Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix C.283: Trust

Rain took it upon himself to research the southern coast, specifically the types of boats available for their use. To his dismay, he found that the region primarily relied on small fishing boats, which could pose a significant problem if they were to encounter any giant sea monsters. This discovery added another layer of concern to his already growing unease.

His natural inclination was to set out for the coast immediately as a proactive measure to avoid potential issues. However, a practical challenge stood in the way – Dana's school break wasn't scheduled to start for another two weeks. This time constraint presented a dilemma as Rain grappled with the need to ensure their safety and the necessity of aligning their plans with Dana's calendar.

"You don't look like you are relaxing too much," Terra said while she was healing his wounds. It seemed that she could read Rain's body language already.

"Relax, dude," Jori said. "Lord Branden left with thirty of the best members of the organization. They will solve that problem eventually."

Rain explained the situation to his friends, and they also looked a bit worried. Knowing Rain, they knew that he made sure that he protected his little sisters, even from the small pebbles on the roads, so they didn't know how dangerous the world could be. Their sense of adventure was severely lacking a healthy level of risk management.

"They are better than mages ten years older than them, right?" Liss asked while frowning. "So what is the problem?"

"The problem is that the world is too bloody for my little sisters. I still want them to believe that Santa Claus exists and the clouds are made of cotton candy," Rain said.

"Who is Santa Claus?" Liss asked. "It seems pleasant to imagine that clouds are made of cotton candy, whatever that is."

Rain had an unconventional sense of humor, one that often veered towards the darker side of things. When it came to the concept of Santa Claus, his interpretation was anything but traditional. Rather than envisioning the beloved, jolly figure most people did, Rain's imagination took a more eerie turn.

He couldn't help but see a somewhat unsettling character in his unique version of the Santa Claus myth. According to his perspective, Santa was portrayed as an elderly intruder who covertly entered homes during the silent hours of the night. This mysterious figure would then slip into children's rooms without an invitation, leaving behind gifts.

Rain's sense of humor seemed to take on this darker tone, where even cherished holiday traditions could be subjected to his somewhat macabre imagination. That was why he didn't want to explain that to his friends.

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"You will only annoy your sisters if you try to keep them sheltered," Asche said. "It would be better to show a cool and understanding side. If something happens, you protect them, and that will be all. They will be more likely to follow your words in the future if you do so."

Asche's perspective had its merits, and Rain acknowledged that being a cool and understanding older brother could earn him more respect from his sisters. However, there was a fundamental challenge for Rain. Despite his physical age, he often felt mentally much older, almost as if he were approaching his forties because he was considering his mental age.

This wasn't because he had any desire to be seen as a "cool" older brother. In reality, Rain was a perpetual worrywart, constantly concerned about the safety and well-being of his sisters. This inherent seriousness and his habitual worrying tended to override any thoughts of trying to be "cool."

As Rain contemplated his evolving role as an older brother and discussed potential solutions with his friends, the two weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. During this time, his injuries had made significant progress toward healing, thanks to Terra's remarkable improvement in her healing abilities.

It became evident that her extensive practice in tending to Rain's wounds had not only expedited his recovery but had also led her to unlock a new path for her magical skills.

The swift advancement of Terra's healing talents left Rain deeply impressed and appreciative. It showed her dedication and innate talent, offering promising prospects for their future adventures.

Still, just as Rain was about to depart with his sisters to the south, one day before he received a letter from someone from the organization… Rain wanted to tear the letter into pieces even before he could read it. In any case, Rain felt a terrible headache while he was reading the letter. It seemed that Karla received a call for reinforcements from Branden… at least he didn't call Rain directly.

Karla did it.

Adding to the situation, Roan came to visit Rain since he said that he would visit them, but he didn't do it… his father already knew of the situation, and he didn't seem slightly bothered by it.

"You worry too much, Rain," Roan said. "I am sure that things will work out fine. When I practice with the girls, they even land some good hits on me… the idea that little girls might knock me down someday depressed me, but it also feels with pride."

"What if something happens?" Rain asked.

"Nothing will happen. Me and your mother have total faith in you," Roan said. "Your group returned after facing dragons, so everything else won't be a cakewalk, but it will be possible to endure. If your friend goes with you as well, I am sure things will work out."

Rain's father had entrusted him with a profound sense of pride and concern. While the trust placed in him filled him with a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, it also weighed heavily on his mind.

In the midst of their family's faith in his strength, Rain couldn't help but feel like the only one truly aware of the perilous nature of their world. Maybe it was because they never died before, like he did...