Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

However, an enigmatic aura lingered in the air, giving the surroundings an aura of secrecy. It felt as though the very trees concealed hidden truths, while unseen eyes observed their every move.

The presence of the beasts, though unseen, was unmistakable. Rain could feel their watchful gaze upon them, an ever-present curiosity about the intruders in their domain. Despite this keen awareness of their presence, the creatures themselves remained elusive, leaving behind only the subtle sense of scrutiny to confirm their existence.

"It seems that we got their attention," Reca said. "Still, will they follow us?"

"Unless they have some sort of communication over long distances, they will," Rain said.

After crossing that mountain, the group saw a few more in the distance, but they were smaller. The terrain wasn't that good for an ordinary army to cross it, but Rain had heard that the beasts fight as single soldiers. Their teamwork relies on the power to rally each other in the middle of a fight by showing their martial might.

Once those mountains had been crossed, the group soon found a village in the distance. It was pretty close to the mountains and in the open as well, which puzzled the group. Call him biased, but Rain assumed that the beast people would live in tree houses or something.

The village was situated in a serene countryside setting, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Its inhabitants shared their lives while looking like they had some serious dog-like creatures.

As one strolled through the village, it was impossible not to notice the diverse appearances of these dog-like beast people. Some closely resembled ordinary dogs, boasting robust bodies and thick fur. Their strength was evident as they actively engaged in play and assisted villagers with various tasks.

However, not all of these beast people exhibited purely dog-like traits. Some sported distinctive tails that wagged around while their perky ears perked up at even the faintest sound. Most notably, their noses were always at work, sniffing the air.

These unique characteristics added depth and charm to the villagers' lives. Whether frolicking in open fields, aiding in agricultural duties, or simply relaxing in the shade. They brought both strength and a whimsical touch to the daily routines in the village.

"They look more like demi-humans than Alion," Jori said while frowning. "I guess they are still pure-breed beast people, but they can tell the difference thanks to the smell of the blood or something."

"They can see us," Reca said. "And they look shocked."

"That is the point of this whole trip," Rain said.

As the group glided above the landscape, they encountered several villages, each with its own distinct character. These settlements were notable for their relatively large populations, as communal living was a fundamental aspect of their society. What set these villages apart was their commitment to coexisting harmoniously with nature.

Nestled in a serene valley, one could see a village in it. Its robust stone houses seamlessly blended with the rocky terrain. The village was adorned with vibrant gardens and terraced farms, a sign of the villagers' dedication to sustainable living.

Spread across a gentle slope, another village looked like an warm and earthy haven. Most of its homes were crafted from locally sourced clay, lending the village a cozy and organic appearance. Terracotta-tiled roofs provided shelter from the elements.

Situated at the juncture of two crystal-clear, winding rivers, another village was a bustling hub for trade and fishing. The village's homes were primarily constructed from sustainably sourced wood harvested from nearby forests. Elevated wooden walkways connected the houses, affording residents breathtaking views of the surrounding waterways.

It didn't take long for the group to finally see some beast people coming from the mountains in the south that could fly. It seemed that they had their own method of communication, or they just saw the group from a distance.

"They are coming," Reca said, and then she grabbed her spear.

"It will be better if you leave that behind and your sword too," Rain said, and then he made two earth staves for his friends. "You can use these instead; try not to hit their heads, break a few bones of them, and that will be enough. Birds don't have strong bones in the first place."

"I think you forgot, but we don't know how to Fly," Jori said.

"We don't have time, so we will keep moving while we fight," Rain said and then made some of the earth platforms become boots for Jori and Reca. "I will make you fly, so focus on attacking them and protect yourselves."

With Rain's newfound control over the earth boots that Jori and Reca were wearing, he effortlessly manipulated them to lift them off the platform. At first, the sensation was undoubtedly strange for the two. They were accustomed to moving under their own power, and being propelled through the air without any control over their destination felt disorienting.

As they soared above the landscape, their initial unease gave way to a growing sense of trust in Rain's abilities. They realized that he had their best interests at heart and that this unconventional mode of movement was necessary for the task. The wind whistled past them. They couldn't deny the exhilaration of this newfound freedom.

In time, Jori and Reca grew accustomed to the sensation of flying with the earth boots. They relaxed into the experience, and with each passing moment, their trust in him deepened, and the journey ahead seemed just a little less daunting.

Jori and Reca flew toward the beast people that could fly with the earth staves in their hands. Rain told them to go easy on those guys, but they could tell that the staves were pretty hard… Rain didn't take any chances since he didn't want to risk the lives of his friends.

These individuals showed wings reminiscent of eagles. Their wings featured a robust bone structure covered in thick, feathery plumage. These wings were typically broad, enabling powerful and agile flight.

Feather colors varied, spanning deep browns, grays, striking whites, and bold blacks, with distinct patterns and unique variations among individuals… that confirmed what Rain thought: the more beast-like they looked, the stronger they were.

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