My Infinite Mana System

The Duskwither Forest loomed behind them, its oppressive mist a distant memory as they set up camp near the shimmering portal. The clearing felt strangely peaceful, the air heavy with anticipation.

Allen sat on a fallen log, sharpening Stormfang with a focused intensity. The rhythmic scrape of metal on stone seemed to echo his inner thoughts. Emma, tending to a small fire, occasionally glanced his way, her expression unreadable.

Kael leaned against a tree, his arms crossed, observing the two with a knowing smirk.

"You're both too tense," he said finally, breaking the silence. "The big fight's not even here yet."

Emma shot him a glare. "Some of us take this seriously, Kael. Not all of us can stroll through a deadly forest cracking jokes."

Kael chuckled. "That's called coping, Emma. You should try it sometime."

Allen didn't look up from his blade. "He has a point, though. Worrying too much before the fight won't help. We've made it this far because we trust each other. That's what will get us through the next part."

Emma huffed, but her expression softened. "I know. It's just... this isn't like anything we've faced before. The void isn't just some monster or dungeon boss. It's... bigger."

Kael shrugged. "Bigger or not, it bleeds. And if it bleeds, we can kill it."

As the fire crackled and Kael drifted into a light nap, Emma sat down next to Allen. She leaned her staff against the log and sighed.

"Do you ever feel like we're in over our heads?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Allen paused, setting Stormfang aside. He looked at her, his serious gaze softening. "All the time. But we don't really have a choice, do we?"

Emma chuckled dryly. "I guess not. You always seem so... composed, though. Like nothing shakes you."

Allen shook his head. "That's not true. I'm scared, Emma. Scared of losing control, of failing you and Kael. But I can't let that stop me. If I do, the void wins."

She looked at him, her usual humor replaced by quiet determination. "You've always been like this. Even when we were kids. Stubborn and serious, but dependable. I used to think it was annoying, but now..." She trailed off, her cheeks turning slightly red.

Allen raised an eyebrow, a rare smirk crossing his lips. "Now what?"

Emma quickly stood, brushing imaginary dirt from her clothes. "Nothing! Don't get cocky, Allen. You're still annoying." She turned back toward the fire, but her voice was softer. "But I'm glad you're here."

***

The next morning, Kael approached Allen while Emma scouted ahead. The two men walked in silence for a while before Kael spoke.

"She likes you, you know."

Allen frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Kael rolled his eyes. "Don't play dumb. Emma. You might be dense, but even you should notice how she looks at you."

Allen's steps faltered for a moment before he resumed walking. "We've been friends forever. She's just... worried."

Kael laughed. "Keep telling yourself that. Look, I'm not saying you need to sweep her off her feet right now, but you should figure out where you stand. This fight we're heading into? It's not the kind where everyone comes out alive. Don't leave things unsaid."

Allen didn't respond immediately, his mind racing. Finally, he said, "I'll think about it."

Kael smirked. "Good. That's more than I expected."

***

That evening, the group sat around the fire again, the portal to the Rift's Heart glowing faintly in the background.

Emma broke the silence. "We need a plan. Charging in headfirst isn't going to work this time."

Allen nodded. "Agreed. The void thrives on chaos. If we're not careful, it'll tear us apart."

Kael leaned forward. "So, what's the play? We don't even know what's waiting for us in there."

Allen glanced at the Resonance Key, its faint hum a constant reminder of their purpose. "We stick to our strengths. Emma, you're our lifeline. If anything happens, prioritize keeping yourself safe. Without you, we don't stand a chance."

Emma's eyes widened slightly before she nodded. "Got it."

"Kael," Allen continued, "you're our best fighter. Take point and keep the pressure on anything that comes at us. I'll back you up with ranged attacks and focus on the void core."

Kael grinned. "Sounds like a plan. Let's hope the void doesn't cheat."

"It will," Emma said, her voice steady. "But we'll adapt. We always do."