Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The mercenaries didn't last that long; thanks to it, Rain's eyes widened as he saw the stark difference between his father and uncle, who had been trained from a young age, and the ordinary mercenaries who lacked such extensive preparation. It was like a lightbulb moment for him, realizing that the gap in skill and experience was immense.

He had always known that his father and uncle were formidable fighters, but it wasn't until this moment, in the midst of chaos and danger, that Rain truly grasped the extent of their abilities. The mercenaries, while brave, seemed amateurish in comparison. Their movements lacked finesse and precision, their attacks lacked the calculated efficiency that his father and uncle possessed.

Rain's mind raced as he processed this newfound understanding. He comprehended that his father and uncle had dedicated their lives to combat, tirelessly refining their techniques and honing their reflexes. Their training had propelled them to a level far beyond that of the average fighter.

"I suppose I was naive imagining that I would get super strong physically with just a few years of training and no combat experience," Rain thought.

"Rain, use this," Roan said while passing three staves toward his son. "They react to your mana and they consume themselves to fire magic without any need of focus or incantion. "We usually don't let kids use this since it will hinder their growth, but we don't have time to worry about that."

The staves were of varying lengths, some reaching up to the wielder's shoulder while others were more compact, fitting comfortably in one hand. They were crafted to provide balance and maneuverability, allowing the wielder to precisely channel their magical energy.

At the core of each staff, nestled within a specially designed socket, were three mesmerizing crystals: one red, one blue, and one green. These crystals emitted a gentle radiance, casting a soft glow upon the surrounding area. Their vibrant hues captivated the eye, sparkling with an inner energy that hinted at their mystical properties.

"We need to… look for Lorence, and then we can leave the city; others can watch the retreat for us," Hugo said while groaning in pain, showing a pale face.

"Your wound is opening the more you fight," Roan said and then wondered what he should do. "We aren't good at healing magic, and Rain is too young to learn that."

"Leo probably targeted them first," Hugo shook his head. "It is a waste of time to look for them now."

Rain witnessed a disturbing pattern emerge. The enemies, cunning and strategic, seemed to possess knowledge of their targets, carefully selecting their victims to maximize their impact and disrupt the balance of power.

Among their primary targets were the houses that held individuals who could pose a significant threat to their cause. Houses like Roan's family, captains, and healers, were marked for destruction, their very existence seen as a hindrance to the enemy's ambitions.

Roan's family, with their noble lineage and unwavering loyalty, represented a beacon of resistance against the encroaching darkness. Their influence and connections could rally allies, inspire hope, and potentially turn the tide of battle. The enemies sought to extinguish that light, to strike fear into the hearts of those who dared to oppose them.

"We need to split our forces in three," Roan declared. "One group will defend the gate, the other will defend the people that will escape, and we will look for Lorence and your daughters."

"That seems to be our only option," Hugo said and then nodded.

"Rain… watch your mother and sisters for me, all right?" Roan said. "I am asking a lot of you, but I am sure that you will do well."

"Okay," Rain said.

Rain didn't like the idea of leaving his father in the city when something able to fire such a massive fireball was out there, but he didn't have much of a choice. Roan was a guard and a soldier; he had to fight and protect those that he could now that his family was in relative safety.

The group split in three; Rain, his mother, and his sisters crossed the gates only to see some dark fields ahead. The dark area, devoid of the warm glow of civilization, seemed to exist in perpetual twilight. Shadows clung to every surface, whispering secrets that danced on the edge of perception. The air grew thick with an enigmatic stillness, broken only by the faint rustling of unseen creatures and the distant howl of the wind.

The absence of light painted a canvas of ambiguity, where shapes melted into darkness and distances became elusive. The few sources of illumination, feeble torches or dim lanterns, flickered with an almost desperate defiance, barely piercing the pervasive gloom. The group took shelter in a small grove ahead… it seemed that the enemies didn't bring that many to the attack… or they couldn't without making themselves too easy to spot.

"Mama, where is Papa?" Dana asked. "I am hungry."

"He went to look for some friends; he will be back soon," Leiah said while caressing Dana's mind.

A mix of emotions surged within Rain, overwhelming and conflicting. Grief washed over him like a tidal wave, mourning the loss of a place he had once called home. Anger simmered beneath the surface, fueling his determination to confront the forces responsible for reducing his city to ashes. He felt a deep sense of injustice, questioning why the flames of war had to devour the tranquility and peace he valued.

In his chest, a knot of helplessness tightened. The weight of displacement pressed down upon him, reminding him of the countless lives uprooted by the merciless tide of conflict. The sense of loss and displacement cut deep, leaving him feeling adrift in a world of death and destruction.

"Pieces of shit…" Rain thought.