Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix-Chapter 1470: White hair

"Do you already sorted out the skills and knowledge that everyone needs to be able to make their own gear?" Esmeralda asked.

"I am halfway done, I have plenty of time since everyone is still training," Rain said.

"They are making a lot of progress thanks to Hardt and Loar, though," Branden said. "Those who learned the technique faster have already mastered how to use Light Speed to increase the charge of the attack as fast as possible. The question is, are we going to select the next target before we have time to teach them that."

That was a tough decision to make since their time was limited, and it had become even more so since the dragon god decided to make his move. At that point in time, it was safe to assume that the dragon god would try to use them since he didn’t truly see them as a threat. As annoying as that sounded, his confidence wasn’t unfounded.

"I don’t believe that we have that much time... once a portion of everyone can use the next level of the origin technique, we should attack the next target," Regis said.

In the tense silence that followed, no one dared to speak out against the urgency of the situation. The truth was clear and undeniable: time was of the essence, and they couldn’t afford to waste a single precious moment. The looming threat of the dragon god’s approach hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their every move.

With their targets identified and the stakes higher than ever, there was no room for hesitation or second-guessing. Each member of the group understood the gravity of the task before them and the need to act swiftly and decisively to secure their objectives before it was too late.

The unspoken agreement among them was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the urgency of their mission. They knew that the dragon god would stop at nothing to achieve his goals and that they were racing against time to thwart his plans and protect those they held dear.

"Which machine god do you think we should target?" Esmeralda asked. "Once this is over, I will talk with Sealyn about her opinion, too, and then we will have to make our move as soon as possible."

"... Lidos is probably the best choice since Rain can use his power to communicate with spirits," Regis said after thinking for a while. "I don’t know for how long that will be possible, but he can store those spirits, too, am I right? Reviving them might be impossible, but they still can help us even in death.

That was another dangerous territory, but it was clear that the souls of those who had fallen could be used to empower the others in several ways... However, Rain could tell that everyone was ready to do that much; it was the final push, and they were willing to do everything necessary to finally put an end to the enemies.

The group split up, and then they went to talk with everyone about the situation and their decisions. Rain went to talk with his family, and they got a bit annoyed since he kept that information from them for several days. While they understood the reason for it, they still got angry.

"So, when are we going on the next mission?" Terra asked after she crossed her arms.

"At some point during this week," Rain said. "We still have to decide who is the target, but we need to act faster than the dragon god and anticipate all of his moves."

"Easier said than done... we can’t split our forces, after all," Sealyn said. "How are you going to deal with that, Dad?"

"I will endure it," Rain said. "I am not a god, and I am not planning to claim to be one; I know my limitations very well, and I know that I can’t protect everyone from all harm forever. I can just decrease the chances of that happening, and I am working towards it."

"... That is awfully humble of you, but I guess it makes sense," Sealyn said. "Maybe I should work with that in mind as well."

"Please do. It would make my heart rest easier," Rain said.

As Rain uttered his words with a hint of despair, he couldn’t help but notice Terra and Seara exchanging worried glances before their gaze shifted to him. At first, he sensed their concern, their silent acknowledgment of the gravity of their situation. But then, something caught his attention, a subtle shift in their focus, a fleeting glance towards his head.

Curious, Rain followed their line of sight and felt a pang of surprise as he noticed a few strands of white hair mingling amidst the usual red locks. It was a subtle change, easily overlooked amidst the chaos of their current situation, but it spoke volumes to the toll that their trials had taken on him.

The realization dawned on Rain with a mix of resignation and acceptance. He had seen the same phenomenon in Roan, the gradual emergence of white strands amidst the dark. It was a physical manifestation of the burdens they carried, the weight of their responsibilities, and the sacrifices they had made in their quest.

For Rain, it was a sobering reminder of the toll that their battles had taken on him, both physically and emotionally. But even as he grappled with the reality of his own mortality, he knew that he could not afford to dwell on it. There were still challenges to face, enemies to defeat, and a world to save.

"I guess I am truly a grandpa now," Rain said and then laughed. "Well, don’t worry about it. White hair only makes fighters like me look more badass than anything."

Everyone could tell that Rain had a lot on his mind, and he was worrying endlessly about many things... that was why, despite the fact that he didn’t look older than thirty, he already had some white hair.