Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

As the adversaries closed in on Rain, his quick reflexes and combat skills came to the forefront. He executed a swift and well-aimed kick that sent the first group of enemies tumbling to the ground, the unsettling sound of bones cracking filling the air. These opponents proved to be surprisingly fragile, collapsing unconscious upon impact.

Despite this initial setback, the remaining foes continued their relentless charge, undeterred by the fate of their comrades. Rain's primary concern, however, was the safety of his friends who stood behind him.

Driven by a mix of anxiety and determination, Rain shifted his focus swiftly. Without hesitation, he delivered a powerful punch that found its mark, knocking down the advancing adversaries.

Rain took some steps backward and confirmed that he could use his magic as well, so he half-buried the enemies before returning to the convoy.

When he returned, Rain saw two assassins trying to attack Terra from behind. Still, they underestimated her because of her typical Healer clothes. When they got close enough, she kicked one on the side and made it fall over the other before she approached and then kicked their faces to knock them down.

Liss, a bit further ahead, was trying to hit the enemies that were surrounding Reca and Jori with Fireballs. Still, the projectiles dissipated before they could reach them. Still, Jori and Reca didn't need much help. They used Limit Breaker and impaled and slashed the enemies with ease, destroying their weapons alongside them.

Asche was looking around and then putting arrows in the legs of the enemies who tried to run away. When Rain was about to ask her to stop, he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

The skill Punch Mastery received 100 experience points.

The skill Punch Mastery received 100 experience points.

The skill Punch Mastery received 100 experience points.

…

Rain wasn't killing anyone, he could only confirm that the enemies that he knocked down woke up and finished them off, or someone else finished them off. Still, when he saw some of the enemies with arrows on their legs slicing their own throats, it became clear that they wouldn't keep any prisoners.

"I hate this kind of enemy…" Rain said when he approached the others, and he checked the appearance of the enemies.

The group of assailants who had launched the attack against Rain and his comrades displayed a striking diversity. Among them were several tanned humans, their sun-kissed skin marking them as the more conventional members of the hostile party.

In addition to these humans, a number of beastmen were interspersed throughout the attackers. These beastmen bore a notable resemblance to the magic people, at least those that could turn into werewolves. However, some of them seemed to take on the characteristics of animals, with fur reminiscent of bears or foxes.

Further complicating the mix were the demi-humans, a unique group that appeared to be a fusion of humans and beastmen. He sported distinct gray hair and nose with a distinctly dog-like appearance, embodying a curious blend of characteristics from both species. The sight of such a diverse and enigmatic assembly of adversaries only deepened the intrigue and complexity of the situation.

"... They are pirates," Reca said.

"You can tell, huh?" Rain asked. "Is it because your last mission involved them, kind of?"

"Yep," Reca replied. "They are usually criminals who escaped their countries, so it isn't weird for them to team up like this."

"Still… their targets usually are merchant ships and those who transport goods in the areas that the sea folk don't act," Jori added. "It is weird for them to be hundreds of kilometers away from the sea."

Rain couldn't shake the eerie feeling that the pirates had come prepared to counter their magical skills. This raised a troubling question: How did the pirates possess this knowledge unless someone had leaked it to them? Alternatively, had they received insider information about Rain and their team's magical abilities? That was too suspicious, it was also weird that they attacked at such a place.

The possibility that their adversaries had access to such specific details about their strengths added a layer of suspicion to the situation. It hinted at the unsettling prospect of espionage or potential betrayal within their own ranks, potentially leading to the pirates gaining the upper hand.

Rain's suspicion deepened as he pondered another perplexing aspect of the situation: the presence of those anti-magic bombs. Crafting these sophisticated devices required not only specialized knowledge but also access to substantial resources. Moreover, it was unlikely to be a budget-friendly endeavor.

This led Rain to a troubling realization: the individual behind this attack had access to significant financial means and resources. The intricate operation involving the creation and deployment of anti-magic weaponry suggested a well-funded and highly organized force.

It was evident that the orchestrator of this assault possessed not only substantial financial backing but also a level of influence and resources that set them apart from ordinary adversaries.

"It is the first time that I see beastmen and demi-humans, but I don't have time to think too much about it in this situation," Rain thought.

Following a thorough examination of the fallen adversaries, Rain made a strategic choice. He decided to transport the bodies back to Retia, leaving his friends behind at the scene. His reasoning was clear: he hoped that authorities in the human kingdom would be able to analyze the bodies and potentially uncover vital clues.

By bringing the bodies to Retia, Rain aimed to contribute to the ongoing investigation and shed light on the mystery surrounding their attackers. The goal was to assist in understanding the motives and origins of these assailants. It was a calculated move, one that carried some risk. Still, Rain believed it was a necessary step in untangling the larger puzzle they found themselves wrapped up in.

In the end, Rain returned before sunrise, much to the driver's relief… while it was obvious that such an attack couldn't happen often, they were still worried.