Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

In an effort to test the improved communication relic and assess its functionality in the unique environment of the underworld, Rain worked with Liss to conduct a practical experiment. The goal was to mimic the effects of the barrier that separated the layers, allowing them to gauge the relic's effectiveness in overcoming potential obstacles.

Rain, utilizing the influence of his domain, increased its thickness to simulate the conditions of the barrier. Given that the message primarily consisted of mana and lacked any harmful intent, it passed through the simulated barrier. The mana, being an ethereal substance, didn't encounter resistance from the barrier's magical properties.

However, they encountered an unexpected twist in the experiment. While the message, composed solely of mana, managed to traverse the simulated barrier, it became apparent that the layer itself contained mana with a physical component. Unlike the ethereal nature of Rain's domain, the layer's mana seemed to possess tangible qualities, creating a barrier that was both magical and physical.

"I will keep working on it if communications don't work as intended," Liss said. "This is quite fun."

"Someone can understand things a bit like me now," Rain said.

"If the communication relic doesn't work, we will have to return after one week to put everyone at ease," Esmeralda said.

"Are you going to this time?" Rain asked.

"I am the queen of the humans, remember?" Esmeralda furrowed her eyebrows. "Sealyn will go as well, and so will Regis. Thanks to that, we will leave people like Branden, Seadrei, and Isa behind since they are the respective seconds in command."

Rain nodded… they probably weren't going to fight there, so it didn't matter who went. Regardless, Rain had to find a way to cross the barrier with thirty or so people… the last time, he did it by himself, and that method won't work this time. He didn't have much time to think about it… since the mission would start in three days.

Fortunately, Rain learned how to use his domain better in the last few months, so he had an idea that definitely would work. When the time came, the group assembled to start the mission. This time, Seara and Terra decided to stay behind to let others go in their place. They also had to show that they weren't doing whatever they wanted to.

Among the thirty or so people that were going with him, Rain only knew his father, Asche, Danny, Annie, Regis, and his three bodyguards, Esmeralda, Orcis, and Lorene. The last two seemed a bit unusual to come to a mission of exploration, but Rain didn't voice that.

"We don't have to take the capsules with me, and since I will use my domain to cross the barrier, it is better to start like this already," Rain said.

"That is fine, but why are you in the back? Shouldn't you be in the front?" Esmeralda asked.

"I can focus more knowing that no one is behind them," Rain said.

Rain's decision to position himself at the back of the group during the mission into the underworld wasn't merely a matter of preference; it was a strategic choice rooted in the nature of his relics. As the group advanced, Rain's relics remained invisible behind him, concealed from the sight of others.

The relics were not something Rain wished to show openly. Their invisibility served a dual purpose: first, to prevent others from sensing their presence, and second, to deter any inadvertent physical contact with them. These relics were powerful artifacts, and Rain recognized the potential consequences of allowing others to interact with them unknowingly.

By remaining at the back, Rain ensured that his relics remained hidden from the prying eyes of everyone. He understood the importance of secrecy, especially when dealing with artifacts of such significance and influence.

In any case, the group left the vessel and then began to fly downward. Usually, people weren't able to see Rain's domain, but the barrier around him now looked like a liquid mirror. When Sealyn touched it, she could confirm that had the same texture as well… it was pretty thick, and it was made that way that it would be hard to cross it without Rain's desire.

Still, most people there felt worried since it didn't pass much confidence like the capsules.

Regardless, the group landed on the world in a matter of minutes, and despite the speed, the trip had been pretty calm… which puzzled everyone.

"I am testing the relic again. Please respond as soon as possible," Liss said.

"We are hearing you, no problem," Rain said. "We should have chosen some codenames to make the conversation sound cooler."

"Ah, I get what you mean," Nigel said.

"Even when they get old, boys still plays with their toys," Larisa said.

"That sounded so lewd," Nigel said and then laughed.

"Eww… digusting," Larisa said.

"I am going to start focusing now, so don't distract me," Rain said to everyone, even though only he could hear the relics.

With the group assembled on the surface, Rain showed a remarkable display of his domain's capabilities. He began manipulating the walls of his domain, causing them to rotate around the entire group. The initial effect was impressive, creating a protective barrier that encircled them in a dynamic, liquid-like vortex.

As the rotating walls of Rain's domain gained momentum, it didn't take long for them to pierce through the ground. The descent through the first few hundred meters proved quite swift, the powerful rotation of the domain cutting through the layers in a matter of seconds. Rain's mastery over his domain was evident as it effortlessly carved a path toward the underworld's depths.

Despite the efficiency of their descent, an air of tension took over the group. The surroundings were shrouded in darkness, and the lack of visibility heightened the sense of uncertainty. The group couldn't feel the rotation of Rain's domain, which added an eerie quality to the journey. The silent descent through the dark expanse left everyone on edge…