Chapter 70: Chapter 70: System's Windfall

After three hours of waiting, Elio approached the portal, Ember firmly settled on his shoulder. His heart raced, fear and determination coursing through his veins.

"Listen, Ember," he said, his voice grave. "What's coming probably won't be easy. It's probably the most dangerous thing we've ever done. But I want you to know that... well, I'm grateful to have you with me."

Ember rubbed her head against Elio's cheek in a gesture of affection. The warmth of her scales against his skin provided a small comfort in the face of the impending danger.

"Yeah, yeah, don't get sentimental now, well, guess I started it," Elio smiled, but his voice betrayed his emotion. He swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in his throat. "I need you ready to set fire to everything that moves, understood?"

The salamander nodded. Elio could feel her tiny body tensing, ready for action.