Free Web NovelChapter 80: Loyalty Or Life (1)
The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows across the small room. The glimmering moonlight filtered through the window, casting an ethereal glow upon the scene.
Shinon stood at the centre, his gaze fixed on the bound and unconscious figure of the Bandit before him.
They were not in the Bandit’s camp anymore, but at a location, Shinon had secured to interrogate the man in charge. The room lacked any comfort, its cold stone walls adding to the sense of confinement and interrogation.
The Bandit groaned, his eyes fluttering open as consciousness slowly returned to him. His head throbbed with pain, and as his vision cleared, he found himself tied to a chair, his wrists secured tightly using restraints carved out of the darkness.
Panic surged through his veins as he tried to move, only to realise the extent of his captivity.
The Bandit’s gaze darted around the room, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The realisation that he had been subdued and tied by his adversary, Shinon, sent a surge of rage coursing through his veins.
He tugged at the shackles, his muscles straining against the restraints, but Shinon had ensured they were secure. After all, they weren’t made out of rope that the Bandit could burn through.
Shinon stood before him, his expression calm and collected. He held the Bandit’s brass knuckles in his hand, symbolising the power that had been stripped away from him. The Bandit’s eyes narrowed as he locked his gaze on Shinon.
"You think this changes anything? I may be tied up now, but the Bandit King won’t let you get away with this. He’ll hunt you down, mark my words," he spat defiantly.
Shinon’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Oh, I have no doubt he’ll come looking for me. But by the time he arrives, I’ll be long gone, and so will you if you don’t stop annoying me."
The bandit lieutenant scoffed, his bravado failing to mask the hint of unease that flickered in his eyes. freewebnovёl.ƈom
"You’re just a fool playing with fire. The bandit king has more power and resources than you can imagine. Even in death, you won’t escape his wrath."
Shinon leaned in closer, his eyes ablaze with unwavering determination and decisiveness. "You underestimate me, Drake. I’ve faced countless challenges and adversaries, and I’ve come out on top every time. Your Bandit King would be no exception."
The Bandit’s gaze wavered, a flicker of doubt momentarily crossing his face. Although it was his first time facing the Shadowmancer, he was well aware of his strength.
Vlad had warned them to be careful about him. However, none of them could have known the Shadowmancer would find them so soon. Perhaps there was more to this enigmatic figure than he had initially assumed.
"Drake, isn’t it?" Shinon stated, his words firm and devoid of emotion.
"How... How do you know my name?" the Bandit stammered, a mixture of fear and curiosity tainting his voice.
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Shinon’s lips. "Let’s just say I have ways of finding information."
Shinon wasn’t going to tell Drake that while he was snoozing, he went through all the documents inside Drake’s tent, and that’s how he got to know about Drake, who happened to be one of the lieutenants of the leader known as the Bandit King.
"Now, let’s talk. You will tell me everything I need to know. The location of your bandit king, the extent of his forces, and any other details that could aid me in bringing him down." Shinon studied Drake intently as he asked him, his voice low and steady. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Drake clenched his jaw, a stubborn resolve glimmering in his eyes. "You think I’ll betray my own kind? I’d rather die."
As Drake said those words, Shinon’s eyes wandered through the mission tab. The previous chain quest was still active, so he couldn’t kill Drake. However, torturing was a different matter altogether.
’I haven’t done anything like this before... So, it should be a learning experience.’
In the meantime, Drake carefully analysed Shinon’s face, wondering if the man had the guts to do anything to him. However, a moment later, his soul left his body when he saw Shinon smiling.
"Oh, you won’t die just yet, Drake. But rest assured, if you don’t cooperate, your fate will be far worse than death."
A flicker of fear danced in Drake’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a renewed determination. He remained silent, refusing to give in to Shinon’s demands.
Shinon’s gaze hardened, his voice taking on a steely edge. "Very well, Drake. If that’s the path you choose, then you leave me no choice but to find the answers myself. But I assure you, it won’t be a pleasant experience."
Turning away from Drake, Shinon retrieved a small pouch from his shadow. The bag contained tools to make even the most steadfast men break under their use. He opened the pouch, the metallic glint reflecting in his eyes as he selected a small, thin instrument.
Drake’s eyes widened, a tremor coursing through his body as the realisation of what awaited him settled in. Fear mingled with defiance, creating a volatile mixture within him.
"W-what do you think you’re doing!?" Drake squealed, frantically trying to get rid of the restraints.
"Honouring your loyalty, I suppose?" Shinon shrugged, his fingers playing with the device of torture. "I admire you, Drake. I really do. After all, it’s not every day one comes across loyalists like yourself in this world."
He continued, "It’s a shame I don’t have someone like you on my side... oh well, it is what it is."
With calculated precision, Shinon approached Drake, his intentions clear. The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by Drake’s ragged breaths.
"Y-You can’t do t-this!"
"Eh? What are you blabbering? Why can’t I do it?" Shinon looked confused as he brought the pin-like instrument close to Drake’s palm.
"Don’t you have m-morals?"
"Are you for real? Morals? In a place like this?" Shinon laughed. "You know what? Fine. I’ll give you one last chance, so choose carefully. What’s more important to you? Loyalty or life?"
