Free Web NovelChapter 83: Back In The Workshop (2)
The workshop was dimly lit, the flickering glow of candlelight dancing across the tools and workbench. The air was heavy with the scent of wood and metal, a comforting aroma that permeated Shinon’s senses.
He approached the workbench, his eyes scanning the materials he had gathered for the task at hand.
"I think it’s time to start working on the crossbow for real."
With a meticulous hand, Shinon began sorting the various components needed for crafting the crossbow. He selected a sturdy piece of oak for the main body, its grain smooth and flawless.
Next, he chose a length of flexible yew wood for the limbs, carefully assessing its resilience and strength. He had learned the art of weapon crafting through years of dedication and honing his skills, and each choice was made with precision and care.
Using a small saw, Shinon began shaping the oak into the desired form, the rhythmic sound of the blade slicing through the wood filling the workshop.
His movements were deliberate, guided by experience and a deep understanding of his craft. He took his time, ensuring that every cut was precise and every contour refined.
As the body of the crossbow took shape, Shinon turned his attention to the intricacies of the trigger mechanism.
He meticulously assembled the metal components, aligning them with unwavering accuracy. His fingers moved deftly, threading tiny screws and bolts, each one essential to the proper functioning of the weapon.
Once the main structure of the crossbow was complete, Shinon focused on the crucial task of crafting the limbs.
Carefully selecting the yew wood, he shaped and carved, creating limbs that would provide the necessary tension and power. He tested their flexibility, making minute adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
With the body and limbs in place, Shinon turned his attention to the finishing touches. He meticulously sanded the wood, smoothing any imperfections, and then applied a protective coat of varnish, enhancing the natural beauty of the oak.
He paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the crossbow would be functional and a work of art in its own right.
The final step was to string the crossbow. Shinon carefully looped the robust and durable bowstring through the notches on the limbs, his hands moving with practised precision. The string settled into place with a satisfying twang, taut and ready.
Satisfied with his creation, Shinon stepped back to admire his handiwork. The crossbow stood before him, a testament to his skill and dedication. It was a weapon of strength and elegance, a tool that would aid the gate guard in protecting the settlement.
[Creation: Crossbow "Valkyrie" (1st prototype)
Item Grade: Uncommon
Durability Points: 500/500
Damage: 114-259 Hp
Creator: Shinon Flintlock]
[Description: The Valkyrie is a crossbow designed for survival in the zombie apocalypse, and it is a reliable and powerful weapon that combines precision and durability.] freeweɓnovel.cøm
[Special Abilities:
1. Silent Shot: The Valkyrie’s unique mechanism reduces noise when firing, allowing the user to take down zombies stealthily without attracting unnecessary attention.
2. Enhanced Bolts: The crossbow can utilise specialised bolts with various effects, such as explosive bolts that create a small explosion upon impact or poison bolts that deliver a potent toxin to the target, causing additional damage over time.
3. Retractable Blade: A retractable blade is Concealed within the crossbow stock. This blade serves as a backup weapon for close encounters, allowing the user to defend himself in tight situations.
4. Durability Augmentation: The Valkyrie is constructed using advanced materials that grant it enhanced durability, enabling it to withstand the rigours of continuous combat. Its sturdy frame and reinforced limbs remain reliable even in the harshest conditions.
5. Guardian Angel: This creation can not be used against its creator <Shinon Flintlock> and anyone deemed close to him.]
"Once everyone sees the prototype in action, everyone would want to get one for themselves," Shinon smirked as he lifted the weapon and tested its weight. "Though, I might have to recreate it with flexible metals next time."
It felt balanced and sturdy in his hands, a testament to his dedication to perfection. His eyes narrowed as he aimed the crossbow toward a target at the far end of the workshop. With a swift motion, he loaded a bolt and pulled back the string, feeling the tension build.
Just as he was about to release the bolt, a flash of movement caught his attention. Kira, his companion, came rushing into the workshop, her expression filled with urgency. Without a second thought, she darted toward Shinon, oblivious to the imminent danger.
"Shinon!" Kira called out, her voice tinged with both relief and excitement. "Rico... he’s awake!"
Caught off guard, Shinon’s reflexes kicked in, and he instinctively released the crossbow, allowing the bolt to sail through the air. But as fate would have it, Kira had unknowingly placed herself in the bolt’s trajectory. Time seemed to slow as the projectile hurtled towards her.
"No!" Shinon’s voice rang out in alarm, his heart pounding.
He lunged forward, his body moving with unnatural speed. In a split second, he intercepted the bolt, grabbing it out of the air just inches away from Kira’s body. His eyes widened with disbelief at the near miss.
Breathless, Kira skidded to a halt, her eyes widening, realising what had just occurred. Her focus, however, was on something other than the danger she had narrowly avoided.
"I... I could have been hit," she gasped, her voice trembling. "But that’s not important-"
"The hell do you mean that’s not important? You could have died!"
Shinon lowered the crossbow, his heart pounding in his chest. The realisation of what could have transpired settled upon him, sending a shiver down his spine. He took a step closer to Kira, concern etched across his features.
"Are you alright? I’m sorry; I didn’t expect you to come running like that."
Kira’s gaze met his, a mixture of fear and gratitude in her eyes. "I... I had to tell you," she replied, her voice still shaking. "Rico woke up from his coma! He’s asking for you!"
Shinon’s breath caught in his throat at the news. A wave of relief washed over him, momentarily overshadowing the gravity of the situation.
"Rico... awake?" Shinon stammered, a surge of emotions coursing through his veins. "Are you sure, Kira? How is he?"
A radiant smile graced Kira’s face, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears of joy.
"I saw it with my own eyes, Shinon," she replied, her voice tinged with awe and wonder. "He opened his eyes, and I spoke to the doctor, and he said Rico’s going to be okay!"
Relief washed over Shinon, flooding his senses with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The weight that had burdened Shinon’s heart lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
"Thank god," Shinon whispered, his voice laden with heartfelt gratitude. He pulled Kira into a tight embrace, their shared relief and happiness merging in that tender moment. "He’s alive!"
Kira’s laughter echoed in the workshop, a joyous symphony that resonated with Shinon’s elation.
They darted through the settlement, their footsteps echoing through the silent night. The crossbow lay forgotten on the workbench, proof of the fleeting nature of their previous concerns.
At that moment, all that mattered was the reunion that awaited them, a glimmer of hope in the darkness surrounding them for far too long.
