Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"... That was more than impressive; I can tell now why, even here, people call you a hero," Roan said after he recovered from the shock.

"Nah, I am still a long way to go," Rain said. "The second general would have defeated me if I hadn\'t used some magic to surprise him."

"Wasn\'t he the one that could use insane healing magic as well? I guess you two used the same basic tricks," Roan said.

"I wanted to defeat him without using magic," Rain explained.

"Well, you sure aim high for your age… when I was your age, I was just competing with my brothers who would get most girls at the parties," Roan said and then laughed.

"A lovely past for a twelve-year-old," Rain said. "Anyway, I also learned the technique that he used. I think it would benefit you as well."

Rain unleashed the technique of the second general, a move known for its sheer potency but also its inherent risks. The transformation was striking. Rain\'s muscles swelled, his body bulging with newfound power, a testament to his physical prowess.

However, this remarkable transformation came at a cost. As Rain continued to channel his energy, a visible change overcame him. His face contorted, and his expression shifted, almost like he was on the verge of losing his grip on reason. It was a stark reminder of the toll that harnessing such extraordinary power exacted.

"... I wonder if I have this much martial talent as well, maybe I slacked a lot more than I imagined," Roan said. "You should know the risks of that, but you are right; it could help me as well."

"Do you think I should teach this to the girls?" Rain asked.

"I am not sure… their bodies won\'t handle it," Roan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That kind of technique is too much even for the bodies of adults, even more so for girls at their age. They need to grow a bit more."

That made sense… It was a pity, but it couldn\'t be helped. Dana, Kei, and Gila were focusing a lot more on the magic side, so Rain wanted to cover for their weaknesses with that technique, so he would have to find another way.

Rain and his father returned home, a blend of pride and apprehension in their steps. Upon arrival, they found their sisters ready for their journey, and the atmosphere was filled with mixed emotions.

Dana, who had been exuberantly happy earlier, now appeared to hesitate. As she bid farewell to their parents and grandparents, her eyes welled with tears, and she sniffled, her emotions surfacing.

Kei, in her own way, made sure to extend her goodbyes, holding onto each family member a bit longer. Her actions revealed a lingering attachment and a desire to savor these moments before their departure.

Surprisingly, Gila, the youngest among them, seemed the most composed. She assured everyone that she would return soon, laden with delicious food to share. Her optimism and determination shone brightly amidst the bittersweet farewells.

With their Impulse skills, the journey back to the village would take approximately a day and a half. While not a great distance, they recognized that chances to return home would be infrequent.

"Are you all ready?" Rain asked. "We should get going. Don\'t worry, you will see them soon."

With bittersweet farewells, they waved goodbye and invoked Impulse to propel themselves toward the distant capital. The necessity of their journey weighed heavily on Rain\'s mind, causing him to reflect on how different this world\'s culture was from Earth\'s.

Although his parents had entrusted him with immense responsibility at such a young age, it still felt unusual to let their daughters go at such a tender age. The shared desire for their daughters to achieve greatness was evident, but the separation tugged at their hearts.

Rain shared his equipment with Dana and Kei to expedite their journey, and he frequently carried Gila on his back when her energy waned. Gila, being the youngest and less experienced in using magic, required the additional support.

Initially, it appeared they might regret their decision and long for the comforts of home. However, their moods took a drastic turn for the better as soon as the sprawling capital came into view on the horizon. The bustling city rekindled their hope and excitement, reminding them of the adventures that awaited in their new chapter of life.

"It is getting late. We should head home first, and then I will take you all to look around the city tomorrow," Rain said since the sun was already setting.

The trip lasted one day and a half. Still, even though they were around four times slower than him, Rain was proud of his sisters since the first time he learned Impulse, it took him three days to reach the capital.

Despite their initial reservations, Dana, Kei, and Gila couldn\'t conceal their amazement as they passed through the city gate and ventured into the bustling streets. Even at night, the capital retained its vibrant energy, a stark contrast to their previous, quieter life.

Their astonishment continued as they arrived at their new home. It was significantly larger than their old dwelling, a fact that wasn\'t lost on Rain either. Despite his grandparents\' hard work and the age difference between him and them, the new house was undeniably spacious. This led Rain to ponder whether his sisters might misconstrue this abundance as a quick path to wealth due to the war.

"I guess in this new chapter of my life, I will learn the skill endless worry and I will probably max it out in a couple of weeks," Rain thought.