Free Web NovelChapter 176: A Choice To Live With
It appeared as if being abandoned by everyone did something to Alex as he began laughing like a maniac. One could say since Alex knew it was the end of him, he had lost his screws.
"So, Shadowbearer, it seems you have won. But I’m not one to surrender." Alex sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "How about this, just you and me? One-on-one. This is what you wanted, isn’t it?"
Shinon’s face remained stoic, his eyes narrowing slightly. He tightened his grip on the Blade of Chaos.
"One should grant a man’s final wish," Shinon shrugged before drawing his sword. "If you want to die so badly, then who am I to decline your request."
Alex charged forward with a desperate lunge, his sword cutting through the air with lethal precision. His ability to predict his enemies’ movements gave him a slight advantage, as he anticipated Shinon’s reactions and adjusted his attacks accordingly.
His attack almost got Shinon, who barely managed to sidestep at the final moment. With each clash of their blades, Alex’s confidence grew. He could accurately predict Shinon’s manoeuvres, successfully evading or blocking most of his attacks.
Alex’s strikes were swift and calculated, aiming for Shinon’s vulnerable spots with deadly accuracy. But Shinon’s calm demeanour never wavered. His movements became fluid and precise as he began parrying Alex’s blows. Even though it looked like he was struggling to do so.
However, unknown to Alex, Shinon had been toying with him all along. He deliberately appeared slightly slower, allowing Alex to believe he had the upper hand.
Shinon wanted to give him false hope, to make him believe he had a chance at victory before he shattered it entirely. Shinon wasn’t someone who would do something like that usually, but knowing the things Alex had done to countless women, only fueled Shinon’s dark side as he kept toying with his opponent.
As the duel continued, Shinon’s shadow blades became more active, darting in and out of the fight, their movements too fast for Alex’s eyes to fully track.
He became increasingly overwhelmed by the flurry of attacks coming from different directions. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t simultaneously predict the movements of all six shadow blades.
Frustration and desperation etched across Alex’s face as he struggled to keep up. His once fluid movements became erratic, and his strikes grew weaker.
He could feel the battle slipping from his grasp, his confidence shattered. The more he tried to regain control, the more Shinon moved effortlessly around him.
Frustrated by Shinon’s antics, Alex launched another series of attacks, his sword moving with a speed and precision that seemed impossible. But every blow was deflected by Shinon’s blade of chaos, and the elusive shadow blades struck Alex from all angles.
"You can predict my movements, Alex, but can you predict the shadows?" Shinon taunted, a playful glint in his eyes.
Despite the taunt, Alex pressed forward, focusing on Shinon’s primary weapon, the Blade of Chaos. Alex’s strikes were precise and calculated, his anticipation guiding each movement.
Yet, despite his efforts, Shinon proved to be an elusive opponent. He dodged, parried, and countered Alex’s strikes with uncanny grace using his shadows, always remaining just out of reach.
"You’re good," Alex grunted, sweat dripping from his brow. "But I won’t give up."
Shinon chuckled softly, his voice laced with amusement. "Oh, I know you won’t, Alex. That’s why I’m playing with you."
As the battle raged on, Alex’s frustration grew. His predictive abilities had given him an edge in countless fights, but against Shinon and his shadow blades, he found himself struggling to keep up.
The shadowy weapons moved independently, their unpredictable trajectories disrupting Alex’s ability to anticipate Shinon’s attacks.
Sensing Alex’s desperation, Shinon decided to reveal his true strength. With a sudden burst of energy, he summoned all six shadow blades to converge on Alex simultaneously. The blades whirled and sliced through the air, creating a deadly vortex of darkness.
Alex’s eyes widened in alarm as he struggled to defend himself against the onslaught. He parried one blade after another, each strike inching closer to breaking through his defences. His movements became frantic, his focus slipping.
But just as all hope seemed lost, Shinon halted the assault. The shadow blades dissipated into thin air, leaving only the Blade of Chaos in his hands. He smiled, a triumphant glimmer in his eyes.
It was then Alex realised something. If Shinon wanted, he could have defeated him instantly, but he didn’t. Shinon didn’t end the fight because he wanted to mock Alex before those who once feared him.
It was a tactic to undermine not only his but even Aric’s fear that the people had in their hearts. Alex’s breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to regain his composure.
"You... You dare to toy with me!?" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
A surge of anger coursed through Alex’s veins. He gritted his teeth, refusing to accept defeat so easily. With newfound determination, he charged again at Shinon, determined to turn the tide.
But Shinon, ever composed, swiftly sidestepped Alex’s attack, delivering a devastating blow to his opponent’s side. Alex staggered back, his grip on his sword faltering. Pain coursed through his body, and he fell to his knees.
Shinon looked down at the fallen swordsman, his expression cold and calculating.
"You have destroyed countless lives, toying with people as you and that godforsaken ’prince’ of yours pleased without facing the consequences," he whispered. "But no more. You will die here today but fret not. I’ll make sure Aric will be right behind you." freeωebnovēl.c૦m
With those final words, Shinon turned away, leaving Alex on the ground, defeated and humiliated. Everyone thought Shinon would let Alex go after everything he had done, but they were wrong as he handed his sword to Lily.
Lily’s eyes widened as she received the sword, its dark aura pulsing with a mysterious energy.
"What do you want me to do with him?" Lily asked as her gaze shifted towards Alex, who lay defeated on the ground.
Shinon’s expression softened, and he touched Lily’s shoulder. "It’s your choice, Lily. You can choose to deliver justice, or you can choose mercy. But remember, whatever choice you make, you will have to live with it."
Lily nodded, her grip on the Blade of Chaos tightening. She took a step towards Alex, her eyes unwavering. The echoes of his misdeeds and the suffering he had caused echoed in her mind.
"You tried to take away our freedom, our choices," Lily spoke, her voice steady and resolute. "But I won’t let you dictate our fate anymore."
She stood above him. Alex’s eyes met hers for a moment, filled with fear and defiance. Lily raised the Blade of Chaos, her hands steady. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made her decision.
The blade descended and, with a swift stroke, and a moment later... Alex’s severed head rolled on the ground. His blood splattered everywhere, even marking Lily’s face.
Shinon stood there with a blank expression as Lily let go of the blade and puked her guts out. Although he had hoped Lily would do what she did, Shinon had doubts. Fortunately, his doubts didn’t turn into reality, as he would have to eliminate Alex himself.
"You did well," Shinon said before taking his sword and getting back to the forge. After all, he had a lot of work to do.
