Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"... You are one very weird human," the sea emperor said. "My name is Seadrei, and I will grant you the right to refer to me as such. Seadir told me about your plans and what you think regarding these anti-magic tools that you spoke of.

An offspring between one of us and a human wasn't born in the last five hundred years, but I have heard from my father that there was a legend about such a thing happening. The demi-humans would have special traits, but they were always random."

"I see… then the key isn't the mix between the human blood and the sea folk blood. What truly determines are the ones involved," Rain said while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Most likely, if a human had a kid with several mermaids, the offspring would have the same traits… the human blood affects it more because we don't have abilities like yours… that being said, that was supposed to be the inverse."

Seadrei nodded several times while looking at Rain and listening to him. He imagined that Rain would be a typically brain-dead warrior whose only strength is his ability to attack, and since he was labeled a young hero despite his young age, his ego should be stupidly high. Still, Seadrei could only see a young man who could use his head quite a lot, and his ideas made a lot of sense.

"Since the demi-humans still have half of the traits of their non-human parent, it seems to me that human blood only adds an unknown factor to the offspring," Seadrei said.

"That seems to be the case… we tend to develop our skills in different ways, and it is unlikely that our kids will have the same traits and abilities," Rain said while nodding several times.

"Regardless… this solves the mystery to some extent, or at least it makes it less confusing; it doesn't change a single thing in the grand picture," Seadrei declared. "Seadir told me what happened to your friends and family and what you are planning to do. We got what we wanted, but we can't forgive the humans for using our brethren like that.

I don't need the help of humans, but Seadir says that someone as resourceful and knowledgeable as you would be a good ally. As long as you make yourself useful, you are free to join our side. We will protect you and your allies."

"I am not interested," Rain replied. "It would cause more problems to us than actually help."

A heavy silence descended upon the gathering, casting a shadow of astonishment and apprehension over the scene. Rain's unwavering rejection of the sea folk's offer hung in the air like an unexpected storm, catching even the sea emperor off guard. His typically composed demeanor betrayed a flicker of surprise.

The sea folk surrounding their emperor exchanged perplexed glances, fully grasping the gravity of Rain's decision. To decline an alliance with a race as powerful as the sea folk defied convention and challenged the established norms of their world.

"The risks are too big for me. If we join our side, we will be labeled as traitors, even though we only tried to defend ourselves until now," Rain explained. "Truth be told, I want to sink the castle down with the king and his dipshit advisors, but I can't do that when my actions will affect those around me.

For now, I will just act to defend myself and crush anyone who approaches us again with evil intentions. With that in mind, the best I can offer to you is a nonaggression pact. We can also trade information and resources for as long as both sides deem necessary, or at least until all of the prisoners return to you."

"Your argument makes sense…" Seadrei said and then began to rub his chin thoughtfully. "For now, we can't destroy the human kingdom… we need some preparations to do that as well… and I suppose we can't drown the whole place since it would affect your lands as well."

"The more time you waste, the more they will have to prepare. My magic didn't work around the castle and under it to some extent," Rain said. "That story about you guys sinking the dragon lands is pretty famous, so they will probably work to stop that. That is if they didn't do that already."

"The substance shouldn't work forever. Do you have any idea how long that can last?" Seadrei asked.

"None," Rain replied.

Many uncertainties loomed, particularly concerning the anti-magic substance's full capabilities, which remained covered in mystery. This enigmatic tool had the potential to disrupt the power balance in unforeseen ways, leaving the group grappling with a profound sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead.

The situation grew even more complex due to Joanis' cunning and the extensive resources at the king's disposal, making them a formidable and dangerous pair. This alliance posed a substantial challenge and raised numerous questions about the future.

Given these intricate circumstances, the group realized the importance of not rushing into impulsive decisions. Instead, they understood the necessity of patient observation and careful planning to outmaneuver Joanis, who had a significant head start in his preparations.

"Very well, for now, I will call my generals and prepare for the upcoming battle," Seadrei declared. "When you have the chance to bring my brethren back, I will be waiting for it with more information. Seadir…"

Seadir nodded and passed his coral spear to Rain. Immediately, Rain felt quite powerful and connected to the ocean. One didn't have to be a genius to tell what he could do now.

"That is a replica of the emperor's spear. With that, you can almost control the ocean freely; your magic power and cost when using water magic will decrease exponentially," Seadrei declared. "That should make you feel eager to bring back my people as soon as possible. Regardless, you mentioned something about your land, but what part of the human kingdom do you possess?"

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