Free Web NovelChapter 143: The General’s Offer (2)
As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of the infirmary, Shinon slowly stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. His vision was initially blurred, and he struggled to make sense of his surroundings.
Gradually, the fog in his mind lifted, and he became aware of Kira, Rico, and Selena sitting beside him, their concerned faces etched with worry.
"Shinon, you’re finally awake!" Kira exclaimed, her voice filled with relief as she hugged him. "We were so worried about you. What happened? How did you end up like this?"
"Let the man breathe for a second..." Rico mumbled, effortlessly pulling Kira off Shinon. Since he was finally free from the wheelchair, he intended to use his physique completely.
"Where... am I?"
Shinon’s brow furrowed as he attempted to piece together the events that led to his current state.
His memories were fragmented, like shards of a broken mirror, reflecting only fleeting glimpses of his fight against the Queen. He struggled to find the words to explain, his voice hoarse and weak.
"Don’t worry, Shinon," Selena carefully touched Shinon’s injured shoulder. "You’re back with us in the settlement. Do you remember anything that happened between you and this... ’Queen’?"
"Yes, I remember... the Queen," he managed to utter, his voice barely a whisper. "We fought, but she was too strong. There was someone... someone who helped me. But... my memories, they’re cloudy." ƒrēewebnovel.com
Rico leaned forward, his expression filled with concern. "Who helped you, Shinon? Can you remember anything about them?"
Shinon closed his eyes, his mind straining to recall the face of his mysterious saviour.
Flashes of lightning and the sensation of being shielded from danger flickered through his mind. But as he tried to focus, a searing pain shot through his head, causing him to wince and clutch his temples.
"Argh!" Shinon winced, the pain intensifying. "I... I can’t remember. It hurts... my head."
Selena’s eyes widened with worry, her hand reaching out to gently grasp Shinon’s. "Take it easy, Shinon. Your body needs time to recover, including your mind. Don’t push yourself too hard."
Kira’s expression softened as she looked at Shinon empathetically, grabbing his other arm. It looked like Selena wanted to say something for a second, but she bit her tongue at the last moment.
"We’re just glad you’re safe now. We’ll help you piece everything together once you’re feeling better. Until then, focus on resting and regaining your strength." Kira concluded.
Shinon nodded weakly, feeling a mixture of frustration and gratitude. Someone knocked on the doors just as he was about to talk with them.
General Ironheart entered Shinon’s room, commanding attention as he scanned the surroundings. With a nod, he gestured for Kira, Rico, and Selena to leave, indicating that he wished to speak with Shinon alone.
"We’ll be right outside," Rico whispered. "Just call for us if you think you need help."
"Will do," Shinon said with a smile.
As his friends quietly exited the room, Shinon watched the general take a seat closest to him. There was an air of authority about him, and Shinon couldn’t help but feel a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
"Shinon, I don’t believe we’ve had the opportunity to meet formally," the general began, his voice steady and composed. "I am General Ironheart, the military representative who has come to forge an alliance with your settlement... at least on the surface."
Shinon’s brows furrowed slightly, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. He had never heard of General Ironheart before, and the sudden appearance of a high-ranking military official in his room puzzled him.
Moreover, the general’s words were even more peculiar. If the general wanted an alliance, then what the heck was he doing wasting his time with him?
"I... I’m Shinon," he replied, his voice tinged with curiosity and uncertainty. "What brings you here, General Ironheart?"
The general’s gaze softened, his eyes filled with admiration and concern.
"Shinon, I’ve heard remarkable things about your bravery and resourcefulness," he said. "The reports of your actions against the Queen and your role in safeguarding the settlement have reached my ears, and I’m very impressed."
"Thank you, General," Shinon responded, unsure what to make from the general’s praises. "However, I know you are here to discuss something else entirely. Am I wrong?"
The general smiled, realising that Shinon couldn’t be swayed by sweet words, unlike Marcus.
"You are right," the general continued. "The reason I’m here today has more to do with your skills as a Blacksmith than anything else. Your creations have saved some of our best soldiers out in the field. Especially that water purifier you made."
Shinon’s brows furrowed in confusion. He had not expected the general to be aware of his skills as a blacksmith, let alone praise his creations. But rather than showing his actual emotions, Shinon decided to pry for more information.
"Thank you, General," Shinon replied, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "I’m glad to hear that my work has garnered your attention. However, may I ask how you came to know about it?"
General Ironheart’s smile widened, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "The Phoenixes, your comrades, have been transporting your weapons to the military."
He continued. "And I must say, your craftsmanship surpasses all expectations. The weapons you have created are remarkable in design and functionality."
Shinon’s surprise grew with each passing word. The realisation that his weapons were being used by the military, even without his knowledge, left him momentarily taken aback.
But he remained composed, his curiosity outweighing his astonishment. However, what happened next was truly unpredictable.
General Ironheart leaned forward in his seat, his gaze fixed on Shinon with admiration and sincerity.
"Shinon," he began, his voice carrying a tone of genuine conviction, "I have seen your skills, your determination, and your unwavering spirit. The military could greatly benefit from someone like you."
Shinon’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind struggling to process the unexpected proposition.
He had never considered joining the military, but the prospect of freedom from the Phoenixes’ authority sparked a glimmer of intrigue.
However, the desire to dismantle the Phoenixes’ influence from within made him hesitate.
The conflicting emotions played across Shinon’s face as he weighed the options before him.
Joining the military meant surrendering his autonomy, submitting to the chain of command and taking orders from higher-ups, much like what he was doing for the Phoenixes.
It was a prospect that did not sit well with his rebellious spirit. While he yearned for freedom, he did not wish to be confined within another set of constraints.
However, there was something else. While Shinon valued his freedom and independence, he couldn’t ignore that the general and his forces could become formidable allies capable of supporting him in ways the Phoenixes couldn’t.
An idea began to form in Shinon’s mind—an alternative path that could allow him to decline the offer gracefully while still forging a bond with the general and his military. It was a delicate balance he sought, one that would establish a connection without compromising his autonomy.
Taking a deep breath, Shinon met the general’s gaze with appreciation and hesitancy.
"General Ironheart, I am truly honoured by your offer," he began, his voice measured. "To have the opportunity to serve alongside the military and contribute to a cause greater than myself is a privilege."
The general’s eyes glimmered with anticipation, awaiting Shinon’s acceptance. "However," Shinon continued, his voice tinged with faux regret, "I must decline your offer."
A hint of confusion crossed General Ironheart’s face as he inquired, "May I ask why, Shinon? The military could provide you with resources, support, and a platform to showcase your talents."
Shinon smiled on the inside, knowing the general had taken his bait.
"While I must decline to join the military directly, I am open to the idea of fostering a cooperative relationship between myself and your forces, independent from the influence of the Phoenixes."
The general’s brows furrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued. "A cooperative relationship?" he asked, seeking clarification.
"Indeed," Shinon affirmed. "While I value the independence the Phoenixes provide me, I also recognise the military’s strength and resources. By working together on certain endeavours, we can leverage each other’s strengths for the greater good."
General Ironheart’s stern expression softened a hint of intrigue in his eyes. "You propose a collaboration of sorts?"
"Indeed."
"Shinon, I understand your desire for this cooperative relationship, but have you considered how the Phoenixes will react once they learn of our alliance?" the general inquired, his tone serious.
"General Ironheart, the dynamics within the Phoenixes are complex, and their reactions may vary. However, it is not for me to dictate how they will respond," Shinon replied, his voice resolute. "Once they become aware of our alliance, it will be up to you to handle the situation accordingly."
"For a moment, I thought you were a nice guy," the general replied with a knowing smile. "But you’re even worse than the cunning bastards I know of."
"Nice guys don’t last long in a rotten world, general," Shinon returned the smile. "I have experienced it first hand."
As the general rose from his seat, he extended his hand once more, and Shinon accepted the gesture with a firm handshake. "We’ll discuss the details once you fully recover if that’s alright?"
"Of course."
And with that, the general turned to leave the room, leaving Shinon with another way to screw the Phoenixes over.
"You guys wanted to exploit my creations without informing me? Well, not anymore," Shinon mumbled before slipping back into the warm embrace of his pillow. "I can’t wait to see their reaction now."
