Free Web NovelChapter 82: Back In The Workshop (1)
The moon cast an ethereal glow upon the land as Shinon emerged from the shadows, his figure slowly materialising into view. He stood tall and resolute, his eyes gleaming with a newfound purpose.
The encounter with Drake yielded valuable information, and Shinon knew he now held a powerful card. As long as he was careful, he should be able to realise his plan into reality.
A subtle smile tugged at the corner of Shinon’s lips as he walked toward the Phoenix’s settlement. The once chaotic and uncertain path he had embarked upon was slowly taking shape, each step bringing him closer to his goals.
The information he obtained from Drake gave him a unique advantage over him and the bandits, a leverage he intended to exploit to its fullest potential.
The night air wrapped around him, carrying a sense of anticipation and possibility. The settlement loomed in the distance, its silhouette contrasting against the darkened horizon. Shinon quickened his pace, his mind filled with thoughts of the upcoming confrontation.
Drake’s voice echoed in his ears, their whispered agreement serving as a silent pact. Shinon had skillfully woven a web of dependency around the lieutenant, ensuring his loyalty through a mutual understanding.
However, if Drake were to betray him or falter in his cooperation, the bandits, his comrades, would swiftly deal with him first for betraying them.
’It should be enough to keep someone like him in check, and even if he tries to pull a stunt on me, I’ll make sure he loses his head. But before all that, I would need to figure out how to dispatch this Widow.’
Despite being a single man, Shinon knew the rivalry between the Phoenixes and the bandits was about to become a three-way war, with the third party being him. It was a delicate balance of power, and Shinon revelled in the control he now possessed.
As he approached the settlement gates, Shinon’s gaze hardened. He knew that his chosen path would be challenging, but Shinon wasn’t planning on backing out now.
The Phoenixes were a force to be reckoned with, their influence reaching far and wide. But he had an edge now, a means to tip the scales in his favour, and the best part about it? The Phoenixes had no idea about his motives. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
The guards there recognised him, their expressions shifting from vigilance to warmth as they caught sight of his familiar face.
"Shinon! Good to see you back," one of the guards called out, his voice laced with familiarity as he was the first to order Shinon’s goods. "When will that crossbow of yours be ready? Been itching to get my hands on it."
Shinon paused, met the guard’s gaze and replied, "Give me a couple more days, and it’ll be ready. I’m fine-tuning it to perfection."
"You never disappoint, Shinon. Looking forward to it." The guard chuckled, rubbing his hands together with anticipation. "By the way, I also wanted to appreciate the quality of knives you provided us with. These little buggers tear through zombie’s flesh like a hot knife through butter."
"I’m glad you all liked it."
With a nod of recognition, Shinon passed through the gates, his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night. He made his way through the winding streets, acknowledging the nods and greetings of the settlement’s residents.
The people bustled about, their presence a constant reminder of the normalcy forced upon them. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Shinon’s mind was ablaze with the information he had acquired from Drake. The bandits’ hideout, plans, and weaknesses were laid bare before him.
He had discovered their vulnerabilities, their secrets, which was more than enough for him to exploit them. He was playing a dangerous game, but he relished the challenge.
As he neared the central area, Selena emerged from the shadows, her presence catching his attention. There was a mix of concern and curiosity in her eyes as she approached him.
But rather than saying anything, she grabbed his arm and led them into a secluded corner before letting go of him.
"Shinon, why did you stay behind in the bandit camp? You told me to leave, and I did, but I couldn’t come up with a reason for you to stay behind-"
Shinon’s gaze met Selena’s, his expression carrying a weight of resolve. "I had to tie up loose ends, make sure there were no lingering threats. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but it was necessary. Anything else?"
"You’re always so secretive, Shinon. I can’t help but wonder what you’re hiding." Selena studied his face, searching for answers, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration.
"That’s where you’re wrong." Shinon chuckled. "I’m more or less a prisoner here. Do you think I don’t know why you’re always sticking close to me?"
Selena’s eyes faltered, and that was all Shinon needed to know that his hunch was correct. Selena was spying on him and reporting his every move to the Phoenixes, which was why he was creating a distance between them.
"Let’s drop this topic here, alright?" Shinon sighed, turning away from her. "Did you find what you were looking for there?"
Selena nodded. "It’s not enough, but we got to know what the bandits plan to do next. We’re gathering a team to strike at dawn; you can join if you like?"
"I’ll pass. Even someone like me needs to rest once in a while. Then there are matters I must attend to in the workshop as well. Good luck to you, though."
Selena’s brows furrowed with concern as she stepped closer, her eyes searching his face for answers. "But Shinon, we’re on the brink of a breakthrough-"
"I can’t be of much use if I’m running on empty." Shinon yawned, stretching his hands over his head. "I need this time to recharge, to ensure that when I do join the next operation, I’m at my best."
Selena’s features softened, a glimmer of understanding flickering in her eyes. She knew firsthand the toll their dangerous missions took on both body and soul.
"You’re right, Shinon," Selena scratched the back of her head. "So... I’ll see you in a day or two, I guess."
With a final exchange of glances, Shinon turned and made his way to the workshop. He might have declined Selena’s offer, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was about to go wrong.
