Free Web NovelChapter 242: Dark-knight Returns (1)
In the heart of Heaven’s Refuge, life moved with the rhythmic precision of a clock. Three months had passed since Shinon arrived at the city that had both forsaken and sheltered countless souls.
Heaven’s Refuge had welcomed Shinon as one of its own, a young blacksmith who had already made waves with his extraordinary craftsmanship.
After helping the Eclipse, Shinon returned to his focus on helping the citizens by creating tools for daily use, such as the water canteen he had crafted all those months ago.
Thanks to his efforts, he had grown from being an unknown stranger to a well-known face in the city.
Thanks to that, invitations to grand dinners at the Mayor’s residence had become a regular occurrence. Shinon dined with a variety of merchants and influential figures.
There, even Caleb found excuses to spend more time with his son, under various excuses. Meanwhile, they were busy planning their escape, and Miro was willing to join them in their strategies. But for Shinon, these dinners were a mere facade, a performance.
In this carefully orchestrated drama, Shinon embodied the skilled craftsman with whom everyone wanted to have positive relations... even the Eclipse when, in reality, every move he made was against them.
On the outside, he presented himself as a man of purpose, ready to help the Eclipse with any matter. Be it using refined minerals to craft gears or to give an eloquent speech to manipulate the social circles of Heaven’s Refuge.
As mentioned before, amidst the elaborate meals and fine wines, Shinon forged bonds with fellow merchants. Some admired him, while others eyed him with curiosity and wariness.
The city’s elite were aware of the presence of exceptional talent within their ranks. While Shinon’s creations had garnered much attention and praise, he had also gained some enemies, most of whom often disappeared mysteriously in the dark.
Some said the shadows lurking in Heaven’s Refuge’s alleys whispered dark secrets. Even the Eclipse that held the city in its iron grip wasn’t untouched by the curse of the shadow.
Tales circulated of a mysterious vigilante who had struck down members of the Eclipse. Their life force was drained from their bodies, leaving them in a state worse than death.
Things had gotten so worse that the very mention of this enigmatic figure sent shivers down the spines of those who dared speak of it. freёweɓnovel.com
Furious and desperate, the Eclipse had launched countless attempts to capture the unknown assailant, but each endeavour failed. Their adversary remained elusive, slipping through their fingers like smoke.
The Eclipse, a merciless force that had ruled over the city for years, was now tasting what fear and terror felt like. So much so that they had to redirect their resources and manpower to uncover the identity of the mysterious assailant, putting their nefarious activities on hold.
Meanwhile, Shinon continued his double life. His bond with the Eclipse leader deepened as he supplied the organisation with innovative creations to catch the one they called the "Shadowbearer".
His work aided their operations and reinforced his standing among their ranks. He was praised for his talent and contribution, but every word of admiration reminded him of the cost his creations imposed on others.
While Shinon had infiltrated the Eclipse and become an essential figure within their hierarchy, he felt a growing sense of responsibility for those who suffered due to his contributions. He couldn’t ignore the plight of the innocents trapped in the web of the Eclipse’s malevolence.
That’s why he took the role of balancing the scales and gaining some sort of karma by nullifying every step the Eclipse took. While his days were a blur of craftsmanship and diplomacy. His nights, however, were a different story as he took down target after target.
The constant tension between his two worlds took a toll on him. His nightly escapades into the heart of the Eclipse, while successful in undermining their operations, drained his physical and mental strength.
Shinon’s sleep cycle was disrupted as he pushed his limits to maintain his two identities. Had it not been for Miro by his side, he wouldn’t have accomplished half the things he did in three months.
For it was Miro who provided guidance, support, and much-needed respite whenever possible. In a way, Miro had become a crutch for both Shinon and Caleb to lean on. Thanks to him, despite the challenges and exhaustion, Shinon remained resolute.
He was determined to make a difference in Heaven’s Refuge. His two-faced existence persisted in a complex act that required the utmost diligence and finesse.
Every step Shinon took was calculated. Every word he spoke was measured. Shinon Flintlock, the talented craftsman, was Heaven’s Refuge’s darling, admired and respected.
While in the night, he spared no one who dared walk into his path of destruction, and this was one such night.
The moon cast a pale glow over the city of Heaven’s Refuge with a towering figure watching over a deserted alley.
Down below, in the dimly lit streets, a group of Eclipse members were busy unloading a shipment of captured individuals. These unfortunate souls were destined to become slaves, their lives to be twisted at the hands of the Eclipse.
Shinon, masked and shrouded in the shadows, observed the scene from the rooftop. His eyes glowed with aura as he murmured, "Fools never learn."
"How many are there this time?" Miro’s voice echoed in his earpiece.
"Around twenty," he replied. "they have lowered the numbers to a tenth of what they used to, so they are scared, I guess." freeweɓnovel.cøm
"The lesser the numbers, the easier it is to save them. I’ll get the Escapist ready for them."
"Roger that. Tell him to get these people to the Phoenix settlement as usual."
"Of course," Miro chuckled. "Should I make him deliver a love letter as well? You lovers must be restless after not hearing from you all this while."
"..."
Having said his piece, Shinon leapt from the rooftop, descending into the sea of shadows below, becoming one with them. His landing was silent, a testament to the agility and stealth he had honed over countless nights.
"Let’s get this over with."
