Free Web NovelChapter 218: Desperate Escape (3)
After successfully dealing with the guards outside the Eclipse’s supply point, Shinon and Malakai slipped into the dimly lit building. As they entered the building, they found themselves in the heart of an abandoned factory. The vastness of the space stretched out before them, a cavernous expanse filled with the echoes of a bygone era.
Tall, rusted machinery stood silent and still, like forgotten guardians of a lost time. Dust and debris were scattered across the cracked concrete floor, depicting the neglect and tyranny of nature. The air was heavy with the musty scent of age and abandonment.
Rows of towering shelves, once laden with goods, now stood empty and forlorn. Shafts of dim light pierced through broken windows, casting long, eerie shadows across the factory floor. It was a desolate landscape, a stark reminder of a world that had crumbled into ruins.
Shinon would’ve wondered if they were in the right place had it not been for the presence of the guards outside. The entire factory was laden with thick dust, so much so it was hard to believe people were hiding inside.
"Why does this place look unused?" Shinon quizzed, but before Malakai could respond, he found the answer on his own.
The reason was simple. Even if someone were to stumble upon an important location, if they found the place in the state that was before them, they would think they had the wrong address.
In other words, the appearance of the factory was but a mere deception to fool others. Shinon was impressed by the level of thought they had put into maintaining the place. However, it wasn’t the time to admire the opponent.
"Where to next?" Shinon asked Malakai while his attention was on the retinal map.
"Here," Malakai said, pointing at his generic map. "There’s a secured locker room. The devices must be inside there. But there’s an issue."
"What now?" Shinon asked, disappointed by Malakai’s constant changing of plans.
Malakai’s voice was barely above a whisper as he pointed down the corridor. "The storage room is that way, but unlocking it requires a key held by the manager of this facility."
"And you’re telling it to me now?" Shinon sighed; the unplanned nature of Malakai was slowly getting on his nerves. He took a deep breath and calmed himself enough to ask the important question. "So, where can we find this manager?"
"They could be anywhere in this building, Shinon," Malakai’s expression turned grim as he shook his head. "The Eclipse operates with meticulous secrecy. Thus, even the manager’s identity has to be kept secret, and they won’t make themselves an easy target."
"You are one conniving bastard, you know that?" Shinon had enough, and he grabbed Malakai and lifted him off the ground. "You knew about it this entire time and didn’t think it was important details I should have known?"
"I was afraid you would decline," Malakai mumbled, struggling to free himself from Shinon’s grasp. But the more he tried, the stronger Shinon’s grip got around his neck.
After what seemed like an eternity, Shinon let go of Malakai, who fell on his butt and began coughing hard.
"If you’re still hiding something, I suggest you spill the seeds now," Shinon ordered Malakai as the blade of chaos edged closer to his neck. "Because if I got to know you’re hiding something, I’ll hunt you down and give you such a death, no one would have even thought about."
Malakai swallowed his saliva as Shinon’s bloodlust-filled eyes stared at him. At that moment, Malakai realised he underestimated Shinon, and his true strength far surpassed his own.
"I swear... that’s all." Malakai surrendered himself to shinon, who let go of the former’s collar but not before throwing a dirty look at him.
At that moment, Shinon realised he couldn’t trust a word that came out of Malakai’s mouth, and it made things even more difficult because now there was no one with Shinon who could watch his back.
Despite that, Shinon took a deep breath and decided to focus on the challenge that lay ahead. It wouldn’t be simple to locate the manager amidst the labyrinthine corridors and rooms, all while staying hidden from the rest of the Eclipse soldiers who patrolled the facility.
The odds were stacked against them, but they couldn’t afford to back down. The fate of the survivors and the potential to expose the Eclipse’s sinister plans depended on their success. But more importantly, Shinon might get some clues related to his father.
"You lead the way," Shinon mumbled, gesturing for Malakai to walk ahead.
Although hesitant at first, Malakai finally agreed with Shinon. After all, he was the one who had the map, so it made sense for him to lead the party.
They moved silently through the dimly lit corridors, their every step measured and cautious. The facility was eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery and talking guards.
Shinon had used <Shadow Manipulation> to ain’t them in their pursuit. The shadows seemed to stretch and dance around them, concealing their presence as they searched for any signs of the manager.
As they turned a corner, they came across a group of Eclipse soldiers, their dark uniforms blending seamlessly with the shadows. Shinon and Malakai flattened themselves against the wall, their hearts pounding in their chests.
"We need to stay hidden and observe," Malakai whispered, "The manager might be with them."
"Wait, I think I saw something," Shinon mumbled as he peaked towards the guards. "Just a question: Does the manager have a different outfit than the rest?"
"Yeah, they usually wear white garments," Malakai replied.
"Well, I guess I found him then," Shinon pointed out.
"Well, that’s good and bad news combo," Malakai responded, sneaking in a glance or two at the manager. "It’ll be problematic to get the key from him while surrounded by that many guards."
Shinon nodded, his eyes fixed on the Eclipse soldiers. They watched as the group conversed, their words too soft to make out what they were discussing.
With no other way, Shinon and Malakai had to wait. Tension hung in the air as they waited, their patience tested.
Minutes felt like hours as they observed, but there was no sign of the manager leaving the soldiers. As the group dispersed, Shinon and Malakai continued their search, their movements silent and deliberate.
"Let’s move..."
They ventured deeper into the facility, slipping through unlit corridors and abandoned storage rooms. The layout of the building was a maze, and it was easy to lose their way. The tension in the air grew, the urgency of their mission pressing upon them.
Finally, they stumbled upon a room bathed in soft light, its door slightly ajar. The manager entered the room by himself, while voices echoed from within. Malakai motioned for Shinon to stay low as they cautiously approached, their eyes narrowing.
Inside, a group of Eclipse soldiers gathered around a table, their attention fixed on a figure at its head – the manager. Dressed in attire that set them apart, the manager exuded an air of authority.
"Well, we got the manager, alright," Malakai’s voice, a mere whisper. "Any Idea how should we proceed?"
"I can think of something," Shinon nodded, his focus unwavering. "Just wait for a moment."
Their task was straightforward – they needed the manager’s key to unlock the secured storage room. But it wouldn’t be easy, for the manager was surrounded by their loyal soldiers.
Shinon took a deep breath, contemplating their options. They couldn’t afford to engage in a direct confrontation, not with the prized key hanging around the manager’s neck. It required a delicate touch and an impeccable plan.
"We need a distraction, something that will draw the manager’s attention away from the key," Malakai leaned in closer, his voice barely audible.
Shinon’s mind raced as he scanned the room. He noticed a flickering light hovering over the manager’s head, casting broken shadows on the table. It was far from ideal, but it was the best they had.
"I’ll create a distraction using my abilities," He whispered to Malakai, "When chaos erupts, grab the key. Be ready."
Malakai nodded, his expression determined. They had no time to waste. Shinon concentrated, his shadow abilities ready to be unleashed. He willed the flickering light to intensify, casting erratic and disorienting shadows across the room.
"What the hell!?" one of the soldiers exclaimed.
"What happened to the light?" Another one joined in.
"Someone check it out!" the manager roared.
As the room plunged into semi-darkness, confusion rippled through the Eclipse soldiers. They exchanged startled glances, their attention drawn to the malfunctioning light.
Amidst the chaos, the manager rose from their seat, their eyes fixed on the flickering light. It was the perfect moment. Shinon signalled to Malakai, who stealthily approached the manager, his footsteps as soft as a newborn’s skin.
Shinon manipulated the shadows further, intensifying the chaos. Eclipse soldiers fumbled for flashlights, their voices filled with uncertainty. It was the opportune time for Malakai to make his move. frёewebnoѵēl.com
Malakai reached for the key hanging around the manager’s neck with the quickness of a wolf. He deftly unclasped it, careful not to make a sound. The manager remained oblivious; his attention was fixated on the malfunctioning light.
As Malakai secured the key, he gave Shinon a subtle nod. They had succeeded in their mission, but their escape was not guaranteed. The Eclipse soldiers were on high alert, and the moment of truth was at hand.
Shinon continued manipulating the shadows, obscuring their presence as they retreated. The Eclipse soldiers remained preoccupied with the flickering light, their confusion deepening.
Silently, Shinon and Malakai retreated through the labyrinthine corridors of the facility, the manager’s key clutched securely in Malakai’s hand.
"Let’s hurry up and get to the room!"
