Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

When Rain returned home, he was feeling exhausted, but at least he finally achieved one of his main goals.

(You reached the necessary requirements to unlock a new path.)

Earth Mage's Path: This path of mastery harnesses the elemental power of the earth. You will become a Geomancer, an expert in controlling and wielding the forces of the earth. They are capable of manipulating solid ground, summoning powerful earthquakes, and imbuing their spells with the unyielding strength of the earth. (Intelligence, Wisdom, and control + 05 per level.)

Level 1: Grounded: Initiate Begin your journey as a novice Terramancer. Gain a 5% bonus in damage and control to earth-based abilities.

Level 5: Stone Shaper: Master the manipulation of solid ground, allowing you to shape it to your advantage.

Level 10: Geokinetic Surge: Harness the raw power of the earth to amplify your spells, increasing their effectiveness by ten percent per level

…

Level 40: Seismic Infusion: Infuse your earth spells with seismic energy, creating tremors and disorienting foes. Damage increased by five percent per level.

The path came at level forty since Stone Shaper was already at level max. Rain smiled since he used his earth magic all that time and that was the result… Still, it should have been at a higher level, if he only had trained other things aside from his fine control.

"I guess it can't be helped…" Rain thought. "Fortunately, the passive skills will help me level up the path much faster."

When Rain landed in front of his grandparents' house, he frowned since the place was completely quiet. He immediately checked the interior using his magic and confirmed that it was empty as well. In a hurry, Rain entered and found a note on the table.

'The beast people are on the move and we decided to keep an eye on the other side and keep Seadir and the others watching the water way.'

"Shit… I knew that they would come fast," Rain thought while biting his nails.

The house appeared well-kept, indicating that everyone had departed the day before. Rain couldn't find the orphans either, which suggested they will be sent back to the village to serve as messengers in case of an emergency. This division of responsibilities posed a challenge since direct contact with Seadir would be delayed.

Rain understood that his first task was to locate the rest of the group. After that, he could focus on expanding the tunnel to establish a more reliable means of communication.

Rain immediately left the house and then dashed toward the mountains. It didn't take long for him to see a camp that his family and friends made at the base of it… it seemed that they were testing the beast people and it was too exposed, but they probably had some ideas. When Rain stopped in the area, everyone sighed in relief since his trip lasted longer than usual.

"What did I miss?" Rain asked.

"You look exhausted, nothing dangerous happened yet, we are here just to be sure to keep a close eye on them," Roan explained.

Despite the situation, Rain couldn't locate his sisters. Fortunately, Roan guided him to a large tent, where he discovered a tunnel leading to their house. Rain was taken aback by the tunnel's impressive length, spanning a substantial thirty kilometers already. There was also the sea water there as well, so Seadir and the others could reach them at any moment.

"They worked hard during the night, so they are resting now," Roan said. "Still, why does our family have such a fixation with tunnels?"

"We can talk about that later…" Rain said and then sat on the ground. "I guess I need to give the report on my end as well."

The group listened with attention about what had happened… They were surprised to hear that the human army had already reached the first big town of the magic people's territory. It was also a pity, but it seemed that they wouldn't be able to contact the king's blade.

For the good or for the worst, Branden built them to be a dependable fighting force, so the king would keep them close. At the same time, now that they are strengthening their first stronghold in the territory, they will probably install crystals everywhere to grant the chance that the enemies won't be able to use magic.

"Thanks to you, the magic people should gain some time for us as well… we can focus on the beast people for a while," Branden said. "Before you forget to ask, Esmeralda looks better, Terra and the others managed to make her expel most of the poison within her body, but the rest will take some time even with their focus."

There were a bunch of tents around, but it seemed that they didn't have any other option aside from bringing Esmeralda to such a place. In any case, Rain frowned when he heard the poison was expelled… It made sense now why Terra didn't want guys seeing the treatment taking place.

"Well… what is next?" Jori asked. "We can focus on the beast people, and some of the former prisoners want to help us. Are we going to fight for real?"

"Seadir said the same that Anna said, the beast people are prideful and stubborn bunch, they only care about their interests and protect their peace," Reca added. "Their society is more than good enough for all of them, but history says that when they let their wild instincts out, things tend to get messy."

Rain recalled one of the history books that he had read and mentioned something similar. The Beast Uprising… Long oppressed by the dragons and treated as lesser beings, the beasts rise up against their oppressors, demanding equal rights and recognition. The fight for beast rights becomes an important movement, sparking fierce debates and clashes that challenge the existing social order.

Once they got what they wanted, they did everything they could not to lose in the future… and that is why they are stubborn.

"I guess we can try to talk with their leaders before thrashing their armies," Rain replied.