The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 20: The King's Request and the Treasures of Veloria

A Promise to the King

The next morning, Rio, Retina, and Iris stood before King Alden in the royal palace. The throne room, which had once been a place of grandeur and authority, now felt heavy with sorrow.

King Alden's face was etched with worry and exhaustion.

"Your Majesty," Rio spoke gently, his tone respectful yet firm. "We'll bring Serena back."

The king's tired eyes met Rio's, searching for any sign of doubt—but he found none.

"Do you truly mean that?" Alden's voice was hoarse.

"We do," Retina added, her violet eyes filled with resolve. "We can't let the demons get away with this."

Iris, still in her wolf form, nodded silently, her golden eyes reflecting the same determination.

A long silence followed before King Alden finally spoke.

"If you are willing to take on this impossible task…" His voice wavered. "…then I will do everything in my power to aid you."

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The Royal Treasury

The king led them to the depths of the palace, where a massive door stood, adorned with intricate symbols and glowing runes.

"This is the Royal Vault," King Alden said, his voice echoing in the dimly lit chamber. "Inside lies the greatest treasures of Veloria… weapons and artifacts of unimaginable power."

As the doors creaked open, a brilliant light filled the room, revealing shelves lined with ancient weapons, enchanted armor, and magical relics.

"Take whatever you need," the king said softly. "You'll need every advantage you can get."

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Iris's Choice: The Potion and the Stone

Iris, her wolf form dissolving as she shifted back into her human form, walked toward the shelves lined with mystical artifacts.

Her eyes fell on a vial filled with shimmering blue liquid.

"A Mana Restoration Elixir…" she murmured. "This could restore my strength in battle."

Next, her gaze landed on a small, crystalline stone that pulsed with a faint glow.

"And this… a Binding Stone," she whispered. "It can trap and restrain magical entities."

She picked them up with careful hands.

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Retina's Choice: The Sword of Luminara

Retina's eyes were drawn to a blade resting on a pedestal. Its hilt was adorned with intricate patterns, and the blade emitted a soft, radiant glow.

"The Sword of Luminara," she breathed in awe. "A weapon that channels light energy…"

She gripped the sword firmly, feeling its power resonate through her body.

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Rio's Choice: The Wooden Sword

Rio's eyes scanned the vault, but nothing stood out—until his gaze landed on an unassuming wooden sword tucked away in a corner.

"That…?" Retina's eyebrows furrowed. "Rio, that sword looks ancient… and useless."

Even King Alden's expression mirrored confusion.

"That is… just an old relic," the king murmured. "Why would you choose that?"

But Rio's instincts told him otherwise. He approached the sword, his fingers brushing against the worn handle. The moment he touched it, a surge of warmth coursed through his veins.

"This one," Rio said firmly.

"Are you certain?" the king asked, his eyes narrowing.

Rio nodded. "I have a feeling this is what I need."

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The King's Final Words

King Alden's expression was grim but hopeful.

"These are your choices?" His voice echoed softly in the vault.

Rio, Retina, and Iris nodded in unison.

"Then go…" The king's voice was barely above a whisper. "Rescue my daughter… and return safely."

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The Journey Begins

As Rio, Retina, and Iris stepped out of the palace, a heavy burden weighed on their shoulders.

"The Demon Lord's palace…" Rio murmured, his eyes narrowing toward the distant horizon.

"We'll bring her back," Retina vowed softly.

Iris's eyes gleamed with determination. "No matter what it takes."

The path before them was perilous, and the stakes had never been higher. But they had made their choice.

And there was no turning back.

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To Be Continued…

The path to the Demon Lord's palace is filled with danger, but the trio's resolve burns brighter than ever…