Free Web NovelChapter 167: Wise Spirits
Shinon’s heart raced with excitement as the quest notification flashed before his eyes. Ignoring the curious gazes of the people around him, he focused solely on the task at hand.
This was a moment he had been waiting for, a chance to unravel the mysteries of Lunarisite, and he wasn’t going to waste it.
"Kira, Rico! I’m heading out for a while. Have fun with the kids!" Shinon yelled as he rushed outside.
"But where-" Kira was about to ask him, but he was already gone. "This guy... do you know where’s he going?"
"What makes you think I’d know?" Rico laughed. "Let’s focus on the kids. He’ll be back soon... I hope."
Without wasting any time, Shinon accepted the quest and sprinted through the bustling streets, his mind filled with thoughts of possibilities ahead.
As he navigated the busy streets, he could hear whispers and murmurs from onlookers, their eyes following his frantic movements. But Shinon paid no heed to their opinions. At this moment, their thoughts were inconsequential.
Within moments, Shinon was standing outside Mei Lin’s parlour. The same place where he had received his serpent or dragon tattoo, depending on how people interpreted it, a while back.
Entering the peaceful space, Shinon was greeted by the delicate aroma of incense and soothing melodies playing softly in the background. The walls were adorned with intricate artwork depicting mythical creatures and symbols of ancient wisdom.
Mei Lin, as usual, sat at a table covered with various tools and materials, her eyes filled with serene wisdom that seemed to span centuries. She was truly a mysterious being, having been bestowed the gift of foresight.
In his hurriedness, Shinon didn’t even bother knocking and rushed inside the parlour, only to discover Mei Lin working on a tattoo on her abdomen, right below her chest. As such, she hadn’t even bothered covering herself as she was alone.
"Oh, I’m sorry!" Shinon stammered, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him.
He hastily turned around, his cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. It was an unintentional intrusion, and he hadn’t expected to walk in on Mei Lin in such a vulnerable state.
As he stood there, his heart racing, Shinon debated whether to leave immediately or apologise and explain his purpose for coming. But before he could decide, Mei Lin’s calm voice reached his ears, breaking through the awkward silence.
"Ah, Shinon. I have been expecting you," Mei Lin said, her tone composed and unfazed by the situation. She quickly covered herself, a gesture that eased Shinon’s discomfort. "There’s no need to shy away from one’s natural self. But since it makes you uncomfortable, here. I’m dressed now."
Shinon turned cautiously, finding Mei Lin fully clothed, her tattoo still peeking beneath the fabric. He let out a nervous chuckle, his embarrassment gradually subsiding.
"Thank you, Mei. I apologise for barging in like that."
Mei Lin smiled, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "No need to apologise, Shinon. Sometimes these things happen. Besides, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The human body is a canvas, and art comes in many forms."
"Wait, you said you were expecting me? How did you know?" Shinon blurted out but then shook his head. Mei Lin had the rare foresight ability. It was apparent she knew about his arrival.
Mei Lin offered a knowing smile. "The whispers of the universe guide us to those who seek answers. It isn’t the first time something like this has happened, nor will it be the last."
"Then you’d know why I’m here, don’t you?" Shinon said as he placed the bundle of Lunarisite on the table before Mei Lin.
Mei Lin’s eyes sparkled with intrigue as she delicately picked up a piece of the shimmering material. She examined it closely, her fingers tracing its intricate patterns.
"Lunarisite, a mystical gift from the night sky. It holds immense power, but only those who can unlock its secrets can harness its true potential..." Mei Lin smiled before handing the ore back to Shinon. "Don’t worry, I won’t ask you how or where you got it. Your secret’s safe with me."
Mei Lin continued in a hushed voice, "Lunarisite, like the moon’s reflection on still water, holds the essence of transformation. To shape it into a malleable metal, you must seek the harmony of elements and the dance of energies."
Shinon listened intently, his mind racing to decipher Mei Lin’s cryptic message. "Harmony of elements... What do you mean?"
"The fire’s embrace, the earth’s grounding touch, the breath of air, and the flowing waters. Unite these forces within your craft, and the Lunarisite shall yield its secrets." Mei Lin replied with a cryptic smile.
"How is something like that even possible?"
Mei Lin remained silent for a moment, but her smile didn’t fade. "If someone like Marcus can figure it out, I’m sure you can as well."
Shinon’s surprise was evident as Mei Lin mentioned Marcus had uncovered the secret. In hindsight, it would make sense if that was the case, as it would give Marcus ample reason to enslave people just for working in the mines.
But how could someone like Marcus have unlocked the secret of processing Lunarisite? It seemed improbable, and Shinon couldn’t help but question the truth of Mei Lin’s statement.
"Marcus... he couldn’t have discovered the secret on his own," Shinon muttered, his brows furrowing in contemplation. "There must be someone else, someone guiding him."
"Indeed. You’re the only one being guided by mysterious individuals, Shinon." Mei Lin said while staring off into the distant skies. "However, the identity of the individual helping Marcus is something I’m incapable of discovery by myself."
Shinon’s thoughts raced as he considered Mei Lin’s words. His first hunch was that there were more people like Mei, possessing the knowledge of Lunarisite, who had sided with Marcus and were actively helping him.
"But who could it be? Who possesses such knowledge and influence?" Shinon pondered aloud, his voice laced with determination.
As Shinon voiced his thoughts, Mei’s eyes flickered with an otherworldly light, and her body levitated above the ground. The air around them seemed charged with energy, and a voice unlike Mei’s escaped her lips, resonating with an ethereal quality.
"The answers you seek may lie within the depths of the settlement. Explore the whispers, the hidden conversations, and the unsaid truths. Trust your intuition, Shadowbearer, for it will guide you to the source of this hidden knowledge," the mysterious voice spoke, its words carrying a sense of urgency and importance.
Shinon watched in awe and concern as Mei’s body trembled, and she fell back to the floor, panting heavily. He rushed to her side, kneeling down and gently supporting her.
"Mei! Are you alright?" Shinon asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. Mei’s eyes fluttered open, and she took a few deep breaths, trying to regain her composure.
"I... I’m fine," Mei whispered, her voice still trembling. "That was... unexpected. The spirits within me sometimes speak when the veil between realms is thin."
"Spirits?"
"Yes, spirits," Mei confirmed, her voice conveying mystery. "The unseen forces that exist beyond our mortal realm. They hold wisdom and knowledge that can guide us if we are open to their whispers."
Shinon didn’t know if he should laugh or not, as the notion of spirits watching him was ridiculous. But then, so was the existence of the system.
After all, everything happening around them was hard to believe... magic, zombies, insectoids... everything. Yet it was all true.
"Can’t one of your spirits help me to figure out what his rock does?" Shinon joked as he helped Mei back to her feet.
"I’m afraid you’re the only blacksmith I have been in contact with." Mei smiled once again before continuing. "However, there is one thing I can tell you that may help you in the future."
Mei Lin’s expression turned serious as she leaned closer to Shinon, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The relationship between Marcus and Aric runs deeper than what meets the eye."
"They have a relationship?" Shinon’s eyes widened in surprise.
Mei Lin took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. "Marcus has been secretly selling the refined Lunarisite to Aric. Their alliance is not merely one of convenience but goes much deeper." freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Shinon’s mind raced as he tried to comprehend the implications of Mei Lin’s revelation. The Lunarisite, the very resource he had been desperately seeking to understand and utilise, was being funnelled into the hands of their greatest enemy.
"Why would Marcus do such a thing?" Shinon asked, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and anger.
Mei Lin’s gaze grew sombre. "Power, Shinon. It is a dangerous and seductive force. Marcus sees an opportunity to align himself with Aric and gain more control, influence, and wealth. He has hidden his relationship with Aric from everyone, including the other Phoenixes."
"And how do you know all this?" Shinon inquired, but when Mei shrugged, he got his answer. "Spirits... of course. Either way, thanks for the heads up."
As Shinon said that, he turned to leave without wasting any more time. However, as he left, Mei Lin called him, wondering what he was planning to do.
Shinon smiled and said, "Ask your spirits, they’ll know."
