Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

59 Reasons for concern

Rain eagerly delved into learning about the creatures that posed a threat to the village. While referred to as beasts, it became apparent that these creatures were more akin to massive and untamed animals rather than mythical monsters. By gathering information from the villagers and exploring the outskirts of the village, Rain gradually pieced together a picture of their behavior and characteristics.

The primary adversaries were the armored beetles, formidable creatures known for their size and strength. These beetles boasted a sturdy exoskeleton that acted as natural armor, providing them with significant protection against conventional attacks. Their size alone made them a formidable force, capable of causing considerable damage if left unchecked.

Rain discovered that the armored beetles typically roamed in packs, exhibiting a level of coordination that suggested a rudimentary social structure. They were known to be territorial, fiercely defending their hunting grounds or nesting areas. It seemed that the disturbances caused by the ongoing war had disrupted their natural habitats, driving them to encroach upon the village and its surrounding lands.

"How come the war in the opposite direction made them march toward here?" Rain asked.

"Word about the war should have reached the demi-humans, and they probably decided to clean up their backyard; some monsters might have escaped through the mountains that separate our lands," Meiro replied.

Rain stood on a hilltop, his gaze fixed upon the towering mountains in the distance. The jagged peaks seemed to mark the boundary between the human realm and the vast expanse of the demi-human territory. It was a visual reminder of the stark division that separated their worlds, where one side belonged to the familiar comforts of human civilization, and the other harbored the untamed wilderness of the demi-human realm.

The mountains stood as formidable sentinels, their sheer cliffs and rugged slopes acting as a natural barrier. Beyond their imposing presence, Rain knew that a different world awaited—one inhabited by beings of other races and mythical creatures. It was a land of untamed beauty and uncharted dangers, where the laws of nature reigned supreme.

As Rain observed the distant mountains, his mind filled with wonder and apprehension. He knew that the monsters, with their ferocity and primal instincts, emerged from the depths of those very peaks. They were a constant threat to the peace and security of the human territories, a reminder that the divide between their realms was more than just physical.

"There are no villages or fields between this area and the mountains?" Rain asked. "They are more than fifty kilometers away from us."

"There have been some talks about expanding the farms, but what we produce now is more than enough to feed the entire realm," Meiro explained. "Besides, we would need more guards and soldiers, and the royalty and nobility had other worries to consider in the last ten years."

"The war… what a mess," Rain thought after a long sigh.

The beasts had been cunning in their attacks, striking only under the cover of darkness and targeting different areas of the village each time. Their elusive nature made tracking them down a daunting task for Rain and the villagers. Each night brought with it a sense of uncertainty and fear as the community remained on high alert, never knowing when or where the next attack would occur.

The creatures seemed to possess an innate understanding of the village's layout, exploiting its vulnerabilities and disappearing into the shadows before anyone could fully react. Their movements were swift and stealthy, leaving behind a trail of destruction and frightened villagers in their wake.

Rain realized that if they were to stand a chance against these nocturnal adversaries, they would need to devise a method to predict their movements and anticipate their next strike. It required meticulous observation, gathering information from eyewitness accounts, and studying the patterns and behavior of the beasts. Or, they had to look for them, probably close to the mountains.

Rain and his grandfather talked with those that saw the beasts, but they didn't learn much… without a clear plan, convincing others to join them will be difficult. In the end, Rain decided to stay alert at night and then move to attack the beasts once they showed up.

"What am I doing with my life… letting a boy of your age stay on guard at night," Meiron said after a long sigh once Rain told him of his plan. "You aren't planning to chase them to their base, are you?"

Rain's gaze shifted from the distant mountains where the monsters resided, his mind filled with a mixture of determination and frustration. Deep down, he knew that embarking on a solo mission to confront the creatures at night would be a reckless endeavor. As much as he longed to bring an end to the menace once and for all, he had to face the reality of his own limitations.

His mana, though considerable, was not inexhaustible. The demands of a prolonged battle against the beasts would drain his energy rapidly, leaving him vulnerable and defenseless. It was a dangerous gamble that could jeopardize not only his own safety but also the lives of his family and fellow villagers who relied on him.

Rain knew that he had to temper his impulsive urge to rush into the darkness. Instead, he needed to devise a more strategic approach, one that took into account his limited resources and leveraged the strength of the community as a whole. He understood that true victory lay in unity and careful planning, not in impetuous acts fueled by emotions.

Meiro explained to the villagers that they should go home a bit earlier since that night was going to be a cloudy one, and that was usually the night the monsters would show up. The guards would do just as usual, but instead of engaging when they saw the beasts, they would wait until Rain reached them… it goes without saying that many of them didn't like the idea of waiting for a six-year-old kid to fight.

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