Into The Unknown (3)

The year 2013...

Shinon sat on a stool, watching his father work in the forge. His father had always been a skilled blacksmith, and Shinon was eager to learn from him. He had always been fascinated by the craft, and he knew that his father was the best person to teach him.

But more importantly, he was equally fascinated by his father's skill at using the weapons he created. His father looked up from his work and noticed Shinon watching him.

"You want to learn how to use a weapon, don't you?" he asked, his voice as stern as ever.

Shinon nodded eagerly. "I do, father. I want to be able to defend myself if I need to."

His father chuckled. "Who even taught you those words?"

It was the first time in 10 years of his existence Shinon had heard his father's laugh. The servants surrounding them were equally surprised as it was quite a rare event to see the master in a jolly mood.

"That's a good reason, but there's more to it than that." His father continued. "A blacksmith who knows how to use a weapon is better equipped to make tools and weapons. He knows what works and what doesn't, based on experience, not just theory."

Shinon was intrigued. "I never thought of it that way."

"You're still young, and I wouldn't expect you to know everything at this age." His father mumbled and handed him a shortsword. "Come on, let's start with the basics. You need to know how to hold a sword properly and how to move your body."

Although the father-son duo spent most of their time together, this was the first time Shinon's father volunteered to teach him something, and it made the young Shinon happiest than he had ever been.

The shortsword felt heavy and unfamiliar in his grip. Shinon swung it awkwardly, the blade cutting through the air with a hiss. His father watched him with a critical eye, his arms crossed.

"You're holding it wrong," he said. "Here, let me show you."

He stepped closer, his hands on Shinon's, adjusting his grip on the sword.

"You want to hold it firmly, but not too tight. Let the weight of the blade do the work for you."

Shinon nodded, trying to remember his father's advice as he swung the sword again. This time, it felt smoother and more natural. He could feel the potential power of the blade in his hands.

"Good," his father said, nodding in approval. "Now, keep practising. The more you know about wielding a weapon, the better you will be at creating them."

They practised basic moves for hours, and Shinon quickly realized how much he enjoyed it. He felt a sense of control and power he had never felt before.

As years passed, Shinon's father taught him more advanced techniques and how to use different types of weapons.

Nothing major, but adequate knowledge so that Shinon never felt out of place in their world. But Shinon being a quick learner, his skill couldn't be bound when it came to smithing or fighting and his father was impressed with his progress.

Now, years later, as Shinon fought off hordes of zombies with the sword he had enhanced and the shadow weapons he had created, he knew that his father had been right.

Knowing how to wield a weapon had given him an advantage in both defence and offence, and it had allowed him to create better tools and weapons to help him survive in the dangerous world he now lived in.

***

Back in the future...

[Skill: Shadow Enhancement has been created!]

[Skill: Aura Blade has been created!]

A notification appeared when Shinon infused his blade with Shadow essence. Having been a blacksmith, Shinon was well aware of how to use the Aura blade. After all, he had been using the same method to strengthen his hammer while working in the forge.

As long as there was a medium for the aura to conduct, anything could be turned into an Aura weapon. That said, he wasn't expecting any weapon in the future could contain an aura within itself, as it took a lot of work to create such a weapon.

'I should talk to Old man Tom. If anyone would remember about dungeons and the time I belong to, it has to be him.' Shinon thought. 'But for now, I got to deal with them.'

Shinon took a deep breath as he readied his sword, the hilt gripped tightly in his hand. His Shadowsmith abilities were new, and just by using [Shadow Enhancement], he had stretched them to their maximum limit.

As such, his sword was his only weapon, as creating weapons using [Shadow Manipulation] was out of the question.

"I'll help-" Selena loaded her crossbow, but Shinon stopped her.

"This is my test, is it not?" he said.

Selena understood and backed off. It was true the Phoenixes only wanted Shinon to prove his worth, and the only reason she was allowed to travel with him was to show him around, as he was a Relic.

As the zombies shambled towards him, Shinon leapt forward, his sword flashing through the air. He sliced through the first zombie with ease, its head rolling to the ground.

The other zombies closed in, their arms outstretched, teeth bared. Shinon moved with a speed and grace that belied his bulky frame, darting in and out of their reach, his sword singing through the air.

He dispatched the zombies one by one, his Aura Blade cutting through them like butter. As he swung his sword, a zombie lunged forward, grabbing onto his arm.

Shinon gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing in determination. With a powerful twist, he wrenched his arm free, sending the zombie flying backwards.

The other zombies closed in, sensing weakness. Shinon took a deep breath, focused his energy, and slammed his sword to the ground. The impact unleashed a powerful shockwave that sent the zombies flying back, allowing Shinon to take a breather.

With a roar, Shinon charged forward, his sword glowing with intense shadow energy. He carved a path through the zombies, his Aura Blade sweeping through them like a scythe.

Finally, the last of the zombies fell to the ground, their bodies motionless. Shinon stood there, panting, the dark energy finally dissipating away.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling a surge of pride and satisfaction. He had defeated the zombies, and he had done it with his own strength and skill.

"That wasn't that bad~" Shinon mumbled and forced his weight on the sword.

"You're something else..." Selena mumbled. She knew she had made the right choice by choosing him.

***

Mission Progress:

-> Learn more about different nests. (Completed)

-> Kill Roamer Zombies: 15/15 Killed. (Completed)

-> Kill Sprinters: 2/7 Killed.

-> Kill Screamers: 0/2 Killed.

-> Kill Bloaters: 0/1 Killed.

Time Left: 2 days: 23 hours: 32 minutes