Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Naturally, that will cost a lot more mana and his skills needed to be better with that element to make good use of the water that will serve as division between the two areas.

As Rain journeyed through various towns and settlements, he made it a point to share the unfolding events with the local residents. He knew that his message would cause a range of reactions, but he just ignored the mixed responses he encountered.

In some places, people greeted him with skepticism and even resentment, perceiving him as a traitor to his own kind for opposing the human army. Despite the less-than-warm reception, Rain pressed on, prioritizing the greater good over personal popularity.

In other towns, the reception was openly hostile, with residents harboring deep-seated animosity towards Rain due to his past actions. Nevertheless, he persisted in delivering his message. He shared critical information and moved on, that was all that he wanted to do anyway.

Rain reached their capital in the middle of the afternoon of the next day and soon he headed to the council. Josar wasn't there, but the council members still received him since they assumed that the humans had an important message to them. They never imagined what was the real truth.

As Rain delivered the grim news of the human army's actions to the council members, the room was filled with anger and frustration. Some council members expressed their outrage without thinking twice.

"Those dirty humans! How dare they invade our territory and harm our people?"

"This is a clear act of aggression that we cannot overlook. We must respond swiftly and decisively."

"Their actions reveal their disregard for the truce and diplomacy. We must defend our people and retaliate and exterminate them all."

"Not my problem," Rain said. "I guess I will reach your border and then return after passing the message. Do what you want with what you have learned."

Rain also hated the idea of owing favors to others, so he decided to work for the extra potions. At the same time, he would be able to see the results of the skirmishes of that day and the next before returning home.

Although it was a bit uncomfortable to carry the large box, Rain got a lot of experience in the wind mage's path since he used wind magic to move in the air. It was unlikely that he would be able to unlock the Earth mage's path before returning home, but it will be close enough.

Regardless, on the morning of the next day, Rain arrived at the camp where Josar was and he was completely shocked by what he had heard… Since Rain came that far to inform them of that, there was no point in not believing him.

"Pass the message to the other military posts and make them retreat immediately!" Josar shouted. "We will leave this area to the dragons for the time being. It is time to resume the war against humans!"

As Josar's announcement spread among the gathered magic people, a range of emotions swirled within the crowd. Many magic people couldn't hide their excitement. They let out triumphant cheers and shouts, eager for the opportunity to protect their homeland and seek retribution for the past wrongs. Rain thought that their memory was really bad…

A few wore worried expressions, their eyes reflecting the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Memories of the devastation from the last war haunted them, and they feared for the safety of their loved ones.

Despite the range of emotions, an unwavering determination pervaded the crowd. They recognized the gravity of the situation and were committed to defending their homeland, regardless of their personal feelings.

In any case, while everyone was preparing to move, they ignored him through and through. He came to warn them, but to avoid future problems, they will act from now on that all humans are his enemies. So, Rain's job was over and he began his return to home.

The next day at night, Rain was already back at the place where he found Geio. The town had been completely taken by the human army and since a lot of resources were left behind, they were using them.

"I guess the first part of their campaign was to reach this city as soon as possible… come to think of it, Branden memorized and reported about the geography of the magic people's territory to the king… he probably planned this thanks to that," Rain thought.

There were no signs of the king's banner around the city, or Joanis for that matter. So, it would be hard to find them there…

When he left the town behind, Rain found some remains of golems behind… it seemed that some people stayed behind out of stupidity or to just buy time for the others. Either way, the destiny was clear.

"I guess I won't be able to see them fighting… but there is another way to get some information about their military power in this situation," Rain thought.

While he was flying, Rain kept looking around for signs of movements and soon he confirmed that some caravans were crossing in the dark of the night the area toward the human territory. Just like before, he saw with his magic eyes, magic people in cages, he also saw some of the special demi humans leading the caravan, the ones that were part of the main army of Joanis.

"No time for mercy," Rain thought.

With unwavering determination, Rain summoned a colossal sphere of water into the night sky. This orb crackled with magical energy as he compressed it, turning it into a high-pressure, concentrated stream. Then, in a burst of power, he released the pent-up energy, unleashing a powerful jet of water that streaked across the darkness like a comet.

This torrent of water struck the enemies and their wagons with devastating force. Some were torn in two by the sheer impact, while others were sent tumbling through the air by the ferocity of the attack.