Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

After the initial clash on the battlefield, a fierce pursuit unfolded. The human soldiers, emboldened by their newfound momentum and bolstered by the joined forces of mercenaries, royal guards, and skilled leaders like Branden, Cor, and Revan, pursued the retreating magic-wielding enemies relentlessly.

The initial surprise and confusion among the enemy ranks had turned into a rout as their coordination crumbled under the pressure of the human assault.

At first, the magic-wielding enemies attempted to regroup and establish a defensive position at their camp. They tried to hold their ground, using their magical abilities to fend off the pursuing human forces. But the tides had shifted irrevocably.

The human soldiers fought with a fierce determination fueled by the memory of their fallen comrades, the desire to protect their loved ones, and the taste of victory on the battlefield.

Despite the magic users' efforts, their camp was quickly overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of human soldiers. The once-proud and confident enemy forces found themselves forced into retreat once again as the human soldiers chased them down with unyielding resolve. For hours, the battle raged on, with the human forces showing no signs of slowing down.

It was a testament to their collective determination and the strength of their unity.

As the sun rose and day came, the human soldiers were tired, battered, and covered in mud and sweat. Yet their spirits remained unbroken, and their high morale continued to propel them forward. They knew that this was their chance to drive the enemy out of their land for good.

The pursuit carried on for two grueling days, with the human soldiers pushing themselves beyond their limits. The magic-wielding enemies eventually crossed the borders and escaped. However, the human forces still set numerous camps around it to avoid future invasions that could happen soon.

"How is your body today?" Asche asked when she and the others went to visit Rain in his room.

"I am better now. The healing is alleviating the pain, so I can sleep fine now," Rain replied.

The relentless battles had taken their toll on Rain's body, leaving a trail of injuries in their wake. The accumulated strain from his fierce combat had left most of his bones with hairline cracks, a testament to the tremendous force he had exerted.

His muscles, though resilient, bore the brunt of the combat's intensity, showing signs of wear and tear from the powerful punches and maneuvers he had executed.

Among the many injuries, one part of Rain's body had suffered more than the rest—the leg he used to pivot and generate force during his attacks. This pivot leg had endured an incredible amount of stress, especially during his final charge against the enemy general. The culmination of his efforts, the ultimate push to overcome the enemy, had strained his leg muscles to their limits and beyond.

The damage extended beyond muscle strain, reaching into the very bones of his leg.

Even after receiving the benefits of healing magic, Rain's body showed signs of its limits. While the magic worked to mend his wounds, the severity of the damage couldn't be ignored. The healers who tended to him advised that he refrain from putting weight on his damaged leg for at least a week, allowing it time to heal properly.

For Rain, this diagnosis meant more than just physical discomfort. It meant a temporary halt to his mobility, a pause in his ability to move and fight as he had become accustomed to. It was a humbling reminder of the price he paid for his determination and his commitment to the battle.

The pain and discomfort he felt were not just the result of physical injuries but a reflection of the emotional and mental toll that battles of such intensity could exact.

"It is rather boring here, but at least my arms are fine now," Rain said while he was punching the air with the weights on his wrists.

"Four days had passed since the end of the battle… we should return home soon since the commander and the boss are finishing the guard on the border," Jori said.

"We lost around seven thousand soldiers, around two hundred of the organization, but the enemy lost more than eleven thousand… the clean-up job is almost over, but…" Reca said and then sighed. "I feel like I have seen enough war and bodies for a lifetime."

Rain shared a similar sentiment with Reca. His strength had undeniably grown as a result of the countless battles he had fought. The experience and training he had gained were undeniable assets. Still, he didn't want to attribute his strength solely to the chaos of war.

There was a concern that his skills and abilities might be seen as a product of the conflict rather than a true reflection of his growth and dedication.

While Rain appreciated his newfound strength, he held onto a desire for his abilities to be recognized for their inherent value, separate from the turmoil of battle. He wished for those in positions of authority to recognize the efforts and commitment he and his companions had put into their training, irrespective of the war's influence.

Despite these feelings, Rain was acutely aware of the strategic opportunity at hand. With the enemy's morale shaken and their forces in retreat, it was an opportune moment to take the initiative and launch an offensive. The idea of using this moment to sharpen their skills, refine their strategies, and potentially secure a decisive victory was enticing.

Rain understood the significance of this moment and the potential impact it could have on the war's outcome.

"I don't feel like I want to keep working for this country if they insist on making the enemies payback for the last decade," Rain thought. "Still, my little sisters are going to come to the capital soon… I can't just leave them behind."

"We should be rewarded well for our hard work," Asche said while grinning. "While we won't become as rich as Rain, we will have enough to relax for a while. We should take at least one month off to rest."