Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

After they gathered enough data after a couple of hours, the group reported the findings to the headquarters. They had already received information about the end of the battle and the fact that they didn't suffer any losses, so those pieces of information really came in handy.

"Those seem like some useful ores… we should start the extraction of them immediately," Esmeralda said. "How many containers are there?"

"Even with my speed, it would take a while to take all of them, and it would be dangerous for the vessel to approach this planet," Rain said. "Even if the danger is mostly gone, we shouldn't increase the chances of causing trouble."

The group couldn't just send the containers to orbit and eventually wait for the vessel to receive it either since they didn't know if they were being watched, so they truly could wait for Rain and Isa to do something about it.

"This will be a problem," Esmeralda said. "Isa's last report said that they are still going down. It looks like they didn't find anything blocking their path, but..."

"Even after six hours?" Rain furrowed his eyebrows. "Considering their speed, the falling speed, and the gravity of this world, they might reach the core of this planet soon enough."

"Well, this is concerning… could it be that these ores are actually the core of this planet?" Sakaki asked.

The possibility that the ores might be the core of the planet added a new layer of complexity to the situation. Planetary cores, or nuclei, are typically composed of dense, metallic elements, and their stability is crucial for maintaining the equilibrium of the entire celestial body.

Rain, Sealyn, and the others exchanged concerned glances as the implications sank in. Planetary cores play a vital role in various geological and atmospheric processes, influencing everything from magnetic fields to tectonic activities. Disturbing the core could have catastrophic consequences for the planet itself.

"... So far, it doesn't look like this planet is reaching an unstable point," Rain said after thinking for a while. "But we can't be sure since we haven't been here for long."

"I can gather some information if you let me join the others," Sakaki said. "With some extra mana, I will reach them fast."

"All right… I guess we don't have many options here," Rain said and then sighed. "Your call, Sealyn."

"Do it," Sealyn said. "We don't have time for hesitation right now."

In the end, Rain approached the hole and then infused his mana on the javelin. Before long, Sakaki fell on the hole almost as fast as a lightning bolt. Celestial bodies being weren't they were supposed to be one hundred thousand years ago… nucleus of planets being mined for resources. Things were truly reaching an insane level… even Rain was having a hard time wrapping his head around that.

He wondered what the others looked like.

When Rain took a glance at Danny and Annie, he found their expressions unchanged. As he raised the concern about the potential instability of the planet due to the extraction of its core, the siblings merely shrugged. With casual nonchalance, they said that worrying about such matters was beyond their control.

They left such concerns to the higher-ups, focusing their mental worries on moral and ethical questions rather than the intricate workings of celestial bodies.

Sealyn, as the leader of the sea folk, held an air of composure as well. Her demeanor was unaffected by the unfolding situation. Rain couldn't help but wonder, however, if her stoicism was a result of her position, a leader's hiding and masking any internal uncertainties.

As the group faced the extraordinary circumstances of celestial cores being mined for resources, the varying reactions showcased the diverse perspectives within the team. Rain, with his way of meticulous consideration, found himself grappling with the enormity of the situation.

"Learn a thing or two from your kids," Larisa said. "You can do that since you showed off a bit during the fight with that guy."

"I didn't show off, and I am naturally cool all the time," Rain said.

"Hey, are you busy right now?" Seadrei asked.

"It depends on what of your idea of being busy is, but I guess I am free," Rain said. "Anyway, what is up?"

"That guy, those enemies… what do you think of all this?" Seadrei asked.

"That is a broad question… are you asking if we are equipped to fight the enemies as they appeared now?" Rain asked. "For a direct fight, we are highly outmatched, but as long as we keep using our heads, we should be fine."

"Defeating that many monsters was certainly a feat that we can be proud of, but that guy…" Seadrei said. "That level of strength is way beyond anything we had seen like it. He was even stronger than those ice dragons…"

"Yeah… but if there are others like him, they shouldn't be that numerous," Rain said. "Otherwise, the enemies would have had conquered our world a long time ago."

"I can imagine that a single guy like that could have destroyed all of our world and even subjugated the dragons…" Seadrei said. "Still… maybe it is me getting old, but I am starting to think that we need to prepare a lot more before seeking out these enemies so far away from our homes."

Rain could understand Seadrei's cautious perspective. The encounter with the powerful enemy had left a clear mark on their collective consciousness. The sheer strength displayed by that adversary surpassed anything they had faced before, even surpassing the insanely powerful ten-thousand-year-old ice dragons.

However, Rain knew that simply hiding away and waiting to get stronger wasn't a real solution. The enemies were out there, and the threat they posed required active engagement. Understanding their real power, learning about their capabilities, and finding strategic approaches were crucial steps in ensuring the safety of their world.

That would be the best way to find their strength and earn their peace eventually.