Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Rain was satisfied with the result… but hearing all that math was starting to haunt him. He liked math more in middle school when there were actually numbers in the calculations, not like they were nightmarish descriptions like this: a2 +b2 =c2 or this ∀a,b∈G,∃x∈G such that ax=xb.

In any case, little by little, Rain increased the size of the vessel by making its interior made of helium when he had enough mana to expand it. For now, that wasn't a problem, but eventually, they will have to increase the amount of land and mass for cultivation as well. Unless they wanted to do some population control, and he didn't want to do that.

He couldn't be a hypocrite when he was always trying for opportunities to score with his wives, after all.

Since the next destination was two weeks away and, he didn't to chart their course for a while. Rain found himself with some free time. He thought that he could spar with his wives a bit longer, but soon, they had to leave as well since they had their own responsibilities. Both of them helped the human and the sea folk factions train together.

"I guess I will take a walk and see what everyone else is doing," Rain said. "Some people are hard to meet now since everyone has too many responsibilities."

"Wow, even we aren't old enough to consider talking walks and see what they were doing with their own lives," Vanessa said. "If we tried to identify the age of your bones, perhaps you would be from the Mesozoic period."

"I truly believe that some women are funny, but you help people believe that they aren't, Vanessa," Rain said. "Or should I call you Hera?"

"Leave me alone from your guys' cringe fest," Vanessa said.

Although he didn't act like that, Rain knew that Vanessa had a point… seeing his friends and family to kill time seemed like the choice in a situation where they weren't heading to a battlefield of cosmic scale. Still, it couldn't be helped since Rain valued his friendships.

"Well, it is fine to do that only for today…" Rain thought. "I have some ideas for new skills and techniques, and I will study them from tomorrow onwards."

That was an excuse that Rain would usually never do, but he also wanted to see how everyone was fairing in the Star vessel without being in a hurry. While he couldn't make the decisions about the place without consulting the others, at least he didn't have to solve every single problem by himself. The weight of all responsibilities wasn't his alone either…

As Rain walked through the territory of the Star vessel, he watched the various training areas spread across the ever-expanding structure. The sight of his friends, parents, sisters, and even his kids engaged in rigorous training sessions filled him with a sense of pride and determination.

Each group had its dedicated space, ensuring that the vast population on the vessel could efficiently focus on gaining combat experience.

In one area, Rain's parents were practicing martial techniques with a group of fighters, exchanging blows and refining their combat skills. His sisters, scattered across different sections, were seen sparring with other individuals, demonstrating their prowess with weapons and magic alike. Even his children were skilled mentors, and were teaching the basics of self-defense and combat strategy.

While the combat training was in full motion, another aspect of the vessel's operation was taking place in a more organized setting. In several offices and communal spaces, individuals like Esmeralda, Branden, Orcis, Lorene, Regis, and Rain's grandparents were busy dealing with administrative tasks.

They were diligently managing various affairs, ensuring that potential issues were addressed promptly and efficiently.

They were handling everything from personal disputes to minor skirmishes, making sure that conflicts were nipped in the bud before they had a chance to escalate. Their efforts were aimed at maintaining a harmonious and functional community within the Star vessel.

"Everyone is busy, and no one has the time to chat or relax," Rain said. "The virus of workaholism is spreading, and I am, most likely, the patient zero."

One of the few people that Rain found wasn't that much busy was Isa. She had just finished work writing some texts about magic for some reason. It seemed that someone decided to create a library with all the magical knowledge of the people in the vessel, and Rain wasn't informed of that…

"I feel left out," Rain said.

"That was decided while you were working on the nucleo of the vessel," Isa explained. "Terra and Seara were there when it was decided, and they said that you would like to be surprised when the library is completed. What made us build this was the fact that when some battle starts, few people will be left behind to teach others."

"I see…" Rain said. "In any case, I don't think that your knowledge was something that you could write down in just a few weeks."

"I am taking it slowly since I am not very motivated these days," Isa shrugged. "Besides, my knowledge is only something that few people can actually understand."

"A monocle would suit you when you say that," Rain frowned.

Despite Isa's skill at hiding her emotions, Rain, thanks to his keen awareness, noticed the subtle signs that betrayed her inner feelings. The revelation about everyone's origins seemed to be a source of profound thinking for Isa.

Being the oldest person around who still possessed a physical body, she carried the weight of accumulated memories and experiences that now seemed connected with many issues.

Finding peace of mind in their long-standing connection and the trust they had developed over time, Rain felt at ease talking to Isa. Her age and wisdom made her a unique presence, someone Rain could approach with a sense of familiarity and comfort. Recognizing Isa's internal struggle, Rain wanted to lend an understanding ear. Still, it was clear that she didn't want that…

"I am a bit tired, so I am going home. See you later," Isa said.