Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain told Seadrei the details of his encounter with the magic people, vividly describing the chaotic battlefield where he faced off against the formidable basilisk and crystal dragons. He highlighted the intensity of the skirmish, emphasizing the dragons' overpowering aura, which surpassed that of ordinary dragons by tenfold.

Moreover, Rain explained that despite these dragons being akin in size to their counterparts, they were ancient beings, having lived for millennia, therefore compensating for their inherent weakness in speed.

"I can see why you aren't confident, but even so…" Seadrei said.

"They should have hundreds times more evolved dragons and the dragons shouldn't be older than two thousand years," Rain said. "I can only imagine that the dragon god is many times stronger than any of them… that is without counting the fact that they have nine heads."

Rain didn't want to think about the dragon god because he could only imagine one hell of a beast. The scary part was the possibility that each had one have one ability of the several types of dragons. It would be like the beast was able to pick all of the abilities of the numerous types of evolved dragons to create one hell of a combination.

Something like the combination of crystal dragon and mirage dragon would create a creature impossible to detect or feel… Rain imagined that each head of the beast would grant the dragon god such abilities with steroids.

"No one Aside the dragons saw the dragon god aside the dragons since that war against the giant beasts…" Seadrei said while he was fixing his dislocated shoulder. "Still, if there is someone who might make that guy show up, that someone might be you. You don't think that we can defeat them if we team up?"

"I considered many scenarios, like the one where I steal the armor fromt he sea dragons and give you the shield as well, but I still can't imagine you being able to defeat the dragon god," Rain shook his head. "He should be a creature that forces all the dragons into submission, so his strength should be hard to grasp.

To the point that his strength is so high that he thinks that taking over the world isn't worth the hassle and that it wouldn't be a real accomplishment."

"I can't picture that much power and I can't imagine why you would think like that, your pessimism is hard to understand just how Seara said," Seadrei said and then began to rub his eyes. "Since I lost, I will comply with your idea… it is just preparation, after all."

"Also, there is something that I need to tell you," Rain said. "I will fight to the bitter end, but once the dragon god shows up and my guesses about him are correct, then… I will run away and do everything to keep my family and friends alive. I hope that you will do everything necessary to help me."

"... I will see what I can do in order not to disappoint those who trust me," Seadrei said without hiding his suspicions. "Where are you planning to make this hideout?"

"I was thinking of looking for a place south, but I was also thinking of asking Isa for some tips," Rain said. "If I had time, I would do some research on anti dragon barriers, but since that isn't an option, I have to ask her the things that dragons dislike."

"Hiding civilians from them should be easy… since they smell and track those who killed their brethren," Seadrei said. "In the end, we will be able to fight with all our might and die without regrets if we know a place where our families won't be found."

Seadrei swiftly made his way back to the underwater capital, intent on informing everyone about the unfolding events. He rallied the warriors, ensuring them that they would join forces with Rain and his companions to battle on land against the looming threat. Meanwhile, Rain took to the skies, flying southward while using the magic radio to communicate with Isa.

He meticulously detailed the current situation to her, offering a clear explanation of the circumstances they were facing.

"... Things are that bad, huh?" Isa said after a few seconds of silence. "Your choice was the correct one, the demi-humans won't be able to get along with the humans for a long while, but if things turn complicated as you are expecting, things should change in the future. Regardless… how determined are you?"

"... As much as I can be given the circumstances," Rain said. "I know what I have to do, but I can't do it… I am not ready to let go of everything… I want to see my wives growing old with me, I want to see my kids growing and becoming adults and creating their own families… I am not ready to let go of all that. No matter the cost." Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

"I suppose that is the right thing…" Isa said and then sighed. "Since it has come down to this, I can only say that you should keep heading South as much as possible. The dragons don't like that area either and the magic and beast people probably won't look for the civilians if all the fighters die. It would be too much of a hassle. Even more so if they suffer many casualties in this war.

Aside from that… no, it is nothing."

Isa was troubled between conflicting emotions as she listened to Rain's explanation. She deeply admired his dedication to safeguarding his family and understood the priority he placed on spending time with them. Yet, she also felt a bit of disappointment at his reluctance to take more decisive actions to ensure their long-term safety and free them from the attacks of their foes.

She wanted to offer more support, wishing to see Rain exhibit a stronger determination. However, his apparent lack of resolute commitment made her realize that going the extra mile to aid him might not yield the desired results…