Free Web NovelChapter 142: The General’s Offer (1)
The soft clinking of a teacup against a saucer resonated in the quiet room as Trader, an air of calmness surrounding her, took a sip from her steaming brew. Her eyes focused on the task at hand. She awaited Widow’s report on the mission she had assigned her.
As if on cue, Widow knocked on her doors before entering the room. Widow approached with a smirk, a twinkling of mischief in her eyes. She handed over a folder containing the detailed report, her voice laced with amusement.
"Here’s your report," She said before taking the seat before Trader. "As for the actual fight... you won’t believe what happened!
But before that, let me tell you, the insectoid Queen didn’t stand a chance against us. Shinon may be bruised, but he’s alive and well... as requested."
Trader set her tea down and accepted the report with a nod of appreciation. "Good work, Widow. I knew I could count on you. Shinon’s resilience is impressive, although I can’t say the same about his decision-making skills."
Widow chuckled, her laughter echoing through the room. "Oh, you’re right, Trader. Shinon was utterly foolish to think he could take on a level 80 field boss when he’s stuck at level 40. It’s a miracle he made it out alive."
Trader chuckled softly, setting her teacup down on the table. "Ah, Shinon and his audacity. He always manages to surprise us, doesn’t he? But that recklessness is also a part of his charm. freewёbnoνel.com
It fuels his determination to overcome any obstacle. He just needs to grow a bit more before he can fully join the rest of our team."
The Widow joined in the laughter, nodding in agreement. "You’re right, Trader. Shinon has potential, but he needs guidance. I’ll keep an eye on him and lend a hand whenever necessary. After all, he did prove his worth in the battle against the Insectoid Queen."
Trader’s gaze turned thoughtful as she took another sip of tea. "Indeed, Widow. Shinon’s encounter with the Queen was a crucial test. It showed us his strengths and weaknesses.
We must nurture his strengths while helping him overcome his limitations. Together, we can mould him into a powerful ally."
Widow leaned against a nearby desk, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I must admit, watching Shinon charge headfirst into battle, believing he could single-handedly take down the Queen, was quite entertaining. Moments like those remind me why I chose to accompany him on this journey."
Trader’s smile widened. "Ah, the joy of witnessing the birth of a legend. Shinon’s spirit is indomitable, even if it leads him into reckless situations. It’s up to us to channel that spirit and shape it into something extraordinary."
Widow crossed her arms, her tone playful. "So, Trader, what’s the next step? How do we help Shinon grow and become the asset we need him to be?"
"Don’t you worry about it," Trader smiled. "Shinon already has his hands full with ascension tasks I have given him."
Widow shrugged as she remembered the quest the Trader handed her. It was a pain in the butt for sure, but in the end, she became stronger thanks to Trader’s help.
However, just as she wa bout to leave, Widow remembered something. Widow’s curiosity was piqued as she took a step closer to Trader, her eyes narrowing with intrigue.
"Trader, I’ve been meaning to ask. After I put Shinon to sleep, what did you do to him? You mentioned something about altering his memories."
Trader took a composed sip from her tea, her gaze steady as she met Widow’s curious gaze.
"Ah, yes. I deemed it necessary to alter Shinon’s memories for his own protection and the security of our plans. You see, there is someone rather troublesome lurking in the settlement, someone with the ability to read minds."
Widow’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Someone who can read minds? That’s not a person we want snooping around our affairs. But why specifically Shinon? What is it about him that makes him a target?"
Trader’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she set her teacup down, the fragrant steam still swirling in the air.
"Shinon possesses a unique power within him, a power that can alter the course of our journey. That power, combined with his relentless determination, has caught the attention of influential figures in this rotten world."
Widow’s eyes widened, her curiosity deepening. "Influential figures? Who are they, and why are they interested in Shinon?"
Trader’s voice dropped to a hushed tone, her gaze fixed on Widow. "I will reveal their identities in due time, my dear Widow.
But for now, suffice it to say that these individuals hold great sway, and they would stop at nothing to hinder our mission. Altering Shinon’s memories was a precautionary measure to ensure their ignorance regarding our plans."
Widow leaned against a nearby wall, her mind spinning with the weight of the information. "So, this troublesome person is searching for Shinon, and by altering his memories, you’ve hidden our intentions from their prying eyes. Clever, Trader, very clever."
Trader chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement and determination. "Cleverness is a skill we must cultivate, Widow. In this world, we must outmanoeuvre our enemies at every turn. Shinon’s safety and the success of our mission depend on our ability to stay one step ahead."
Widow crossed her arms, her tone tinged with a sense of urgency. "And what happens when Shinon regains his memories? Will he remember what we’ve done?"
Trader’s gaze turned thoughtful, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "The alterations I made are temporary. When the time is right, when Shinon’s strength and understanding have grown, his memories will resurface. Until then, he will remain unaware of the true extent of our plans."
Before Trader and Widow could continue their conversation, the door to the room swung open with a forceful bang, and Vlad stormed in, his eyes burning with a fit of intense rage.
"Trader!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with impatience. "When will you allow me to make my move? It’s been over a month since you promised me Shinon-"
Trader’s calm composure remained unbroken as she regarded Vlad with a cool gaze. "Vlad, I warned you against interfering with Shinon’s path. I specifically instructed you to bide your time. Yet here you stand, demanding action without considering the consequences."
Widow, never one to mince words, stepped forward, her voice laced with authority. "Vlad, you have disrupted our meeting with your impertinence. Show some respect-"
"I couldn’t care less about your tea party, Widow. I seek answers from Trader about Shinon. When will he fall? When will I have the chance at revenge!?"
Trader’s gaze hardened a subtle shift in the atmosphere, causing Vlad to falter for a moment.
"Vlad, you have tested my patience time and again. I have granted you opportunities, but you have yet to understand the true power at play here. Shinon’s fate will be determined in due course, and it is not for you to decide."
As if an invisible force bore down upon him, Vlad suddenly sank to his knees, his defiant posture crumbling under unseen pressure.
His voice strained, he managed to utter, "What... what have you done?"
Trader’s eyes bore into Vlad, a mix of warning and authority shining within them. "I have shown you a glimpse of the consequences that await if you continue to defy me."
She continued, "Shinon’s destiny is intertwined with a greater purpose, one that you cannot comprehend. You will stay away from him until the time is right, or else face the consequences of your foolishness."
Widow stepped closer, her voice carrying a subtle threat. "Vlad, listen to Trader’s words. Your desires will be fulfilled when the moment aligns with our plans. Until then, you would do well to remember your place."
Vlad’s eyes darted between the two formidable women, their leather-clad figures exuding strength and determination. He swallowed his pride, his voice barely a whisper.
"I... I will bide my time. But mark my words, Trader, and mark them well. When the opportunity arises, I will not only destroy Shinon but also make sure you pay for your arrogance."
Trader’s gaze remained unyielding, her response filled with unwavering resolve. "Remember, Vlad, the path you choose will have consequences. Choose wisely."
With that, the invisible pressure lifted, and Vlad found himself released from its grip. He staggered to his feet, his sulking demeanour concealing the smouldering anger within him.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his vow of vengeance lingering in the air.
"He certainly lacks intelligence, doesn’t he?" she remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of mockery. With a casual gesture, she pointed her thumb in Vlad’s direction. "Shall I teach him a lesson and put him in his rightful place?"
Trader shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. "No, Widow. It’s not worth your time. Vlad’s usefulness to us will diminish over time, and when the moment arises, Mika will handle him accordingly."
Widow raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Mika? Who is this Mika you speak of?"
A faint smile played on Trader’s lips as she leaned back, a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes. "You’ll find out soon enough."
