Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The island stretched out before Rain like a tranquil winter paradise, covered in a blanket of pure, glistening snow. It was a breathtaking sight, with the entire landscape bathed in a soft, powdery white, conveying a profound sense of serenity. Rain didn't care since he was freezing.

What immediately caught Rain's eye were the imposing mountains that dominated the island's terrain. These rugged peaks, also covered with brilliant white snow, stood tall against the sky.

As he took in the scene, Rain could feel the chill in the air, a tangible reminder of the winter's grip on the island. The stillness of the moment was occasionally interrupted by the gentle rustling of the wind, carrying with it the crisp fragrance of snow. It was a place untouched and untamed, where the frozen beauty of nature invited exploration and adventure.

"Hehehehe, my balls are freezing, but I feel a warmth in my heart just by imagining how much money Joanis will lose once I destroy all his shit," Rain thought while grinning.

Rain wondered if he should attack the ship or wait for a while… in the end, he decided to wait and see. While it was still morning and he wouldn't be able to use the darkness in his favor, there were other things that he could use around…

When the ship approached the port of the island, Rain moved away a bit and confirmed that there was a small town in the place. Not many guards were there, but Rain could see them walking around and keeping an eye on the surroundings. They didn't find him because when they looked in his direction, he would sink for a bit, and he still could see them thanks to their magic eyes.

Eventually, several guys with weird auras left the ship, and alongside them, Rain could see Branden, Lorene, and Orcis blindfolded and with their hands tied up.

"Did the king already have given up on them? If that is the case, why not kill them already?" Rain rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Considering the vast distance between the island Rain found and any part of the human kingdom, it became evident that a journey back to the human lands would span a grueling two weeks at best. In light of this, Rain couldn't help but question the kind of idea that the king was orchestrating.

The King's Blade was already within the king's grasp. It seemed implausible that the king would go to such great lengths to utilize Branden, given that he already held considerable power at his disposal. The logistics of executing such a plan simply did not add up.

As Rain contemplated the situation, it became increasingly apparent that there must be other, more complex motives at play in the king's machinations. The puzzle was far from complete.

In any case, most of the guards in the small town didn't have weird auras, but some of them actually were magic people, humans, and beastmen. Rain assumed that they were pirates that decided to work for Joanis since it would be more profitable.

While those guys escorted those three, Rain slowly approached the beach and then hid behind the blanket of snow. He was quickly freezing, but his body warmed up pretty fast after he used the Limit Breaker. His blood began to pump faster, and he immediately felt better thanks to it.

Once his clothes weren't damp anymore, Rain used the coral spear to create a path under the snow without leaving any traces behind of his actions. Thanks to it, he approached the town without being noticed.

"Since there are magic people here, I shouldn't use earth magic to find all the people around, it is too risky," Rain thought. "That doesn't leave me with many options, unfortunately... another reason to wait until night to surprise everyone."

As Rain approached the small port town, he couldn't help but notice its deserted appearance. Instead of the bustling hub he had expected, it resembled a quiet harbor.

Taking a moment to assess the situation, Rain estimated that there were approximately fifty guards in the vicinity. While the number was manageable, he remained vigilant, wary of any potential threat posed by Joanis' children, who might be among the guards. His previous encounters with the magic-wielding individuals had made him adept at recognizing their distinctive auras.

Rain paused to consider the unfortunate fate of Joanis' offspring. They had been born and raised solely to serve their father, addressing him as "Lord Joanis." Their lives had been meticulously shaped and controlled, leaving them with no sense of individuality or free will. It was a tragic existence marked by unwavering loyalty to their father.

Despite his brief reflection on their plight, Rain knew he couldn't dwell on it. Recovering them from their deeply ingrained loyalty to their father was likely an insurmountable challenge. They would perceive any interference as a threat, given their unwavering commitment.

In a pragmatic assessment, Rain recognized that a swift and merciful death might be the kindest option. It would spare them from further suffering and the torment of servitude. The contrast in the reality of their lives weighed a bit on Rain. Still, he understood that his immediate mission was to rescue Branden, Lorene, and Orcis.

Under the snow, Rain checked the area for the whole day. While he was hungry as heck, he decided to endure all that until night. It will be a lot easier to move at night instead of making a scene during the day. He still didn't know how, but he knew that those guys could communicate with others fast, and Rain had to dispose of them before that could happen.

After waiting patiently for so long, Rain could barely contain himself when night came… When things got quiet in the town, and he saw some of the guards moving to the warehouses, probably to have their dinner, Rain approached the ones still in the port and then fired earth Bullets at the back of their heads.