Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"We will continue until both oceans are connected," Seadir shook his head. "We need to complete the encirclement."

"I didn't say that we would stop it for good here," Rain shrugged.

The Sea Emperor understood the weight of his responsibility. Despite his immense strength and the legions of sea monsters under his control, he was well aware that he had to act as the commander of his underlings at this moment. As the leader of the aquatic forces, he held the most potent arsenal of the ocean's might.

In this important moment, it was his role to ensure that the sea's dominance was upheld and that the forces of the deep ocean asserted their supremacy over the encroaching land. Despite the challenges ahead, the Sea Emperor stood resolute since he was the emperor, and he couldn't let his subordinates see him following all the instructions of a simple and weaker human.

"What did you talk about with the girls?" Jori asked when Rain joined the guys.

"About how incredibly reckless they can be and how much stupid you guys can be…" Rain said while massaging his temples.

"Why are you so pissed… I guess we messed up at some point without realizing it," Jori frowned since he knew that Rain wouldn't get angry for no reason.

Rain was stupefied at how dense even his father was… maybe it was his fault that everyone had become training freaks who lost all of their brain cells and could only think about training and eating.

"Big bro is showing the same expression that everyone shows when he isn't looking… like he is the densest person in the world," Dana said and then showed a tired smile. "It is kind of annoying since he is the densest person around."

"Just keep your mouth shut about matters where you aren't completely related about," Leiah said and then put her hands on the heads of her daughters. "It is getting late. Let's rest because the next few days will be pretty dense."

While everyone waited for the time to make their move, one person kept working almost nonstop during the whole trip… that person was Lotto. Upon realizing that Rain's equipment would take a while to reach the level that he wanted, he decided to work on the other items that the others would use as well.

In the past month, Lotto made bows, swords, spears, armor, and even wands for everyone… not on the level that he wanted, but they would need them, and he had enough materials to make more in the future.

Still, Lotto wanted to make Rain's items to be as good as possible since he heard about his fights, and he knew that he needed the best of the best of the gear to survive those insane battles. Thanks to that, when morning came, Lotto presented Rain with his equipment with a very tired expression.

"My masterpieces… these are…" Lotto said, and then he fell asleep while standing.

The forearm and shin guards were a striking example of the Lotto's resourcefulness and skill. They had been meticulously crafted from the formidable scales and hide of the ice dragon, showcasing a fusion of strength and elegance.

The forearm guards, with their curvaceous design, offered robust protection without hindering mobility. The glistening, silvery-blue scales formed an intricate pattern reminiscent of frost on a winter window. As they caught the light, they created an ethereal glow around the wearer.

Matching the forearm guards, the shin guards provided lower leg protection. They shared the same alluring scale pattern, and the addition of the ice qdragon's hide ensured a snug and comfortable fit. This hide had been specially treated to absorb and disperse impacts effectively.

"You can rest in peace, Lotto… knowing that you will have the honor of crafting my gear," Rain said.

"Don't talk as if he is dead…" Terra said. "Yours look better than mine, I will have a little talk with Lotto when he wakes up. By the way, why didn't you ask him to make some armor as well for you?"

"It would only slow me down," Rain explained while he lent a shoulder for Lotto to lean on. "I can move these to block the attacks on other parts of my body and that would be enough."

After Rain left Lotto in the tent that they had made for the blacksmith that he had yet to use, Rain decided to test his new equipment. Much to Rain's surprise, his water magic became a lot more efficient, around five times, but it seemed a small amount considering that his gear was made of four pieces.

Still, things improved a fair bit when Rain tried to use ice magic… he had to use a lot more mana before, and he had to focus as well, but it had been a lot easier… just like the coral spear improved his water magic, he the guards increased the cost and power of his ice magic ten times.

"Now, with this, I can freeze a small part of the ocean and ride a bike around it without sinking," Rain said while he made several ice spheres rotate around him. they were so fast that Terra couldn't even see it. "This is a good chance for you to learn some elemental magic. You will gain experience faster with the forearm and shin guards."

"I am fine using those only… to defend myself," Terra said, and then her expression turned sour for some reason.

"Sorry for interrupting, but Father told me to inform everyone that the path connecting both oceans is almost complete," Seadir said after he approached with his little sister.

"I imagine that the giant shark will turn around once we reach the ocean," Rain said while he could see the water cyclone decreasing in size in the distance. "I suppose we can try to negotiate with the king today… should we try to talk with the magic people as well?"

"You have to talk with my father about that," Seadir said.