Free Web NovelChapter 210: New Leaders (2)
The preparations for Aric’s punishment were underway. The pit, located at the edge of the settlement, was dug deep into the ground. Its walls were reinforced with thick logs and heavy stones to prevent any escape attempts.
Shinon stood beside the large pit they were digging, the sweat glistening on his brow as the sun beat down on the settlement. His hands gripped a shovel firmly as he drove it into the earth, his muscles flexing with each thrust.
Even with others helping him, including his shadow creations, digging and reinforcing the pit proved tiring. With everything done, Shinon only needed some measurements from Aric.
"Once I’m done with him, I can discuss my plans with Rico and Kira," Shinon mumbled, wiping the sweat off his face.
***
The room was dimly lit, with the only light coming from a flickering overhead bulb. In the centre of the room, Aric sat bound to a chair, a gag preventing him from speaking. His eyes, however, spoke volumes—gleaming with a cruel and taunting intelligence.
Shinon approached Aric slowly, his footsteps echoing through the eerie silence. He had waited for this moment, a final confrontation before the bastard was silenced for good.
He just wanted to know what was going on inside the fucker’s head. After all, everything he had worked for was snatched from him. Well, Shinon wanted the meeting to be more of a mockery than anything else. freewebnøvel.com
But before that, he wanted to take some measurements to ensure Aric would fit perfectly in the trap. After all, leaving the slightest bit of wiggle room could be enough for Aric to escape.
However, as Shinon was about to start, Aric giggled and said something. Shinon was intrigued to know more about the bullshit Aric was about to spout, so he removed the gag and let the man speak for the first time in days.
"You know, Shinon," Aric began as soon as the gag was out of its place. "I always knew it would come to this. You and me, facing off in the end. Kind of dramatic, but it is what I thought of the first time Marcus told me about you."
Shinon’s gaze remained fixed on Aric; a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes. He had rehearsed this moment in his mind countless times, envisioning the words he would say and the things they’d talk about. Now, it was time to make those visions a reality.
"I, for one, never thought I would meet a sick bastard like you," Shinon retorted, his voice cold and resolute. "But I am curious about one thing... why? You were a talented guy who could have achieved a lot if you had done things correctly."
Aric chuckled, a chilling sound almost making Shinon snap the bastard’s spine in half. Aric seemed almost amused by the situation, as if he had expected this outcome all along. As if he wanted to mess with Shinon in any way possible till his final moments.
"You think killing me will change anything? You’re so naive, Shadowbearer." Aric rolled his eyes, but he finally had Shinon’s attention all to himself.
"So you were working for someone else," Shinon nodded as he summoned a chair from his shadow to sit across from Aric. "I’m sure you won’t tell me, but it doesn’t harm to try, does it? So tell me, who were you working for? Who was the one pulling string behind the scenes."
"Just as I had predicted, you have no idea who you’re up against, do you?" Aric’s eyes sparkled as a twisted grin appeared on his face. "There are forces at play in this world, organisations and individuals, all working to see it crumble. I was just a pawn, a mere puppet in their grand scheme."
He continued, "If a mere pawn like me can cause so much chaos. Just imagine what the rest would do to you and your little settlement."
Shinon’s brow furrowed, struggling to make sense of Aric’s cryptic words. But Aric knew Shinon was finally intrigued.
"Pawn or not, I’ll take down anyone who stands in my way," Shinon mumbled as he got up and resumed taking the measurements. "Besides, even after I’m gone, there are others who are capable enough to-"
Aric let out a low, mocking laugh, interrupting Shinon.
"You’re desperate for answers, and you know it," he said. "Pretending to be tough in this situation will not bring you peace. You’ll try your best to find them. But you won’t find them here. You see, Shinon, ignorance is bliss. The less you know, the better."
"Bitch... I’m not interested." Shinon scoffed. "You can stay deluded if you want, but your so-called helpers would meet a similar end like you the moment I set my eyes on them."
Frustration surged within Aric. He had hoped that by indulging Shinon in a chat, he could screw with him and the entire settlement a final time. But no matter how hard he tried, Shinon just didn’t seem to care about what he had to say.
"What? You expected me to say something like, ’You’re not leaving this world without giving me some answers’?" Shinon laughed his heart out. "If I wanted you to talk, I would have made you talk."
It was Aric’s turn to laugh, a disgusting laugh that echoed eerily through the room.
"You can try, Shinon, but you won’t get anything from me," he said. "I’ve seen what they’re capable of, and I’d rather die than betray them. After all, they are the true rulers of our world... way beyond your reach-"
Shinon had heard enough. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of cloth, a gag. Without hesitation, he shoved it into Aric’s mouth, silencing his taunts. Aric’s eyes blazed with fury, but he was rendered speechless.
"Listen up, you moron," Shinon whispered in Aric’s ear. "I don’t care who they are or their capabilities. The moment we cross paths, they’ll end just like you."
With that, Shinon turned away from Aric, leaving the room behind. He knew that whatever Aric’s cryptic warnings meant, it didn’t matter anymore.
