Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

53  Borrowing forever

The days passed by smoothly as the group ventured through the countryside. Their journey remained relatively uneventful, with the occasional encounter of fellow travelers crossing their path. Rain and his family, dressed in humble attire, blended seamlessly into the landscape, appearing like any other group of peasants on the move.

Travelers would come and go, their paths converging with Rain's group for a fleeting moment before continuing on their own way. Some exchanged brief nods or polite greetings, while others walked past without sparing a second glance. It was somewhat frustrating to be dismissed as mere peasants. Still, at the same time, it provided them with the perfect disguise—an inconspicuous cloak that shielded their true identities.

Rain understood the necessity of maintaining a low profile. In a world filled with uncertainty and potential dangers, anonymity became their greatest ally. By appearing like any other common folk, they avoided drawing unnecessary attention and kept their intentions hidden from prying eyes.

According to Leiah, her hometown was ten days away from the capital and five days away from the border. It seemed that the human territory wasn't that large… since they were the weakest species, they tended to lose their territories often.

"I should have studied the story more deeply instead of just waiting for the instructors, now, I am not bound by anyone else's rules, but I lost a golden chance to obtain a lot of knowledge," Rain thought.

On the fifth day of their arduous journey, Rain and his family stumbled upon a quaint village nestled amidst the rolling hills. Leiah, taking the lead as their guide, wore a calm and determined expression on her face. The village seemed like an unexpected discovery, prompting Rain to wonder why she had intentionally led them here.

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As they entered the village, a sense of tranquility enveloped them. The narrow streets were lined with cozy cottages, their windows adorned with colorful flowers. The air carried the comforting scent of freshly baked bread and the distant sound of laughter. It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous world they had left behind.

Rain glanced at Leiah, his curiosity piqued by her choice to bring them to this particular village. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of nostalgia and determination, hinted at a deeper reason behind their arrival. He couldn't help but question her intentions, silently contemplating the significance of this place.

Leiah looked around as if she was looking for someone, but it didn't seem like she had recognized anyone. She probably had some acquaintances there, but Rain wondered if leaving their trails at such a place was a good idea.

"Mom, do you really think that it is a good idea to make ourselves known here?" Rain asked.

"It is fine; this place doesn't have many guards, we will only find farms ahead, and the dangers are minimal. On this side, we share borders with the demi-humans, and they are mostly peaceful."

Leiah's past as the daughter of a merchant came to light as Rain delved deeper into their conversation. She revealed that this village held significant memories for her, having accompanied her father on numerous trading expeditions in her youth. It was a place she had grown fond of, where she had formed connections with the locals and forged friendships.

Leiah's intention in bringing them to this village was not only to seek solace and stability but also to reunite with people from her past. She had hoped to find familiar faces, the companions she had shared laughter and stories with during her previous visits. However, much to her disappointment, she discovered that the individuals she sought had long since moved on, leaving the village behind.

While it was a pity, Leiah accepted that as a sign that perhaps she should really keep a low profile until they reached her parent's house. Still, before they left the village, they heard a few rumors.

The villagers gathered in small groups, exchanged stories, and shared the latest news. The war, it seemed, was a topic that held both fascination and concern for them.

Whispers spread about the prowess of the enemy forces and how they had managed to withstand the onslaught of the royal army. There were murmurs of surprise and even admiration for the enemy's resilience. Some villagers speculated on the reasons behind the royal army's inability to inflict significant damage, questioning the strategies employed or the strength of their forces.

Rumors mingled with facts, creating a tapestry of uncertainty and doubt. Some dismissed the royal army's efforts as futile, while others held onto hope, believing that a turning point would soon come. The war's impact rippled through the village, casting shadows of anxiety and apprehension upon its inhabitants.

"This certainly didn't help us in improving our mood," Rain thought. "Also, more problems lie ahead."

As Rain contemplated the path ahead, a surge of concern washed over him. The idea of leaving his mother and sisters behind while embarking on a journey to find his father seemed fraught with risks. His family's safety and well-being weighed heavily on his mind, tugging at his heart with every thought. His father wouldn't approve of that… Roan didn't have to teach much to Rain, but one thing that he insisted on was the knighthood code.

Knights are expected to display bravery and valor in the face of adversity. They are called to protect the weak, defend the innocent, and face danger without faltering. Rain wasn't a knight, but he was a man and the son of a knight… that became a guard, but he was a knight at some point.

Knights are bound by a strong sense of honor and integrity. They are expected to uphold their word, be truthful, and act with honesty and fairness in all their dealings. Knights are expected to be loyal to their lord, comrades, and chosen cause. They must demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to those they serve and the ideals they uphold.

Knights are the enforcers of justice and are expected to act with righteousness. They are to protect the innocent, punish wrongdoers, and ensure fairness in all matters. Knights are to be courteous and respectful in their interactions with others. They are expected to show kindness, generosity, and good manners towards all, especially those of lower social standing.

Knights are to exhibit qualities of nobility in their actions and behavior. This includes acting with grace, humility, and dignity, as well as showing compassion and empathy towards others. Knights are dedicated to serving others, whether it be their lord, their community, or the greater good. They are expected to be selfless and place the needs of others above their own.

As usual, it was a bunch of stiff rules.