My Infinite Mana System

The journey back to Xiangyu was subdued, each step heavy with the weight of their recent encounter. The Rift Abomination had tested their limits, and the vision of the Nexus haunted Allen's thoughts. His mind raced with questions: How could they face something even more powerful? Were they truly ready?

Emma broke the silence as the city gates came into view. "We need a plan. Better gear, more potions, and maybe some extra backup."

Kael snorted. "Backup? You think anyone's going to sign up for a trip to the Nexus? We're basically walking into the void's front yard."

Emma shot him a glare. "Then we'd better make sure we don't die."

Allen nodded. "First stop is the Guild. Mei might have resources we can use. After that, we'll need to upgrade our gear and stock up on supplies. The northern tundra isn't exactly forgiving."

At the Guild, Mei listened intently as Allen described the vision of the Nexus. Her expression grew grim, and when he finished, she leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled.

"You're not the first to mention the Nexus," Mei said finally. "There's been whispers legends, really about a place where the void's influence is strongest. But no one's ever returned from the tundra to confirm it."

Allen met her gaze. "We don't have a choice. The Riftweaver's power is tied to the Nexus. If we don't stop this, the void will consume everything."

Mei studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. I'll authorize access to the Guild's high-tier armory and alchemy labs. But you'll owe me for this."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Owe you? For saving this damn world?"

Mei smirked. "Exactly. And don't forget it."

***

The Guild's armory was a treasure trove of high-level equipment, most of it too expensive for the average hunter. Allen, Emma, and Kael sifted through the racks, selecting gear that would enhance their abilities for the trials ahead.

Allen chose a reinforced combat cloak infused with resistance runes to mitigate void energy. He also upgraded Stormfang with a void-sealing crystal, amplifying its synergy with his Riftweaver abilities.

Emma selected a staff etched with radiant glyphs, designed to amplify her healing spells and provide a barrier against corruption fields.

Kael picked out a new set of armor forged from Abyssalsteel, a rare material resistant to void influence. His blade was reforged with a luminous edge, perfect for cleaving through voidspawn.

In the alchemy lab, Emma worked with Guild alchemists to create advanced potions:

Void Purification Elixirs to counteract corruption.

Mana Replenishers to sustain their abilities during prolonged battles.

Endurance Draughts for physical and mental resilience in the harsh tundra environment.

Kael watched as she packed the potions into her inventory. "How much of that stuff do you think we'll actually need?"

Emma shot him a look. "All of it. And probably more."

While Emma prepared the potions, Allen sought out hunters who had ventured into the northern tundra. Most had little to offer rumors of blizzards that turned to ash, beasts that moved in the shadows, and a cold that seeped into the soul.

One hunter, an older man with a scarred face, stopped Allen before he left.

"You're going to the Nexus?" the man asked, his voice low.

Allen nodded. "Do you know anything useful?"

The man hesitated before handing Allen a tattered map. "This was found on a team that didn't make it back. Markings indicate some kind of ancient ruins near the Nexus. Could be traps. Could be worse."

Allen studied the map, committing the details to memory. "Thanks."

The man gripped his arm before he could leave. "Beware the wind. It carries whispers that can drive a man mad."

***

As preparations came to an end, the trio gathered at their usual spot a small inn near the Guild. The room was quiet, the weight of the upcoming journey settling over them.

Emma leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. "It's crazy, isn't it? We're about to walk into the void's stronghold, and we're barely out of the E and C ranks."

Kael grinned. "Speak for yourself. With this new gear, I feel like a one-man army."

Allen chuckled softly, but his expression turned serious. "We've come this far, Emma, The System might have thrown us into this mess, but we'll finish it on our terms."

Emma raised her mug. "To not dying horribly in the tundra."

Kael clinked his mug against hers. "And to making the void regret messing with us."

***

The next morning, the trio set out at dawn, their breath misting in the cold air. The road to the northern tundra was long and treacherous, but their steps were steady.

Allen glanced at the horizon, where dark clouds loomed ominously. The vision of the Nexus burned in his mind, a beacon pulling them forward.

As the first flakes of snow began to fall, the group disappeared into the distance.