Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

58  Considering the future

At first, Rain couldn't help but question the truth behind his grandfather's claims of monster attacks in the area. It seemed far-fetched and outlandish to believe that such creatures could exist in their peaceful countryside. He wondered if his grandfather was merely trying to keep him from leaving. It seemed like a cheap way to do that by targeting other people that he cherished.

However, his skepticism quickly faded as he encountered farmers who bore the visible scars of recent battles. Limbs were missing, wounds were fresh, and the pain etched on their faces told a tale of hardship and struggle. These were not fabricated stories or figments of imagination. The evidence was too real and too raw to ignore.

The realization hit Rain with a jolt. The monsters his grandfather spoke of were not mere myths but a harsh reality that lurked in the shadows during times of war. As soldiers were deployed and resources were redirected, these creatures took advantage of the chaos, emerging from the depths of the land to wreak havoc on unsuspecting villages and farms.

As Rain witnessed the ongoing duration of the war, he couldn't shake off the growing concern for the safety of his family. The prolonged conflict had not only affected the human realm but also stirred the beasts that hungered for human flesh. He knew that as the war dragged on, these creatures would become bolder and more desperate, venturing closer to human settlements in search of sustenance.

The thought of these monstrous beasts encroaching upon his peaceful village and posing a direct threat to his loved ones sent shivers down Rain's spine. He couldn't bear the idea of his family falling victim to their ravenous appetites. His determination to protect them grew stronger with each passing day.

"We should deal with them as soon as possible, and then I will look for my father," Rain declared.

"You are as stubborn as both of your parents," Meiro said and then sighed. "I will send a message to one of my friends and make them tell your father that you will soon look for him. That should make him try harder to survive." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Rain wasn't certain of that, but he knew that Roan would eventually assume that. That was a problem and was as well a solution… Roan was determined to return home, but the idea that his son might be coming for him might give him some extra boost.

In any case, since Rain used too much mana, he ended up returning with his grandfather instead of looking for the beasts. Thanks to that, he found his mother helping his grandmother a bit while Dana was trying to get attention from both of them.

"It seems that you went to take a look around," Leiah said while Dana dashed to bother Rain instead. "Don't push him too hard, Father. Rain never complains, but it doesn't mean that he can't get tired."

"I won't give him work unless he wants to," Meiro said. "At the same time, a man has to receive the right rewards for his hard work. We don't have mages here, so I am sure you can make money easily around."

Meiro passed Rain two silver coins. That wasn't half bad, considering that he just worked for half a day. Helping the area and earning some money would kill two birds with one stone.

By utilizing his abilities to manipulate and control the earth, Rain could assist in various agricultural tasks. He could effortlessly plow the fields, removing rocks and obstacles that hindered the planting process. With a wave of his hand, he could create neat rows for sowing seeds, ensuring optimal spacing and distribution. His precise control over the elements allowed him to regulate moisture levels in the soil, promoting healthy crop growth.

As Rain demonstrated his remarkable capabilities to the villagers, they would undoubtedly welcome him with open arms. They would appreciate the significant time and effort saved through his magical assistance, enabling them to focus on other essential aspects of farming. Rain's presence would bring a newfound efficiency to the fields, maximizing yields and potentially increasing profits for the farmers.

In return for his valuable contributions, Rain could negotiate a fair compensation for his services. The villagers, recognizing the benefits he brought to their livelihoods, would be more than willing to offer him financial support. This income would not only provide him with the means to support his family but also contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

There was a risk, though. Unless his grandfather controls the flow of information, it will become known that a kid mage is in the area, one with remarkable skills… It was only a matter of time before that became a problem. Or maybe it won't since the royalty will have their hands busy with the war and its aftermath.

After playing with Dana for the rest of the day, Rain decided to meditate and recover his mana faster. He was also planning to do some mental training after gathering information on the beasts in the area… a single good hit in the head might finish the job, but he never knows.

"I guess it is also time to consider the future," Rain thought. "Just attacking from a distance isn't enough against some enemies… people in this world can run at insane speeds, after all."

With the plan he had in mind, Rain would need a few more years to develop his body, but it seems that he will have to adjust as he goes on. Adjusting and improving his skills were going to walk side by side, after all.

The next day, Meiro took Rain with him to talk with the few farmers that also worked as a guard in the area. They thought that Meiro had gone insane when he said that Rain would help them hunt the beasts, but soon they shut up when they saw him firing an earth dart that flew to the side while emitting a high-pitching sound.

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