Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The group was left speechless when they heard what happened to Branden and the others and what the king was planning to do. They never dreamt that they would hear of such a thing from their ruler... who seemed pretty calm during the previous war.

When his sisters fell asleep on his lap, Rain explained to the others what could be made of the anti-magic bombs, and they were completely shocked. Amidst all that, they looked relieved by the fact that the kids in the orphanage were safe, and so were the prisoners. However…

"What now?" Liss asked, and that was what everyone had in mind.

"We fight, fight, and keep on fighting," Rain replied. "Branden won't be able to convince the king, and I am not planning on following the orders of someone who tried to use my sisters against me. I will give him some more reasons to stay hidden like he did in the last few years."

The group found themselves in a collective gulp, their reactions synchronized as Rain laid out his bold declaration. His words didn't just hang in the air; they weighed down on the area, casting a heavy, ominous shadow over their gathering.

Rain, a formidable presence among them, had left no room for ambiguity. He was resolute in his determination to confront the king and make him regret his decisions. This declaration sent shivers rippling through the assembled group.

As they exchanged apprehensive glances, their throats parched, they couldn't help but acknowledge the gravity of Rain's words. He was not someone to be underestimated, and his unwavering commitment to seeking justice from the king left them all feeling a potent mix of anxiety and curiosity.

Anxiety consumed Rain's companions as they contemplated the uncertain road ahead. The looming specter of widespread internal strife cast a dark shadow over their thoughts as they recognized the inherent danger in a divided nation. This division would not only expose their realm to internal discord but also weaken it against external threats.

The recent peace agreement with the magic people, hard-fought and hard-won, now seemed precarious at best. The king's provocative actions had shattered the fragile peace, pushing the kingdom into a perilous position. The declaration of a potential conflict against both the sea folk and the magic people left Rain's friends deeply troubled.

They grasped the reality that this move would compel their nation to divert valuable resources and manpower to confront Rain, a formidable force that demanded respect. The impending clash with these formidable adversaries would require a full commitment of their available assets, further straining their already delicate situation.

"It truly feels like we don't have any other option, but I still don't want to rush with our next actions now since it will determine the future of many people," Terra said.

"Understandable, but what other choices do you think that we have?" Rain asked. "He readily put Branden in the castle dungeons and he was engaged with his daughter, what do you think that he will do to us who aren't in any way related to him.

The group collectively released a sigh, with Rain's words sinking in deeply. His argument struck a chord, revealing the grim reality they confronted. Their options were severely limited: either they would resist the oppressive rule through confrontation, or they'd acquiesce to a lifetime of imprisonment, forever subject to the king's authority.

Contemplating the king's potential forgiveness added an additional layer of complexity. Even if he were to offer them that, was it a wise choice to serve under a ruler so willing to employ coercion and manipulation to maintain control? Doubts swirled within them, casting many doubts of uncertainty over their future.

Each member of the group grappled with the weighty decisions before them, fully cognizant that their choices would determine their fate in a kingdom standing on the brink of upheaval.

"We don't have other choices. They were taken from us," Jori said. "Still, we have to at least do our best to free Branden and the others. We will be labeled as traitors, and so will them, but it is better to leave them rot on a prisoner forever."

"He seemed determined to make the king change his mind, so I am not sure we can save him from his own decision, but I guess you have a point," Rain said. "Once we are done with the mission to transport Seadir back to the ocean, I will try to talk with him once again. Anyway, we need to get going; we have to reach the ocean before sunrise, or the enemies in the port might be waiting for us."

Seadir and Seara studied Rain as he talked with his friends. Despite his young age, he was determined with his choices, and he wasn't worried about them at all. His only fears existed when he couldn't see his friends and family… when he was aware of their safety and could see them, and he was confident that he could fight and support them even against the human kingdom.

They had heard a few things about Rain, but it seemed that he was far more intense than they had imagined… people called him a hero for defeating two enemy generals in the previous war, but the tales about him didn't mention how fierce he was. They wondered if the king tried to keep rumors about him under control for one reason or the other.

Either way, the king and those who follow him will soon experience what kind of force Rain truly was… he wasn't planning to hold back for the first time, and the humans were the ones who would experience that.

When morning came, the groups were flying in the sky and already crossing the area of the port town. Although Rain was careful, the guards in the port town still found his earth platform in the sky… while they couldn't see him and the others, they spread the message around, and soon they transmitted the same to the capital somehow…