Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The group recognized the erman's possible intention to retreat and regroup with other sea folk to discuss how to deal with Rain and the situation. Though it carried the risk of a stronger sea folk force returning, they had few alternatives. They had to accept this risk for the sake of seeking a peaceful solution.

Rain acted decisively, freeing the captured merman, who wasted no time returning to the ocean. This unexpected turn left the colossal sea monsters and other sea folk shocked. They had expected a continued fight but were now uncertain about what had just happened.

"I guess we just have to wait now," Lorene said while watching the sea folk retreating alongside the monsters. "I don't know if we're lucky or unlucky by capturing someone who apparently is important to them."

"My healing magic isn't that good, but we should go and tend the wounded," Branden said. "You two should move away and then prepare for both outcomes."

Rain followed Branden and then began to tend the wounded. Once again, no one died in that attack, even though the giant monsters thrashed around for real this time. Still, a lot of people escaped but saw death at close range… their limbs were completely smashed, so they had given up on them entirely. Fortunately, Rain's group had a lot of people that had decent healing skills.

Terra was able to restore most of the limbs. As long as they weren't burned or eaten, she could do that much. In any case, Rain only now recalled that his sisters would have had a much easier life ahead of them if he had made them train their healing magic only… there was still time, but Rain knew for a fact that they wouldn't do that.

"Big bro was amazing!" Dana said when Rain approached. "I thought that you would become like a pancake after that attack that you punched."

Rain wondered who invented the pancakes in that world… but then he recalled that he did that… still, that was quite the weird thing to say. He wondered if his little sisters would grow up to have dark humor like him. That was worrisome.

Kei and Gila were also looking at Rain like they respected him a lot more now… he wished that he could be respected without showing his martial powers. That would have been a lot better. In any case, the whole group kept working throughout the night to help the injured. Rain thought of using his potions, but then Orcis gave him some.

"It is the least I can do since you are healing my men," Orcis declared.

Rain nodded silently. It seemed that he was going to level up the Healer's path a few times that night since hundreds of soldiers were hurt… it was really something considering that they faced such large and powerful creatures that no one died.

Throughout the night, the group tirelessly tended to the wounded, providing healing and relief. Although they could have finished sooner, Rain decided to send his sisters to rest at midnight since most of the critical work was done.

As the morning light began to pierce the darkness, some alert soldiers stationed near the shore spotted the colossal sea monsters approaching once more. However, this time, the monsters moved at a slower pace. To their surprise, they witnessed several sea folks emerging from the ocean and stepping onto the land.

Among these sea folk was the very individual Rain had captured earlier. His presence among the sea folk group added complexity to their efforts to communicate and potentially resolve the ongoing conflict with the sea folk. He was also equipped with a weapon that seemed quite powerful… Rain imagined that it would be a trident, but it was actually just a simple and pointy spear made out of corals.

"The three of us are going to investigate the incident with you," The merman said. "If something were to happen to us and we don't return in one week, our ruler will make your entire country drown deep in the ocean."

Those were some serious threats… it seemed that the sea folk had a king, and the guy was quite strong if he could do that. Rain wondered if he had a weapon more powerful than the coral spear. Maybe it was a trident this time.

Stepping forward with unwavering determination, the captured merman and two of his companions joined the mission. They were all donned in lightweight blue armor, which covered their bodies, except for their faces. This unique armor seemed to be crafted from the scales of sea serpents, adorned with intricate coral patterns.

One of the merman's companions stood out due to his tall and muscular physique, exuding an aura of immense strength. His serious expression made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with, and Rain could sense his formidable power.

The other companion, a woman of similar stature to the first merman, emanated a different kind of presence. While she didn't possess the same physical strength, there was a palpable and potent aura surrounding her. This aura surpassed even the power of the water dragon Rain had encountered previously, hinting at an extraordinary magic capability.

"It will be good to work with you all," Branden said. "My name is Branden Corsalis. How should we call you?"

"Our names don't matter. We are only here to confirm if you are our enemies or not," The merman said.

Experience the best on _emp _yr.

"All right, Merman A, Merman B, and Mermaid A," Rain said. "That will be easy to remember."

Branden and the others behind him felt a chill running down their spines as Rain's words hung heavily in the air. The discomfort was palpable, and cold sweat formed on their brows. The situation had become increasingly tense as the sea folk, reluctant to reveal their names, were simply referred to as Merman A, Merman B, and Mermaid A by Rain.

While the decision to withhold their names was understandable, given the circumstances, it had created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Still, after clicking his tongue, Merman A decided to reveal their names.

"It is Seadir, Sirenus, and Coraline," Merman A said.