Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"That sounds exactly like the technique that I faced…" Rain said.

"Still, that kind of technique wasn't passed down, and no one knew the secrets of it, I can't think that a human would be able to make someone learn that," Geio said.

"You probably didn't think that a human would be able to invade your country either and win with ease," Rain shrugged. "So, maybe it is about time for you to change your perspective a bit."

Geio's frustration was clear as he furrowed his brow, visibly annoyed by Rain's revelations. Terra, seated beside Rain, couldn't help but show her irritation as well, giving him a light yet pointed punch on his left side. It was a subtle but effective way of expressing her disapproval.

The others in the group shared a similar sentiment, their expressions reflecting a mix of discontent and annoyance. While they may not have been pleased with Rain's words, they couldn't deny the truth in his words. The seriousness of the situation weighed heavily on their minds, and they understood the importance of careful planning and unity more than ever.

"Anyway, I don't have all the time in the world to help and the human army should be here in three days," Rain said. "Do you want our help or not?"

"... I take it that you two didn't come to help for free," Geio rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Of course, you should always doubt someone that says that will give you free stuff," Rain said. "That is why we are going to ask for a reasonable price, it doesn't have to be money. We prefer potions."

"... Come with me," Geio said while showing a serious expression." The council is having a meeting, but they will want to hear what you told me and then we can negotiate what is going to happen afterwards."

Rain nodded and then Terra and him followed Geio to the council. As they approached the gathering of council members, Terra couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. She had never met these individuals before, and the reputation of their formidable power weighed heavily on her mind.

The upcoming encounter with these influential figures was serious, and Terra knew the importance of remaining composed and focused during the meeting.

Despite her apprehension, Terra had confidence in her ability to support Rain. Her healing powers were a valuable asset, and she believed that as long as she kept him in good health, few enemies would pose a serious threat to him. With this assurance, she took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself for the challenges that lay ahead.

In the end, Terra confirmed that the atmosphere was even more intense inside the council hall because all of the tribe leaders kept their faces hidden under veils, the room was also pretty dark. Still, they went silent when Rain began to share the information that he had.

"It doesn't seem like you want to join us, even though we came this far to help," Josar's voice echoed in the hall. "We also heard that you helped the sea folk, but don't want to cooperate with them that much… What is your true goal?"

"Just make sure that Joanis will die and the king will be stopped before too many people die," Rain explained. "I don't want either side to be annihilated since that will cause more trouble than solve, that is all."

"Are you willing to kill the humans of the army to prove that you truly want to help us?" Josar asked.

"That is probably the only way to avoid too many deaths, so it can't be helped," Rain replied. "My goal is to kill Joanis and his soldiers, when that happens, the others will only be ordinary warriors protected by their anti-magic substance."

"... Usually, we wouldn't agree to cooperate with you that fast, but we don't have a choice right now," Josar said after a resigned sigh.

"Is that so… how are things with the dragons?" Rain asked.

Josar's message struck a chord with those around as they surveyed the grim state of the capital. Once a bustling and vibrant city, it now stood as a stark symbol of disorder and hopelessness, inundated with refugees fleeing the dragon-ridden regions of West. The mass displacement of people provided irrefutable proof that the dragons were aggressively expanding into previously secure territories.

This intrusion had placed an immense burden on the magic people, diverting their attention and resources away from their ongoing conflict with the opposing factions.
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With their focus split between internal crises and external threats, the magic people found themselves in a precarious situation, struggling to maintain control over their lands and shield their populace from relentless dragon assaults.

"We want us to help until the battle starts with some things, but when it starts, we want you to be in the very frontlines," Josar declared.

"That is fine by me, but if I do that, she will come too," Rain said while pointing to Terra. "She is probably better than your best healers, but her main goal here is to make sure that I return in one piece."

"That is fine if it is what you want," Josar said. "Come with me."

As Rain's journey continued, he found himself face-to-face with the formidable power of the magic people. Many of these tribes and their abilities had remained hidden from him until now. This new path he had chosen was not without its risks, as it could potentially cast him as a rebel and traitor among his own kind. Yet, Rain had come to terms with this possibility.

Rain was determined to shape his own destiny, free from the constraints of societal expectations and biases that came with his history. In this uncertain and challenging journey, he firmly grasped the pen to write his own future, ready to face whatever lay ahead with unwavering determination.

Just like Rain told the magic people, three days later, the human army approached the city. Even when the sun began to set, they kept marching since they were only ten kilometers away…