Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

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Other guards from different areas of the village hurried to the scene, drawn by the commotion and the resounding cries of the defeated monsters. They cautiously approached the lifeless bodies, their weapons at the ready, but were met with a surprising sight.

The guards, who had been battling the beasts for days, examined the fallen creatures with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. None of them had managed to kill a single beast, yet Rain had single-handedly dispatched fifteen of them.

As they carefully inspected the bodies, they marveled at the precision and skill evident in Rain's handiwork. Despite his triumph, Rain couldn't shake the fact that more than thirty of the armored beetles had managed to escape his clutches. The knowledge weighed heavily on his mind, a constant reminder of the ongoing threat they posed to the village and its inhabitants.

"It seems that you succeeded in chasing away the beasts," Meiro said after he approached. "I honestly thought that you wouldn't pull off. My apologies."

"I was planning to kill them all, but now I will have to wait for the next attack…" Rain said and then sighed. "Are those things edible?"

"Aren't you a growing and hungry kid?" Meiro asked. "It should be… the weirder the beast, the tastier they become. I will ask the butcher to do this favor for us. You can rest now knowing that you did a job well done, and everyone will thank you tomorrow."

Rather than thanks, Rain wanted coins. Still, some gratitude will help him find work faster, so it was fine. After returning home, Rain saw his mother awake and waiting for him, he gave her the report of what happened, and she sighed in relief.

"What am I going to do with you?" Leiah said and then sighed. "I knew that boys always seek adventure, but you are worrying me too much with all this… I was hoping for another boy, but I guess a girl will give me more peace of mind."

Only until she becomes old enough to find boyfriends, once that happens, Leiah probably will change her mind, but Rain didn't say that. It was better to spare his mother of worries… even though the father was probably the one who would worry more in that kind of scenario.

Rain joined his grandfather in the fields the next day, ready to assist in the laborious task of tending to the crops. As they worked side by side, the presence of gratitude filled the air. Villagers, their faces etched with appreciation, approached Rain to express their thanks.

Despite Rain's desire to remain anonymous, his efforts had not gone unnoticed. The word had spread like wildfire throughout the village, and the people recognized him as the one who had valiantly defended them against the beasts. They understood the significance of his contribution, not only in protecting their lives but also in preserving their livelihoods.

One by one, the villagers approached Rain, their eyes filled with gratitude and respect. They thanked him for his courageous acts, acknowledging that his assistance in the fields went beyond his duty as a defender. They recognized that his willingness to put in hard work and lend a hand spoke volumes about his character and dedication to their community.

"The carapaces of the beasts can sell for a good amount if we look for people that use them like blacksmiths and alchemists. Do you want to take our time looking for the best buyers?" Meiro asked when they finished working that day. "You can get at least fifty silver coins for them."

"That is fine. I can wait," Rain replied. "By the way, Grandpa… no, it is nothing."

Rain wanted to ask if kids go to school in that area, but then he saw some kids just a couple of years older than him helping their parents with their work. There was no need for them to go to school when they were going to inherit their family business, just like things a long time ago on Earth were and rarely are nowadays.

As Rain worked in the fields, he couldn't help but worry about his sisters' education. With no schools available, he felt troubled about how they would learn and grow without formal education. The village they now resided in didn't have a proper school system, and resources were scarce.

Rain pondered over the limitations they faced and the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that education played a vital role in shaping their future. Still, with the current circumstances, it seemed like an uphill battle. He longed for his sisters to have the same opportunities he once had, to broaden their horizons and pursue their dreams.

Despite the obstacles, Rain refused to give up on their education. He understood that learning wasn't limited to classrooms and textbooks. He saw the village as a rich source of knowledge and wisdom, with its diverse community and older generations who had lived through various experiences.

After finishing his work in the fields for the day, Rain set out to find any traces of the monsters that had attacked the village. He walked through the outskirts, carefully observing the ground for any signs. He hoped to find footprints or any indication of their presence.

As he walked, he scanned the area, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Rain examined the soil, grass, and plants for any disturbances that could hint at the monsters' passing. However, his search turned up empty-handed. There were no obvious tracks or clues to follow.

Rain couldn't help but feel frustrated. He had hoped to uncover some evidence that would help him understand the monsters' behavior and protect his family and the village. But it seemed that they had left no trace behind, even in the area where he faced them. Giving up on that was impossible, but it sure was troublesome when he had other things in his mind like his Father's whereabouts. Once again, he was reminded that his life won't be easy in that world.