Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain went to talk with Seadrei alongside Seadir and Seara. The sea emperor was talking with his generals, so he waited for a bit. He had around fifteen of them, and Rain was truly surprised by his popularity since all of them clearly hated him and they didn't try to hide it.

The generals of the Sea Emperor were quite the group, a formidable assembly of rugged mermen and mermaids who bore the unmistakable marks of battle-hardened leaders. Their physiques spoke of strength, their expressions held unwavering determination, and their eyes sparkled with annoyance at Rain. Each of them was clad in resplendent armor, their regal appearance befitting their rank.

What particularly caught Rain's attention was the weapon they all carried – the famed coral spears. These weapons had become synonymous with the sea-folk's martial prowess, and Rain couldn't help but imagine their combat techniques and spearmanship that must have developed over generations.

He wondered if he would get a chance to witness their combat skills and the unique techniques that had been cultivated beneath the waves. The prospect of observing their spearmanship in action left him intrigued and eager to learn more about them…

"What is it?" Seadrei asked.

"I have come to talk with you about how we will proceed from here on out," Rain said. "Should we talk with the magic people first or not and then tell them what we want?"

"What do you think that we should do?" Seadrei asked after he crossed his arms.

"You basically annexed ten percent of their territory to the human size, so they won't be that pleased, but if they still have some brain cells, they will know that antagonizing us will be a waste of time," Rain explained. "We might have to change our strategy a bit, but maybe we won't have if we defeat the human army as fast as possible.

The trip to the capital to their base will last around five days, perhaps four or three if they don't stop to rest."

"Will they still come if we drown the entire area?" Seadrei asked.

"Some will come, and they eventually will find a way," Rain replied.

Rain explained that the golem masters could turn their golems into vehicles as well, and each one of them could at least control three. Aside from that, the martial artists could run over water, and the mercury warriors probably could float as well using their materials… the magic people were a resourceful bunch. Even if they had to sacrifice a lot of their own, they would join the fight.

"Shall I come with you?" Seadrei asked.

"No… it probably won't be the best idea," Rain rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Still, I suppose it would be best if Seadir were to come with me. Your presence would make me look like I am forcing them to cooperate, and Seadir will confirm that I won't do or say anything that will put you all in a bad spot."

Seadrei nodded… that was for the best, but he still was surprised that Rain still could think that far ahead. He was only trying to avoid future problems, but his ability to have those insights and think of ways to avoid most issues was simply surprising.

In the end, Seadrei called Seadir, and Rain went to explain to his friends what he was going to do. They also understood that it would be better if they were to go on a smaller group to avoid making the magic people feel that they didn't have a chance in a fight.

"Just be careful and avoid any unnecessary confrontation since we are writing with others," Roan said.

"Roger that," Rain said.

Rain said to his friends and family and then created an ice platform… Thanks to the relics that he had, using magic now was much more efficient. At the same time, when it began to move, the speed was off the charts…

"We are going to fly high, so it will get hard to breathe," Rain said. "We can't let the human army find us… I can't see them with scouts in this area, but we need to be careful."

"Why will it get hard to brew?" Seadir asked.

Rain wondered if it would take long to explain that oxygen was thin in high altitudes… but it was better for him to say just the basics and make Seadir experience the rest himself.

He soon realized that, but soon they passed above the camp of the humans in the golem master city and confirmed that there were no suspicious movements coming from them… so Rain dropped the altitude.

"It has been a month since that battle, and they didn't do anything until now?" Rain furrowed his eyebrows.

While they lost one-fifth of their forces, by now, they should know that Rain was no longer around, and it was high time for them to make their move. In any case, Rain reached the capital of the magic people, and soon he found that they were still camping around the area.

Some of them were training and sharpening their skills, and they looked quite stressed… Rain realized that when he saw some martial artists punching each other on the ground… They wanted to kill more humans and repel the invaders as soon as possible.

As usual, the council hall was completely guarded by dozens of guards who readily pointed their hands and prepared to use their magic until they found Rain… they recognized him and relaxed a little until they saw Seadir, and then all their tension returned to full power.

"It seems that Geio isn't around this time… can any of you please call your leaders? We have some serious business to talk about," Rain said.

Rain thought that it would take a while for that to happen, but it seemed that the guards had been informed to inform their leaders about any changes in the area… soon enough, Rain and Seadir were called to the interior of the council hall.