Journey to the End

MC POV

After countless hours of XP grinding and enchanting, we finally had gear for everyone. The mob grinder had done its job well, supplying us with the experience points we needed to power up every last piece of armor and weapon. Enchanted with Protection IV, Unbreaking III, and Mending, each piece of equipment was now at its peak performance. Even our weapons glowed with sharpness or power, and we could feel the magic pulsing through every tool in our hands.

Rose took it a step further, using her magic to enchant our armor with a unique touch, making it feel as light as a feather. The usual weight of the armor was gone, replaced by an almost ethereal lightness that allowed us to move freely, yet still protected like it was the strongest metal known.

I glanced at Rose, impressed as always. "How does it feel?" she asked, clearly satisfied with her work.

"Like I'm wearing air," I replied, flexing my arms. "You really outdid yourself."

Rose shrugged with a slight smile. "We'll need every advantage we can get in the End. Can't have anyone slowed down by heavy armor."

Bruce tested the weight of his own armor, moving his shoulders and nodding approvingly. "I'll admit, this'll be useful. Mobility's key when we're fighting something that can fly."

Hinata, adjusting the straps of her armor, added, "It'll make dodging the dragon's attacks easier. I won't need to rely on pure reflexes."

Peter, who was pacing around excitedly, gave a thumbs-up. "Well, we've got the gear, and we're all enchanted. Let's get this show on the road!"

I couldn't help but grin at his enthusiasm. "Alright," I said, "Our journey to the End begins now."

---

The trek was long and tense. Following the Eye of Ender, we marched through forests, across rivers, and over hills. For three hours, we followed its trail, the Eye guiding us closer to our final destination. The landscape blurred as we focused on our goal, and a sense of anticipation hung over the group. We didn't speak much—there wasn't much to say. Each of us was preparing in our own way, mentally steeling ourselves for what was to come.

Eventually, we found ourselves in the middle of a birch forest. The air was still, and everything seemed unnaturally quiet, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The Eye suddenly shifted direction, plummeting toward the ground. It was time.

"This is it," Bruce muttered, eyes narrowing as he peered down at the spot where the Eye disappeared. "We dig here."

I nodded in agreement. "Remember, no one digs straight down."

Everyone nodded, and we began to dig carefully. Each block removed brought us closer to the stronghold buried beneath the ground. It was a slow process, but necessary. The last thing we needed was someone falling into a pit of lava or worse.

After a few minutes, the stone beneath our feet gave way to the ruined remains of the stronghold. We had broken into what was once a grand library, now destroyed and crumbling. Bookshelves lined the walls, though many had fallen into disrepair. Dust filled the air, and the sound of our footsteps echoed in the silence.

Hinata activated her Byakugan, her eyes glowing faintly as she scanned the stronghold. "I can see the path," she said. "Follow me. I'll lead us to the End Portal."

Without hesitation, we followed her through the dimly lit corridors while killing any mob which came in our way, the broken stone and overgrown vines was a stark reminder of how ancient this place was. It was eerily quiet, save for the occasional shuffle of stone or creak of wood. Every step took us deeper into the heart of the stronghold, where the End Portal waited.

After what felt like an eternity, we arrived. The portal room was just as it was in the game—an ancient, otherworldly place, with a pool of lava beneath the portal frame and the silverfish spawner still lurking on the edge.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Just like the game," he murmured, stepping cautiously into the room. "Spooky, though. Feels... bigger."

Megumi moved forward, inspecting the portal frame. "A few Eyes of Ender are missing," he noted. "We'll need to place them."

I reached into my inventory and pulled out the necessary Eyes of Ender. "Everyone ready?"

Tatsumaki rolled her shoulders, her usual cocky grin plastered on her face. "I was born ready."

Bruce was focused, arms crossed. "Let's make sure we have everything prepared. No turning back once we activate it."

Hinata, ever calm, took a deep breath. "I'm ready."

Peter, still grinning, was practically bouncing on his toes. "Let's do this!"

Rose simply nodded, her quiet determination evident.

I stepped forward, carefully placing each Eye of Ender into the portal frame, one by one. With every placement, the tension in the room rose, the magic in the air thickening. Finally, with the last Eye in place, the portal activated.

A black, starry glow erupted from the frame, swirling with energy. It looked like the universe itself was opening up before us—a shimmering expanse of stars and void, inviting us to step through.

Peter's eyes widened in awe. "Wow... it's beautiful."

"Don't let the looks fool you," Bruce said, voice low. "Beyond that portal is the End. And the dragon."

I stared into the void, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was it. All our preparation, all our effort—it had led to this moment. The Ender Dragon awaited on the other side, and there was no telling what awaited us beyond the black veil.

"We go in together," I said, looking around at my team. "No one rushes ahead. Stick to the plan, and we'll come out of this alive."

Everyone nodded, the seriousness of the situation sinking in.

Peter took a deep breath, stepping up to the portal's edge. "Alright, let's save the world, gang."

Rose, standing beside him, adjusted her sword on her back. "We'll defeat the Ender Dragon and end this. I'm sure of it."

Hinata stepped up next, her Byakugan still activated. "I'll keep an eye on our surroundings. Nothing will catch us off guard."

Tatsumaki rolled her shoulders, cracking her neck. "I'm itching for a fight. Let's give that dragon a real challenge."

Bruce, was the last to speak. "We've done everything we can to prepare. Now, we just execute the plan. Simple."

I smiled slightly at Bruce's cool demeanor. "Alright then. Let's finish this."

With one last glance at each other, we stepped into the portal, one by one, vanishing into the void.