Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"That is right, they want to marry you to the last general… the one who brainwashed your father," Branden said. "Sorry for bringing this up, but I thought that I should be the one to say this to you."

"What a married life, huh?" Rain asked. "We will see every day who is going to succeed in stabbing each other in the back first. I never knew marriage was so thrilling."

The audacious proposal from the magic people left Rain in disbelief. They suggested that Rain should marry none other than the infamous "Bitch of the Night," the woman who had once brainwashed his father. This suggestion defied all logic, considering Rain's pivotal role in defeating her and rescuing his father several years ago.

Faced with such a proposition, Rain found himself pondering the state of affairs. Despite its inevitable bloodshed and turmoil, the idea of reigniting the war didn't seem as unattractive as it once had. The magic people had displayed cunning and treacherous tactics, making them formidable adversaries. Rain couldn't help but consider the prospect of putting an end to their relentless scheming.

"Naturally, His Majesty is aware of her powers and the possibility that they want to brainwash you," Branden said. "We can't risk letting someone like you join their side. So, our only option is the number two."

Rain empathized with Branden's frustration. The mere possibility that their enemies might target his fiancee was enraging. The thought of any harm coming to her was enough to stoke the flames of anger within him.

It was a challenging predicament to gauge whether their enemies would take any hostile action when they reached their destination. Even with their newfound strength, reigniting a war with the humans was a risky endeavor, as it could potentially draw the dragons into the conflict, adding another layer of danger to an already complex situation.

After pondering the situation for a while, Rain considered that escaping any perilous situation would likely be manageable for him alone. However, the challenge lay in safeguarding two others: Branden, while skilled in magic, required time to execute his most powerful spells. Relying solely on Branden might prove to be a daunting task.

Failure to protect them could potentially place not only him but also his family in an exceedingly precarious position.

"How much time do we have?" Rain asked.

"One month… the trip to their capital will take three weeks, so one week left to the decide," Branden replied.

"With my magic, we can reach the border on a single day, but we won't be able to move freely once we cross it," Rain said. "It would be suspicious if we suddenly landed on their capital on a random day."

"So… two weeks," Branden said while looking at the ceiling. "His Majesty isn't sure yet, though. "If we sign the truce, that could improve our image to the common people since they have to pay more taxes in times of war, but some of the nobles won't like it."

"I will help you if you decide on going, but I need to prepare a few things as well," Rain said. "You need to give the answer at least one week before the departure."

"I will do that," Branden said.

Rain went to his home while considering what he should do. In the end, he started by making up his mind to train harder. He had been slacking a bit since the war started.

In the depths of the tunnel beneath their house, Rain was wholly engrossed in the monumental task at hand. His hands, ready and determined, commenced the manual excavation, employing a technique that accelerated his stamina consumption. Also, with each burst of magical energy, the earth transformed into the rail system that would one day facilitate their underground transit.

Rain's burgeoning strength shielded him from immediate discomfort, allowing him to push forward without succumbing to physical strain. Yet, as his stamina gradually dwindled, the dull ache began to creep into his fingers. The thought did cross his mind that he could employ his potent punches to carve through the tunnel walls more efficiently.

However, he hesitated, mindful of the potential repercussions like unintended seismic disturbances.

Dana, Kei, and Gila observed their elder brother's unwavering determination and his unorthodox excavation method with a mix of admiration and incredulity. It appeared as though Rain had embarked on a seemingly crazy venture, albeit one that was undeniably productive. To prevent his younger siblings from attempting to replicate his unique approach, Rain promptly discouraged them from doing so.

"Did something happen?" Dana asked.

"... I am going on a long mission soon, so I figured out that I should work on the tunnel as much as I can," Rain replied. "Don't worry, I will do something for you three not to stay here alone."

Balancing his commitment to duty with his sisters' longing for their absent parents weighed heavily on Rain. Dana, Kei, and Gila, his younger siblings, would often request his comforting presence until they went to sleep at night. The idea of embarking on a month-long mission while they yearned for their parents tugged at his heart.

However, the weight of responsibility meant he couldn't simply decline the assignment.

The girls, initially baffled by their older brother's impending absence, soon grappled with the harsh reality of his leaving. They missing from their parents became increasingly evident. About a week later, Leiah, their mother, appeared back home in a manner that left the girls astonished and bewildered.

The incomplete state of the tunnel, at just thirty percent, meant they hadn't anticipated her return.

Upon receiving the news of the mission, Rain sprang into action. Despite the tunnel's unfinished status, he knew it was essential to ensure his mother's safe passage. With nimbleness born of necessity, he created an opening in the middle of the path leading to their grandparents' home. This solution not only facilitated Leiah's return but also provided solace to his longing sisters.

"Mama!" Dana, Kei, and Gila said at the same time and hugged Leiah.

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