioned into high-intensity exercises. Burpees, lunges, and squats were executed with precision and fluidity, his muscles working together to dispel any traces of sleepiness.
"That’s what I am talking about," Shinon took a deep breath, not stopping once during his ’workout’.
However, unbeknownst to him, a keen pair of eyes watched him even though her eyes were shut.
’He is stranger than I thought...’ Lova thought as a smile tugged her lips.