Free Web NovelChapter 152: Not Everything Goes According To Plan
As Shinon and the guards prepared to leave the mine, their plan was abruptly interrupted by the sudden reappearance of Carter, the vigilant overseer of the mine’s security.
Suspicion had been lingering in Carter’s mind since the moment he first encountered Shinon and the guards, and now he had the opportunity to confront them.
With a stern expression, Carter approached the group, his gaze fixed on Shinon. He wasted no time in making his intentions clear.
"Hold it right there. I suspected something was off from the start, and now I’m certain. You’re not supposed to be here." Carter calmly said; however, there was a hint of hostility in his voice.
Shinon maintained his calm composure, his mind working quickly to assess the situation. He had to tread carefully, as revealing his true identity or intentions could have dire consequences. Instead, he opted to play along, at least for the time being.
"Is there a problem?" Shinon asked, feigning innocence. "We were just assessing the security measures as instructed."
Carter’s face tightened, scepticism etched across his features. He reached for his communication device, swiftly contacting the Phoenixes for verification.
Moments passed, tension thick in the air, until a response crackled through the device. Carter listened intently, his expression growing graver by the second.
"How many times do I need to tell you?" a familiar feminine voice broke through the radio. "We did not send anyone there for the day! Whoever is in the mines is an intruder. Hold them back; I’m on my way there."
"As you heard, they didn’t send anyone," Carter declared, his voice laced with an air of authority. "I don’t know who you are, but you’re in a lot of trouble now. The worst of the Phoenixes is on her way here!"
Sensing the severity of the situation, the workers began to gather around Shinon and the guards, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. But uneasiness clouded their faces once they heard who was coming down to the mines.
Shinon’s mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the situation without resorting to violence. He knew he couldn’t wait for long; otherwise, he would be in a lot of trouble because not every member of the Phoenixes was very fond of him.
"Get them!" Carter yelled at the workers and his guards.
While his guard immediately jumped up to execute his instructions, it was a different deal for the workers.
"Do you fuckers want me to use this?" Carter warned the workers.
Aware of the hesitant workers, Carter revealed a button next to his holster, a silent threat that hung heavily in the air.
Torn between loyalty and fear, the workers reluctantly began to encircle Shinon and the guards, their eyes filled with uncertainty.
Shinon had no idea what the button did, but it had to be something serious if the workers suddenly began obeying Carter.
That said, Shinon understood the predicament he faced. He didn’t want innocent workers caught in the crossfire, but he also refused to be captured and detained. He had to find a way out of this impasse.
"Listen," Shinon spoke up, his voice projecting confidence and conviction. "There has been a misunderstanding. We were sent here on a mission of utmost importance, but we cannot disclose the details openly. All we ask is for your cooperation and trust."
"Cooperation and trust? You expect me to believe that?" Carter scoffed, unimpressed by Shinon’s plea. "Even if you are telling the truth now, it is too late. You’re all coming with me until the matter is sorted out."
Shinon’s mind raced, searching for an alternative solution. He couldn’t afford to let the situation escalate further, jeopardising his safety as well as the safety of the innocent workers.
However, Shinon wasn’t done trying to bullshit his way out of the trouble his nonchalance had created.
"I understand your concerns," Shinon continued, his tone measured. "But if you detain us, you’ll be hindering the very operation that ensures the safety and prosperity of this settlement. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?" fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
The workers exchanged anxious glances, torn between their loyalty to Carter and the implications of hindering with something they knew nothing about. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air, the tension palpable. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
At that moment, Shinon made a split-second decision. He summoned his shadow gauntlets, their dark tendrils weaving around his arms, a visual display of his power. The workers gasped, startled by the sudden manifestation of his abilities.
"Look, I don’t want to harm any of you," Shinon asserted firmly, his voice filled with determination. "But I won’t let myself be captured unjustly. Stand down, and we can find a way to resolve this peacefully."
The workers hesitated, their wavering loyalty now tinged with uncertainty. They had witnessed Shinon’s power and recognised the potential danger, but they also saw his desire for a peaceful resolution.
"You think you’re the only one with powers here?" Carter laughed as he unhooked the shiny whip from his belt. "Let’s see who is stronger, shall we?"
Carter’s laughter reverberated through the air, a taunting challenge directed at Shinon. The glimmering whip in his hand seemed to dance with malevolence, its polished surface reflecting the dim light of the mine.
Shinon narrowed his eyes, his focus sharpening as he braced himself for the impending confrontation.
With a swift movement, Carter lashed out with the whip, the sharp crack cutting through the silence. The whip whistled through the air, aimed to strike Shinon and showcase Carter’s prowess. But Shinon was not one to be caught off guard.
In an instant, shadows coalesced around Shinon, their inky tendrils intertwining with his form. They morphed into a protective shield, deflecting the lash of the whip. The whip recoiled, its momentum abruptly halted by Shinon’s mastery of shadow manipulation.
"That is an excellent weapon," the blacksmith within Shinon got excited as the whip connected with his shield. "I wonder where you got it from."
"That’s none of your business!" Carter yelled as the two engaged in a duel.
