Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Branden couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt deep within as he recognized that he couldn't provide the support Esmeralda the way that he yearned for despite his best intentions. The weight of the circumstances bore down on them all, reminding him that there were limitations to what they could do. The desire to change the situation clashed with the harsh reality of the issues they were facing.

While he wished he could do more for Esmeralda, he knew that, for the moment, their options were constrained by circumstances beyond their control.

"I am heading to the border to say hi to the friends that fought with us three years ago to protect their lands, but it seems that they don't believe anymore that we can be good neighbors," Rain said. "Any messages that you want to pass to them or anything that I should be mind off?"

Branden realized that Rain was getting tired of that situation… he was strong, and wars could make him even stronger, but that wasn't his priority in his life. There are many things never worth risking, no matter the potential gain. Reputation is invaluable. Freedom and independence are invaluable. Family and friends are invaluable. Being loved by those whom you want to love is invaluable.

Happiness is invaluable… Rain knew all that, and that was why he was sick of people trying to take things from him. It didn't matter the reason.

"If possible, don't massacre them… it will only leave a deep mark in the history of our countries," Branden replied. "Perhaps we can buy some time for Josar to change their minds.

"I will see what I can do… by the way, aren't they being bothered by dragons anymore?" Rain asked.

"As far as I had heard, it seems that the dragons stopped attacking them during the war three years ago," Branden explained.

That was odd… Rain killed an ice dragon during that time, and the creature was probably a somewhat adult dragon… but it shouldn't be the strongest or in the upper echelon of the dragon's hierarchy. Rain wondered if their invasion again was something that only the younger dragons had tried again… they never learned.

In any case, Rain began to move to the border while thinking about what he should do to achieve what he wanted. He had some options, but all of them had some drawbacks. He could get rid of the tribe leaders to spread chaos among their ranks, but that would only make the magic people more enraged… they wouldn't follow each other's commands, and that could make the war even longer. Experience more tales on empire

Rain could try to use the same tactics as he did with the beast people, but he also knew that he could be counter-attacked with more ease since they knew how to operate now…

"I guess I should do the same as them and invade their lands and destroy their towns and villages and see if they want to compete with me and see who destroys more and faster," Rain thought.

When Rain arrived in Teria, the sun was rising and he also could see the magic people's army already approaching… some of the city's inhabitants were already leaving the city while some had shields and weapons in the walls and preparing themselves for battle… some of them should be the remains of the king's blade… Cor was among them, and that made Rain wonder why didn't they disappear like the ordinary soldiers?

"It has been a while," Rain said when he suddenly landed on the wall. "How many people are able to fight here?"

"... Around one hundred, all of the members of the king's blade," Cor said while quickly receiving from the surprise.

"Former king's blade," Rain said. "I guess you guys would be able to find escort work here after the war."

The heavy atmosphere that enveloped Cor and the soldiers was as dense as the burdens they had been carrying for years. They couldn't escape the memories of the previous conflict, with each action and decision from that time weighing heavily on their conscience. It was a silent acknowledgment of their past mistakes and a shared determination to make amends in some way or another.

The emotions that coursed through them included guilt for having followed the king's orders without questioning their logic, even when it seemed beyond stupid. It was as if they had willingly shut their eyes to the absurdity of it all for the sake of loyalty and duty. Now, in the face of a renewed threat, the idea of a hasty retreat wasn't a real option.

They couldn't imagine abandoning the town until every last civilian had been safely evacuated. This was no longer about duty but about honor and redemption, and they were determined to see it through, no matter the cost. They couldn't die after disgracing their names further.

"What are your plans?" Cor asked. "Are you going to try to negotiate with them, or are you going to take over leadership here?"

"I guess I will decide based on their actions," Rain said and then used Impulse toward the magic people.

After a few steps, Rain quickly stopped ten kilometers away from the city and five hundred meters away from the army. It didn't take long for them to notice him and stop marching… Rain could see some of the tribe leaders leading them, but he couldn't see Josar among them… he could feel the aura of some members of the Gemini tribe.

After a couple of minutes of total silence, the tribe leaders stepped forward to talk with Rain… or maybe attack him. It was hard to say what they were going to do since they were too tense. It almost looked like they didn't know what to do either.

"Step aside or face us, human. You alone can't stop this war."

"Huh, what is your name again?" Rain scratched his cheek. "Did we talk before? Is there anyone there who has talked with me before? Where is Josar?"