Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The group observed that while the truce clauses had seen improvements, the council's underlying intentions weren't entirely veiled. In particular, the last two clauses raised some concerns. The twelfth clause, which dealt with the consequences of breaking the truce, remained somewhat unclear, leaving questions about the severity of potential punishments.

As for the eleventh clause, it was crystal clear. The council seemed eager to have the option of requesting Rain's assistance, likely due to his unique abilities. If the need arose for a small team, the humans could swiftly respond, as it wouldn't necessitate a large-scale effort. This clause hinted at a certain reliance on Rain's powers, which the group found somewhat disconcerting.

"This is…" Esmeralda said while hesitating. "We don't plan on forcing you to bring the people that we want, but we don't want to waste time," Josar said. "It will be better if both sides cooperate with the best warriors of both sides."

While Rain didn't like the roundabout way, he could see that Josar made sense. Without sending the best people to help, they will essentially be sending people to their deaths. However, there was always the chance that the reinforcements would be brainwashed and forced to join the other sides.

"May I add something?" Rain asked.

Branden and Esmeralda exchanged astonished glances as Rain, who had maintained a mostly quiet demeanor throughout their numerous meetings with the council, abruptly broke his silence. His voice, filled with newfound determination, sliced through the tense atmosphere in the chamber like a sharp knife.

The council members themselves also redirected their attention towards Rain, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. Rain's words had clearly disrupted the established rhythm of their discussions, and the importance of his unanticipated input lingered in the air as an unspoken query, waiting for acknowledgment and response.

"... Yes?" Esmeralda asked.

"It will be fair if they ask for some reinforcements, but those they can should have some authority during the battle and stay on the same level as the commanders as the commanders," Rain said.

"That makes sense, but I wonder if it will work…" Branden said while frowning. "The people of the tribes won't follow the command of those who aren't their leaders, right?"

"... They will if the reinforcements show their worth," Josar replied. "We are willing to accept those conditions."

Esmeralda and Branden looked at each other and nodded. While it was a bit risky, it was also a good chance for their nation to get on their hands on some rare materials. Still, they wondered if Rain would be fine.

Branden had shared with Jori and their companions his plan to assign Rain individual missions to evaluate the full extent of Rain's capabilities. Despite nearing his thirteenth year, Rain remained a mysterious figure when it came to his potential. His rapid progress often left Jori and the others feeling like they couldn't keep up.

Accepting this reality, they dedicated themselves to improving their own skills, determined not to lag behind their exceptionally gifted comrade.

The mission involving the surveillance of refugees was a legitimate assignment, undertaken with the aim of gathering essential intelligence from the magic people. It served as an opportunity to contribute to the group's objectives while also providing a platform to assess their abilities and adaptability in various scenarios.

This comprehensive approach to their missions reflected Branden's careful planning and the collective commitment of the group to their goals.

"We accept the terms," Esmeralda said.

In the end, on that very same day, the council members signed a paper after Esmeralda in which the truce was sealed. At that point in time, both sides couldn't feel any more animosities between them, so they felt confident about the truce.

"Ah… this was exhausting," Branden said and then fell on his bed when they returned to the inn. "We can finally return home tomorrow…"

"Can we feel that relaxed yet?" Esmeralda asked while showing a complicated expression.

"No, this is just the start," Rain replied. "Even if this alliance lasts for a while, both sides will look for opportunities to weaken the other in one way or another. Some people unsatisfied by the truce might also cause problems."

"Yeah… by the way, why did you say that?" Branden asked. "About accepting the missions and giving the reinforcements the chance to command some of the magic people."

"I was just thinking that it would be fine if I could command some of them to learn the secrets of their techniques," Rain replied.

"... You really like to train," Branden said while he watched Rain doing some handstands. "That explains why I am not a match for your magic, even though you are mainly a warrior. Still, there is always the chance that something might happen, and some people will treat it as an accident."

"It will be fine. All treat all attempts for my life as good lessons as well to keep my guard always on guard," Rain said.

Before considering helping the magic people, Rain needed to complete his tunnel project, a task he estimated would take a few more weeks of focused effort.

Now, some might question why Rain was so willing to assist those who had once posed a significant threat to him and manipulated his father. The reason was quite clear in his mind. This opportunity was a means to enhance his own strength.

By doing so, he aimed to discourage potential adversaries from ever considering a confrontation with him. This decision wasn't just about aiding others; it was also a way to safeguard his own interests and establish a firm position in this intricate world.

"Well, nothing is certain for now… a few days have passed since the attack, and the dragons didn't do anything," Branden said. "I don't think that the magic people will ask for help in a month or two… that would be too desperate of them. By the way, how fast can we return home?"

"If I drink the potions like there is no tomorrow and you guys don't whine about the wind, about three days," Rain replied.