Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

The areas near the beaches were mostly desert. Only a few guards moved around with their weapons while making sure that they would notice any attacks and alert the others as soon as possible. The first few camps were ten kilometers away from the beaches, and people were working there nonstop.

Rain observed the efforts of the demi-humans as they worked meticulously, fashioning an bunch of intricate relics, primarily rings, scattered across their settlement. These rings, imbued with a subtle yet distinct energy, seemed to serve a singular purpose: to harness and amass energy, serving as reservoirs to be used when the need arose.

Crafted with precision and care, each ring bore intricate designs, etched with ancient symbols and magic circles of all sizes... As Rain watched, he could sense a latent power resonating within these artifacts, almost pulsating with a dormant vitality. The demi-humans worked tirelessly, channeling their knowledge and skill into the creation of these items.

Rain noticed the meaning of the magic circles and their function as a method for transferring knowledge into magical relics. He concluded that these circles offered a convenient avenue to imprint one's expertise, infusing objects with the accumulated wisdom and capabilities of their creators.

However, he also noticed an absence or lack of replication of his own methods within the demi-humans' skills.

With his understanding, Rain recognized that his own approach to embedding knowledge into magical relics might have been different or perhaps unknown to the demi-humans. He realized that they might not possess the same knowledge or techniques that he had acquired, which allowed him to copy his knowledge into the magic relics during their creation process.

This observation made him realize that their methods, while effective in harnessing the energy, might lack the ability to transfer intricate knowledge or expertise directly into these magical artifacts.

In any case, Isa's current home was a large tent and considering that the grass had been growing inside, he assumed that she had been living there for quite a while. People saw Rain entering her tent, but soon they looked to away. They didn't care about him since they have better things to do.

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"We should talk outside, I have the feeling that things will become problematic if we talk here," Rain said.

"What are you talking about? We can't on the way of the others while they work," Isa said and then sat on the floor. "Anyway, time is of the essence, so I am going to tell you what happened on our end and then you will tell me what happened to you."

Unlike before, Isa didn't want to waste time with anything, but that sudden change of behavior was a bit troublesome. Still, before Rain could say anything, she began to speak.

Isa explained that following the issue with the dust storm, the demi-humans experienced a period of tranquility that lasted for several months. Despite subsequent natural events, such as the meteor impact causing tsunamis to approach their vicinity, the demi-humans were largely unfazed.

This was primarily due to the presence and abilities of individuals like Van, who possessed the power to intervene and halt the destructive forces, ensuring their safety and continued peace amidst such adversities.

Isa explained that a shift had occurred in their surroundings. After the meteor's impact, the demi-humans noticed an increase in the frequency of tsunamis, which became a regular occurrence in their region. Further investigation revealed an intriguing pattern: while numerous locations, including islands they were familiar with, began expanding in size, their own land remained unaffected.

Curiously, it seemed that areas occupied by inhabitants did not experience this growth phenomenon, leaving the demi-humans' territory unchanged despite the apparent expansion elsewhere.

Five years following the expansion of territories and the atacks of the water dragons, the assaults intensified. While the sea dragons were the primary enemies , the absence of other dragon variants in these attacks was striking. The demi-humans found themselves facing relentless waves of water variant dragons, their numbers and ferocity making each encounter more challenging.

However, despite their initial surprise, the demi-humans were quick to adapt, using their knowledge and skills to respond strategically. Their familiarity with the land and their determined resistance enabled them to gain some control over the encounters.

Nevertheless, the absence of other dragon variants in the attacks seemed peculiar, leaving the demi-humans wary and unsure of what to expect in the escalating conflict.

"Little by little over the years they caused more destruction and made us lose time and resources," Isa added. "We didn't lose many warriors, but they killed one of them once a year, only. They were quick to attack and quick to retreat before they suffered damage."

"They were fighting you seriously, since you guys caused them a lot of trouble before," Rain shrugged. "This isn't unexpected."

Isa was surprised aback by the dragons' unconventional strategies, which deviated from their usual frontal assaults. The dragons, employing hit-and-run tactics and swift, unexpected attacks, seemed to be aiming for a more strategic and agile approach.

Rain recognized this as a clear departure from the dragons' traditional method of confrontation, indicating a change in their mindset and a willingness to adopt tactics that prioritize speed and surprise over direct confrontation.

The dragon god's influence on these tactics hinted at a desire for swift victory rather than engaging in prolonged battles, urging the dragons to employ such methods to gain an advantage and end the conflict swiftly.

"For around fifty years, we had a hard time fighting back, we put too much faith in our barrier and thought that the dragons couldn't do anything against us, but then your family and friends arrived and began to work with us," Isa said. "They knew how to fight the water dragons, and dozens of them were killed in the first month of our alliance thanks to their help.

Thanks to that, no one could say anything about them and we have been working together ever since. Well then, what happened to you?"