My Infinite Mana System

Allen stood in his small apartment, staring at the new notification on his System interface.

[Hidden Quest Progress: The Forgotten Path – Step 2 Unlocked.]

Objective: Seek the Forgotten Shrine.]

Hint: Beneath the shadow of the Sleeping Dragon, where the stars align.]

The words hung in his mind like a riddle. The System had been cryptic since the Trial of the Forgotten, and now it was pulling him toward something even more mysterious.

Emma, sitting cross-legged on the couch with a steaming cup of tea, studied him carefully. "You're pacing again. Spill it."

Allen hesitated, then sighed. "The System gave me another quest. Something about a shrine beneath the Sleeping Dragon."

Emma frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. "Sleeping Dragon… That's what locals call Mount Longmen, right? It's a couple of hours south of here."

"That makes sense," Allen said, nodding. "But why would it send me there? And what's this 'Forgotten Shrine'?"

"Guess there's only one way to find out," Emma said, standing. "I'm coming with you."

Allen shook his head. "No. This might be dangerous."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Dangerous? Allen, you just fought off a dungeon boss with me. I'm not letting you wander off into the mountains alone."

Allen opened his mouth to argue but stopped when he saw the stubbornness in her eyes. "Fine," he muttered. "Let's go."

***

The journey to Mount Longmen was uneventful but tense. They took a bus to the base of the mountain, the city's noise fading into the distance as the rugged peaks loomed ahead.

The path to the mountain was quiet, the forest alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls. Emma walked beside Allen, her light chatter keeping the atmosphere from becoming too heavy.

"What do you think this shrine is?" she asked.

"No idea," Allen admitted. "But if the System is leading me there, it has to be important."

The closer they got to the mountain, the more Allen's unease grew. It wasn't just the quest it was the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes followed their every move.

After hours of hiking, they reached a clearing at the base of a sheer rock face. Carved into the stone was an ancient archway, overgrown with moss and vines. Symbols etched into the surface glowed faintly, pulsing in rhythm with Allen's heartbeat.

"This must be it," Emma said, her voice hushed.

Allen approached the archway, his System chiming as he stepped closer.

[Objective Complete: Locate the Forgotten Shrine.]

[New Objective: Enter the Shrine and Prove Your Worth.]

"Looks like I'm going in," Allen said, turning to Emma.

"I'm going with you," she insisted.

The System chimed again:

[Warning: Only the chosen may enter.]

Emma scowled, crossing her arms. "Of course. Guess I'll wait here and hope you don't get yourself killed."

Allen managed a faint smile. "I'll be fine. Just stay alert."

He stepped through the archway, the world around him shifting as the light dimmed.

The air inside the shrine was thick with energy. The stone walls were covered in glowing runes, and faint whispers echoed through the cavernous space.

[System Alert: Trial Initiated.]

[Objective: Survive the Trial of Balance.]

Before Allen could react, the ground beneath him shifted, transforming into a series of narrow platforms suspended over a dark, swirling void.

"Great," Allen muttered. "A balancing act."

He stepped onto the first platform, which wobbled precariously under his weight. Lightning crackled faintly around him as he steadied himself.

As he moved to the next platform, glowing orbs appeared in the air, firing beams of energy toward him. He dodged the first few, using his agility to weave between the attacks.

[System Tip: Use your abilities to manipulate the environment.]

Allen focused, channeling his electricity into the nearest orb. The energy overloaded the device, causing it to explode in a shower of sparks.

The platforms ahead shifted, rising and falling as new orbs appeared. Allen gritted his teeth, leaping from one unstable surface to the next while destroying the orbs with precision.

After what felt like an eternity, he reached the final platform.

[Trial Complete: 500 EXP Gained.]

The air shimmered as the platforms disappeared, revealing a small pedestal in the center of the room. Atop it sat a glowing orb, pulsing with an otherworldly light.

[System Alert: You have found the Forgotten Core.]

As Allen reached for the orb, a voice echoed through the chamber.

"You have proven your worth, but power comes with sacrifice."

The light from the orb enveloped him, and his System interface flickered.

[New Skill Unlocked: Static Veil – Create a defensive field of lightning to repel enemies.]

[New Quest Unlocked: Awaken the Forgotten Path.]

The voice continued, softer now. "You have taken the first step, Allen. But beware the shadows grow stronger."

Allen stumbled out of the shrine, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding him. Emma was waiting, her expression shifting from relief to concern.

"What happened in there?" she asked, helping him steady himself.

Allen recounted the trial and the Forgotten Core. As he spoke, Emma's expression grew more serious.

"This isn't just about leveling up anymore," she said. "Whatever the System is leading you toward, it's bigger than either of us."

Allen nodded, as he grinned. "If it is, i just have to become greater than it."