Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Alongside the weapons made of ice dragon parts, around five hundred warriors arrived to help in the battle, and while they weren't that well rested since they had to cross a large distance while using Impulse and Limit Breaker, they were ready to face the imminent threat.

Things in the north were a bit troublesome because the dragons sometimes approached the coast and attacked the port town, so they didn't have the chance to send more reinforcements.

Upon hearing that, the sea folk of the sound squad felt really the desire to protect the ocean, but they also knew that they couldn't leave now since the humans helped them against the sea and ice dragons, and now it was time to repay the debt.

As the clock neared ten in the morning, a palpable tension gripped the capital. Rumors swirled, whispering of an impending assault by a hundred dragons. The city, though familiar with adversity, couldn't help but succumb to the collective unease that hung in the air.

Yet, seasoned by past trials, the inhabitants steeled themselves for the imminent confrontation, understanding that once again, they had to stand united against the approaching threat.

Around that time as well, the capital began to tremble, and soon, everyone realized that the dragons were approaching... people started to sweat cold, but they kept working because they knew that the monsters were coming from all directions.

"Artisia's squad is in position," Terra said. "Cor's squad soon will have all the shields with them as well."

"Make them move further southeast, I will start attacking the opposite direction, so they will have to buy time and endure the enemies attacks," Rain said. "Artisia should stay close to them to fight the barrage of water attacks if they use that."

Amidst the bustling preparations and the approaching threat, Danny and Annie found themselves in a room within the castle, tending to their little sister, Sealyn. Aware of the gravity of the situation, the twins sensed that something significant was about to unfold. Understanding the need to behave with utmost responsibility, they kept a watchful eye on Sealyn.

Feeling a bit troubled by the intensity of their gaze, Rain decided to take a moment to speak with them. As the preparations reached their zenith, he entered the room to provide reassurance and share a few words with them.

"What is up? Why the long faces?" Rain asked.

"Papa… are you going somewhere?" Danny asked while fidgeting.

"No, I will be outside the city just to do some pest control, nothing more," Rain said.

"Are you going to hunt monsters?" Danny asked.

"Something like that," Rain said and then patted his son's head. "Once I am done, we can eat fried octopus tentacles for the rest of our lives. Did I hear someone saying hooray?"

Despite Rain's attempts at humor, his jokes seemed to fall flat with his children. Lightening the mood proved to be a challenge, especially considering the tense atmosphere enveloping the city. Annie, in particular, appeared more somber than usual. Her quiet and introspective nature made her susceptible to the prevailing atmosphere, and the gravity of the impending threat weighed heavily on her.

"Come here," Rain said while looking at Annie. "Everything will be just fine, don't worry about a thing."

Annie nodded and then jumped into Rain's arms before enveloping her arms tightly on his neck. Rain could feel her fear since everyone looked tense. They were working considering the worst-case scenario, so she felt like something would happen to Rain, and that made him feel guilty for not reassuring his kids more.

"When things are done here, I will let you see something nice from above. It will be amazing flying as high as we can," Rain said. "I keep my promises, so like I said, don't worry about a thing."

"I-I can go too?" Danny asked.

"Ehhhh… I am not sure," Rain smirked.

"Ah..." Danny showed a dejected expression.

"I am just kidding. Of course, you can come," Rain said while laughing a little. "We all will go together."

"Ah... ah..." Danny forced a smile, and that made Rain recall the same thing that Terra does when she doesn't get Rain's sense of humor.

"Iddleness is bad for the mind, so you two should train as well while you look after Sealyn," Rain said. "Papa and the mamas will be busy for the rest of the day, so that I will be counting on two."

It was rare for Annie to hug Rain like that, and she probably would feel embarrassed to do that in quite a while, so she stayed like that for a couple of minutes while Rain patted the head of his son.

Eventually, Rain left them in the room after kissing the head of Sealyn, who was still sleeping… she sure was a heavy sleeper, considering that she was a one-year-old girl who was also a crybaby… that was quite something, giving that the trembling in the city was increasing.

"How are they?" Seara asked.

"They will be fine," Rain said. "We just need to finish things soon enough. You two will have to stay on the walls. Terra will heal the injured people from a distance, and Seara will block the water that might reach the capital. From the beginning, I will go all out to make your jobs easier since you will gain some levels. Make sure to use the paths that are close to unlock new ones."

"What is the battle plan?" Terra asked.

"Increase the morale as much as possible of the people who are going to fight. Make the enemies lose their morale while we are at it," Rain said. "After that, we will endure some difficult fights since I will be exhausted, so the side who has more willpower will win."

"I wanted to hear more specific details, but I guess we don't have time…" Terra said while looking at the horizon. "They are coming and this is quite the scary sight."