Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Although the plan had been accepted, there were many issues that they had to deal with. The first problem that Rain and the group faced was the vast distance they needed to cover discreetly. The planetary defense system was getting closer, but Infiltrating the enemy base required not only reaching the target unnoticed but also doing so without arousing suspicion during the long journey.

The exploration suits, while effective in space, had limitations in terms of speed and range, making it crucial to carefully plan and execute their approach.

The second challenge was the need to defend the star vessel during the covert mission. While a select team infiltrated the enemy base, the remaining members had to make sure of the safety and security of the vessel. This included implementing defensive measures against potential attacks and maintaining a vigilant watch for any signs of attack from the planetary defense system.

They couldn't defend, only dodge…

The lack of information about the enemy's capabilities was another critical issue. As they approached the planetary defense system, Rain and the group had minimal data on the technology, defenses, and potential countermeasures employed by the advanced civilization.

The absence of detailed intelligence increased the risks associated with the mission, making it challenging to anticipate and prepare for unforeseen challenges. Without a clear understanding of the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, the team had to rely on their adaptability and quick thinking to navigate through potential threats.

To deal with those issues, those selected to participate on the mission was quite the unexpected bunch… Rain, Terra, Asche, Jori, Reca and Liss… they were the group that had been working together for a very long time… even though they took long pauses during their periods of activity, their teamwork was unrivaled if compared to all other groups.

"Hehehe, this brings me back to our old days," Jori said. "Are you ready to rock, Rain?"

"Where did you hear that from?" Rain furrowed his eyebrows. "I talked with Nigel a bit now and then. His time period had a lot of weird but fun sayings."

"Oh? You did? and I wasn't informed?" Rain said while showing a cold smile. "It seems that someone is making good of Elisabetha's influence, huh?"

"I am mostly purified, but you still don't trust me?" Nigel asked.

"It seems the purification didn't raise your wisdom since you keep asking retarded questions," Rain said. "Anyway, what kind of saying did you learn, Jori?"

"Well, it is hard to recall them since Nigel has to explain things," Jori said. "Things like: I'm on a whiskey diet. I've lost three days already. Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything! I'm not lazy; I'm in energy-saving mode.

Things like that."

"It seems that he is only polluting your mind with nonsense," Rain said. "Anyway, we will have to run some tests for you guys who use weapons. The others should be fine with the adjustment that we will have to make for you all as well on the suits."

Seara found herself troubled with mixed emotions as Rain assembled the team for the mission, particularly because Terra, was part of the selected group. Despite recognizing that too much time had passed for her to feel uneasy about such matters, Seara acknowledged that certain emotions come with the territory of being a woman.

However, her logical side was stronger, acknowledging that the chosen team was undeniably the best for the job.

Her proficiency in water magic, a crucial element for the mission, was Seara's primary skill. However, she couldn't dismiss the practical concern that her magic might prove challenging to control in the unique environment of space. This added a layer of unease to her emotions, knowing that space was an entirely different setting for her water-based abilities.

In contrast, Liss faced a similar challenge but with a different magical focus. Her predominant strength now lay in electric magic. Unlike Seara's water magic, Liss didn't need to physically project her magic to utilize its effects, providing a distinct advantage in the vacuum of space.

Despite the internal conflict, Seara couldn't deny the logic behind the team selection. The mission required a specialized set of skills and expertise, and Rain's old friends, with their unique abilities, were indeed the best-suited individuals for the task at hand.

In any case, the group began to train together while using the exploration suits and soon found some difficulties.

People like Asche had a hard time using her bow since the visor of the helmet messed with her sense of profundity slightly… Liss knew that she could only use her lightning magic in some environments under certain conditions, like the magic had to be really close to her body, but the suit began to suffer some damage overtime.

"Can you solve that by getting used to it?" Rain asked.

"I can, but it will be a pain to get used to firing with and without the armor," Asche replied.

Rain rubbed his chin thoughtfully while considering what he could do about that… something like a laser to help with aim? Asche was really their best long-ranged attacker when it came to precision and piercing power. In the end, Rain decided to attach the golden bow to the left arm of the armor.

She had to fire the bow in a form that wasn't natural, but it solved the issue of accuracy, and soon she got used to it.

As for Liss, the atmosphere of the target territory should allow her to use lightning magic freely… even though it would be more efficient to just keep it at a low scale and close to her.

"Our goal is not to fight until we reach the place, but if we have to, you don't have to help," Rain said. "It will be for the best if you save mana to incapacitate as many enemies as possible with that kind of magic."

"I guess it can't be helped," Liss said after she crossed her arms.