Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Although Rain's sense of familiarity improved in the next few days, things were still a bit awkward between Rain and Danny and Annie. Thanks to that, Terra decided to do something about it.

"Let's spar a little. I want to check your current level of skill and strength," Terra said.

"I am working on completing a path, so that will have to wait," Rain said. "It is really hard to think of skills that the system will accept on the same path, so I need to focus."

"Just shut up and come with me. This is getting on my nerves already," Terra said. "You guys being awkward like that is annoying since you are basically mirroring each other's actions."

"I can't see how sparring will help with that. Are you planning to lose to me on purpose?" Rain asked.

"No way, I am going to kick your ass," Terra readily declared while grinning.

Rain shrugged… Everyone was having the time of their lives, knowing that Rain was weaker than them. Regardless… Terra's actions seemed like a subtle intention to present Rain in a more favorable light to his children by showcasing his fighting style and abilities.

It appeared as though she aimed to highlight Rain's combat prowess and resilience, possibly to make him appear cooler in the eyes of his kids. By displaying Rain's usual fighting techniques and strategies, Terra seemed to want to demonstrate his capabilities in action.

Terra might have considered the potential impact of showcasing Rain's abilities as an underdog in that certain situation. People often tend to root for the underdog, finding inspiration in witnessing someone face overwhelming odds and yet exhibit unwavering determination and resolve.

By portraying Rain in situations where he faced challenges or stronger opponents, Terra might have hoped to evoke a sense of support or cheer from his kids, emphasizing Rain's determination to never give up despite the odds stacked against him… he already did that plenty of times in the past, but his kids never saw that.

"I suppose it can't be helped…" Rain shrugged.

As usual, it was snowing outside pretty heavily, but everyone still went to see how things would work out there. Terra didn't hesitate in assuming her fighting stance, and she showed the same eyes as before… she was going to punch Rain with all her might, and she wasn't going to heal him at the same time. That was probably good since that kind of attitude might make her unlock the dominatrix path. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire

"All right… here I come!" Terra shouted while grinning.

Rain was very aware of the limitations he faced in a direct confrontation. Knowing that he stood little chance in a straightforward battle, especially against opponents with superior strength or abilities, he quickly assessed the situation. He formulated a tactical approach to use his skills effectively.

With the intention of utilizing his A Matter of Skill technique, Rain wasted no time and swiftly initiated his strategy. Employing his Impulse, he began to dart and maneuver swiftly, moving with insane agility and speed around Terra.

Initially caught off guard by Rain's sudden transformation into what seemed like a shadowy figure in motion, the onlookers—his companions and anyone witnessing the scene—were momentarily puzzled and astonished. However, the effect dissipated as Rain continued his fast movements, swiftly and purposefully darting across the space.

His movements, while swift and dynamic, eventually allowed everyone to track his actions more clearly, revealing his presence and movements in a more discernible manner.

Terra stopped moving and used her senses to track Rain. He moved from one side to the other erratically. However, she still was able to reach him by analyzing his movement patterns… with an instant Dash, Terra almost punched Rain when he appeared. Still, soon, he appeared in the air, and his movements became even more erratic.

"Come down here and fight like a man!" Terra shouted.

"Come up here and fight like a woman," Rain said. "Fight like a man? No, I'm good. I'll stick to fighting like the cunning, strategic, and occasionally sneaky genius that I am!"

Terra clicked her tongue and then used Impulse in the air as well. She didn't like that since it gave her the usual sense of power and speed, but she was quite fast… after chasing Rain's shadow for a while, Terra eventually noticed that Rain was gaining speed.

"It must be the so-called A Matter of Skill technique that he mentioned… its effects are already visible," Terra thought. "I can't let it charge further."

As Terra tried to catch Rain during their chase, she couldn't help but notice an interesting phenomenon unfolding. While Rain's incredible speed facilitated his swift movement through the area, it unwittingly worked against him due to the snowy conditions prevailing in the environment.

Rain's rapid movement caused him to gather up and disturb the snow around him, resulting in a peculiar outcome. The snow, stirred up by his high-speed movements, began to accumulate and cling to Rain's body as he dashed through the area. With each rapid Impulse, he effectively became a magnet for the falling snow, essentially covering himself with the accumulating snowflakes.

Despite the initial advantage of his agility and speed in evading Terra's pursuit, the accumulation of snow on Rain's body due to his swift movements gradually hindered his mobility… and he naturally realized that.

When Rain stopped for a moment to get rid of the snow… Terra approached and punched the air when Rain thought of moving… the blast of her attack sent a powerful wave of concentrated wind toward Rain and hit him… The attack sent Rain spiraling in the distance as if he truly had been punched…

The effects of A Matter of Skill ended, and Rain felt his stamina decreasing thanks to it, but before he could even slow down, Terra appeared behind him and punched his back. The next attack made Rain fall on the ground, and the land trembled for a while… everyone could tell that Terra wasn't holding back.