The Shadow Nexus Online

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Chapter 8: The Beast in the Shadows

The trio took a moment to catch their breath after the fierce battle. The eerie silence of the forest returned, but this time it felt… heavier. As if something was watching.

"That was tougher than I expected," Rio murmured, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Retina's expression remained tense. "Too quiet…" she muttered, her eyes narrowing. "This isn't over."

Just then, the ground beneath them trembled. A low, menacing growl echoed from the depths of the forest. Heavy footsteps echoed, shaking the ground with each step. The air grew colder, and a sense of dread washed over them.

Emerging from the shadows was a towering beast—its body black as night, its fur bristling with dark energy. Four glowing eyes locked onto them, burning with an unnatural crimson light.

"What… is that?" Rio's voice barely rose above a whisper.

Retina's eyes darkened as she analyzed the creature. "A Shadow Tyrant," she said, her voice grim. "A rare boss in this region."

Iris, sensing the danger, lowered herself to the ground, her ears flattened and her growl barely audible.

Rio's grip tightened around his sword. "Looks like the real test starts now."

The Shadow Tyrant let out a deafening roar, the sheer force of its voice shaking the ground beneath them. Its monstrous form loomed over them, its four eyes burning with an insatiable hunger for destruction.

"We need a strategy," Retina warned, her mind already racing through possible tactics. "This isn't something we can handle recklessly."

Rio's jaw clenched. "Then let's give it everything we've got."

Iris stood ready beside him, her stance firm and unwavering. Retina positioned herself behind them, her hands already channeling mana.

If I can't beat this… Rio thought, his heart pounding. I don't deserve this power.

The beast lunged forward with terrifying speed, its claws slashing through the air as it charged at them.

"Here we go…" Rio muttered, his eyes narrowing as he met the monster head-on.

The clash of power shook the forest to its core as the real battle began.

TO BE CONTINUED…