Free Web NovelChapter 96: Bonus! (1)
As Selena gradually regained her strength, she found herself surrounded by concerned faces and soothing voices. Nova and Sable stood by her side, their eyes relieved at her awakening. The other survivors had gathered around, their worry evident in their expressions.
"Selena, you’re awake!" Nova exclaimed, her voice tinged with both relief and concern. "We were so worried about you. How are you feeling?"
Selena managed a weak smile, grateful for the outpouring of care and support. "I’m... I’m getting better. Thanks to all of you."
Sable’s gaze narrowed; her determination to take down the bandits took precedence over everything else.
"We need to gather information on the Bandits," she stated firmly. "They’ve cut off their ties, but we can’t let them continue to harm us. We must be prepared for the next encounter."
Selena’s brows furrowed as she considered Sable’s words. She knew she was right. Understanding their enemy was crucial if they wanted to protect the settlement and ensure their survival. But with their connections severed, it seemed like an insurmountable task.
Just then, Shinon’s absence struck her. She glanced around, hoping to see him among the concerned faces, but he was nowhere to be seen. Her heart skipped a beat, worry creeping in. Had something happened to him?
Meanwhile, Shinon made his way to his workshop, a sense of urgency pushing him forward. He had been so focused on saving Selena that he had neglected his other responsibilities. He couldn’t ignore the orders placed by the settlers, even if he didn’t particularly like them.
Entering his workshop, Shinon was greeted by the familiar scent of sawdust and metal. His workbench was cluttered with partially completed projects, some of which he had intentionally left incomplete.
However, when he saw them, most of the orders had been completed and awaited delivery. This struck Shinon as odd, but not for long, as Tom appeared behind the massive furnace.
Tom’s presence in the workshop had always been a source of mixed emotions for Shinon. He knew that Tom was working for Marcus, which grated against his trust and loyalty instincts.
But at the same time, Tom had proved to be incredibly efficient and skilled, assisting Shinon in completing orders that would have otherwise overwhelmed him. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
Shinon couldn’t deny his relief when he saw the completed projects on his workbench. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, allowing him to focus on the more intricate and personal creations that demanded his full attention.
Tom, a man of few words, simply nodded at Shinon as he stoked the fire in the furnace. The glow from the flames cast an ethereal light on his features, accentuating his intense focus and determination. Shinon couldn’t help but admire Tom’s dedication to his craft, even if their underlying motivations didn’t align.
As Shinon moved closer to his workbench, he couldn’t resist examining the completed orders. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and each piece was crafted with precision and care.
It was clear that Tom’s skill and expertise were nowhere near his own, but his talents were incredible, and Shinon felt no need to deny the truth.
"You’ve been busy," Shinon remarked, his voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion.
Tom’s response was measured and calm. "I saw that you were occupied with other matters. So, Marcus instructed me to assist you and ensure the orders were completed on time."
Shinon’s brow furrowed, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. On the one hand, he appreciated the help, knowing that it allowed him to focus on more pressing matters. But on the other hand, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Marcus had some malice hidden behind his generosity.
"Is Marcus pleased with your progress?" Shinon couldn’t help but ask, his voice laced with a hint of scepticism.
Tom’s expression remained impassive as he carefully chose his words. "Marcus values efficiency and results. I believe he is content as long as the orders are completed satisfactorily."
"You know I wasn’t talking about the gears."
"Why do you think my hair turned white?" Tom shrugged. "I know you’re already aware of the relationship Marcus and I share. So there’s no point beating around the bush."
The tension in the workshop was palpable, the unspoken animosity between the two men simmering beneath the surface. Shinon couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, the weight of his secret intentions hanging heavy in the air. He knew Tom’s loyalty lay with Marcus and couldn’t fully trust the man standing before him.
"But before you, young lad, make an assumption, I want to tell you something. Just because I work for Marcus doesn’t mean I have to blindly follow him and do as he says."
"..." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Pushing aside his doubts and suspicions, Shinon forced himself to focus on the task at hand. There were creations that demanded his attention, designs that were unique and personal to him. He couldn’t be distracted by thoughts of betrayal or espionage.
With renewed determination, Shinon picked up his tools and set to work. The rhythmic sound of metal meeting metal filled the workshop, drowning out the tension between him and Tom.
He channelled his emotions into his creations as he crafted, pouring his passion and skill into each piece.
Hours passed, and the workshop was consumed by the symphony of creativity. Shinon lost himself in his work, his hands moving with purpose and precision. The outside world faded away, leaving only him and his craft.
Only when the sun began to set, casting an orange glow through the windows, Shinon finally stepped back from his workbench, his exhaustion mingling with a sense of accomplishment. He surveyed the creations before him, satisfied with the results of his labour.
"That’s a good one." Tom chimed in, analysing the blade Shinon had laid to rest.
"You should have seen the other ones I made," Shinon mumbled under his breath, knowing he was the only one who heard his words.
As he turned to leave the workshop, his eyes met Tom’s, and for a brief moment, their gazes held a silent understanding. They were adversaries, driven by different loyalties, but also craftsmen bound by a shared passion for their craft.
