Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

As if fate was trying to balance things a bit in Rain's life since nothing had happened as of late, on that night of the fifth day, he finally could see some auras in the distance and on the other side of the waterway… they didn't approach, and it was hard to assume that they could see him from that distance, but they were aware that something was happening in the area and soon they would send a force to investigate whatever that was…

On the next day, coming from the nearest town on the other side of the waterway. A battalion of two hundred soldiers approached the waterway. Since they didn't see any signs of people and monsters around, they didn't feel any danger, and the tremors were no longer happening. Still, they couldn't explain that aside from being the work of a massive sea monster…

The soldiers patrolling the area surveyed the bizarre scene with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. They found it challenging to fathom why a strange, monstrous sea creature would attempt to invade their territory, considering the vastness of the ocean.

As they whispered in nervous tones, a prevailing theory emerged among the soldiers. It seemed widely accepted that this incursion was somehow linked to the recent decree issued by the king. The king had ordered the capture of sea folk who had ventured into their lands to investigate the mysterious disappearances of their kin.

Connecting the dots, the soldiers began to suspect that this monstrous intrusion might be a direct consequence of the kingdom's actions.

In quiet discussions and exchanged glances, the soldiers grappled with the unsettling realization that their kingdom's decisions might have triggered this unexpected confrontation with an otherworldly threat…

Their captain silenced the whispering soldiers with a stern glare, leaving no room for further speculation. With their mission in mind, the group cautiously approached the water's edge, hoping to uncover any valuable information left behind by the mysterious creatures.

However, a sudden and disconcerting event unfolded before their eyes. The water, seemingly guided by an invisible force, surged forward with remarkable strength, ensnaring the soldiers and inexorably pulling them into its grasp. Panic spread as they frantically attempted to evade the encroaching waters, but their efforts proved futile.

Before they could react, they found themselves trapped within the heart of the waterway. What had once been a calm passage had transformed into a swirling vortex reminiscent of a powerful whirlwind. The helpless soldiers collided with one another, their struggles escalating as they inadvertently ingested large amounts of water.

One after another, they succumbed to unconsciousness, their mission concluding in a chaotic and bewildering inundation.

Eventually, the soldiers began to sink, but then Rain pulled them out and took their armor and weapons from them before tossing them to some small boats made of earth magic and making them go downstream.

"Are you sure about that?" Seadir asked. "We have grudges against them. We can kill them while they are unconscious ."

"Not my problem. I just stopped them from bothering me, and I was merciful in letting them go with their lives almost intact," Rain replied. "I don't have to protect them, nor do I have to stop you all from getting your revenge. If they die, it will be due to their incompetence and lack of luck, not because of my ruthlessness."

Seadir studied Rain for a while… he wondered if he was being tested alongside the others. He should know that the sea folk wouldn't kill unconscious and unarmed people. They valued honor that much to do such cowardly actions in their backyard. For them, it would be like spitting on the floor of their own home… the whole ocean was their home.

"I will make one of my people to stay behind and watch that town in case they send more forces to investigate the waterway," Seadir declared, and then he began to use his magic to make the boat reach the ocean faster. "I doubt that they will send after losing two hundred soldiers inexplicably."

Rain's clever tactic left the group of soldiers thoroughly bewildered. As they gradually regained consciousness on the vast ocean, they found themselves in a perplexing predicament. Once seemingly within their grasp, the shoreline appeared distant and unreachable, leaving them disoriented and puzzled.

Uncertain about how they had ended up adrift in open waters, the soldiers grappled with the enigma before them. In their attempts to make sense of the situation, they began crafting a web of rumors and speculations. Some spoke of a fearsome sea monster, while others attributed their plight to a perilous stretch of ocean rumored to be haunted by vengeful spirits.

Whispers of ancient curses and eerie underwater phenomena circulated among them.

These rumors and conjectures played into the hands of Rain and his companions. By sowing confusion and fear among the soldiers, they ensured that any future encounters with the kingdom's forces would be met with heightened caution and uncertainty.

The soldiers' tales of a dangerous and enigmatic waterway would cast doubt on the reliability of any information they might offer to their superiors, inadvertently creating a protective shield of misinformation around Rain and his allies, buying them more than a little bit of time.

Thanks to all the help that Rain received from everyone, the waterway was finished after one week. Everyone sure looked surprised and prideful of their own contributions… no one had imagined that such a thing was possible.

"I guess people here will be able to fish as well, but the central area is a bit dangerous, and there are some whirlpools in some places," Jori said while seeing some fish underwater.

"That is because the two oceans are meeting," Rain explained. "Anyway, we should return and rest for the day before making the next plans."

"We will use this freely and see if we can expand it as well. It is a bit tight for our tastes," Seadir said.

"Don't blame me if you end up captured again. Any news from the port?" Rain asked.