Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"I will claim the Eastern side of the Kingdom to me, my family and allies, that should make the king feel a kick in his balls since that side produces most of the food for the kingdom," Rain declared. "I guess I will also welcome noncombatants that will agree with me when I say that the king is a moron."

Rain's bold proclamation left his friends utterly dumbfounded. To them, it seemed absurd to lay claim to a substantial piece of land in the midst of growing chaos. However, Rain remained composed in spite of their bewildered expressions, forging ahead with his audacious plans.

In his possession was a potent weapon, one that would undoubtedly play a pivotal role in achieving his ambitious goals. While others might view his actions as reckless, Rain perceived an opportunity to carve out his own domain in this turbulent landscape, regardless of the consequences.

It was a daring move, and his friends could only watch in astonishment as he pressed forward, fully aware that Rain was a formidable force to be reckoned with.

"Hahaha, you are truly a foolish human," Seadrei laughed heartily while he slightly moved his body and head backwards. "In any case, I want to see how far you are planning to go with that kind of attitude."

After that, Seadrei returned to the ocean and the sea folk and the monsters as well. The last ones to disappear had been Seadir and Seartat. They bowed deeply while thanking Rain for the help. Their cooperation wasn't over, but they felt that they had to do that much, at least for now.

"Woah… that was nerve wracking…" Jori said and then took a deep breath as if he was saying that he didn't have the chance to breathe until now.

Rain was checking the weapon while his friends began to talk about the whole situation… With that kind of weapon at his disposal, Seadrei would be able to level up his magic skills insanely fast, and after doing that for five hundred years, it wouldn't be weird for him to be a few times stronger than dragons that lived for as long as him.

In any case, after a few tests, Rain confirmed that the spear made his control over water ten times more powerful and five times more efficient… and that it was just a replica. The real deal was supposed to be at least two times better than this one.

"I wonder if he is planning to ask this back or ask for money later…" Rain thought while furrowing his eyebrows.

"Rain, are you serious about claiming the east side of the country?" Terra asked.

"Very serious," Rain replied. "I won't say that out loud since I need to make some preparations to defend that land, but we do need a territory to defend a clear division that we will have to guard."

Rain also will have to worry about the people beyond the mountains… With that division, even while they had been quiet until now, the beastmen might find a reason to invade and attack while the humans are divided.

In any case, Rain could think about that while he travels toward his home. So, to save some mana, he made the earth boat surf on the waves that he began to control.

Flying was quite scary, but surfing was even more scary when Rain was controlling the waves… the group thought that they would sink many times, but fortunately, it never happened.

Before long, they reached the coast, and then Rain made the earth boat sink while he made one of ice… it was cold, but at least it was making him save a lot of mana. He was faster, too.

"Endure this for a while," Rain said.

Fortunately, the group had their cloaks, and since it was noon, it wasn't that cold. Things only got really bad at night. The wind, the ice, and the lack of time to rest made everyone weary, even more so when the future was becoming so uncertain.

The trip home was supposed to last for around two days, but the group reached it after just one. The group soon found Rain's parents and grandparents waiting outside the home with tired expressions. Rain could tell that the interior of the house was filled with unconscious people, and they had been looking after them for a while.

"... It seems that you are into something really big this time," Roan said while showing a complicated expression.

"Are you mad? Do you think that I have other choices?" Rain asked.

"No, I don't think so…" Roan replied after a long sigh. "I am more overwhelmed than anything… I am glad that you all are fine, even though the king showed himself to be a wolf in sheep's clothing."

"Very bold move of him after staying hidden during the war," Rain said.

Leah and Luana swiftly located some chairs for everyone to sit on, ensuring their comfort after the intense trip. Rain, on the other hand, opted to remain seated on the ground, adopting a relaxed posture.

With the immediate problems solved to some extent, their focus shifted to Dana, Kei, and Gila. While these three appeared physically unharmed, the ordeal had left them visibly fatigued. They had endured a great deal during their captivity, and the toll was evident in their weary expressions.

As the group settled into their seats, Rain's mother and grandmother couldn't resist the urge to study the other girls who had been working with Rain. This marked their first opportunity to interact with Rain's companions up close, and a palpable sense of curiosity permeated the air.

"I am sorry that you all were involved in this mess… I guess being involved with our family is quite difficult, huh?" Roan forced a smile while looking at Rain's friends. "I wonder if it is because of my own family…"

It was quite the weird thing to say for some people he had just met., but that showed that Roan truly felt that way.