My Infinite Mana System

The Wuyun Mountains were unforgiving. As Allen, Emma, and Kael made their way through the dense forest and steep trails, the air grew colder and thinner. Mist rolled through the trees, obscuring the path ahead. The System's guidance led them with faint glowing markers only visible to Allen, a trail of blue lights pointing toward the fabled Twin Peaks of Everlight.

"Are we close yet?" Emma asked, her breath visible in the chilly air.

"Almost," Allen replied, his eyes fixed on the next glowing marker. "The System says we're heading in the right direction."

Kael, walking ahead, paused to scan the surroundings. "Stay sharp. The shadows have been following us since we left the observatory."

Allen tensed. He could feel it too the subtle, oppressive energy lingering at the edges of his senses.

***

Hours later, the forest thinned, revealing a breathtaking sight. Two towering peaks rose into the sky, their snow-covered summits glowing faintly as if bathed in eternal starlight. Between them lay a narrow valley, shrouded in mist.

"The Twin Peaks of Everlight," Kael said, his voice low.

Emma exhaled slowly. "Beautiful, but creepy."

Allen stepped forward, his System chiming.

[Objective Complete: Reach the Twin Peaks of Everlight.]

[New Objective: Find the Guardian's Vault.]

"There's something in the valley," Allen said, pointing toward the mist. "The System's guiding me there."

Kael nodded. "That's where the Vault will be. But be prepared the shadows won't let us reach it without a fight."

The group descended into the valley, the air growing colder with every step. The mist thickened, muffling their footsteps and swallowing all sound.

Allen activated Static Veil, the crackling barrier providing a small circle of light in the oppressive gloom.

Suddenly, the mist shifted, swirling as dark shapes emerged. Shadow Reavers dozens of them crept toward the group, their glowing red eyes piercing the fog.

[System Alert: Enemy Encounter – Shadow Reavers (Level 8–12).]

Kael drew his rune-inscribed blade. "Here they come!"

Emma positioned herself behind Allen, her hands glowing with healing energy. "Try not to get too banged up, okay?"

Allen grinned, raising Stormfang. "No promises."

The Reavers attacked in a frenzy, their claws slashing and fangs snapping. Allen's Arc Surge flared to life, lightning coursing through his body and enhancing his speed and strength. He moved like a blur, striking down enemies with precision.

Kael fought with deadly efficiency, his blade cutting through the shadows like a beam of light. "Keep moving! Don't let them surround us!"

Emma supported from the rear, healing their wounds and throwing small energy blasts to distract the Reavers.

[Enemies Defeated: 780 EXP Gained.]

The last of the Reavers dissolved into mist, leaving the group battered but victorious.

As the mist cleared, a massive stone door became visible at the base of the peaks. It was carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly, similar to those in the Forgotten Shrine.

"This is it," Allen said, stepping forward.

The System chimed:

[Objective Complete: Locate the Guardian's Vault.]

[New Objective: Unlock the Vault and Face the Guardian's Trial.]

Kael examined the door. "The runes your System must have the key."

Allen reached out, his hand glowing as the System interface appeared before him. The runes responded, lighting up one by one until the entire door glowed brightly.

With a deep rumble, the door slid open, revealing a staircase descending into darkness.

"Looks inviting," Emma said dryly.

Kael placed a hand on Allen's shoulder. "This is your trial, Allen. Emma and I will stay here. If anything comes out, we'll handle it."

Allen hesitated, glancing at Emma. She gave him a reassuring nod. "You've got this. Just don't die, okay?"

Allen smirked. "Okay."

***

The staircase led to a vast underground chamber, its walls lined with glowing crystals. In the center stood a massive figure a knight clad in ancient armor, its body crackling with dark energy.

[System Alert: Guardian Encounter – Warden of Shadows (Level 15).]

The Warden's eyes glowed red as it raised a massive blade, its voice booming. "Prove your worth, or be consumed by the shadows."

Allen gripped Stormfang tightly. "Let's do this."

The Warden charged, its blade slamming into the ground and sending a shockwave rippling toward Allen. He dodged, activating Arc Surge to close the distance. Lightning crackled as he struck the Warden's armor, but the attack barely left a mark.

The Warden retaliated with a backhand swing, forcing Allen to activate Static Veil to block the blow. The barrier flickered under the force but held.

[System Tip: Target the Warden's core to weaken its defenses.]

Allen noticed a faint glow in the Warden's chest the core. He needed to focus his attacks there.

Summoning all his energy, Allen leapt into the air, channeling lightning into Stormfang. The blade glowed brightly as he brought it down, striking the core directly. The Warden staggered, its armor cracking as dark energy spilled out.

The Warden roared, swinging wildly. Allen dodged, landing another hit on the core. The cracks widened, and with one final strike, the Warden collapsed, its body dissolving into mist.

[Guardian Defeated: 1,200 EXP Gained.]

[Level Up: Level 8 Reached.]

As the Warden disappeared, a pedestal rose from the ground, holding a glowing artifact.

[System Alert: You have obtained the Key of Everlight.]

Allen emerged from the Vault, the Key of Everlight in hand. Emma and Kael looked up, relief evident on their faces.

"You're alive," Emma said, smiling. "Took you long enough."

Kael nodded. "That's the first key. There will be more, and each one will be harder to obtain."

Allen stared at the glowing artifact. "I'll be ready, then."