Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix-Chapter 1062: Quick progress
The group worked together and wrecked their heads trying to solve that issue together. While they could help Iori, they couldn't since he could use the extra mana to strengthen himself, or he could lie about the necessary amounts of mana necessary to keep his domain active as the vessel increased.
Solving that issue had been a massive pain in the ass, but it didn't last more than one week since everyone worked on it together. First of all, Rain rebuilt the Meditation Rings, this time with Maxime's help, and that triplicated their effectiveness.
For several days, he used all that mana obtained to improve his skills after he learned Magic Sacrifice. Thanks to that, Rain could feel almost the air vibrating as Iori kept harnessing mana and using all the time to make Meditation Mastery level up.
Finally, everyone shared their knowledge with Iori about the skills of the magic paths that he could use that would help him increase his wisdom and intelligence. As it turned out, they realized that the higher those parameters, the less strain the rings would affect their minds and spirits.
After using Rain as a test subject, they confirmed that he could use five rings without feeling overwhelmed… five was the limit now when before it was six. It looked like ten thousand points in each of those parameters would let him use one more ring to help and it seemed that Iori was already at the level that he could use six…
"He still is ahead of me, huh… this is bothersome," Rain thought.
"Isn't fine that you managed to defeat someone stronger than you?" Larisa asked.
Larisa's point had undeniable merit. Defeating someone stronger was indeed a clear accomplishment. However, Rain couldn't shake off the lingering sense of bother that annoyed him. It was an irrational itch, a manifestation of his own perfectionist tendencies and perhaps a tinge of pride.
While he had proven himself by prevailing over Iori despite being initially weaker, Rain's irrational side desired for more. It wasn't just about victory; it was about absolute superiority against a morn. In Rain's mind, the idea of being content with a win over someone still perceived as stronger wasn't enough.
He yearned for clear dominance, a state where every parameter and aspect tilted in his favor.
Nevertheless, he decided to put that aside and focus on their goal at hand. After one week, he was able to create a covert barrier that enveloped the entire vessel, but it was hard to maintain that… around that time, they saw the cargo that left the first base reaching the second, and while they didn't see any movements coming from it, they couldn't drop their guard.
After another week, Iori was able to deploy the cloak that would erase all traces of their presence from a distance, and they activated it when they moved to the side and then disappeared into the shadow of an unknown planet that was between them and the target.
"We can move now," Rain said. "I will start an acceleration toward our destination."
"We will alert everyone and make them report immediately any changes," Esmeralda declared.
Satisfaction mixed with a bit of concern within Rain as the team moved forward with their mission. The quick progress Iori had made in acquiring significant power raised a subtle alarm in Rain's mind. While the collective effort had been essential for the mission's success, Rain couldn't shake off the worry about the potential consequences of empowering Iori at such an accelerated pace.
The collaboration had been driven by the immediate need to achieve their goal, but now they had to confront the inevitable demerits that accompanied the merits of aiding Iori. The newfound strength and capabilities he possessed were undeniable assets, yet the speed at which he had obtained them prompted a sense of caution in Rain.
As the vessel accelerated toward its destination, Rain couldn't help but wonder about the long-term implications of their actions. It was a delicate balance between achieving their immediate objectives and considering the future ramifications of their collaborative efforts…
"Now that we dealt with the main problem, we will have to prepare for the battles," Esmeralda said when the group reunited again. "How is Iori doing?"
"He is cooperating. He is getting strong too fast, though," Rain replied.
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"If you think it is a problem, then it probably is," Esmeralda said. "Still, using your methods to get strong and receiving our help as well, isn't that obvious?"
"I suppose so," Rain said. "Still, Elisabetha is with him all the time, and she has no reason to betray me, and his domain can't stop her influence either. So, we should be fine for now."
"For now, huh…" Seadrei said and then crossed his arms. "Can we consider ways how he can be a problem?"
"He can deactivate his domain and reveal as we approach it, that would be troublesome enough, considering that we want to keep surprising the enemies," Rain said. "Aside from that, he can't do anything… for now."
As Rain continued to give his responses with "for now," a clear air of annoyance began to settle among the group. The repetition of those words in his explanations left them with a sense of uncertainty, an acknowledgment that Iori's unpredictable nature was another variable. Despite the growing frustration, the group couldn't help but recognize the complexity of the situation.
The nearing target added an extra layer of tension to their deliberations. As they prepared for the battles that lay ahead, the unpredictability of Iori's actions was in the air. The group understood the necessity of planning for contingencies and potential threats posed by Iori, but the lack of concrete information made it challenging to devise foolproof strategies.
"I will deal with him when the time comes, I am already working on something else if he becomes a nuisance," Rain said and then looked at Esmeralda. "I hope that you understand my side when that happens."
"No worries," Esmeralda said.
