The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 19: The Duel That Changed Everything

The roar of the crowd echoed through the massive Colosseum. Thousands of spectators filled the stone seats, their voices blending into a deafening chorus of excitement and anticipation. Flags bearing the royal crest of Veloria fluttered in the wind as the morning sun illuminated the grand arena where Rio and Princess Serena stood, facing each other.

"Are you ready, Rio?" Serena's confident voice rang out as she unsheathed her gleaming rapier. Its blade shimmered with a faint golden aura, a clear sign of her mastery of holy magic.

Rio's eyes remained focused, his expression calm but determined. "I should be asking you that," he replied coolly, gripping his sword firmly.

The crowd grew silent as King Alden raised his hand, signaling the start of the duel.

"Begin!"

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Clash of Titans

Serena wasted no time. She surged forward with astonishing speed, her rapier striking like lightning. Rio barely managed to parry her first strike, his feet sliding back as the force of her attack pushed him.

"Fast…" he murmured, his eyes narrowing.

Serena smirked. "I won't hold back, Rio."

"Good," Rio replied, his lips curling into a determined smile. "Neither will I."

The air around them crackled with energy as Rio activated his Mana Pulse, enhancing his reflexes and strength. He dodged Serena's next strike and countered with a quick slash aimed at her shoulder.

Serena spun gracefully, her rapier deflecting his attack with ease. "Impressive."

Their weapons danced through the air, sparks flying as metal clashed against metal. The duel intensified with every passing moment, their movements becoming faster and more precise.

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Rio Gains the Upper Hand

Minutes passed, and Rio's skill began to overwhelm Serena. His strikes grew sharper, his footwork more refined.

"He's adapting…" Serena thought, her expression tightening.

Rio feinted to the left and then spun to her right, landing a precise strike that disarmed her. Serena's rapier flew across the arena, embedding itself in the ground.

"It's over," Rio said softly, his sword pointed at her throat.

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Darkness Descends

Just as the crowd erupted into cheers, a chilling wind swept through the Colosseum.

The sky, which had been clear moments ago, darkened as ominous clouds gathered overhead. The cheers of the spectators died down, replaced by murmurs of unease.

"What's happening?" Serena whispered, her eyes widening.

Rio's instincts screamed danger. "Something's coming…"

A deafening crack echoed through the air as a dark portal tore open above the Colosseum. From within the swirling darkness, three shadowy figures emerged, their demonic auras suffocating the air around them.

"Demons…!" Retina gasped, her hand instinctively reaching for her sword.

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The Kidnapping

The largest of the demons, a hulking figure with crimson eyes and jagged horns, stepped forward. His voice echoed through the Colosseum, filled with malice.

"We have come for the princess," he growled, his gaze locked on Serena.

Before anyone could react, the demons moved with terrifying speed. One of them grabbed Serena, dragging her toward the portal.

"No!" King Alden's voice echoed as he rose to his feet, his expression filled with rage and fear.

Serena struggled, but the demon's grip was too strong.

"If any of you wish to save this girl…" the lead demon sneered, his eyes scanning the horrified crowd. "…come to the Demon Lord's palace in the realm of shadows."

With that, the demons disappeared into the portal, taking Serena with them. The portal snapped shut, leaving only silence in its wake.

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The King's Despair

"Serena…" King Alden's voice was barely a whisper as he fell to his knees, his heart heavy with grief.

The Colosseum was deathly silent. The people of Veloria stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Rio's fists clenched. "The Demon Lord…" he murmured, his mind racing. "He's making his move."

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