My Infinite Mana System

The journey down the Twin Peaks of Everlight was no less treacherous than the ascent. The Key of Everlight hummed softly in Allen's hands, its pale glow illuminating the path ahead. The air was thick with tension, the weight of their victory overshadowed by the knowledge of what lay ahead.

"What exactly does that thing do?" Emma asked, gesturing to the artifact.

Allen glanced at the Key, its crystalline structure pulsing faintly. "The System hasn't told me yet. All I know is it's one of many, and I need all of them to complete the Forgotten Path."

Kael, walking ahead, spoke without turning. "The Keys unlock more than just doors. They're fragments of power, pieces of an ancient seal. Each one you gather will make you stronger but it will also draw the shadows closer."

"Great this shadow's stuff again," Emma muttered. "And more things trying to kill us."

Allen tightened his grip on the key, and grinned. "Let them come, they are totally welcomed."

As they reached the base of the mountains, the forest ahead felt… wrong. The air was colder, the trees twisted and gnarled as if corrupted by some unseen force.

Kael stopped abruptly, his hand on the hilt of his blade. "Something's here."

Emma frowned. "More Reavers?"

Kael shook his head. "Worse."

Before he could elaborate, the shadows shifted, coalescing into a figure cloaked in black. Its form was humanoid but indistinct, its face hidden beneath a hood. When it spoke, its voice was like a thousand whispers.

"You tread a path you do not understand, foolish holder of the Key."

Allen stepped forward, his hand instinctively going to Stormfang. "Who are you?"

The figure didn't answer. Instead, it raised a hand, and the shadows around it swirled violently.

[System Alert: Boss Encounter – Shadow Herald (Level 20).]

Emma paled. "Level 20? Are you kidding me?"

"Stay back," Kael said, drawing his rune-inscribed blade. "This one isn't like the others."

The Shadow Herald moved with impossible speed, its form blurring as it attacked. Allen barely had time to react, activating Static Veil just in time to block a tendril of shadow.

Kael lunged, his blade glowing as it clashed with the Herald's dark energy. "It's testing you, Allen! You have to fight!"

Allen gritted his teeth, summoning Arc Surge to enhance his speed. He darted forward, striking with Stormfang, but the Herald dissolved into mist, reappearing behind him.

Emma threw a blast of healing energy at Allen, closing a gash on his arm. "You're too slow! Focus!"

The System chimed.

[Tip: Utilize the Key of Everlight to weaken the Shadow Herald.]

Allen's eyes widened. Clutching the Key, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. The artifact glowed brighter, and as he raised it, a beam of light shot toward the Herald, piercing its shadowy form.

The Herald shrieked, its movements slowing. Kael seized the opportunity, slashing through its torso with a devastating blow.

Allen charged, lightning crackling around him as he struck the Herald with all his strength. The creature dissolved into darkness, its whispers fading into silence.

[Boss Defeated: 2,000 EXP Gained.]

[Level Up: Level 10 Reached.]

As the shadows dissipated, the Key of Everlight glowed softly, and a new message appeared in Allen's interface.

[The Herald was merely the beginning. The true enemy watches from the void.]

Emma looked over Allen's shoulder, frowning. "The void? That doesn't sound ominous at all."

Kael sheathed his blade, his expression grim. "The void is where the Forgotten Path leads. It's where the power you're chasing is locked away and where the shadows are strongest."

Allen clenched his fists. "Then I'll go there. Whatever it takes to complete this."

Kael shook his head. "You're not ready. The void is a place few have ventured and none have returned from. If you want to survive, you'll need more strength."

***

As they made camp that night, Allen sat by the fire, staring at the Key of Everlight. Its glow seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat, a constant reminder of the path ahead.

Emma joined him, sitting cross-legged beside the fire. "You okay?"

Allen nodded. "I'm just… trying to wrap my head around all this. The Path, the Keys, the shadows it feels like I'm in way over my head."

Emma nudged him with her elbow. "Welcome to being a Hunter. None of us really know what we're doing we just keep moving forward."

Allen smiled faintly.

She grinned. "Now get some rest. Tomorrow, we figure out where the next Key is."