Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The scale of defense around the massive cannon was simply insane. Countless towers were around the area, each one filled with guards whose focus was unwavering on the surroundings. These towers were strategically placed, with only a kilometer separating each structure. It was clear that the enemy had meticulously planned their defensive layout, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire vicinity.

Rain couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he observed the towers. Each structure seemed capable of accommodating at least two hundred mechanical guards, and the sheer number of these fortified points indicated the seriousness with which the enemy regarded the protection of the cannon.

As Rain examined the surroundings, he noticed a field of mana that interconnected the towers. This mana field served a dual purpose, acting not only as a means of communication and coordination for the guards but also as a secondary barrier for the cannon itself.

The layers of security in place were beyond what Rain anticipated, and it became clear that the enemy had prepared for the possibility of covert operations.

"I guess not even normal people that live here can cross that… they are wary of their own people causing trouble," Sakaki said.

"That, or maybe the leader here, is a control freak," Nigel said. "Anyway, I guess that avoiding contact and confrontation is impossible from here onwards."

Nigel had a point, and everyone knew that… the cannon was a certain distance from them. One that they could cross in less than a minute, but they would need to cross the barrier. To do that, they would need to destroy one of the towers as well… a structure of that size and with its properties wouldn't be easy to destroy either… any attack powerful enough to destroy it would alert the guards…

"Give me thirty seconds, and I can destroy that easily," Reca said while grinning. "I will split that evenly like it was made of butter."

"We will leave the tower to you, but we will need more power to destroy the base of the cannon," Rain said. "As long as we make it fall, it will be enough for a while, but we won't be able to do that without being attacked or chased. It would be better if we used half of our forces to pull that off, with you, Liss and Asche to attack it."

"Why only them?" Jori asked.

"Because they can attack from a distance, and the chances of them getting hurt in the process is low," Rain explained. "We will have to keep fighting for a while, after all. Until we find what is keeping those barriers around this whole base."

The need to locate the core of the barrier was obvious to everyone, but the reality of the situation dictated a different approach. Finding the barrier's core before initiating any attacks would have been ideal, yet the risk involved was too great.

Their shared objective remained clear: neutralize the threat to the Star vessel. The sooner they accomplished this, the sooner reinforcements from their comrades on the Star vessel would arrive. However, time was not on their side. The estimated one-hour wait for support meant that Rain's group had to navigate through the enemy stronghold and engage in combat for the entire duration.

The tension in the air heightened as they wanted to press forward, each member mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. The urgency of their mission compelled them to push through the defenses, relying on their skills and coordination to face whatever obstacles lay in their path.

The fate of the Star vessel rested on their shoulders, and the impending hour-long battle would test their resilience and determination to the fullest.

"I have some potions with me, so I can use the same attack eventually with the others," Reca declared.

Rain looked at Jori, but he just shrugged. That was supposed to be a bit risky as well, but Jori didn't want to stop Reca, and he had faith in her as well. In the end, they decided to elaborate on the plan a bit more before putting it into practice.

While Rain explained the details of the operation, he realized that their teamwork was the same as ever, extremely sharp. Things worked without much delay or second thoughts since they knew that they could trust each other as well as Rain's leadership. It was almost like at the time they fought in the wars when they were only kids.

No one could have guessed that, at some point, they would be in that kind of situation.

In any case, when the plan had been finished, they put it into action immediately. Slowly, Rain began to make his domain fall toward the ground. They were going to use the buildings around to hide as they moved toward the cannon after they opened a path toward it. At the same time, Reca assumed her position after lowering her stance and moving her spear to the side and above her head.

Come to think of it, it seemed that she was planning to throw her spear… but how exactly was she going to split the tower evenly? That was hard to imagine… Still, Rain didn't have time to think about that because an alarm in the tower ahead began to echo in the whole area, and before long, all the other towers began to sound the same alarm…

The piercing alarm triggered an immediate response from the guards stationed in the towers. Like a synchronized dance, they assumed combat stances, summoning spears and shields made of mana out of thin air. The ethereal weapons emitted cracks of lightning, adding an intimidating aura to the already powerful-looking guards.

Despite the alarming display of power, Rain and his group remained concealed, utilizing the domain around them to stay hidden. The guards, unable to pinpoint their exact location, scanned the surroundings, on high alert. The group was ready to take advantage of the chaos caused by Reca's attack…