Free Web NovelChapter 247: Predators In The Dark (3)
The room was dimly lit, illuminated by the soft glow of a holographic map projected onto a large table at its centre. Shinon, Selena, Sable, Lova, and Nova gathered around the map, their faces cast in shadows that danced with the holographic display.
Silent questions filled the room, each person’s mind buzzing with curiosity. Yet, all eyes were on Shinon, as they knew his return would significantly impact their lives, for the better or worse.
Shinon, the Shadowbearer, stood at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on the holographic representation of the ruined city and its surroundings. As Shinon pointed in the strange area, the map flickered, displaying various points of interest marked with symbols that spoke of both danger and potential.
"As you know, I’ve been closely observing the Eclipse, even going so far as working with them." Shinon began in a low, measured tone that cut through the room.
"Wait a minute... by working, do you mean what I think you do?" Sable interjected.
"I’m afraid so," Shinon replied with a sad smile. "I know my creations have caused trouble for everyone in this room. But it was the only way to gain their trust." freewebnovel.cσ๓
The room fell into a stunned silence. Lova’s usually sharp eyes widened with surprise, and Selena’s typically stoic expression shifted to confusion and concern.
Nova, known for her analytical mind, absorbed the revelation with a furrowed brow. Sable, the pragmatic strategist, observed Shinon with an unreadable gaze, knowing her guess was correct.
Unexpectedly, Lova broke the silence with a smile. "Shinon, of course, we will trust you. Besides, what you did doesn’t compare to what I had to do under Marcus’s rule."
"Lova is right," Selena commented. "There’s nothing you need to apologise for if you did it for the sake of others."
"Yeah," Nova chimed in. "You were working to protect us. If anything, we’re thankful for what you have done. What’s important is that we know the truth now."
Shinon felt a weight lifted from his shoulders and continued discussing about the shit the Eclipse had been up to.
"So the Eclipse... what they have been up to these days?"
"They’ve escalated their efforts regarding capturing, not just with the undead, but with the people in the region – using them for god knows what purpose."
A murmur of concern swept through the room. Selena’s gaze locked onto Shinon. "Do you think they have been doing the same thing as Alex?"
Shinon narrowed his eyes. "I’m not sure, but it couldn’t be anything good since it involves the undead. It would be unwise to ignore them anymore."
"I have a feeling I won’t like what i’m about to hear next..." Nova sighed.
"Well, I don’t like this either..." Shinon chuckled. "But we need to hit them where it hurts and disrupt their plans for as long as possible. That has to be our long-term goal."
Sable spoke with a stoic expression, "How do we do that?"
"We break their backs," Shinon said with a confident smile as he marked various sites on the map. "We hit their depot points. They’ve stockpiled resources throughout various cities, and we must relieve them of their ill-gotten gains."
The holographic map shifted, revealing the locations of the Eclipse’s depot points. Shinon’s fingers danced across the table, outlining a plan that involved precision strikes and coordinated attacks. The room buzzed with anticipation as the rebels absorbed the details.
But Selena interjected, "We lack the manpower to execute such big raids-"
"No, we don’t." Sable interrupted. "We lack trained people, but if we could train the refugees, then... it’s doable."
"You can’t be serious!" Nova yelled. "Those people are barely capable of surviving, and you want to train them into soldiers?"
"Sable isn’t wrong, you know?" Lova chimed in. "All they do is sit around and eat. Only a minuscle number of them genuinely help us out with work! Besides, housing is becoming a real problem, and we’re short on food and utilities. Letting them live like guests here is no longer a choice!"
"I thought that might be the case," Shinon said, his smile widening. With a wave of his hand, he opened a swirling portal beside the table and said, "Follow me."
Hesitant but curious, the Phoenixes entered the portal one by one. The transition was swift, and they found themselves standing in a vast, otherworldly space.
"What is this place?" Nova asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
Shinon gestured around. "That’s not important. All you need to know is that this place is a treasure trove of resources you can use."
They took in the sight before them. Stacks of supplies, crates of food, and weapons lined the space as far as the eye could see. Selena’s eyes widened in disbelief.
"How did you get all of this?" she asked.
Shinon chuckled. "This is the loot from the Eclipse’s depot that I hit all those months ago."
"Impressive haul," Lova inspected a crate of ammunition with a hint of admiration.
"The food is still fresh, so you can use it to feed the refugees, and the weapons can arm and train new guards for the new settlement."
"New settlement?" Selena asked.
"Yeah, I can provide you with resources, but I can’t solve the housing problem," Shinon replied. "We need a new settlement to house the others."
"I agree, we can help them with food, but shelter is a different thing," Sable said, "The current arrangement won’t last forever. We need a more permanent solution... a new settlement is worth looking into."
The next moment, they left the domain to continue their discussion outside.
"But we would need to train people and whatnot," Selena continued. "It’ll be a hassle to do all that."
Shinon nodded in agreement. "And that’s where my friends come in."
As if on cue, two familiar figures entered the room. Rico entered with a confident stride, a shaved head, and a new scar across his cheek.
But he wasn’t alone. Kira was by his side and rushed towards Shinon when she saw him when she saw him, her face breaking into a bright smile.
"I can’t believe you’re back!" Kira exclaimed, wrapping Shinon in a tight hug.
Rico extended a hand to Shinon, greeting him with a firm handshake. "Good to see you again, old friend."
"Woah, easy guys. I’m not as sturdy as before," Shinon laughed.
"Nonsense," Rico commented. "You have grown more muscle than I remember." frёewebηovel.cѳm
"Right!" Kira joined in. "Not to mention, he looks even better now."
"Alright, alright, let’s settle down first," Shinon mumbled, rushing them up to what the rest were discussing.
"Rico will train new guards for the settlement, and Kira will teach them effective crop-growing techniques," Shinon commented. "That would solve the biggest problem the refugees might face."
Rico nodded, readily agreeing with Shinon’s plans as usual. "Count me in. I’ll have them ready for anything."
Kira, still beaming, added, "Yeah, I’ll help them too. So don’t worry!"
"Excellent," Shinon responded. "Well, that concludes the meeting... I think. But Rico, Lova, would you mind staying back for a bit? There’s something I have to discuss with you."
"Um... sure?" Rico replied.
The rest of them were equally interested in joining them, but they respected Shinon’s wishes and left the three of them alone.
"What I’m about to tell you must not leave this room..."
