Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

As he reflected on his journey thus far, Rain couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. He knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to push himself to new heights and continue to evolve as a warrior.

"I guess I can do that with my newfound skills… I should be able to surprise enemies quite a lot with it," Rain thought. "Surprising the machine gods with all this will be pretty fun since they gave me the means to do so by imprisoning us."

Rain could train that in his pocket dimension, but with a lot of people there, the technique wouldn't be a secret. It would be information. He decided to practice the technique with his mind alone for the time being… Besides, what he needed to do was very simple, combine the strength of one technique with the demerit of another, and voila.

Rain dove into his mental training with fervor, meticulously combining the strengths of one technique with the drawbacks of another. Though the results existed solely within his mind's eye, Rain's massive experience and intuition allowed him to envision the potential of his new technique with clarity.

Satisfied with the initial results of his mental exercises, Rain spent the next few days honing his focus and refining his understanding of the technique. With each passing day, he delved deeper into the intricacies of its mechanics, exploring different variations and potential applications.

Despite the absence of tangible results, Rain's confidence in the technique grew with each passing day. He knew that mastering it would require patience and dedication, but he was undeterred by the challenge.

"You have been doing nothing lately aside from staring into the distance," Terra said. "What do you have in your mind this time?"

"I was just doing some mental training for another special technique," Rain said. "You should be able to do the same… although I am starting to think that I can develop this technique as well and put it into the paths system."

"Mental training technique?" Terra furrowed her eyebrows. "What is the point of that when we can level up skills and paths with mana and stamina?"

"One method makes the skill stronger, the other method gives us almost real combat experience using the skill," Rain said.

The traditional method of leveling up skills and paths certainly has its benefits. However, mental training offers a different approach, one that allows them to hone their combat abilities in a way that's almost as tangible as physical practice.

"I suppose my high levels of wisdom and intelligence might play a role in my ability to engage in effective mental training. It's almost as if I can visualize and experience the results of my actions as if they were real." Rain thought. "I've heard stories of people practicing mental training techniques in the past, but mastering them was considered quite challenging."

Rain's words conveyed a sense of understanding and respect for the ancient practice of mental training, recognizing its potential to complement traditional methods of skill development. He was eager to explore this avenue further and share its benefits with his companions, knowing that it could provide them with a unique advantage in their battles against the machine gods.

"Hmm… anyway, we are about to have the final meeting before the next mission," Terra said. "You can daydream later."

Rain shrugged and then followed Terra to the meeting tent. The results of the training looked pretty interesting, but Rain couldn't help but think that it could be improved… perhaps combining another skill on the mix will make that new technique even more powerful… Still, for that to happen, Rain will have to keep it as a secret for a while longer.

"Everyone is finally here," Sealyn said when Rain and Terra arrived. "We need to decide the groups that will attack each of the facilities before heading there tomorrow. Dad, how are we going to regroup after we achieve our goals? Only you and Iori can use space magic, after all. Still, only you can use Teleport and Portal Conjuration."

Rain nodded. There was a simple answer to that when they were done, they could hurt themselves deeply with the spectral weapons. They would be immediately teleported to Rain's pocket dimension after that… but he decided to come up with a better solution.

"That might take a bit of mana and give me a bit of a headache, but I can activate the portals in the same locations, even if I hadn't been there," Rain said. "Since everyone helped with their mana, and I will get many levels with it, I will just deal with the pain."

"The facilities should be pretty far away from each other… wouldn't that strain your mind quite a bit?" Sealyn asked.

"I will deal with it," Rain said.

The prospect of Rain pushing himself to activate portals in unfamiliar locations, especially under such strain, was met with a mixture of concern and admiration from the group. While Rain himself seemed unfazed by the idea, those who had known him for a long time couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of the toll it would take on him.

They knew all too well the debilitating headaches and physical strain that accompanied the use of space magic, particularly when pushing the limits of one's abilities. It was akin to trying to wield power beyond one's natural limits, a feat that always came with a price, often in the form of intense pain and exhaustion.

Despite their concerns, the group trusted Rain's judgment and determination. They knew that he would do whatever it took to ensure their success, even if it meant enduring unbearable levels of pain in the process. In response to that, they could only do their best to achieve their goals in the mission.

"... Our goal is the total destruction of those facilities, so I organized the groups with that in mind," Sealyn declared.