The Rise Of A Shadowsmith

Chapter 64: Taken By Surprise (1)

With a final stroke of the hammer, Shinon set aside the last completed combat knife on the workbench. He leaned back, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

The pile of raw materials had been transformed into a collection of lethal weapons ready for use. But for the first time, he didn’t feel the joy he usually did after spending a tough day in a forge.

’It’s my first time working for someone else, especially someone like the Phoenixes,’ Shinon thought. ’It’s natural that I don’t feel a shred of happiness right now.’

As he caught his breath, Shinon’s eyes fell upon the nearest completed knife. He reached out, his fingers wrapping around the hilt, feeling the cool touch of the metal against his skin. He examined it meticulously, running his thumb along the sharp edge, testing its balance and weight.

The knife was a testament to his skill as a blacksmith. Its blade gleamed under the soft light, its edges honed to perfection. The handle was sturdy, providing a comfortable grip, and its design exuded a sense of elegance and efficiency.

’Let’s take it for a ride.’

He stood up from the workbench, knife in hand, and walked to the centre of the room. The space around him was empty, devoid of any distractions or obstacles. It was the perfect place to test the knife’s prowess and put his own combat skills to the test.

Shinon twirled the knife in his hand in a fluid motion, feeling its weight shift effortlessly. The room seemed to come alive with the sound of steel slicing through the air, the blade dancing with his every movement.

He executed a series of precise strikes, each one a testament to his mastery over the weapon.

His training kicked in, and Shinon moved with grace and agility, his body instinctively responding to the knife’s movements.

He performed a flurry of intricate manoeuvres, seamlessly transitioning from offensive to defensive stances, showcasing the versatility of the blade in his hand.

The room was filled with the energy of Shinon’s presence, his focus unwavering as he immersed himself in the art of combat.

The knife became an extension of his being, an instrument of both offence and defence, a tool through which he expressed his skills and determination.

As he continued his display of skill, a sense of exhilaration washed over him. The familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus.

Every swing and thrust was deliberate, calculated, and filled with confidence that only came from years of training and experience.

Shinon’s movements were fluid, his strikes precise and controlled. The room seemed to fade away, and for a moment, it was just him and the knife, locked in a symbiotic dance of power and finesse.

His breathing synchronised with his motions, creating a rhythm that resonated throughout the space.

With a final flourish, Shinon brought the knife to a halt, its blade gleaming in the light. He stood still, the echoes of his movements reverberating in the silence.

Unbeknownst to Shinon, the door creaked open, and Selena slipped into the room, her footsteps quiet and cautious. She watched him from a distance, the faintest glimmer of nostalgia in her eyes.

She had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Shinon she once knew, the one who had been a part of her past. But as she approached, she noticed something peculiar-a glint of determination in his eyes, a flicker of something she hadn’t seen before.

’Doesn’t seems like he has noticed me yet.’ She thought. ’I came here to check on his progress, but it’s a golden opportunity to catch him off-guard, so I’m not going to let it go. Hehe.’

Thinking herself unnoticed, Selena took a step closer, her presence ’unseen’ by Shinon, who remained lost in his own world. As she neared, her heart rate quickened, a mix of anticipation and nervousness flooding her senses.

But just as she was about to speak, a cold sensation brushed against her skin, causing her to freeze. Her eyes widened, her breath hitching in her throat as she realised the blade of Shinon’s knife was positioned a mere inch away from her neck.

It was a stark reminder of the danger that lurked within him, a testament to his skill and unwavering focus.

"What do you think you’re doing?" Shinon asked her.

Shinon held the knife steady, his gaze fixated on Selena’s eyes. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of caution and guardedness. frёewebnoѵēl.com

He had known she was in the room from the moment she had set foot inside, but he had chosen to ignore her presence until she got too close for comfort.

Selena’s breath became shallow, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of the moment, the unspoken tension between them.

"Shinon," Selena managed to whisper, her voice barely audible. "I... I didn’t mean to startle you."

"You didn’t startle me," he replied curtly, his voice tinged with a hint of coldness. "I was aware of your presence from the moment you entered the room."

Slowly, he lowered the knife, his movements deliberate and controlled. Once the blade had been placed away, he decided to entertain her with a conversation.

"So, what are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to check on your..." Selena was in mid-sentence when she saw the boxes neatly filled with combat knives. "progress. But it seems like I’m a bit too late for that."

Selena’s eyes lingered on the knives, her fingers itching to reach out and touch them. She could sense the power emanating from the blades, the sheer craftsmanship evident in every curve and edge.

"They’re... impressive," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never knew you possessed such talent."

"Can’t blame you." Shinon shrugged. "We barely spent any time getting to know each other."

Selena’s gaze met his, and she seemed lost in thought for a moment. The memories of their turbulent past flashed through her mind, the pain and regret resurfacing like old scars.

However, it didn’t have any effect on Shinon. It felt like he couldn’t care less about the happening of his past anymore.

"Well, since you’re done, I should report back to the Phoenixes," She said, leaving. "They’ll be in for quite a shock to get an early delivery like this."

"I couldn’t care less about what they have to think about it," Shinon replied, placing the knife Selena touched back in its place. "Just them to check the quality of the wares themselves."

"Will do."