Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"Not really; as long as it isn\'t close to the borders, I can reach any area of the kingdom in a couple of hours," Rain replied.

"That technique of yours is truly ridiculous…" Jori said. "Anyway, you already got your new gear, right? Perhaps it is about time for us to get our next job."

"We have already received the order to move to the border and investigate the enemy\'s movements there… it looks like they are already up to something," Reca added.

"Interesting… I will have to check things tomorrow on the organization since I have been receiving a lot of work in the city recently," Rain said while rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe I won\'t depart with you guys if they have some job in store for me, but I should catch up with you soon enough."

"All right, we will meet you tomorrow then," Jori said while he was patting his stomach. "Man, I am stuffed."

The pressing issue that concerned Rain revolved around the duration of his impending absences. Leaving his house unattended for weeks at a stretch posed quite a logistical challenge, one that felt like a significant hassle. Nonetheless, he recognized the necessity of such extended departures.

In a curious twist of convenience, Rain realized that embarking on an extended mission away from home would be well-timed. Not only would it grant him a valid reason for his presence when his sisters arrived, but it would also align with his responsibilities as a provider and protector.

As if in confirmation of his expectations, the following day unfolded just as Rain had anticipated. A new job request arrived from Karla, presenting him with an assignment that seemed to align perfectly with his upcoming plans. He was tasked with aiding in the production of sizable stone bricks, an integral part of a fortress construction project near the border.

"It seems that Lord Branden is trying to make Jori\'s group gain some experience without you," Karla explained. "They accomplished a lot in the war, but they can accomplish more if you aren\'t with them all the time."

Rain recognized the potential challenge of his presence, causing Jori and the others to become overly dependent on him. While he understood their need for support, there was a fine line between assistance and stifling their growth. However, Branden\'s attitude in this regard was proving to be quite a frustrating.

Initially, Branden had urged Rain to aid their efforts by working alongside them. Yet, his stance had taken an abrupt turn, now demanding that Rain step back from direct involvement. This oscillation was perplexing and a source of annoyance for Rain.

After a series of negotiations and discussions, Rain finally obtained the permission he sought. The mission ahead was scheduled to span two weeks along the border, and Rain was granted the chance to join them during the final week. This compromise would allow him to fulfill his responsibilities at home while still contributing to the mission.

"I suppose that this is reasonable," Rain thought.

That will be perfect since they will return just when Rain\'s sisters will have to come. At the same time, Rain will have some extra time for training and to work on another project.

Despite the potential advantages of producing the bricks closer to the construction site, Rain observed that the workforce responsible for that particular aspect hadn\'t yet assembled. The team responsible for transportation and the specialized laborers needed to operate in unison, a process that seemed to be underway but not yet fully operational.

On the brighter side, Rain recognized that this situation offered him a unique opportunity. By participating in the brick-making process, he could also further develop his earth magic abilities. This dual purpose – contributing to the project while enhancing his own skills – left him with little reason to complain. So, he chose to wait patiently for the two weeks to run their course.

On the day before he went to the border, Rain received the visit of Branden in his home. He had been busy lately; he rarely visited the organization.

"It has been a while; I am here to listen to your complaints," Branden said.

"As long as I am being properly for my jobs, then you can use my image to promote the organization," Rain said. "Still, you should tell me directly the next time about your plans since it is annoying to think that perhaps you don\'t have some consistent decision-making skills."

"Ah, about that," Branden said. "While I do believe that Jori, Reca, Liss, Asche, and Terra can improve without you from now on, I am also worried about something else. Do you remember the last general? She is close to the border. I was thinking that she might do something insane if she hears that you are there. That is why I came to warn you to keep a low profile while helping them."

"I have some issues with her; I should just kill her instead," Rain said.

"That won\'t help you in the long run; she is rather popular, you know," Branden said. "Even with that failure, she didn\'t lose her position in the army thanks to her popularity. If you kill her, you will be hunted by thousands of magic people who worship her."

Rain felt a sigh building within him. All he desired was to exact his revenge, and yet the path ahead seemed inexplicably complicated, laden with unforeseen challenges.

As he ruminated on the matter, Rain couldn\'t help but reflect on the seemingly enigmatic allure of the lady Succubus. Despite her physical beauty, he couldn\'t shake the suspicion that beneath that exterior lay a manipulative individual who enslaved minds and turned them into mere puppets. The question that nagged at him was how someone with such qualities could gain popularity and wield influence.