Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

63  Holding back n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Rain reflected on his decision to fight using the massive earth fists. It wasn't merely an awe-inspiring display of power; it was a strategic move to make his mana usage more efficient.

With each swing of the earth's fists, Rain had observed how his mana was being channeled and utilized more effectively. By employing larger constructs and striking with precision, he could maximize the impact of his magic while minimizing the drain on his reserves.

In previous battles, Rain had noticed that his spells consumed a significant amount of mana, leaving him exhausted and vulnerable. But with the floating earth fists, he found a way to concentrate his magic into focused and devastating attacks. This allowed him to conserve his energy and endure longer in the heat of battle.

After smashing five armored beetles like that, Rain jumped in one of the fists and then flew toward the next area. He crossed five hundred meters almost in the blink of an eye and then began to slaughter the next groups of beasts. When he finished that, his fists began to fall apart.

"Forty seconds using ten percent of my mana. I guess it isn't half bad," Rain thought.

As the battle raged on, Rain unleashed his fury upon the monsters, smashing them with his powerful earth fists. With each strike, he crushed their armored bodies and sent them sprawling to the ground, lifeless.

His control over the earth's magic was unparalleled, allowing him to manipulate the very ground beneath him. The massive fists, now his trusted companions, served not only as weapons but also as a means to soar through the air, defying gravity.

Rain's movements were swift and precise, his every action calculated to neutralize the threat before him. He weaved through the chaos, pummeling the monsters with unstoppable force. With each swing of his fists, the earth quaked, and the monsters were no match for his relentless assault.

The villagers watched in awe as Rain single-handedly defeated the entire horde, halting their advance with his overwhelming strength. The ground trembled beneath their feet as he moved with grace and power, his earth fists obliterating anything in their path.

The sight of Rain soaring through the air, his fists pounding down upon the monsters, instilled a sense of hope and reassurance in the hearts of the villagers. They marveled at his prowess and newfound abilities, grateful for his unwavering determination to protect them.

When the last of the enemies fell, Rain looked around, trying to find more threats. He lost the count of how many he faced, but considering that he still had half of his mana, he didn't think that the battle was over, but it was.

"I waited so much for this that I guess I let the blood rush to my head," Rain thought.

After spending a week thinking and planning, Rain came up with a plan to deal with the persistent enemies. He wanted to put a stop to their reign of terror without giving them a chance to escape, and that had been the result.

Once the number of enemies had been counted, Rain confirmed that a lot more that had escaped came to attack the village again… it was hard to say if they used all of their numbers, but they certainly tried hard.

"I guess this time you didn't care much about making money with their carapaces," Meiro said once he approached.

"It was better to solve the problem once and for all," Rain said. "Anyway, I am tired, so I am going to sleep."

"Good night, leave the rest to us," Meiro said. "Your potions should arrive tomorrow at noon."

As Rain climbed into his room, he noticed his mother still awake, sitting by the flickering candle. She looked relieved to see him and let out a sigh of relief. They exchanged a few words about the night's events, and he reassured her that everything was taken care of.

His mother's tired face softened with gratitude as she patted his shoulder, expressing how proud she was of his bravery and resourcefulness. She emphasized the importance of getting some rest after a long and eventful night.

Feeling the weariness settle into his bones, Rain lay down and closed his eyes. Sleep slowly engulfed him, providing a temporary escape from the worries and responsibilities that burdened him. His mother remained by his side for a while, watching over him with a sense of peace and protection.

Rain awoke from his slumber, feeling a sense of anticipation as he bounded out of bed. He eagerly made his way to the living room, expecting to see the potions he had been waiting for. However, to his surprise, he found his mother and grandparents gathered there, their expressions grave and serious.

The atmosphere in the room felt heavy, and Rain's excitement quickly turned to concern. His heart sank as he realized that something was amiss. He could see the worry etched on their faces, their eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and uncertainty.

His mother approached him, her voice trembling slightly as she delivered the news. The royal army had been forced to retreat after the enemy deployed two enslaved dragons, overpowering their forces. The aftermath of the battle had left the area in chaos, and there were no signs of Rain's father or his uncles.

Rain felt a lump form in his throat, a wave of anxiety crashing over him. The realization that his father and uncles were missing hit him hard, and he struggled to process the weight of the situation. Questions raced through his mind, but his voice seemed to fail him as he looked at his mother, searching for answers.

The news arrived alongside the potions; the merchant brought it with him since he was Meiro's friend… no one confirmed where Roan, Hugo, and Lorence were or their state. Still, they were keeping an eye on the royal army just in case.

Rain's heart ached with the desire to immediately set out in search of his father. The uncertainty of his father's whereabouts gnawed at him, fueling his restlessness. Every fiber of his being yearned to take action, to embark on a journey to find his missing father and bring him back home.