Free Web NovelChapter 211: [Weekly Bonus Chapter] New Leaders (3)
Shinon sat in his workshop. Rico and Kira were there with him, in the room filled with maps, communication devices, and a lamp. His eyes scanned the map of the ’second’ settlement, tracing the winding paths, the clusters of buildings, and the well-defended perimeter.
"You want us to do what?" Kira loudly exclaimed as she couldn’t believe Shinon would ask them to do something uncharacteristic of them.
"Listen, I know it’s not what you two were expecting, but-" Shinon tried explaining his side, but Rico interrupted him.
"I know what you’re thinking, but after what happened with Marcus, I don’t think it’s wise to leave you alone here," he said as he leaned on the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "Besides, Sable already sent a handful of people to establish a second base to takeover Aric’s palace."
Shinon sighed. Talking to both of them at once might not have been his wisest decision after all. He had thought that maybe he could explain his decision to them and expected Rico to agree with it.
However, it didn’t seem like that was the case. Both Rico and Kira were vehemently against leaving him behind. Despite Shinon’s plan, he could understand why they were being so stubborn.
If Marcus could be a traitor to the settlement, anyone else could also have joined hands with other organisations. That’s why they did not want Shinon to be without them in the settlement because they couldn’t trust anyone.
That said, it was essential for someone Shinon trusted to watch over their second settlement, as they were calling the new state, and he thought Rico and Kira were perfect for the job.
Besides, Shinon had also talked with the Colonel, and he agreed to send some of his trusted soldiers to help the second settlement grow and stabilise.
Since security wasn’t an issue, Shinon decided to establish a stronghold at the second base from the beginning so that no one could pull a betrayal as Marcus did.
For that, he needed someone he could trust out there. Someone with solid morals, someone who wouldn’t give in to the temptation that the other side had to offer.
"Rico’s right," Kira reiterated, her voice firm. "After Marcus, we can’t trust anyone. We can’t risk leaving you alone in the settlement."
"I understand why you both feel this way," Shinon ran a hand through his hair, acknowledging their worries. "but it’s essential that someone I trust watches over our second settlement. I don’t want another Marcus rising there and fucking us all over."
"We get the importance of security, Shinon, but we can’t leave you behind," Rico said as his gaze remained unwavering. "If you want us to go, you’ll have to come with us, as I don’t trust anyone who isn’t present in this room."
"We’ve already seen how betrayal can come from within. We can’t take that risk." Kira nodded in agreement.
Shinon leaned back in his chair, frustration and happiness warring within him. He was happy that he had formed such bonds in an unknown world, bonds that were ready to fight him for his safety.
But at the same time, he had anticipated their resistance but hoped they would agree with his reasoning.
Kira, sensing Shinon’s inner turmoil, spoke softly. "We want to support you, Shinon, but not at the cost of your safety. Maybe there’s another way."
Shinon appreciated their concern, but he knew his plan was the most practical.
"Look, I’ve been thinking about this for a while," he said. "We can’t afford to have someone with compromised morals become the second base’s leader. I need someone who won’t be swayed by temptation."
"Temptation?" Rico raised an eyebrow. "What temptation?"
"Yes, it’s something Aric told me earlier. Well, he wouldn’t tell me everything, but I learned about some things." Shinon sighed. "What i’m going to tell you now must be kept a secret."
The two nodded, so Shinon continued telling them about everything Aric had told him and what he thought about the so-called rulers.
"The other side, the rulers, want to see this world in chaos and are persuasive... much more than Aric was. They offer power, resources, and promises to make everyone grow stronger.
We can’t have someone leading the second base who might be tempted by those offers... like Marcus and Aric."
"This shit just won’t end, will it?" Kira sighed, her resistance softening. "We understand, but we’re just concerned about you."
"I appreciate your concern," While Shinon appreciated their concern, he knew he had to stand his ground. "But I need you both to stay there as I trust you more than anyone else who can do the job. Also, the Colonel’s soldiers will be there, and you’ll be able to establish a solid stronghold from the beginning."
Rico and Kira exchanged a meaningful glance before turning back to Shinon. They finally understood Shinon’s intentions.
He wanted to stabilise the chaos around them before he had to leave their world for good. Since he didn’t know when that would happen, he decided it would be best to start working on it without wasting any time.
"Alright, Shinon, if you truly believe it’s the best course of action, we’ll stay," Rico spoke first.
Kira nodded in agreement before putting in a condition of her own. "But you have to promise us one thing: you’ll keep in constant contact with us. We won’t rest easy if we can’t reach you." freewebnoveℓ.com
"Kira-"
"That’s my condition." Kira, being the stubborn one, had made it her hill to die on, and finally, Shinon had to relent.
"I promise, Kira. We’ll maintain open lines of communication. Just like you want. Happy now?" Shinon shook his head before smiling.
As the meeting concluded, Shinon could feel the emotions running high as Rico got oddly quiet and Kira... well, her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears.
Without warning, she approached Shinon and wrapped her arms around him in a tight, heartfelt hug. "Take care of yourself out here, and feel free to call us whenever you need!"
"You too, Kira," he replied softly, holding her close for a moment longer than usual. "We’ll see each other again soon."
Kira pulled back, wiping away a stray tear. She nodded, forcing a brave smile. "I’ll hold you to that, Shinon."
Rico, never one for overly emotional displays, settled for a solid fist bump with Shinon. It was their way of acknowledging their friendship without delving into sentimentality.
"Stay sharp out there," Rico advised, his tone serious.
"You too," Shinon said with a smile.
