Free Web NovelChapter 202: [Weekly Bonus Chapter] Fear Me (4)
The battle raged on, the tension on the battlefield grew, and the outcome remained uncertain.
Shinon’s movements were calculated and to the point, showing whatever little martial prowess he had, along with his expertise in shadowmancy.
Each strike was executed with precision. But Aric’s mastery over the air was relentless, the serpentine forms of the tendrils probing for weaknesses in Shinon’s defences while at the same time protecting Aric from any damage.
Unlike shadows, the air was everywhere around them, and as such, Aric had no shortage of shields to block Shinon’s attacks whenever one reached him.
Shinon was resilient, but it was only a matter of time before Aric’s onslaught began to wear him down. The air tendrils struck with relentless ferocity, each impact sending shockwaves through his body.
His [Combat Instinct] skill was in full effect. Shinon’s mind analysed the patterns of the tendrils and searched for a way to counter them. But there were too many for Shinon to block and attack simultaneously.
With a swift and unexpected manoeuvre, Aric unleashed a cyclone of air, a vortex of swirling wind that threatened to engulf Shinon. Caught off guard, Shinon was lifted off his feet, his body spiralling within the tempest. He fought to regain control, but the cyclone’s force was overwhelming.
Shinon’s vision blurred as he struggled against the vortex. The world spun around him, and he could feel his strength waning. Desperation set in as he realised he was losing the upper hand in this battle of elemental mastery.
Within moments, Shinon found himself thrown quite a distance from the battlefield. However, he could still see Aric and his men laughing and mocking Shinon.
"Damn it!"
With a final burst of effort, Shinon managed to break free from the cyclone’s grasp, crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs. He staggered to his feet, his breathing laboured, and his body battered and bruised. But his resolve was unharmed.
Aric watched with a cruel grin as Shinon struggled to regain his composure. Overlooking the mighty Shadowbearer struggle wasn’t any less pleasing than spending a night with his queens.
But the sadist wanted Shinon to struggle even more. To the extent that he won’t be able to lift a single finger, and then Aric would unleash his pet zombies on Shinon.
Just imagining the scene excited Aric to no extent. The air tendrils continued to coil and strike, their movements now more coordinated and aggressive than ever as they rushed to trap Shinon.
Shinon knew he was running out of time. He had to find a way to turn the tide of battle, to counter Aric’s newfound power. Shinon saw the gust of wind heading his way and tried to move out of harm’s way.
But his fatigue was evident, his movements slower and less precise than before. Ultimately, his efforts were in vain as Aric’s air tendrils closed in, striking with deadly accuracy.
Thankfully, Shinon managed to conjure a shield to take most of the heavy brunt. Even then, the Aric’s attack was enough to flung Shinon even further back.
Despite his best efforts to go on offence, Shinon found himself on the defensive, his shadowy blades parrying strike after strike. Aric’s laughter echoed through the battlefield, a taunting reminder of the dire situation.
"You see, Shadowbearer," Aric sneered, "I am the greatest man to walk this earth. Your feeble attempts to challenge me were in vain... Be grateful; for now, you will join the long list of those defeated by my superior power."
Shinon’s muscles ached, and his body pushed to its limits. But he refused to yield. He had faced insurmountable odds before and had emerged victorious. He couldn’t allow Aric’s arrogance to triumph.
Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Shinon launched a final assault. A massive blade made of Shadow sliced through the air with a ferocious determination, striking with the intent to end the battle. But Aric was one step ahead.
With a swift motion, Aric summoned a massive air tendril, blocking Shinon’s strike with an impenetrable wall of wind. The force of the collision sent shockwaves through Shinon’s body, and he was forced to his knees.
Aric’s laughter grew louder, his satisfaction evident. He regarded Shinon with a cruel amusement, relishing in his victory. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"Pathetic," Aric spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "You thought you could challenge me? You are nothing but an ant in front of me!"
Shinon struggled to rise to his feet, his body trembling with exhaustion. He refused to concede defeat, his spirit unbroken. But the battle had taken its toll, and Aric’s mastery over the air had proven too formidable.
As Aric berated Shinon, the women carrying his throne seemed to shake in fear of Aric’s victory, their disdain for their ruler was evident in their eyes.
The soldiers who had witnessed the battle watched in awe, their loyalty to Aric deepening. They were glad to have been given the opportunity to join their ruler; after all, he was the best of the best who had never tasted defeat.
However, as Aric was revelling in his ’Victory’ over Shinon, the noise of a gunshot shattered everything. The soldier next to Aric collapsed, and a gaping hole appeared in his head.
Aric frantically contacted his trusted sniper, but there was no response. How could there be a response from a dead man? Just then, Shinon began laughing like a maniac. Aric’s eyes shot towards Shinon, and then he knew... he had made the terrible mistake of overestimating himself.
Following a burst of energy, Shinon was back to his feet, and there wasn’t a single scratch on his body. Even the gunshot wound from earlier had vanished.
"The greatest man to ever walked on this planet?" Shinon scoffed. "Man, that line was so cringe, I almost died."
"W-What’s going on here?" Aric stuttered, taking a few steps back, hoping his soldiers could buy him some time.
But as he stepped back, several gunshots echoed from around them, and his soldiers fell to the ground one after the other. Finally, Aric could see several people over the surrounding buildings with firearms.
"Meet... the bandits," Shinon introduced his reinforcements as the last of Aric’s men fell to the ground... dead.
