Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Chapter 639 Possibly guilty

Over the following week, Rain made significant progress in his quest to improve the Greedy Vow. He succeeded in adding all of his family and friends to the list, further increasing his commitments and bonds with them. Additionally, he made some progress in excavating the tunnel, managing to complete half of it.

However, the challenging part of the tunnel wasn't the resistance of the sea dragon territory but the heightened mana density beneath, which complicated the digging process.

But what weighed on Rain even more was the nature of the Greedy Vow itself. When active, the magic granted him a remarkable thirty percent increase in strength. Yet, this newfound power came at a cost—Rain felt an unprecedented sense of urgency.

Every moment, he was driven to do something that would enhance his odds of fulfilling the vows he had made. Whether it was intensive training, conducting experiments, or working diligently on his business, Rain was propelled by an unrelenting need to bolster his capabilities and protect those he had pledged to safeguard.

"Hmm, your presence has grown a lot in the last few days… perhaps you weren't joking when you said that you wanted to surpass me before you become thirty years old," Seadrei said when Rain showed up to return the spear.

"You can tell, huh?" Rain asked while shrugging off.

"... While I admit that I didn't focus on improving my skills all the time in my five hundred years of life, it is still a bit vexing to be surpassed by someone of your age," Seadrei said. "I feel like asking how much you want to embarrass me, but that would be even more embarrassing. Perhaps I should work harder to have more free time to sharpen my skills."

"That seems like a good idea, by the way, did you get a skill like Tame after evolving your new path?" Rain asked.

"No, I already got two new ones, though," Seadrei said. "They are conscious sleep and cold Resistance."

Conscious Sleep was an ability that allows a person to enter a state of rest or sleep while maintaining a certain level of awareness and control over their surroundings. While in this state, an individual can remain vigilant and responsive to their environment, making it useful for situations where one needs to rest but still stay alert to potential threats.

It can provide an advantage in scenarios where sudden danger might arise, allowing the person to quickly awaken and respond.

Cold Resistance was an ability that provides increased tolerance and protection against extremely low temperatures and the effects of cold environments. Depending on the level of proficiency in this skill, individuals might experience various benefits, such as reduced risk of frostbite, enhanced thermal regulation in cold climates, and resistance to cold-related ailments.

This skill can be valuable for survival in frigid regions or during exposure to cold spells and conditions.

Rain thought that it was the system's way of telling Seadrei and his people that they couldn't keep moving away from the southern ocean forever. It would have been nice to have someone like that to have Rain's back while explored that area, but he didn't have to do it anymore.

"An elemental resistance seems pretty nice, even more so when it is one that doesn't costs mana," Rain said. "You guys are also naturally resistant to water, but I guess all this makes you two times weaker against fire."

"Indeed… huh?" Seadrei said and then frowned.

"What is wrong?" Rain asked.

"Seadir is coming in a hurry… this isn't the usual time he should return," Seadrei said while scratching his chin. "I can only imagine what made him change his usual routine."

"Father! Rain?" Seadir said when he suddenly arrived. "The sea dragons are on the move again!"

Rain's frustration was clear in his expression. He wanted a break, some time to relax and unwind, but it seemed that life had different plans for him. Sometimes, no matter how much we wish for a respite, circumstances and responsibilities have a way of keeping us busy.

It was a moment where Rain could only sigh and prepare himself for whatever challenges lay ahead despite his desire for a well-deserved break.

"Give me the details," Seadrei said. "Did they approach our territory?"

"No, but it seems that they are preparing to do that," Seadir replied. "They are moving in groups and they are forming a tight encirclement around us… and probably in other areas as well since all the sleeping sea dragons are on the move.

Rain wondered if the fact that he took that shield was the cause of that… he didn't feel like apologizing, but he has to consider if anything.

"Send the word to my generals, all of them are to be on post in the limits of our territory," Rain said. "If any dragon tries to get closer, they have to attack to kill. I will join the battle if they try to win against us with numbers."

"Yes sir," Seadir said.

The atmosphere in the underwater castle and the city continued to grow more strained with each passing moment. It was as though a storm was brewing beneath the tranquil surface of the sea. Rain couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant was about to unfold. Something like never before.

As he contemplated whether or not to share his concerns with Seadrei, Rain couldn't help but wonder about the intricate web of politics and rivalries that might be at play beneath the sea. He wondered if Seadrei was well-prepared to deal with any potential threats or if this sudden change was a sign of something even more complex and dangerous at hand.

The uncertainty in the air was palpable, and Rain couldn't deny that he felt a sense of foreboding.

"There is a chance that I might be the cause of this, so I will be on post to help," Rain said. "You can call me whenever you want… it will also help me get stronger against dragons."