Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Chapter 325: The next step

As if fate was trying to balance things a bit in Rain's life since nothing had happened as of late, on that night of the fifth day, he finally could see some auras in the distance and on the other side of the waterway... they didn't approach, and it was hard to assume that they could see him from that distance, but they were aware that something was happening in the area and soon they would send a force to investigate whatever that was...

On the next day, coming from the nearest town on the other side of the waterway. A battalion of two hundred soldiers approached the waterway. Since they didn't see any signs of people and monsters around, they didn't feel any danger, and the tremors were no longer happening. Still, they couldn't explain that aside from being the work of a massive sea monster...

The soldiers patrolling the area surveyed the bizarre scene with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. They found it challenging to fathom why a strange, monstrous sea creature would attempt to invade their territory, considering the vastness of the ocean.

As they whispered in nervous tones, a prevailing theory emerged among the soldiers. It seemed widely accepted that this incursion was somehow linked to the recent decree issued by the king. The king had ordered the capture of sea folk who had ventured into their lands to investigate the mysterious disappearances of their kin.

Connecting the dots, the soldiers began to suspect that this monstrous intrusion might be a direct consequence of the kingdom's actions.

In quiet discussions and exchanged glances, the soldiers grappled with the unsettling realization that their kingdom's decisions might have triggered this unexpected confrontation with an otherworldly threat...

Their captain silenced the whispering soldiers with a stern glare, leaving no room for further speculation. With their mission in mind, the group cautiously approached the water's edge, hoping to uncover any valuable information left behind by the mysterious creatures.

However, a sudden and disconcerting event unfolded before their eyes. The water, seemingly guided by an invisible force, surged forward with remarkable strength, ensnaring the soldiers and inexorably pulling them into its grasp. Panic spread as they frantically attempted to evade the encroaching waters, but their efforts proved futile.

Whispers of ancient curses and eerie underwater phenomena circulated among them.

These rumors and conjectures played into the hands of Rain and his companions. By sowing confusion and fear among the soldiers, they ensured that any future encounters with the kingdom's forces would be met with heightened caution and uncertainty.

The soldiers' tales of a dangerous and enigmatic waterway would cast doubt on the reliability of any information they might offer to their superiors, inadvertently creating a protective shield of misinformation around Rain and his allies, buying them more than a little bit of time.

Thanks to all the help that Rain received from everyone, the waterway was finished after one week. Everyone sure looked surprised and prideful of their own contributions... no one had imagined that such a thing was possible.

"I guess people here will be able to fish as well, but the central area is a bit dangerous, and there are some whirlpools in some places," Jori said while seeing some fish underwater.

"That is because the two oceans are meeting," Rain explained. "Anyway, we should return and rest for the day before making the next plans."

"We will use this freely and see if we can expand it as well. It is a bit tight for our tastes," Seadir said.

"Don't blame me if you end up captured again. Any news from the port?" Rain asked.