Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Everyone was surprised that Rain wanted to retreat so soon, but perhaps it was for the best… they all needed some time to recover and cool down their heads. But soon, they realized that he was planning something else.

"Terra, Asche, and Liss should use the Coral Spear and try to use the ocean water to create a barrier in the meantime… we need to buy some time. Even a few seconds will do it," Rain said.

In the end, only Branden wasn't told anything to do… Rain probably wanted to talk with him alone, but they didn't know what it was. Still, they knew that they had to do those things.

"... What do you have in mind?" Branden asked when he approached.

"I think that I know how to be able to recover my magic, but it won't be pleasant and I might die," Rain said. "You will have to suffer a bit as well."

Branden couldn't hide his surprise when Rain presented that he might have a potential solution to the issue of his magic. However, the words Rain spoke carried an undertone of concern, which gave pause to his thoughts. It was as if Rain's solution came with its own set of consequences or challenges that needed to be addressed.

"What is it?" Branden asked.

"First, let's recall what happened on the first time that I almost died thanks to a magic bomb," Rain said. "The enemy sealed my magic with a bomb, and then I was unable to defend myself, but all the substance was burned thanks to the explosion, and I was able to use my magic again."

"I don't like where this is going…" Branden furrowed his eyebrows.

"This is just the start… the substance can be destroyed, even when it is in the form of blood, but since it can't be seen since it is in my flesh, there is only one way to destroy it," Rain said. "We have to burn my flesh alongside all of it. You can't hesitate, or it will only worse.

I will look like a mess, but I don't think that you will be able to damage me as the magic bomb did it before, but you will have to try and attack me with the intention to kill me."

As expected, Branden couldn't help but rub his eyes… it was amazing that Rain could ask him that… but he couldn't ask anyone else. Liss was more focused on the area of effects attacks, Terra was a healer, and Asche was an archer.

After them, there were Rain's sisters… naturally, he couldn't ask that of them, and the sea folk were only good at water magic, so Branden was the only but also the best option.

"... If we wait a bit, I am sure we can come up with a better solution to this problem," Branden said. "Let's use our heads in a more smarter way."

"We don't have time for that," Rain said. "This is our best option, trust me. Besides, I won't scream or even grunt, so just trust me."

As Branden contemplated his predicament, he had a hard time enduring the conflicting emotions that surged within him. On one hand, he felt a sense of loyalty and responsibility towards Rain, as they had been through many trials together, and helping his friend in a time of need was second nature.

On the other hand, he was acutely aware of the potential harm his magic could cause to Rain, a prospect that went against every instinct he possessed as a friend and ally.
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Branden's mind raced with possibilities and considerations. Could he find a way to aid Rain without causing direct harm? Could he discover a weakness or an alternative approach to bypassing the spell that didn't involve such a dangerous confrontation?

Ultimately, the inner turmoil and uncertainty Branden experienced highlighted the complexity of the situation. He was torn between his commitment to his friend and the daunting reality of the challenging task before, and there was no easy way out of that… he had to make his choice fast because the others eventually would return.

"All right… I guess being unable to fight is much more painful than any arm I can cause you," Banden said after taking a deep breath and then taking several steps back. "Give me the sign when you are ready."

Rain didn't have time to waste, so he just nodded at Branden… before long, Branden took a deep breath and then summoned a giant fireball above him and after hesitating for a moment, he looked to the side and then fired it.

When the massive fireball hit Rain, it was as if the very essence of hell had descended upon him. The intense heat seared through his defenses, and for a split second, he felt like he was engulfed in a inferno. It was a searing, blistering sensation, like molten lava coursing through his veins.

The pain was excruciating, and it sent shockwaves of agony radiating through his body. His skin felt as if it were being peeled away, and the intensity of the heat made it difficult to breathe. In that harrowing moment, time seemed to slow, and Rain was acutely aware of the impending danger… but he had to endure it.

His mind raced, and Rain's instincts told him that he had to fight back to maintain his composure and protect himself from further harm. The sheer force and heat of the fireball left him reeling as his flesh was being burned in its entirety, but Rain fought to endure the suffering amidst the pain and agony…

Rain stayed inside the massive fireball for several seconds… all his hair was burned to a crisp, and for a moment, he was able to feel his mana in the parts of his body that had exploded when he was still inside the barrier, but it wasn't enough… when the fireball dispersed, Rain was standing completely burned, and then he raised his index finger and signaled for Branden to send another.