The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 24: The Duel & Shadow Storage's First Use

The crowd of sailors formed a tight circle around Rio and Malik, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Bets were whispered, and tensions crackled in the air. Malik was a seasoned fighter, a veteran of countless brawls, but Rio wasn't intimidated.

"Let's see what you've got, kid," Malik taunted, his massive fists clenched as he lunged forward.

Rio's reflexes, now enhanced by his newly allocated stat points, kicked in. Time seemed to slow as he sidestepped the first punch, feeling the wind brush against his cheek. Malik was fast—but Rio was faster.

Time to test Shadow Storage.

With a thought, Rio accessed his new ability. Darkness coiled around his fingertips as he reached into the void and withdrew a sleek, curved dagger. The transition was seamless, and the weapon materialized in his hand as if it had always been there.

The crew gasped.

"What the…?"

"Did he just pull that out of thin air?"

Malik hesitated for a fraction of a second, but it was enough. Rio darted forward, his agility boosted beyond human limits. He closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye, his dagger gleaming in the fading light.

Malik swung again, but Rio was already gone, weaving effortlessly through his attacks. With his increased agility and endurance, Rio danced around his opponent, analyzing every movement.

"Too slow," Rio muttered, appearing behind Malik.

Before the sailor could react, the cold edge of Rio's dagger pressed lightly against his throat.

The circle of sailors fell silent.

Malik froze, his breath hitching. He knew when he was beaten.

"Yield," Rio said calmly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Malik's jaw clenched, but he slowly raised his hands in surrender.

Sylvia's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable as she observed the outcome. Rio withdrew the dagger and, with a flick of his wrist, sent it back into the shadows of his Shadow Storage. The crew's murmurs grew louder, awe and curiosity replacing doubt.

"Impressive," Sylvia finally said, her tone carrying a note of approval. "You're not just some brash adventurer."

Rio met her gaze, his confidence unwavering. "So… do I pass?"

Sylvia studied him for a moment longer before her lips curled into a smile. "You're in."

The crew erupted in cheers and applause, clearly impressed by Rio's performance. Malik gave Rio a respectful nod, acknowledging his defeat without bitterness.

"Get some rest," Sylvia ordered, her eyes flickering with intrigue. "We set sail at dawn."

Rio exhaled, the adrenaline finally beginning to subside. As he stood at the edge of the dock, gazing out at the vast ocean, a sense of excitement washed over him. The journey ahead was dangerous, but Rio was ready. He had grown stronger—faster—and his arsenal had expanded.

But deep down, he knew… this was just the calm before the storm.

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