The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 17: The King's Summon

The heavy wooden doors of the Adventurer's Guild slammed shut behind Rio, Retina, and Iris as they stepped into the cool evening air. The tension from their encounter with the Guild Master still hung thick around them.

"That was too close," Retina murmured, her violet eyes scanning the deserted street.

"Yeah…" Rio's voice was low, his jaw clenched. "We managed to fool him for now, but…"

Iris, in her wolf form, padded silently beside them, her ears twitching. "But someone will catch on eventually," she finished, her tone filled with caution.

"We bought ourselves time. That's what matters," Rio said, trying to reassure them, but his eyes betrayed the unease swirling within him.

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The King Receives the News

Unbeknownst to them, whispers of their deception had already begun spreading. The Guild Master, wary of the name Draco's, had dispatched a secret report directly to the royal palace.

Inside the grand throne room of the capital city of Veloria, King Alden sat on his ornate golden throne. A man well into his fifties, his face was lined with wisdom and battle-hardened experience. His piercing blue eyes scanned the message delivered by one of his royal messengers.

"Draco's…?" The name left his lips like a whisper, his expression hardening. "Impossible…"

The chamber grew silent as his advisor, Lord Voss, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, could it be a mistake?"

"If it's true…" The king's voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing. "Then I need to see them for myself."

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Summons to the Palace

The next morning, as Rio and the others enjoyed a quiet breakfast at a small inn, a group of armored knights approached.

"Adventurer Rio," one of the knights announced with a firm voice. "His Majesty, King Alden, has summoned you, along with your companions."

Retina's eyes darted to Rio, her expression alarmed.

"The king…?" Rio kept his expression neutral but felt a chill creep down his spine.

"Is… there a reason?" he asked calmly.

"The King wishes to meet the rumored descendants of the Draco's family," the knight said, his tone respectful but firm.

Rio's mind raced. "Damn it… did the Guild Master send word already?"

"We'll come," he said aloud, masking his inner turmoil.

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Arrival at the Royal Palace

The palace of Veloria was a magnificent sight. Towering spires reached toward the sky, and the white marble walls gleamed under the morning sun. Golden banners adorned with the royal crest fluttered gently in the breeze.

As they were escorted through the grand halls, Rio felt the weight of countless eyes upon them—nobles, guards, and servants all pausing to glimpse the trio who had stirred such rumors.

"They're all watching us," Iris whispered softly, her senses on high alert.

"Stay calm," Rio murmured, his expression unreadable.

The throne room was a breathtaking display of wealth and power. The polished marble floor reflected the sunlight pouring through the stained-glass windows. At the far end, King Alden sat on his throne, his gaze unwavering as they approached.

"You must be the ones who caused quite the stir at the Adventurer's Guild," the king said, his deep voice echoing through the hall.

Rio knelt respectfully, followed by Retina and Iris. "Your Majesty," he spoke with practiced politeness.

"Rise."

As they stood, Rio felt the weight of the king's gaze, his piercing eyes assessing them with an intensity that made even Retina stiffen beside him.

"Their aura…" King Alden's thoughts echoed in his mind. He was no stranger to powerful beings, but the energy radiating from these three was unlike anything he had ever encountered. It was suffocating—stronger than his own.

"Even stronger than mine…" The realization unsettled him.

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The Princess Appears

Just as the air grew thick with tension, a door on the side of the throne room creaked open. Light footsteps echoed as a young woman entered. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald-green eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Father, I heard we have guests…" she spoke softly but with undeniable confidence.

King Alden's stern expression softened. "Ah, Serena. You're just in time."

He gestured toward Rio. "This is Rio and his companions. They…" He paused, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "…are said to be descendants of the Draco's family."

Serena's eyes lit up with interest, her gaze locking onto Rio's. "Draco's family…?"

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Chapter 18: A Duel with the Princess

"So…" Serena's lips curled into a playful smile as she took a step closer, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Is it true? Are you really from the Draco's family?"

Rio met her gaze calmly, his expression unreadable. "That's what the rumors say," he replied smoothly.

"Hmm…" She tilted her head, studying him. "Then…" Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Why don't we find out how strong you really are?"

Rio's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Serena turned to her father, her voice laced with excitement. "Father, allow me to challenge Rio to a duel. I want to see if these… 'descendants of Draco's' are as powerful as the legends say."

King Alden's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression contemplative.

"A duel…" he murmured.

"Please, Father." Serena's gaze was unwavering, her determination shining through.

The king's eyes flickered to Rio. "Do you accept, Rio?"

A tense silence filled the hall as all eyes turned toward him.

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A Dangerous Decision

Rio's mind raced. A public duel would put them in the spotlight—far too much attention. But refusing could cast doubt on their lie… and worse, arouse suspicion.

"We can't back down now," he thought.

With a calm, composed expression, he met the king's gaze.

"I accept."

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The Colosseum Awaits

"Good," the king said, his voice carrying an air of finality.

"One week from now, the duel will be held in the Grand Colosseum."

"The Colosseum…?" Retina whispered, her eyes widening.

"All of Veloria will be watching," the king added, his tone heavy with meaning.

Serena's smile deepened, her eyes locked onto Rio's with an unspoken challenge.

"I look forward to our duel, Rio."

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A New Challenge Begins

As Rio, Retina, and Iris left the palace, the weight of the situation pressed down on them.

"A public duel…" Retina's voice was laced with worry.

"We'll be exposed," Iris murmured, her golden eyes flickering with concern.

Rio's jaw clenched. "We don't have a choice."

He glanced toward the distant Colosseum, where the fate of their lie—and perhaps their lives—would be decided.

"One week…" Rio whispered to himself.

"We have one week to prepare."

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