The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 7: The Shadow Wolf's Challenge

The forest was unnervingly quiet, with a mist so thick that it felt like a living entity, slithering between the ancient, gnarled trees. Rio, Retina, and Iris moved cautiously through the eerie landscape, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth. Strange sounds echoed from the shadows, distant but ever-present, as if the forest itself was whispering warnings.

Rio's senses were on high alert, his grip on his sword tightening with each step. This place feels different… like it's alive.

Iris, his loyal wolf companion, padded beside him, her ears perked and her eyes darting in every direction. Her body was tense, ready to pounce at the first sign of danger.

"Stay focused," Retina murmured softly, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "Monsters could attack at any moment."

Her calm, analytical tone did little to ease Rio's unease. The deeper they ventured, the thicker the air became, laced with an ominous energy that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Then, without warning, a low growl pierced the silence.

From the darkness, a large figure emerged. Its glowing red eyes pierced through the mist, and its hulking frame was cloaked in shadow. A wolf—larger than any normal beast—stepped into view, its fur swirling with dark energy.

Retina's voice was steady but cautious. "A B-rank Shadow Wolf…" she whispered. "Be careful, Rio."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Rio's lips. "Then this might actually be fun."

A Deadly Encounter

Rio dashed forward, sword raised, and swung at the wolf with swift precision. But the beast was faster. It dodged effortlessly and countered with a swipe of its claws, grazing Rio's arm.

"Damn, it's fast!" Rio hissed, feeling the sting as blood seeped from the wound.

Before the wolf could strike again, Iris leapt between them, her fur bristling as she bared her teeth. A deep, guttural growl echoed from her throat as she stood protectively in front of her master.

"Iris, no! Stay back!" Rio warned, but the wolf didn't budge.

Iris remained firm, her eyes glowing faintly with determination. She was ready to defend Rio, even if it meant putting herself in danger.

"Rio, catch!" Retina's voice cut through the tension as she extended her hand.

A sword materialized before him, glowing with a powerful aura—its black and red energy pulsing like a heartbeat.

"A Legendary Weapon…" Rio murmured, his eyes wide as he grasped the hilt. The moment his fingers curled around it, a surge of power coursed through him.

[System Notification: New Skill Unlocked – Multi-Slash!]

Rio's lips curled into a grin. "Alright… let's see what this can do."

He dashed forward, his movements now faster and sharper. "Multi-Slash!" he roared, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes. The Shadow Wolf tried to evade, but Rio was too fast. His blade sliced through the beast, his final strike cutting deep into its core.

The wolf let out one last, anguished growl before collapsing to the ground. Silence returned to the forest as Rio stood over the defeated creature, panting but victorious.

Iris wagged her tail softly, nuzzling against Rio's leg in approval.

Retina crossed her arms, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You're improving," she said, "but don't get overconfident."

TO BE CONTINUED…