Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

They also saw the prisoners that had been defeated being healed… the trick was simple. The spectral weapons were essentially relics that combined the powers of space magic, Psycometry, and healing magic. While they were being held by the user, they could take a bit of their mana while analyzing their bodies.

At the same time, it remained connected to Rain's pocket dimension and used the mana to create a dummy to take critical damage in their place when Psychometry confirmed that they were about to die.

"When that happens, the relics send them to my pocket dimension and transport the dummy to their place," Rain said. "The dummies are essentially very real copies of their bodies without souls."

The technique wasn't complete; Rain wanted something even more definite, but at least in its current stage, it would be enough to avoid the deaths of the people who had the spectral weapons. The downside of that was the fact that such a technique required time to be ready. The dummies' creations varied according to the strength of the user, and so did their healing process.

As Rain explained the mechanics behind his ingenious technique, a palpable silence descended upon the group, punctuated only by the soft exhalations of disbelief. Each member of the party stood frozen in place, their expressions a mixture of astonishment and incredulity.

It was no wonder that Rain had appeared so busy and worried in recent times, for the complexity and audacity of his goal surpassed anything they could have imagined. To develop a technique capable of almost completely avoiding death itself, to engineer a method of preserving their comrades' lives in the face of overwhelming odds, was a feat of unparalleled ingenuity..

As the implications of Rain's revelation sank in, a sense of awe washed over the assembled group. They realized that they were witnessing the work of a mind that operated on a level far beyond their own, a mind driven by a singular purpose: to safeguard the lives of those under his protection at any cost.

For many among them, the realization was a sobering one. They had always known that Rain was extraordinary, but few could have comprehended the extent of his capabilities until now. He was no longer just a fellow comrade or ally. He was something altogether different, something beyond the confines of mere humanity.

"Hey, don't look at me like I am a panda in a zoo," Rain said. "This is something that anyone can think of, having the knowledge that I have. Unless You have two brain cells in your head fighting for one spot. Unless that isn't just how my tiny money brain understands things.

It's not for those with tiny brains, but as long as you come from a civilization that's discovered fire and has some frontal lobe development. You'll be okay!"

Rain had built a lot of respect with that technique, but thanks to his nonsense, his respect was falling as fast as a meteor. That was good, after all. That once again confirmed the trust that everyone had in him. No matter what happens, the core of Rain won't change, even if he has insane powers and techniques.

"... Can we help speed up their recovery process?" Terra asked after a long sigh.

"No," Rain said. "Those who can receive such a chance at least need to understand the situation. While they are healing, they will suffer a bit, and that will be a reminder that, in theory, they should have died. They need to use that as motivation to avoid that kind of end in the future."

Rain seemed a bit harsh, but everyone could understand his point… so they didn't insist on that. After that was done, Rain told everyone what happened in the conversation with the spirit of the planet… apparently, no one knew what he was talking about. They only saw the white giant exploding and failing to take him out at the same time.

"It looks like time didn't flow while I was talking with the spirit…" Rain said. "Anyway, you guys should be able to confirm that this is true, considering this new path."

After summoning a bunch of magic cards, Rain made everyone understand that he was telling the truth instead of hallucinating. Talking with the will of another planet and learning all that had been a stroke of good luck.

"The aspects of reality, huh," Sakaki said. "It seems that our powers and knowledge are so small if compared to that."

Sakaki's calm demeanor in the face of such revelations might seem surprising, given the gravity of the situation. However, his calmness came from a deep understanding of the implications of facing an enemy capable of manipulating time. As one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Rain's group, Sakaki knew that letting everyone worry endlessly wouldn't accomplish anything.

The mere idea of confronting a machine god with mastery over time manipulation sent shivers down Sakaki's spine if he had one. He knew all too well the immense power such an entity would wield. Time, being a fundamental aspect of reality itself, held sway over all existence.

An adversary capable of controlling time could effectively erase them from the space-time continuum with the mere flick of a wrist, rendering any conventional means of resistance utterly futile.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, Sakaki's composure remained. It wasn't a sign of ignorance or disregard for the danger they faced but rather a testament to his ability to maintain clarity of thought even in the most dire circumstances.

"We should rest for a day or two before preparing for the next mission," Sealyn declared. "I at least can do this much for now, or do you all want to leave me out of this as well?

"Maybe, since it seems that you are showing some signs of being emotional when we were being logical regarding your situation," Rain said. "Anyway, you could be stressed a bit, so let's not assume anything and just rest for a while."