Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain attacked the enemy's solar plexus, a crucial target known for its susceptibility to repeated strikes. Hitting this sensitive area over and over could yield serious consequences. The solar plexus consists of a network of nerves situated in the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage.

A direct and forceful blow to this region can result in various effects, including intense pain, incapacitation, breathing difficulties, and even loss of consciousness.

Rain's strategy involved exploiting this vulnerability, aiming to gradually weaken and incapacitate his opponent. It was a calculated move, grounded in an understanding of anatomy, to gain an advantage in the battle.

The enemy eventually recovered from the discomfort that he was feeling, and then showed a composed expression again. At the same time, Rain was fighting with the pain in his fingers… even though he didn't target any bones, he still broke several of them…

After taking a deep breath, Rain focused on the enemy that was about to charge at him again. However, he could tell that the guy wouldn't repeat the same mistakes… he didn't look like the cream of the crop when it comes to brains, but he had plenty of experience to know that Rain would keep doing the same thing over and over again.

"I was planning to use that a few more times before going for the kill, but it seems he realized that…" Rain thought.

Rain unleashed a relentless flurry of punches, each one imbued with the power of his Vital Strike technique. This combination of strikes not only inflicted physical damage but also had the unique ability to sap the enemy's stamina with every hit. By precisely targeting the vulnerable solar plexus, Rain intensified the effects.

With each punch, the enemy's energy reserves dwindled further. Given the unrelenting nature of Rain's attack and his strategic focus on a vulnerable target, it was only a matter of time before the adversary weakened significantly, provided the battle followed the same course.

The enemy charged slower than before, and then when he got in range, he swung its massive fist to smash Rain's head. Rain dodged by moving his head to the side and while he had planned to counterattack, the punch had been so powerful that just the blast of wind created by the punch sent shivers down his spine as it pushed him away.

The punch made a whoosh sound that forced Rain to take several steps to the side. Still, the enemy followed him with another fast and compact and yet powerful punch. This time, Rain dodged the attack by the skin of his teeth and stepped in to attack. With a double palm strike, he hit the stomach of the enemy and made his body bent a bit.

Despite showing an expression of pain, the giant enemy still moved its arms to capture Rain just like that, but then Rain jumped and headbutted the chin of the enemy.

The attack made the enemy's brain shake for a moment and paralyzed him. Still in the air, Rain rotated his body and then kicked the left side of the neck of the enemy. The head of the enemy turned a bit, but the muscles of his neck still protected the giant enemy.

"Annoying tough bastard…" Rain thought when he landed.

Rain considered his options carefully. He knew he could use the coral spear to make the fight easier, but he had a gut feeling that this formidable opponent might not be Joanis's most potent asset. To secure a better future, he was determined to overcome this challenge without relying on shortcuts or tricks, preserving his resources for potentially more formidable battles.

The enemy glared at Rain for a short while after recovering. He was the silent type or perhaps he was never given the option to talk, so he just studied Rain while thinking what he could do to defeat him.

In the end, it didn't take long for him to think of something and then charge at Rain once again. As for Rain, he waited until the last moment to move, and thanks to that, he was able to see the enemy relaxing his hands and then attacking him with a sideways chop at his neck.

Rain lowered his body and dodged it, but then the enemy swung down its other arm as well. Rain jumped to the side, but he hadn't been fast enough. He raised his arms to block the strike, but Rain felt like he was trying to hold down a mountain thanks to the sheer power of the attack.

The ground beneath Rain's feet quivered and cracked under the relentless force of the attacks. With gritted teeth, Rain felt the imminent threat of being crushed. However, in a quick and decisive move, he delivered a swift kick to the enemy's shin, disrupting their balance.

Capitalizing on the opening, Rain seized the opportunity. As the enemy's knee gave way, Rain grasped the arm of his adversary. With a surge of strength, he executed a forceful shoulder throw, propelling the massive foe through the air.

The impact was catastrophic. The colossal force of the throw sent the hulking opponent hurtling toward a nearby warehouse. Upon collision, the warehouse crumbled into a chaotic spectacle of destruction, with debris and dust filling the air.

Rain felt troubled by doing that. He was a boxer at heart, not a jiu-jitsu practitioner… Still, he could ignore that for a short while since he came to help his friends.

Once the dust began to dissipate, the giant enemy emerged from the wreckage of the warehouse. The enemy looked troubled, but Rain was even more troubled since he hadn't slept and eaten anything in three days… it was time to finish off that guy while he was confused.

Despite the difference in strength, Rain still could think of numerous ways that he could kill that guy. Most of them weren't that honorable, and Rain wanted to show him at least that much mercy in a world where he had been treated like a tool since the very moment he was born.