The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 11: The Guild's Shock Begins

The Adventurer's Guild in Nightfall was as grand as Rio had imagined. The hall was vast, with towering pillars and intricately carved murals depicting legendary heroes and ancient beasts. The air buzzed with energy as adventurers exchanged stories of their recent quests and battles.

Rio, Retina, and Iris stepped inside, their eyes scanning the lively scene.

"This place feels alive," Rio murmured, his gaze drifting to the massive crystal orb at the center of the hall.

Retina nodded. "We're here to register, right?"

"Yeah." Rio's eyes landed on the receptionist's desk, where a cheerful yet professional-looking woman was waiting for them.

"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild!" The receptionist's voice was bright and friendly. Her nameplate read Elina. She handed them a few parchment forms with a warm smile. "To join, you'll need to take the mana test first."

Elina led them to the glowing crystal orb. It pulsed softly, radiating a faint, steady warmth.

"Place your hand—or paw—on the crystal," she instructed. "It will assess your mana capacity and rank."

Retina stepped forward confidently, her violet eyes gleaming with quiet determination. As her slender fingers touched the crystal, an immediate reaction surged through the room.

A blinding white light erupted from the orb, illuminating the hall with a divine radiance. Gasps echoed through the crowd as the overwhelming power filled the space.

[Mana Capacity: 30,000]

The crystal hummed, vibrating with intensity. Silence fell as the adventurers around them stared in awe.

"Impossible…" someone whispered.

"That's beyond an S-rank adventurer!" another murmured, disbelief evident in their tone.

Up on the balcony, the Guild Master, a towering man with piercing eyes and a scar running down his cheek, observed the scene with narrowed eyes. His gaze lingered on Retina, his expression unreadable.

"A prodigy…" he murmured softly, his interest clearly piqued.

Retina stepped back, her expression calm despite the commotion she had caused.

Next, Iris padded forward gracefully. Her emerald eyes glinted as she placed her paw on the crystal. A burst of crimson light engulfed the room, sending waves of heat across the hall.

[Mana Capacity: 18,500]

The adventurers exchanged glances, their awe deepening.

"She has a beast's natural affinity for Divine Fire Magic!" one whispered.

"A wolf with that kind of power… unbelievable!"

Iris tilted her head slightly, her tail wagging just enough to betray her satisfaction.

Rio stood back, watching quietly, his heart swelling with pride.

"Their power… it's incredible." He clenched his fists, feeling a mixture of admiration and pressure.

But now, it was his turn.

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