Free Web NovelChapter 65: Taken By Surprise (2)
Selena stood before the Phoenixes, her expression a mix of astonishment and admiration, not towards them, but towards Shinon. She’d have thought someone was pranking her if she hadn’t seen the knives herself. After all, it hadn’t even been a day, and Shinon was done with the task.
Marcus, the leader of the Phoenixes, raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Selena. "Are you certain, Selena? Two hundred knives in such a short time? That seems impossible." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"I’m certain, Marcus, because I have seen them myself," Selena nodded, her voice filled with awe, which still infuriated Marcus. "As I had expected, Shinon’s skills as a blacksmith are truly remarkable. He has surpassed all expectations."
The other Phoenixes exchanged sceptical glances, their disbelief evident. To them, Shinon was an outsider, someone they had only recently come to know.
It was hard for them to fathom his capabilities, let alone comprehend how he had managed to complete such a demanding task in record time. Marcus leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixed on Selena.
"Bring him to me," he commanded. "I wish to see the knives for myself."
Selena nodded and swiftly left the room to fetch Shinon, a sense of excitement coursing through her veins. She knew that their doubts would be dispelled once the Phoenixes saw Shinon’s handiwork. She believed in his skills, and it was time for them to witness it firsthand.
Minutes later, Selena returned, accompanied by Shinon. He walked into the room with four boxes filled with knives up to the brim and an air of quiet confidence.
As Shinon placed the boxes in front of them, the Phoenixes noticed he bore no trace of exhaustion from his hours of labour, as if his spirit had been reinvigorated by his accomplishment.
Little did they know it wasn’t the sense of ’accomplishment’ that fuelled Shinon but the look on their faces.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense as the Phoenixes gathered around the table, examining the combat knives that Shinon had crafted.
Marcus held a knife in his hand, his sharp gaze scrutinising every detail. Sable, Lova, and Nova stood beside him, their expressions guarded yet curious.
Shinon leaned against the wall, his arms crossed and an air of indifference about him. He had no interest in the opinions of the Phoenixes as he knew the quality of his work spoke for itself, and their validation or criticism held little significance to him. But still, he observed them silently, curious to see their reactions.
Marcus turned the blade in his hand, his eyes narrowing as he inspected its craftsmanship. He ran his finger along the edge, testing its sharpness. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, his initial scepticism replaced by reluctant admiration.
"Fine work, Shinon," Marcus admitted grudgingly. "The blades are well-crafted and balanced, and the edges are keen. I must say, I had my doubts, but you’ve proven yourself."
Shinon merely shrugged, his nonchalant demeanour unchanged. "I didn’t doubt myself. I know what I’m capable of."
Sable stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the intricate design etched onto one of the knife handles. She traced her fingers over the patterns, her expression betraying a hint of fascination.
"These designs are quite remarkable," she commented, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "They add a touch of artistry to the weapons. I must say, Shinon, you have a talent."
Shinon nodded, acknowledging her words without showing any outward signs of pride. "Crafting weapons is an art in itself, and I strive for perfection in every piece."
Lova and Nova exchanged glances, their curiosity evident. Lova, always the more erratic of the two, couldn’t contain her intrigue and blurted out, "How did you learn to create such exceptional weapons, Shinon?"
Shinon’s eyes flickered. Briefly, memories of his past flashed through his mind. He chose his words carefully, not revealing too much.
"I have had my fair share of experiences," he replied cryptically. "Let’s just say I honed my skills through necessity and survival."
"You must have pulled a stunt while creating these. I just know it." Lova carried on. "People like you-"
"I haven’t done anything special with them," Shinon mumbled, staring at her. "But if you don’t keep yourself in check, I just might."
It looked like Lova was about to lash out, but Nova stepped up, pushing her aside.
Nova’s gaze lingered on Shinon, a mix of fascination and wariness in her eyes. "You’re a mysterious one, Shinon. It’s clear you’re no ordinary blacksmith."
"You could say that. But don’t let my skills distract you from the task at hand." Shinon shrugged, not paying any attention to her sugar-coated words.
Having inspected all the knives, Marcus placed them back on the table. He cleared his throat, his voice resonating with authority.
"Very well, Shinon. You have met our expectations," Marcus conceded, his voice laced with frustration. "These weapons will prove valuable in our upcoming endeavours. You’ve proven your worth to us."
Shinon’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement as Marcus said those words through gritted teeth. He knew Marcus was the most unstable among the Phoenixes and wanted to toy with him without giving him or the Phoenixes a reason to harm him.
"Glad to be of service," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.
The tension in the room eased slightly as the Phoenixes acknowledged Shinon’s craftsmanship. Although their alliance was strained, their recognition of his skills was a begrudging admission of his worth.
As the Phoenixes dispersed, discussing plans and strategies among themselves, Shinon remained leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed on the table of knives.
He knew his work had surpassed their expectations, as he had expected, but their validation did little to change his view of them. However, as he was about to leave, Marcus reappeared there, along with the Phoenixes.
"Oh, I forgot to inform you about something," Marcus said, sporting a wicked smile. "Since we’d need to test the blades out to see if they work, I thought it would be wise to see how they perform in a real combat situation."
"Get to the point-" Shinon barely managed to say when Lova interrupted him.
"It means we’d like to see you spar with one of our soldiers using the knives you created." She smiled.
"Fine by me," Shinon said before walking out.
Shinon knew he was in trouble. Since he had enchanted the knives with an option that prevented him from getting hurt by his creation, there was no way his opponent would manage to injure him, which might raise some questions and bust his plan.
Moreover, since he had already delivered the products, he could no longer change the options.
’Gotta think about something real quick.’
