Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix-Chapter 1071: Circle of trust

In times of conflict, it wasn't uncommon for retreating forces to employ scorched-earth tactics, systematically destroying or burning resources to stop the advancing enemy.

The concept was based on the strategic principle of denying the enemy valuable assets, leaving them with nothing to exploit in the conquered territories. Fire, in particular, had historically been an effective tool for such purposes, capable of consuming vast areas and rendering them inhospitable.

As the possibility of the enemy adopting a similar strategy loomed, the group contemplated the potential consequences. The thought that their adversaries might resort to destroying the world they were tasked with invading added a layer of complexity and urgency to their mission.

"We will consider that from now on, continue with your task," Esmeralda said.

The communications ended, and then they resumed their work… truth be told, Rain knew that perhaps he had been too hasty in telling that. Abandoning another place where they gathered resources would be a bit too much without fully engaging on a battle with Rain and the others, never to mention destroying a whole planet. Still, it was better to be safer than sorry…

"I want to obtain more information, and I prepared myself for it, but I guess things won't be the same as before," Sakaki said. "I was even planning to hijack one of the mechanical guards here, but I guess that will be impossible."

"We will have other chances," Rain said.

In the end, they silently watched the enemy's base silently for several hours… after eight hours, another group of monsters came, and another left, but at that point in time, Rain realized that the light of the world wasn't decreasing… night wasn't coming. There was no sun around… the closest sun was the one from Earth's solar system, so Rain was almost giving up on understanding all that.

Eventually, Rain and Asche also received some reports from the other group… they explored quite a large area, but there were no signs of enemies. Considering efficiency, it would be better for them to create a base on the four corners of the world, but their mining points wouldn't be that conveniently found.

Regardless, Rain and Asche confirmed that the day on that planet was several hours longer than Earth's, and nights were probably longer as well. At the same time, the enemies had their turns that lasted at least eight hours, and they couldn't confirm how many monsters were there since they all looked the same.

"The second group is heading to your position," Esmeralda said. "Your orders are to wait for them to rest for six hours and then invade the base. We will enter in position to stop any cargo that might try to leave the planet, so just worrying about eliminating the monsters."

"It is a pretty large force. In the best-case scenario, each one of us will have to kill one hundred of the monsters," Asche said.

"We are aware of it, that is why we will send reinforcements as soon as possible," Esmeralda said. "Isa will return to take reinforcements with her back."

Rain considered that plan, acknowledging its boldness and the inherent risks it carried. While the idea of waiting for the second group and then launching an invasion made strategic sense, the sheer scale of the enemy force posed a formidable challenge.

Each member of the group would potentially need to eliminate a staggering number of monsters, a task that required not only skill but also endurance.

In the midst of these considerations, Rain's mind raced with possibilities. He pondered the feasibility of employing his domain in a way that would effectively lock the monsters inside, limiting their mobility and confining them to a specific area.

The water mirror technique showcased the potential to manipulate the environment within his domain, and if he could extend this control to incorporate elements of ice magic, it might offer a chance to execute such a plan.

However, Rain was very aware of the limitations. If he dedicated his domain to this particular purpose, the scope of his abilities would be significantly restricted. The intricate manipulation required to create a containment area might leave him unable to contribute much to the actual combat.

It was a calculated risk, a trade-off between immobilizing the monsters and sacrificing his versatility in the battle.

"You should focus on fighting as well since we don't know the true power of the monsters yet," Sakaki said. "They might have some tricks up their sleeve, and it will be your job to find them and solve them."

"I am sure you aren't interested in gaining more power as well," Rain said.

"That is just a secondary goal," Sakaki said. "Anyway, this time, you might want to borrow your daughter's spear to make things easier. With the full set, you will be able to lock the monsters here and even fight at the same time."

"I didn't do that before because that would compromise her position. Why do you think I would do that now?" Rain asked.

"You can always be lent to her the full set once more," Sakaki said. "You don't have to worry until Nigel has some DNA sample with him. He will behave."

"So, he won't behave anymore once he has it?" Rain asked.

"You are talking as if I am not here…" Nigel said.

"Can you at least have a small amount of faith in your allies?" Sakaki asked. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

"You ask this now, and tomorrow you are going to ask for an arm," Rain said. "Besides, he might get the DNA sample in the battle. I would rather not risk letting him have the sample from my daughter."

"He will need a lot more blood than you think, but if you think that your daughter will suffer that much damage with the full set, I can't begin to imagine how much she will suffer without it," Sakaki said.

Rain sighed after hearing that… maybe he should increase a bit his circle of trust…