Free Web NovelChapter 74: Job Request (2)
Shinon’s interest was piqued, his attention fully captured by Selena’s words.
"Tell me more," he urged Selena.
"We have received information that a group of bandits plans to disrupt the supply routes we share with the military base in the next town," she said with conviction. "We need to uncover their identities and stop them before they can deal more damage than they already have."
Shinon’s brows furrowed, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. He understood the significance of a disrupted supply chain and the impact it could have on the settlement’s overall strength.
’I mean, they are helping me, although indirectly.’ Shinon rubbed his chin.
The only thing was, Shinon wondered whether he should try and sabotage the bandits so that they could continue their operation while being hidden.
"I see," Shinon replied, his voice laced with ill intent. "So, what’s our plan? How do we take care of these bandits?"
Selena unfolded the parchment, revealing a map scrawled with marked locations and notes.
"The scouts have found four places they could be operating from. We’d need to hit those places and see what we can do from there onwards."
Shinon listened intently, a mixture of curiosity and contemplation brewing within him. His mind raced, considering the implications of this revelation.
On one hand, the bandits were disrupting the Phoenixes, who he believed to be corrupt and responsible for countless innocent lives lost. On the other hand, they were also a source of weakness for the settlement, playing into Shinon’s plans of manipulating it.
He remained silent for a moment, his eyes searching Selena’s face for any signs of ulterior motives. But all he saw was earnestness, a desire to fulfil her duty and protect their community. A subtle smile tugged at the corner of his lips, hidden behind the facade of concern.
’This is better than I thought. Since Sarah and the rest were also moving towards the military base before we lost contact, I might be able to find some clues as to what happened to them.’ fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
As he was lost in his thoughts, Selena continued talking.
"You could say the bandits are why the Phoenixes wanted you to work for them, as we used to get most of our weapons and munitions from the military till a couple of weeks ago."
Selena’s voice broke through his thoughts, bringing his attention back to the present. "Our mission is to overthrow the bandits and restore the flow of supplies."
As Selena spoke, Shinon’s mind raced, contemplating the choice before him. The bandits were helping inadvertently, but now Shinon had an opportunity to directly influence the situation.
He wondered if secretly assisting the bandits could further his plans, leveraging their actions to manipulate the settlement to his advantage. After all, it was an opportunity that Shinon wasn’t willing to let go.
Before Shinon could agree to take the mission, the system gave him its own quest.
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You have been assigned a surprise chain quest!
[Frenemies]
Step 1: Agree to help Selena.
Condition for failure: Refusing to help her.
Punishment for failure: None.
Reward for success: +10 Domination.
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’Only a fool would deny a chain quest as simple as this.’ Shinon thought before accepting the system’s quest. ’Now, let’s see where Selena stands on the matter.’ fгeewebnovёl.com
"Selena, I appreciate you sharing this with me," Shinon finally spoke, his voice tinged with a touch of hesitation. "But if they are weakening the Phoenixes, then maybe they are too troublesome to handle ourselves? Wouldn’t it be better to let them do their thing, but in a controlled way?"
Selena’s brows furrowed, her eyes widening in surprise. She hadn’t anticipated Shinon’s hate for the Phoenixes would be so blatant that he’d suggest something so out of place.
She took a step closer, her voice lowered to a hushed tone as she replied.
"Shinon, I understand your concerns about the Phoenixes, but we must remember that our ultimate goal is to protect the community," Selena responded, her words filled with conviction. "The bandits may be causing trouble for them, but they also threaten the stability and safety of the settlement."
Despite understanding Selena’s position on the matter, Shinon couldn’t ignore that the Phoenixes were a depraved bunch, and their settlement was built upon the blood and corpses of countless innocents. However, at the moment, Shinon knew what he had to do.
"Fine, I’ll do it," he said finally, looking Selena in the eye. "I’ll help you take care of the bandits."
Selena nodded, relieved. "Thank you, Shinon. I knew I could count on you."
"Don’t mention it. Just let me know when we’re leaving." Shinon forced a smile.
Selena gave him a small smile before turning to leave. As she walked out of the room, Shinon couldn’t help but genuinely smile. His plan was set in motion, but the twists and turns made everything more interesting.
He decided to put those thoughts aside and focus on the task. He returned to his workbench to complete a few orders while Selena prepared for their mission. Soon, he got lost in his work till he noticed Kira staring at him.
"Hey," she said softly, catching his attention.
Shinon looked up and saw her standing there, wearing a concerned expression. "Hey, Kira. What’s up? How’s Rico?"
"He’s fine. The doctors said his injuries are healing much faster than before."
"Hm... that’s good! But why is your face so down?"
"That’s because I heard Selena talking about the mission," she said. "Are you sure you want to help them? I mean, they’re not exactly the nicest people."
"I know, Kira. But I have to do this." Shinon sighed, putting down his hammer for a moment. "Besides, it’s not like I have a choice. I have to do their bidding till Rico gets back on his feet."
Kira nodded, understanding. "I know... I just worry about you overworking yourself to death."
Kira’s voice carried a mix of concern and hesitation. Shinon could see the worry etched in her eyes, reflecting her genuine care for his well-being.
"I appreciate your concern, Kira," Shinon replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "But don’t worry too much about me. I know my limits very well... besides, who knows what’ll happen tomorrow?"
