Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"I guess there is no other option," Rain thought. "I also need to train my earth magic to keep it sharp, after all. I will deal with possible problems later."

When the sea folk left to rest at midnight, Rain decided to use his earth magic. He did that to some extent during the day, but never only his earth magic. While running in a straight line on the path that he was planning to follow, Rain made the ground tremble, and then some cracks appeared in it.

Thanks to that, the water in the waterway began to invade the land while pushing away and causing some small landfalls.

"I guess this is a bit more efficient when it comes to my skills, but I can only use this at night since no one will be able to find the source of the tremor," Rain thought.

Rain also did that because he could sense things around. All the vibrations revealed the presence of animals, so it would be even easier to locate people.

When morning came, Rain resumed the other method, and Seadir arrived with a lot more of his friends to help… Now Rain couldn't help but sigh since it was almost too obvious that they were working together. At least most of them stayed underwater…

After around four days, Rain and the sea folk finally managed to complete half of the waterway. Still, it looked like Rain overestimated his own power and the effectiveness of the spiritual potions.

Rain imagined that he wouldn't even use one-fourth of the potions that he had gotten to complete the waterway, but he had already used half of it… it didn't seem like they would have many of those for the battles. Still, it was fine. Rain could always steal more during the war. Compared to killing, stealing was a lot easier since it annoyed the enemies more.

Around that time, Rain also found Rhodes trying to cross the area. Since he was trying to avoid the capital, Rhodes took a long detour and was heading north as well… he was utterly shocked when he saw the waterway and that the construction speed was faster than almost that he could run. Still, he eventually did it while keeping a distance from Rain in order not to annoy him.

"... You said that you have a plan for him, but I wonder if things will be that smooth for you," Seadir said while glaring at Rhodes.

"We will see," Rain said.

The next day, Rain's friends and family finally arrived in the area where he was, and they also were shocked by what they saw. They thought that the waterway would be about five meters wide at best.

"What is so surprising?" Rain asked. "Any decent soldier can jump over this," Rain said. "Anyway, how things went?"

"A lot of people were suspicious of us, but Meiro and Luana's reputation calmed most of those who were too suspicious," Roan explained. "There are some guards stationed in the most distant villages, and they tried to attack us immediately since they didn't know me. We knocked and locked them down."

"That is fine for the time being. We can't draw the first blood unless we have to," Rain said.

Roan proceeded to explain his concerns among the populace regarding the division of their forces. Many were anxious that splitting their focus between the sea folk and the magic people could leave them vulnerable to attacks from various sides, including the formidable beasts beyond the mountains.

While Rain acknowledged these valid concerns, he also stressed the importance of maintaining a delicate balance. Although he lacked in-depth knowledge of the various factions' fighting styles, he recognized the need to strike a middle ground.

If anyone dared to launch an attack from behind or posed a threat to their loved ones, Rain was ready to respond with the appropriate force to safeguard their newfound allies and secure their own future.

"Some are also worried that sooner or later, they will ask them to join the fight," Leiah said while holding the side of her head.

"How about making them give up and make for us spiritual potions? The most basic ones are easier to make, and that would be the same as contributing," Rain said. "The people in the village where we lived know us and feel indebted to us, right?"

"Indeed… that could work…" Leiah said.

"I will escort you three since there is nothing for me to do here," Roan declared.

Roan, Leiah, Meiro, and Luana left again to do that while the others stayed behind. Around that time, the waterway reached the first tunnel that Rain had made. While he sealed the western side with some earth walls, the other side was free, and soon, it reached the underground rooms that he had made.

The kids were inside the house instead of the underground rooms, so only the sea folk saw the water invading their rooms. Soon enough, they appeared in the area, and they looked much filled with life. They soon began to help as well on the task.

"... You fulfilled your part of the deal. I represent my and my people's gratitude when I say that we will forever be indebted to you, your family, and friends," Seadir said while bowing deeply.

"There is no need to exaggerate; just make to sure guard the southern side of the waterway, and everything will be fine," Rain shrugged.

Rain's friends and sisters couldn't help but laugh softly as they observed Rain's slightly uncomfortable demeanor. It was apparent that he wasn't entirely accustomed to receiving genuine expressions of gratitude.

His usual composure in challenging situations contrasted with this more personal and emotional interaction, leaving him slightly unsure of how to respond. Nevertheless, everyone around could read Rain like an open book. He was usually solely focusing on training and letting others lead, but now he was leading, and that was a necessary change for Rain to show his true potential.