Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain's newfound intelligence proved to be a game-changer. With his mind now working at a higher capacity, he was able to come up with a more efficient plan. The knowledge and skills he had acquired during his journey back home began to click into place, allowing him to manipulate his Earth magic with greater precision.

Fueled by determination, Rain resumed his digging, now progressing at a much faster pace. He had learned from experience and adapted his technique to be more efficient. His Earth magic flowed through him more smoothly, responding to his commands with increased accuracy.

As he carved through the earth, Rain couldn't help but wish for a spell or skill that could further enhance his control over Earth magic. But for now, he had to work with what he had. He reminded himself that every step he took, every challenge he faced, was an opportunity to grow and improve.

As the first light of morning painted the sky, Rain paused his digging and settled into a state of meditation. It was crucial for him to rest his mind and body after the intense effort of the previous days. As he closed his eyes, he also focused on using his heightened senses to observe his surroundings.

To his surprise, the movements in the area didn't show any signs of imminent battle. Both sides appeared to be biding their time and consolidating their forces. The human encampment seemed to be preparing for an opportunity to strike. At the same time, the magic people's side was primarily focused on strengthening their position.

"I should have realized that, but there are no signs of large battles yet," Rain thought.

While the magic people may have been winning the war so far, there are several reasons why they couldn't keep going on the offensive indefinitely. Even the most powerful magical beings have limits to their mana and energy. Continuous offensive campaigns would drain their resources, making it difficult to sustain long-term attacks.

The magic people, like any warriors, would eventually face exhaustion from prolonged battles. The physical and mental toll of constant fighting would decrease their effectiveness on the battlefield. The human side may receive reinforcements or allies from other kingdoms, bolstering their numbers and strength. A prolonged offensive could give the humans more time to gather support.

"I guess I should rest now, for real this time," Rain thought when he realized that he was getting dizzy.

As Rain's exhaustion reached its limits, he realized that if he wanted to find his father and ensure a successful rescue, he needed to improve his physical and mental condition. He knew he couldn't continue at this pace for long, and it was crucial to be at his best for such a dangerous mission.

He also understood the importance of countering the brainwashing that his father might have undergone. The fact that this ability existed indicated that it might not be perfect. Otherwise, the magic people would have already dominated the world by using it on a larger scale. They could simply capture and brainwash influential individuals without anyone else noticing.

Rain realized that he needed to arm himself with the knowledge to counter the brainwashing. He should learn about different techniques to break mental conditioning and understand the magical methods used for such purposes. Perhaps there were spells, skills, or items that could aid him in this endeavor.

Additionally, he needed allies and resources. With the war going on, gathering information and assistance could be challenging. Still, it was necessary to have a support network if he wanted to succeed. Perhaps not now, but his grandfather could help him with that after that.

"Hmm… wait a minute," Rain thought.

After a restful sleep, Rain's mind felt sharper and more focused. As he recalled the events from the night of the attack, he remembered his uncle mentioning the escape routes hidden under their houses. At the time, they decided against using them because of Leo's knowledge. Still, now, it seemed like a viable option to explore.

"There is only one way to find out… if only I had learned more about earth magic at school… not like I had much time to learn anyway," Rain thought.

With newfound determination, Rain focused on using his earth magic to create small fissures in the area ahead. He carefully controlled his mana to make the energy create pathways through the ground, hoping to uncover any hidden escape routes. The process required patience and precision, but Rain was willing to put in the effort to save time and energy.

As he concentrated, Rain's experience working on the farms came in handy. The skills he had honed while plowing fields and creating paths for crops allowed him to split the paths with ease. The fissures spread in all directions, like a network of veins beneath the surface.

After some time, Rain noticed something peculiar. A part of the left side of the fissures stopped cracking, suggesting that there was an obstruction in the way. It didn't appear to be a simple boulder or debris; there was something more substantial blocking the path.

Curiosity sparked within him, and he decided to investigate further. Carefully guiding his mana, Rain directed it to create more precise fissures, leading him closer to the obstruction. He was cautious not to cause any major disruptions or earthquakes, as that could draw unwanted attention.

"I really don't want to waste time here, but here I come…" Rain thought.

As Rain continued to dig, using the hidden fissures as a guide, he noticed that the earth seemed to yield more readily to his magic. It was as if the ground itself acknowledged his presence and cooperated with his efforts. The process that once felt laborious and energy-draining became smoother and more efficient.

The hidden pathways beneath the surface provided a sort of blueprint for Rain to follow, guiding his magic with precision and purpose. With each movement of his hands, the earth responded, making way for him to proceed with less resistance. It was a sensation of harmony between his magic and the natural world.