Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

That was unexpected… Rain didn't think that his experiment would be that effective, but now that he thought about it, maybe instead of removing the limits of a single path, it made his path evolve into something.

"Your original path was the Merman's path, Right?" Rain asked. "What is it called now?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Oh, you are quick to notice that," Seadrei said and then nodded. "When I mastered all the skills of my initial path, I unlocked a new one that offered five times more benefits, but the first skill was already pretty good. I became a Triton, and the first skill of this path is Rejuvenation.

It improves all my parameters by fifty points per level, and it is a passive one, so it is getting experience automatically."

Rain wondered what was the difference between a merman and a Triton, but that was a question for another time… he began to consider how overpowered this path that Seadrei unblocked was… at level max, it would make him gain more points than all that Rain had in all of his parameters right now.

"I suspect that this surge in power is also rejuvenating my body, it would make sense given the name of the skill," Seadrei said. "I feel even more invigorated than I was when I became the sea emperor."

"That… is quite something," Rain said. "I guess I will have to train for fifteen more years instead of ten to be able to defeat you."

"You have spirit, if anything, considering what you had just learned," Seadrei said. "Still, this proves how the dragons are so strong… they did well keeping this secret. It is a double-edged sword to focus on a single path skill for so long, but it is worth the hassle. I can't wait to see the next skills of this path."

"Yeah, in any case, you owe me one, right?" Rain asked.

"Yes, but stop asking for my spear already," Seadrei said while frowning.

"It is fine, I am going to ask for something else," Rain shrugged. "I am going to check the southern region. I want to ask you to guard the human kingdom and my home while I am away."

"... Do you want to do such a thing now? When Seara is in this stage of her pregnancy?" Seadrei frowned, and then his expression changed.

"As I said, I only want to confirm that the enemies are there, I am not going to do anything else," Rain said. "I am aware that my forces aren't ready enough for a confrontation, but I need to know where they might be."

"... Considering what they did, they might be waiting for that, there is a chance that they have a trap in store for you" Seadrei said while shaking his head. "I can't approve of that."

"Well, it seems that I will have to find another way, then," Rain said. "It isn't like I want to leave, but it is more that I need to leave and you are the only strongest person that I know that can do the same job as me and well enough to put me at ease. I need to do that now before Seara reaches a critical stage where worrying about me could cause some complications."

Seadrei could empathize with Rain's line of thought. It made perfect sense to leave for the investigation sooner rather than later, especially considering the imminent arrival of Rain's next child. He knew that the impending addition to Rain's family was a significant event, one that would require his presence and support.

Leaving before the child's birth would allow Rain to focus on the investigation without the added burden of family responsibilities during a critical mission. It would also ensure that his family was safe and well taken care of during his absence.

Seadrei recognized the importance of maintaining a balance between family and duty. By addressing potential threats and challenges promptly, Rain could secure a safer future for his loved ones, even if it meant temporarily parting ways during a crucial moment in their lives.

This decision showcased Rain's commitment to protecting his family and the broader community from any potential dangers that lay ahead.

Seadrei could understand that was the best option, but his role as a father was stronger now. He couldn't see Rain's enemies as a true menace yet, even more so now when he felt that he was growing stronger with every passing moment.

"Certainly you can wait a year to investigate the enemies, they can't be that much of a problem when they never attacked you directly so far," Seadrei said.

"I cannot," Rain shook his head. "Their actions are already causing too many issues to my family. I can't solve all of them, but I can at least confirm where they are and where we should go when we have the chance to fight them."

"I will send a group from my royal guard to investigate the matter then," Seadrei said.

"That won't do it, a large group will be found easily and didn't you say that they are weaker than me?" Rain asked. "I prefer that they don't know that we might find something about them, like their location, and to increase the chances of that happening, I need to do it alone."

"That is unacceptable," Seadrei shook his head in disapproval. "I understand that you have your responsibilities toward the human kingdom, but first and foremost you are a father and the husband of my daughter. Your first and most important family is to keep your family safe, and you can't do that by risking your neck."

"Dad…" Seara said while showing a complicated expression. "Please, understand…"

"I understand the situation, but I can't see a good enough reason for him to leave you at such a time," Seadrei said while shaking his head. "If the enemies are troublesome enough for him and he is unable to protect you, I will give him a hand when the time comes."