Free Web NovelChapter 243: Dark-knight Returns (2)
"Hurry up! We need to get these wretches to the south border before sunrise." The leader of the small group yelled at the others, unaware of the approaching danger.
"What do we have here?" Shinon sneered, his voice laced with disdain. The Eclipse members turned, startled, as they realised they were not alone.
The group’s leader, a burly figure with the Eclipse symbol on his cloak, snarled, "Who dares interfere with our business?"
Shinon’s eyes gleamed with defiance as he retorted, "Business? More like a parade of idiocy."
As he said this, he swiftly unsheathed a concealed blade, the metal glinting in the moonlight. For his nightly escapades, Shinon had to ditch the Blade of Chaos and create a new sword from scratch, as he didn’t want anyone to identify him.
The new blade was named ’Nightshade’ and complemented Shinon’s Showbearer powers.
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[Name: Nightshade]
Item Grade: Legendary (Tier-2)
Durability Points: 1500/1500
Damage: 314-365 HP
Creator: Shinon Flintlock
Description:
This sinister one-handed longsword, known as the Nightshade, has been meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of Shinon Flintlock. Imbued with the essence of shadows and darkness, its menacing presence is amplified by a razor-sharp steel blade coated in a shadowy aura.
Various monster cores have been used to further bless the blade, giving it a menacing appearance and ample abilities to complement the user’s love of darkness.
Special Abilities:
1. Shadowstrike: The Nightshade Blade deals additional shadow damage with each strike and envelops enemies in an impenetrable darkness. This makes it exceptionally effective against creatures vulnerable to shadows and those dwelling at night.
2. Umbral Veil: Upon successful hits, the blade conjures a temporary cloak of shadows around the wielder, providing enhanced evasion and stealth capabilities. This allows the user to move undetected in low-light conditions, gaining a strategic advantage amid darkness. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
3. Soul Reaper’s Embrace: The Nightshade Blade possesses the ability to absorb the life force of defeated foes. With each vanquished enemy, the blade empowers its wielder, restoring a portion of health and stamina. This life-draining effect is particularly potent against supernatural entities.
4. Eclipse Fury: When activated, the Nightshade Blade enters a heightened state of darkness, increasing its damage output and granting the wielder enhanced agility. This ability is limited by a cooldown period of one minute, requiring strategic use in the heat of battle.
5. Shroud of Despair: Upon a critical hit, the Nightshade Blade casts an aura of deep despair around the target. This aura weakens the resolve of nearby enemies, reducing their effectiveness in combat and making them more susceptible to fear-based effects and fleeing the fight.]
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Shinon preferred using Nightshade over Blade of Chaos as he created the former to suit his needs while sharing similar properties to that of Blade of Chaos.
The Eclipse members, on edge after the Shadowbearer’s presence, brandished their weapons, ready for a confrontation. But even though their weapons were prepared, the Eclipse members did not dare make any moves.
Sensing their hesitation, Shinon decided to make the first move. He moved his sword, slicing through the air, but something was strange.
As the Nightshade Blade sliced through the air, a black wave emerged, cutting through the moonlit darkness. Before anyone could realise what had happened, the first Eclipse fighter fell without a sound.
The blade’s dark wave severed the man’s hand as well as his chest. A moment later, his body hit the ground, marking everything around with blood.
"G-Get him!"
Chaos erupted as the remaining Eclipse members drew their weapons, encircling Shinon with wary eyes. Sensing an opportunity, the captives huddled against the alley walls, their eyes flickering with hope.
They had heard of the rumours of a wandering shadow that helped those in need. While most of them didn’t believe in such a hoax, upon seeing the Shadowbearer, they readily changed their minds.
"Shadowbearer, is it?" The faction’s leader snarled, "Let’s see if your reputation is earned."
Instead of replying, Shinon remained silent, opting to sharpen his focus. The Nightshade Blade twirled in his hand, becoming a deadly extension of his will.
With a swift and silent movement, he closed the gap between himself and the Eclipse, the blade leaving a trail of darkness in its wake.
The first attacker swung a sword at Shinon, but the Shadowbearer sidestepped effortlessly. His counterattack was swift – a horizontal slash that sent the Eclipse fighter stumbling backwards, clutching a gash on his chest.
The others tried defending themselves but stood no chance against Shinon. The Nightshade Blade weaved through the air like a serpent striking in the dark.
Eclipse fighters fell one by one in mere seconds, their weapons clattering against the pavement. The leader realised they shouldn’t have messed with the Shadowbearer and called for backup.
Unfortunately for them, Shinon had already set up a jammer on top of the building where he was watching the Eclipse. No one was coming to save them from the darkness of Nightshade.
The leader, recognising the dire situation, roared, "Fall back! Defend the cargo!"
"It’s no use," Shinon snarled in his modulated voice. "I have already made the decision. All of you will meet your maker tonight."
"Like hell, we will!" The leader scoffed.
In the blink of an eye, the remaining Eclipse members shifted their stance, forming a defensive perimeter around the captives. Wielding a menacing polearm, the leader faced Shinon with a defiant glare.
"Take a step towards us, and all of them will die along with us!"
"Us? Who are you talking about?" Shinon scoffed.
The leader turned around to see all his men tangling above him, their life force being sucked away by countless shadowy tendrils.
"Y-You cruel bastard!"
"Kettle calling the pot black," Shinon shrugged before reminding the burly man what he said earlier. "I’ll make your lives so pitiful that you’ll beg for death."
The leader swung the polearm in Shinon’s direction; desperation had overtaken the sensible part of his brain.
Shinon’s response was a silent sweep of the Nightshade, a shadow-infused arc that immediately disarmed the leader. The polearm clattered to the ground, and the Eclipse leader stumbled backwards, his bravado shattered.
"Go on, pick it up. Let’s have a proper fight."
