Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain increased his speed as he flew towards the castle, landing atop a nearby building before Branden and the others could catch up. He immediately put his magical abilities to work, trying to scan the castle's interior. However, a weird feeling bothered him as he realized that his magic had ceased to function as soon as it reached the castle's walls.

Even the king had prepared countermeasures against him.

This discovery sent a shiver down Rain's spine, as it was evident that someone within the castle, possibly even the king himself, had been well-prepared for his arrival. It was no coincidence; it was a calculated move to stop his magical skills. This meant that Rain needed to exercise extreme caution and expect further challenges within the castle.

As Rain awaited the arrival of Branden and the others, a growing sense of unease settled in. It was no longer a simple matter of seeking an audience with the king; he now faced a formidable fortress of defenses designed specifically to counter his abilities. This raised concerns about what other surprises lay in wait and whether his mission to uncover the truth would be met with even more obstacles.

"Change of plans, magic won't work inside the castle," Rain said.

"What?" Seadir asked, visibly shocked. "How is that possible? If that is the case, then..."

"It seems that the king trusts Joanis a lot more than we had imagined perhaps a bit too fast too… or maybe he doesn't have much faith in Branden's self-control," Rain explained. "Anyway, we will follow a different route. We need to hurry."

Seadir and his companions were taken aback after hearing that. They relied heavily on magic when they were on land, making their inability to use it in this place a significant concern. It felt much worse than like taking a fish out of the water, leaving them feeling exposed and defenseless.

Questions raced through their minds. How had Rain determined the existence of the anti-magic barrier surrounding the castle? What preparations had he made to navigate this difficult situation? But Rain had stressed the urgency of their mission, leaving them little time to ponder about these questions.

Despite their unease, their determination shone through their expressions. They understood the vital importance of their mission and the need to uncover the truth concealed within the castle's walls. With a shared nod, they readied themselves to follow Rain into the castle. Despite that, they head in the opposite direction.

In the end, Rain went to his house and then checked the area around and soon found some people spying on it through the dark alleys nearby. Rain felt like sighing… as if they would be able to see him moving when they were that far away.

Regardless, Rain didn't like the idea of making a traitor learn about his little secret or the sea folk for that matter, but he didn't have any other choice or time right now. Besides, he might be useful, and he can kill him at any time.

"I can't kill, and while this is annoying, this is probably for the best since it will make the enemies understand that I came here," Rain thought and then used his magic on the clouds above to make the air cool down.

Before long, a small rain began to take place in the area. In that short window of time, the spies began to pull cloaks to protect themselves, and Rain used that chance to land in the garden. Before they could land step on the ground, he controlled a part of the ground and opened a passageway to his tunnel and he quickly sealed it.

As soon as they landed, Rain ignited the torches around and grabbed one before jumping on the cart. The others followed him and soon were shocked when they saw the vehicle moving insanely fast, but soon it stopped. Considering the direction and the distance crossed, Seadir quickly realized that they were right below the castle.

Using his magic, Rain moved a bit of the ground above and soon revealed a staircase that would lead them upward. Not even his family was aware of that since it could be considered a crime to spy on the royal family.

"You… you don't have any respect for your rulers?" Seadir asked.

"My respect and loyalty lies on those that earned it. Titles mean nothing to me,"

The group began to climb the stairs, and the tension was palpable in the area. After climbing a few dozen meters. They realized that the walls of the tunnel looked harder… the tunnel connected to one of the pillars of the castle, and soon enough, Rain stopped and then used his magic to create some holes around, but before he could finish them, he talked with the others.

"Gentlemen and Lady, I would advise not opening your mouths and not moving," Rain said. "If you do so, I won't take responsibility for what will happen." novelbuddy.cσ๓

Just to be safe, Rain used his magic and charged the air with it. Everyone realized that Rain could use the air now to cut their heads instantly, so his words were serious. Not only that, he also could seal the tunnel to make sure no sound would come out from it.

Before long, Rain finished the holes, and everyone could see the other side. They were left speechless when they realized that they were inside a large pillar in the middle of the throne room.

On the other side, sitting on the throne, they could see the king surrounded by some advisors. The throne room was also filled with royal guards… among the advisors, Rain recognized the appearance of Joanis. He truly looked like an unsuspicious nobleman. While looking at him, Rain couldn't see a single trace of an asshole, but appearances truly are deceiving.

Before long, Branden, Lorene, and Orcis entered the room while being surrounded by a bunch more guards, and the whole place grew silent while they watched those three approaching.