Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Within the diversity as a clear sign of the beast society, individuals such as Anna and Alion embodied a distinctive category, bearing traces of formidable and often unique beastly traits. Some members of their society shared remarkable similarities with powerful hairy beasts, boasting wild manes or fur-covered physiques reminiscent of their mighty ancestors.

Meanwhile, others exhibited feline characteristics, showcasing the grace and agility akin to these creatures. There were many others, though.

Despite this vibrant diversity, unity remained the cornerstone. All the tribes in the beast society formed strong alliances. They shared common goals, recognizing the importance of cooperation in a world where the divide between humans, magic people, and others posed a significant threat.

To maintain harmony and leadership within this complex web of relationships, the beasts organized a significant event every decade—a highly anticipated tournament. Each tribe selected its most skilled warriors to compete in this fierce and spirited contest. Representatives from various backgrounds and with diverse attributes engaged in intense combat.

Ultimately, the victor of this tournament ascended to the revered position of "king of the beasts," responsible for guiding and leading their society for the next decade.

"Ten years for a leader to rule seems like a long enough time for their society to stay stable, but I wonder if just being strong makes someone a good leader," Terra said.

"It has worked until now, so it isn't our place to judge them," Rain said and then looked around. "I guess it will be better if we go in a small number in order to avoid problems and taunt them."

"What are you planning to do?" Roan asked.

"I just want to tell them to stop being a pain in the ass," Rain said. "We don't have time to waste with them… even if they want to have their revenge against humans, we can't let them cross our territory that easily. It will only make things more chaotic, so we will make a point that they will only lose more by trying to fight us to reach the others.

Some aerial attacks probably will be a good starting point."

"They also have people that can fly among their ranks, you know," Branden said.

"We will have to fly faster," Rain shrugged. "Either way, we will make the point that if they can't accept those who had their blood or half of it, they don't have any right to fight for them. Besides, it isn't like they tried to find them until now, they are only aware of them because of us. So, we will tell them to fuck off and that will be it."

"You seem stressed, don't let the situations cloud your judgment," Leiah said, showing a worried expression.

"I know. I said that we would attack if we have to in order to make a point, but we don't have to kill anyone," Rain explained. "We don't have many people going with us, and we can't weaken the defenses on our side either. Esmeralda still needs to be treated, so Terra, Dana, Kei, and Gila will stay behind.

We also need some melee fighters to cover for them just in case, even though I am planning to invade the beast people's lands and make them follow us."

The group didn't have many Melee fighters, so splitting them was really a problem, even more so when the sea folk could only guard the waterway while inside the water.

"Dad has more experience, and most people here know you, so you should stay behind and let people feel at ease," Rain said. "Jori and Reca will come with me."

Branden wanted to help, too, but he also wanted to be there when Esmeralda woke up, so there was that. Although the demi-humans and the beast people had some fighting skills, it was better not to count on their strength since that would only make things more chaotic.

"Please, make sure that he won't do anything hasty," Leiah said while looking at Jori and Reca. "I don't think that he will put you all in danger, but..."

"Of course, ma'am," Jori said. "You can leave that to us."

"And I thought I was becoming more reliable, it seems that few people trust me," Rain shrugged.

"We don't know much about the geography of the beast kingdom in the last one hundred years, but to rule all the tribes efficiently, they still should be in the central area, the current king and their tribe," Branden said. "It might be difficult to talk with them without proving your strength first, but you should be able to do that.

The trick will be doing that without killing them when they come for your heads."

"I'm guessing their king wouldn't be able to rule in peace if, during the selection, they were to kill everyone," Rain said. "Anyways, it is time to go."

The group wanted to ask Rain to rest for a bit, but it didn't look like he wanted to do that at all. He was the type who could only truly rest when he knew that most of the problems had been solved.

In any case, he created an earth platform, and then Jori and Reca jumped on it. When they began to move, Rain eventually realized that he actually could fly with them just like that while also not spending more energy than he was actually using.

If he focused his mind, he actually could recover more mana than he was spending, so he could practice some other skills or even make some spiritual potions just in case.

The group approached the mountain while flying low in order to check the beast people there. The group glided gracefully above the mountain landscape, maintaining a close proximity to the thick forest below. From their aerial vantage point, they had a view of the towering trees that covered the terrain.

Rain, utilizing his keen senses, meticulously surveyed the area. The good news was that they didn't encounter any monsters, offering them a sense of relief.