Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix-Chapter 68: Prisoner

The news of his father allegedly joining the enemies' side weighed heavily on Rain's heart. He couldn't believe that his brave and noble father, who had always been a steadfast protector of the kingdom, could betray their people and align with their adversaries.

Yet, the rumors were persistent, and they found their way into every corner of the realm, casting a shadow of doubt on his father's character.

He found it difficult to concentrate during his healing practice, as his mind kept drifting to thoughts of his father's whereabouts and the rumors about his alleged betrayal. The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him restless and sleepless at night.

"Grandpa, do the magic people have the power to control humans as well?" Rain asked on the morning of the next day after he heard the news.

"Their abilities are hard to explain, and they make sure to keep most of them hidden from others," Meiro explained.

"Still, if they can control dragons…" Rain said while furrowing his eyebrows.

"It is possible, but no one can confirm and deny it… so his reputation will plumber until the facts become less obscure," Meiro explained.

Rain couldn't stand the thought of someone purposefully tarnishing his father's reputation by spreading false rumors. The idea that there might be individuals seeking to undermine his father's honor fueled his determination to uncover the truth and defend his family's name.

Meiro began to investigate the matters further to reveal the truth. It took a while, but they eventually learned a few things. His investigation led him to discover that the rumors seemed to have originated from distant regions, far beyond the reach of his village. Back to Tristan…

Rain's heart sank as he learned that his father and his uncles were indeed fighting against their former allies on the island of Tristan. The revelation brought forth a mix of conflicting emotions within him. On the one hand, he couldn't bear the thought of them being pitted against each other in the chaos of war.

On the other hand, he felt a growing sense of urgency to take action and reunite his fractured family.

Rain knew he had to find a way to support his family. He pondered on the best course of action, knowing that a direct confrontation on the battlefield was not a viable option for him. Even while he honed his healing skills and studied the art of magic, he still was just a single person… he had to be smarter than the enemies.

Rain's heart was heavy with worry as he contemplated the risks and implications of his impending mission. The recent birth of his baby sister, Gila, weighed heavily on his mind. She was still so young, just a few months old, and her presence brought joy and hope to their family. But the dangers that lurked on the battlefield threatened to overshadow the fragile peace they had found.

As Rain considered the rumors circulating about his father's allegiance, a pang of concern gripped his chest. The unsettling whispers had already started to erode his family's reputation, casting a shadow over their name. The longer he waited, the more the rumors could fester and spread, tarnishing their honor and causing further distress to his mother.

But the thought of leaving his newborn sister and his mother behind weighed heavily on Rain's conscience. He couldn't shake the worry that his absence, coupled with the uncertainty of his father's situation, would place an immense burden on his family. The conflicting emotions tore at his heart, creating a tempest within his mind.

"Rain, you should just go; we will be fine," Leiah suddenly said while Rain was eating his dinner in silence while showing an absent-minded expression. "We will be fine. While I worry about you, I worry more that we are starting to become a burden for you."

Leiah sat down with Rain, her voice gentle yet filled with conviction. She explained to him the grim reality they faced - that in the midst of the turmoil surrounding his father and uncles, no one would step forward to clear their names. The circumstances were complex and politically charged, leaving their reputation tarnished and vulnerable to further damage.

With a somber expression, Leiah stressed the importance of Rain's intervention. Though he was still a child, his remarkable skills and abilities had garnered the respect of those who knew him. In this dark hour, his unique position and capabilities could make a difference.

He possessed the potential to be a beacon of truth and hope, standing up for his family's honor and seeking justice amidst the chaos.

Leiah spoke with a mixture of concern and confidence, conveying her belief in Rain's strength and resilience. She reminded him that sometimes it falls upon the shoulders of the young and determined to bring about change and set things right. It was a heavy burden for one so young, but she had faith in his abilities and the righteousness of their cause.

As Rain listened to his mother's words, a fire ignited within him. He understood the weight of the responsibility that rested upon his shoulders. It was not just about clearing his family's name; it was about preserving their dignity and ensuring that the truth prevailed over baseless rumors and falsehoods.

"All right… I will bring back Dad in one way or the other," Rain declared.

Rain had anticipated the need for provisions on his journey to clear his father's name. Among the supplies he gathered were spiritual potions, carefully collected and stored over the months of his training and preparation. These potions held the essence of spiritual energy. They had the potential to provide him with much-needed support and healing in times of hardship.

Rain understood the value of these potions, recognizing their potency and the benefits they could offer. However, he was also mindful of their limited supply. Knowing that he couldn't rely solely on these potions throughout his entire journey, he carefully rationed them, reserving their use for critical moments or unforeseen challenges that required an extra boost.