The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 13: The Secret Door and the Abyssal Threat

The dungeon was eerily silent, the oppressive stillness broken only by the soft echoes of footsteps. Rio, Retina, and Iris moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridor, their senses on high alert. The walls were damp, the scent of ancient stone and lingering magic filling the air.

"This place gives me bad vibes," Rio muttered under his breath, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. "Stay alert."

Retina, walking beside him, nodded grimly. "We've dealt with goblins before, but this…" she trailed off, her eyes scanning the darkness ahead. "This feels… different."

Iris padded silently at Rio's side, her ears pricked and her body tense. A low growl rumbled in her throat, her instincts warning her of an unseen danger.

They pressed forward, the air growing heavier with every step.

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"Incoming!"

A swarm of goblins and slimes erupted from the shadows without warning. Their guttural shrieks echoed through the narrow passageway as they charged toward the trio.

"Here they come!" Rio shouted, drawing his sword with practiced ease.

"Earth Bind!" Retina's voice rang out, her magic surging through the ground.

Thick vines erupted from the floor, ensnaring the goblins and pinning them in place. Rio wasted no time, his blade slicing through the entangled enemies with deadly precision. Beside him, Iris lunged at a slime, her fangs tearing through its gelatinous body.

The battle was swift but intense. In moments, the last monster fell, dissolving into a lifeless heap.

"Is that all of them?" Rio asked, catching his breath.

But before anyone could respond, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath their feet.

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"What the—?" Rio's eyes darted around as the vibration grew stronger.

The wall before them groaned, ancient stone grinding against stone. Faint glowing runes flickered to life, tracing intricate patterns along the surface.

"A… secret door?" Retina whispered, her voice laced with awe and trepidation. "This wasn't part of the quest…"

Iris let out a low whine, her hackles raised. Her glowing eyes fixated on the newly revealed passage, sensing the danger that lay beyond.

"Whatever's in there," Rio murmured, his grip on his sword tightening, "it's not going to be friendly."

They exchanged uneasy glances before stepping through the hidden doorway.

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The chamber they entered was vast—far larger than anything they had encountered so far. Massive stone pillars lined the space, their surfaces carved with ancient glyphs that pulsed faintly with magical energy.

At the center of the room, a sight that stole the breath from their lungs awaited.

A colossal dragon lay coiled in the heart of the chamber. Its scales were as dark as obsidian, gleaming faintly under the dim light. Crimson eyes, burning with malevolent power, flickered open, locking onto the intruders.

System Notification:

→ [Rare Scenario Triggered: Dragon of the Abyss]

→ [Final Boss: Abyssal Drake – Level 100]

Rio's jaw clenched as cold dread washed over him. "This… is way beyond our level…"

"We need a strategy," Retina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Or we're dead."

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"Split up!" Rio commanded as the dragon's deafening roar shook the chamber. "We can't take it head-on!"

The beast unleashed a wave of dark energy that surged toward them. Rio barely managed to dodge, while Retina conjured an earthen barrier to protect herself and Iris.

"Elemental Barrage!" Retina's voice echoed as she launched a rapid series of elemental spells at the dragon. Fire, ice, and lightning struck the creature's scales, but most of the attacks barely left a scratch.

Iris darted around the dragon with agility, drawing its attention and striking at its vulnerable points.

Rio gritted his teeth, frustration building. "We're not doing enough damage… I need more power…"

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"Multi-Slash!"

Rio's sword pulsed with energy as he unleashed a rapid series of strikes, each blow fueled by his surging mana. His attacks finally pierced through the dragon's defense, creating a fleeting opening.

"I've got one shot…" Retina's voice was steady, but the sheer intensity of her mana radiated in waves.

"Gaia Collapse!" she roared, pouring all her remaining energy into the spell.

The ground beneath the dragon erupted, sending jagged spikes of earth to pin the beast down momentarily. But the dragon wasn't finished yet.

As dark energy surged from its core, the beast's rage intensified.

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"It's not over yet…" Rio panted, sweat dripping down his brow.

Iris's eyes narrowed, her body glowing faintly with magic as she prepared for a decisive strike.

The final clash was about to begin.

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To Be Continued…