Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"I should stop now…" Rain thought when he realized that he had just one more hour of sunlight. "I should be able to find Tristan City the next night, and I will have to watch it for a while to find traces of Dad. Geez, dude. Don't cause too much trouble for your seven years old son… while I have thirty years' worth of memories, I can't do much with them yet in a world of magic people and dragons."

Rain made a calculated decision to move further north, strategically positioning himself where he could still keep the capital within his sight while ensuring he remained hidden from potential lookouts. Choosing a path without established roads, he aimed to leave no trails behind, minimizing any signs of his passage.

His earth magic skills came in handy as he tried to erase any traces of his journey, but he couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of unease.

Aware that there might be skilled trackers or experts who could see through his attempts to cover his tracks, Rain remained cautious. He moved with utmost care, being mindful of each step he took, and took care not to leave any obvious signs of his presence.

His determination to reach his destination and find his father was stronger than ever, but he understood the risks he faced by venturing into unknown territory.

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"There are more guards on the walls than I remember…" Rain thought when he woke up and looked toward the capital. "I guess that they aren't lowering their guard after losing one side of their territory."

Under the cover of night, Rain cautiously moved forward, taking advantage of the darkness to continue his journey. With some time to spare, his mind began to wander, contemplating the uncertainties that lay ahead. The thought of rescuing his father was a powerful motivator. Still, it also brought forth a slew of questions about the future.

As he trudged through the shadows, Rain pondered what would happen once he found Roan. His father's life would undoubtedly be changed forever, and the consequences of his actions during the war might catch up with him. The risk of recognition weighed heavily on Rain's mind, knowing that if his father's identity was exposed, it could lead to serious repercussions for both of them.

The reality of his family's current situation wasn't lost on Rain either. They had faced significant losses, and those who remained had dispersed to other families to maintain their status and possessions. Coming back as the son of a once-respected captain might not be well-received, especially by those who saw him as a threat or an inconvenience.

"If we heard of Dad, the others heard of him as well… and if he suddenly disappears, they will find it odd and investigate," Rain thought. "Nothing but trouble in all directions, huh?"

Rain's life felt like an unending series of challenges, one after another. He understood that anything truly valuable came with difficulty, but saving his family from disintegration proved to be the toughest test he had faced in both of his lives. Despite the hardships, he believed it was all worth it, especially for the sake of his three little sisters.

Having experienced enough of life's hardships, Rain was willing to endure whatever came his way. He could shoulder the burden if needed, but he couldn't bear the thought of his three young sisters growing up without both of their parents. They deserved a chance at a stable and loving family, even if it meant he had to go through trials and tribulations to make it happen.

With a sense of responsibility beyond his years, Rain was determined to see his family reunited and whole again. He knew he had the strength and determination to face any ordeal, but he couldn't help but feel protective of his younger sisters. They deserved a childhood free from strife, and he was willing to go to great lengths to ensure their well-being.

As the afternoon sun began to descend, Rain spotted battalions of tired soldiers approaching from the direction of Tristan. Observing their marching speed and posture, he deduced that they had been through a grueling journey. These were not the royal guards but rather regular soldiers, indicating that the kingdom was making use of all available forces to prevent the enemy from advancing further.

Watching from a distance, Rain couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, he was relieved that the kingdom was actively resisting the enemy's advances, which might have prevented the situation from getting worse. On the other hand, he worried about his father and uncles, who might be caught in the middle of the ongoing conflict.

"It seems that you are hiding a lot of things, Grandpa," Rain thought. "I suppose you didn't want to burden me with those pieces of information since my only goal is to rescue Dad."

As the darkness of night embraced the land, Rain picked up his pace and moved swiftly toward the territory of his hometown. However, his haste was short-lived as he spotted a convoy of wagons heading in the same direction. They were loaded with supplies from the capital, a sign that the kingdom was determined not to let the enemy hold the territory easily.

Realizing that he couldn't afford to be seen by the soldiers guarding the convoy, Rain slowed down and concealed himself behind a cluster of trees. He carefully observed the situation, making sure to stay out of sight.

The convoy moved steadily, its presence a testament to the resilience and determination of the kingdom's forces. It was clear that they were not willing to give up their territory without a fight, even in the face of adversity. The soldiers guarding the wagons looked alert, their eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

"I thought since we lost a bunch of terrain in the last few years, humans were hopelessly weak, but it seems that they can make up for it in some other aspects," Rain thought.