Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The recognition he gained from his actions during the war had made him a prominent figure, and he knew that it could lead to connections, favors, and perhaps even a better quality of life. As he thought about it, he realized that if being in the public eye could improve his circumstances, he was willing to tolerate it, even if it wasn't his preferred way of living.

"By the way, did you do something about your equipment already?" Branden asked. "I think that I can find something good for you in the royal family vault. They have all kinds of relics there."

"I will do something about that myself; I am planning to change things a bit regarding my fighting style, after all," Rain replied.

Rain held a firm stance on his perspective regarding the royal family. While the house granted to him as a reward for his contributions was appreciated, he had no intention of seeking additional favors or privileges from them. To him, the house was a sufficient acknowledgment of his efforts in the war, and he didn't wish to overstep that boundary.

In fact, Rain had a cautious mindset when it came to accepting any further assistance or benefits from powerful entities. He was acutely aware that accepting too much from influential figures could potentially lead to strings attached, and he was determined to avoid any situations where he might find himself entangled in obligations or indebtedness.

Rain's experiences had taught him the value of independence and self-reliance. He didn't want to owe anyone anything beyond what was already given to him for his services. He knew that navigating the complex world of politics and power could be treacherous, and he preferred to keep his distance from such entanglements.

The next day, Rain went to talk with Lotto, and he confirmed that he had sent the news about the war to his grandfather. He also told him how Rain had gotten famous after defeating two of the enemy generals. His Intel didn't make him learn that Rain had injured his body that much, so that helped as well in not worrying his family. Still, Lotto had good eyes…

"Your forearm guards aren't with you, and you are limping a bit," Lotto said while scratching his beard. "You are almost the size to use adult gear, so I assume that is why you are here."

"Yes, what is the best material that you have?" Rain asked. "I have forearm guards, but I also want a pair of shin guards."

"You are probably rich enough to buy from the most famous shops; why don't you check things with them?" Lotto asked.

"I want to avoid drawing too much attention, and people are starting to bother me a little lately," Rain said. "Coming here could become a good advertisement for your shop, so I was planning on getting some discount as well."

"It seems that despite being a warrior, you also got the soul of a merchant from your grandfather," Lotto said while grinning. "I think that you would benefit a lot from magic items now, but it might take a while to make them. At the same time, I don't have the materials, at least for now."

"I am not going to fight anytime soon, so it is fine," Rain said. "How much do you need for the materials and for the production?"

Lotto presented Rain with a promising proposition for his next equipment upgrade. The blacksmith aimed to enhance the durability of Rain's gear while also taking into consideration his unique skill set. Lotto's creative suggestions included crafting the new equipment using either the scales of a colossal sea serpent or the hide of a formidable basilisk.

Rain mused over how Lotto had discerned his proficiency in water magic, possibly having gleaned this information from Meiro, who was likely familiar with Rain's frequent use of water magic to aid the local farms.

After careful deliberation, Rain opted for the latter option—the hide of a basilisk—for his new gear. The materials required for such an endeavor came at a considerable cost, totaling forty gold coins. Lotto's offer was accompanied by the pledge to waive his usual working fee as long as Rain acknowledged Lotto as the artisan responsible for the creation of the gear.

While this arrangement was advantageous, Rain couldn't overlook the fact that it would entail parting with a substantial portion of his current financial reserves.

As he contemplated the decision, Rain recognized that this investment was a substantial one, equivalent to nearly half of his current wealth. Nevertheless, he weighed the potential benefits against the cost, acknowledging that this upgrade had the potential to significantly enhance his combat capabilities and overall survivability.

"I guess I can't go cheap when my line is one the line," Rain thought.

"I should get the materials in two weeks, and finishing it should take two more weeks since I want to make the best Weapons as possible," Lotto said.

"I will be counting on you," Rain said.

Over the following days, Rain's focus shifted squarely onto his training and recovery. He dedicated himself to the art of accelerating the healing process for his wounds, combining his innate understanding of his body with meditative practices. This disciplined routine allowed him to recuperate at a faster pace, regaining his strength and vitality.

Amidst this period of physical convalescence, Rain's thoughts remained consistently occupied with the enigmatic technique demonstrated by the second general. The fact that Rain alone could access this ability indicated its elevated level of complexity. Yet, he wasn't daunted by the prospect; instead, he saw it as a challenge worth exploring and conquering.

As Rain deliberated over the potential capabilities of this technique, he began to piece together its fundamental mechanics. Through a blend of observation, deduction, and intuition, he gradually deciphered the core principles that underpin the technique's manifestation. It was a lot more simple than he had imagined, he just need to keep going with the right type of training for a while.