Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Chapter 57  Helping out

After eating breakfast, Rain left the house with his grandfather. He still was covering his face, all in order to avoid rumors spreading around. Even though he wasn't known in the area, they could imagine that the rich would have eyes and ears everywhere.

Rain stepped out into the fields alongside his grandfather, ready to lend a hand with his magical abilities. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly tilled earth and the promise of a productive day ahead. Rows of crops stretched out before them, their vibrant green leaves swaying gently in the breeze.

As they walked, Rain observed the challenges his grandfather faced—a patch of withering plants here, an infestation of pests there. His grandfather, a seasoned farmer with weathered hands and a determined spirit shared his concerns and sought solutions to ensure a bountiful harvest. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Rain spotted a swarm of insects devouring tender leaves in another corner of the field. He concentrated his efforts, summoning a gust of wind to scatter the pests, effectively deterring their destructive march. The natural harmony of the ecosystem was restored, allowing the crops to thrive.

Rain and his grandfather continued their journey through the fields, encountering various challenges along the way. Each time, Rain utilized his magic to address the issues at hand, supporting his grandfather's efforts and working in harmony with nature.

Rain channeled his magic into the earth beneath him with a focused gaze. The ground responded, trembling slightly as his power coursed through it. Slowly, the soil began to shift and stir, forming gentle mounds in perfect alignment with the plow lines.

As Rain moved forward, the earth beneath him yielded effortlessly, parting ways to make room for the sturdy wooden plow he guided. With each step, the soil turned over, exposing its rich, dark layers to the rejuvenating touch of the sunlight. The rhythmic sound of the plow cutting through the earth filled the air, a symphony of progress and toil.

Occasionally, Rain encountered obstacles in his path—rocks and stones that impeded the smooth plowing process. With a subtle motion of his hand, he called upon his earth magic once again. The rocks, once firmly embedded in the ground, were lifted into the air, their weight no match for Rain's command over the earth. He guided them away from the furrowed rows with precision and finesse, clearing the way for the crops to thrive.

"You are truly skilled for your age," Mero said, clearly pleased. "However, I don't think you should leave your mother and sisters now. It is too dangerous."

"... I helped Father escape on the night we were attacked, I can fight just fine," Rain declared.

"I don't doubt that, but we don't have many mages; out of one hundred people, one truly reaches the power to call themselves mage, and out of that fraction, one out of ten truly is able to use their skills for combat," Meiro said. "Do you know what that means?"

"That combat mages are rare… and they stand out," Rain said.

"Aye, so… you will become the target of many," Meiro nodded.

It made logical sense that if he were to reveal his magical abilities on the battlefield, he would surely stand out, attracting unwanted attention and putting himself and others at risk. The chaos and violence of war provided little opportunity for a covert rescue mission.

As he weighed the options, Rain couldn't shake the realization that the notion of swooping in at the perfect moment and escaping with his father seemed more like a scene from a heroic tale than a feasible plan in the grim reality of warfare. The battlefield was a place of indiscriminate violence, with dangers lurking at every corner. To navigate such a treacherous environment, undetected was nothing short of impossible.

Rain understood that the practical path forward required careful consideration and strategic thinking. It was crucial to approach his father's rescue with a rational mindset, acknowledging the complexities and risks involved. Perhaps there were alternative methods to aid his father without directly exposing his magical abilities or compromising the safety of others.

"The journey will be long, and the war might end even before we reach the area; the best plan of action is to believe that your father will survive and that our allies will help him," Meiro said.

"I can't trust the life of my father in the hands of people I never met," Rain said while shaking his head.

"You going there will only put him more at risk since he won't be able to focus on his own survival," Meiro added. "At the same time, you showed your skills to some people already; they will connect the dots. At the same time, now that you, your mother, and sisters disappeared from the capital, they will be waiting for them near the battlefield while focusing their eyes on your father since you all can be useful bargain chips for a lot of people."

Rain listened intently to his grandfather's words, acknowledging the validity of his point. Waiting for his father's return was undoubtedly the safer course of action, as it minimized the risks involved and ensured the family's well-being. His grandfather's advice resonated with wisdom and experience, urging caution and patience.

Yet, despite the rationality of his grandfather's perspective, Rain found it difficult to fully accept the idea of passive waiting. The longing to rescue his father burned within him, fueling a restless energy that yearned for action. The notion of sitting idle while his father faced the perils of war felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

The desire to take matters into his own hands, to actively contribute to his father's safety, clashed with the practicality of the situation. He understood the risks, the chaos of the battlefield, and the importance of timing and strategy. Yet, the restless spirit within him craved a more active role, a chance to make a difference.

"At the same time, we lost people recently thanks to the attacks of some beasts. We might need the help of someone with your skills to defend the area," Meiro said.

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