Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Recognizing that not everyone in the group could handle heavy weights, Rain also incorporated training for the magic users. He encouraged them to harness minimal reserves of magic to create projectiles and then focus on increasing the speed at which they could launch them.

He explained that refining their control over these magical projectiles would not only enhance their precision but also unlock their latent magical potential to a significant degree.

The next day, everyone resumed their journey while putting the new training regimen into practice. Since they had to get used to that, Rain had to focus on the surroundings while his friends were getting used to it. Fortunately, the atmosphere seemed fine, and he could hear the sound of birds again… it seemed like they wouldn't see the dragons in the next few days.

"It seems the varieties of dragons are quite numerous… I didn't expect to see a wind and water dragon," Rain thought while looking around. "I wonder if the magic people have some books that have information about the dragons that they faced."

Rain realized that he had a hard time facing those dragons for many reasons. First of all, his physical strength was enough against dragons of that level, but his magic power wasn't. Considering that he also got hurt two times in the shoulder and leg, Rain also knew that he was lacking in the endurance and Vitality department… but all that made sense considering the enemies.

They had at least five decades worth more experience and training than him, after all.

"You look troubled. Did you perhaps plan to defeat all of the four dragons?" Terra asked.

"Yes, to avoid more information about me spreading among them," Rain replied. "Not like they look like they care since they didn't even say anything during the fights."

"Can they even understand our language?" Terra asked. "I always thought that they had their own."

"I would bet that they do," Rain replied. "Anyway, I guess I will buy potions with the dragon's money to speed up my training."

"Hahaha, now you truly look like a noble kid," Jori said. "Well, not like you need anything else in your life when you have a house like that."

Rain thought that he had trained his magic enough, but he would have to spend more money to help him with that.

In any case, the group traveled for three days before they reached the last Military post on that side, and soon, they turned to head in the opposite direction. Their speed increased a bit since the horses were pulling less weight.

After a week of swift travel, the group finally arrived back at the military post led by Josar. Despite their urgency to complete the mission, Josar called them to provide a detailed account of what had transpired. He had already received reports, but he wanted to hear the story directly from them, seeking their firsthand perspective on the events.

"I am grateful for your assistance," Josar said. "Well then, what are you planning to do about the body of the earth dragon?"

"How much do you want to offer for the body?" Rain asked.

"That is a difficult question. It isn't usually something we buy… we are also redirecting the resources of our country to the war," Josar replied while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Rain had made the decision to sell the earth dragon's body, a choice he had discussed with his friends. There were several reasons for this decision.

Foremost among these was the concern that transporting the dragon's carcass could attract other dragons, putting the group in peril, even the human country as well. While the materials from the dragon's body were undoubtedly valuable, the potential risks far outweighed the benefits.

After investing a considerable amount of effort into their mission, the group was not willing to jeopardize their progress by provoking further encounters with these formidable creatures. They reached a consensus that selling the dragon's body was the safest way to secure their rewards without taking unnecessary risks.

"How much does the best spiritual potion that you can make cost?" Rain asked.

"We don't usually sell them, and each tribe usually produces their own," Josar replied. "Still, considering your country's prices, the highest spiritual potion costs around fifty gold coins, right? I suppose ours should cost around three times that."

"If you give me one hundred of those, you can keep the body then," Rain said.

"One hundred…" Josar said while frowning. "Not even the tribe leaders have access to so many, but… I suppose I can contact others and share the body of the creature with them. Once you return to the capital, you will receive the potions."

The group had collectively agreed to set the price for their top-tier spiritual potion at three times the rate of their standard offerings. Despite this decision, they had reservations about whether this premium product delivered three times their regular potions' effectiveness.

Surprisingly, Josar quickly agreed to the proposed price, signifying that the deal was exceptionally advantageous. In retrospect, Rain pondered whether he had undervalued their product. Perhaps there was room for further negotiation to secure an even better deal, given the evident demand for such potent elixirs.

Nevertheless, Rain acknowledged this experience as an opportunity to refine his negotiation skills for future business dealings.

"All right, we will continue with the job," Rain declared.

"You all should return here just in case something else happens again," Josar added. "It is rare for the dragons to attack several times a week, though. It is just for the appearances and formalities."

More than one week had already passed since the fight, so Rain wondered if that was Josar's way of alerting him. Still, Rain imagined that the situation would be far worse; he was even prepared to fight dragons every day. Still, if possible, he wanted that to not happen. He was certain that the dragons wouldn't underestimate him the next time, after all. Maybe that was actually a good thing...