Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

As Rain took a moment to observe Danny and Annie amidst the slightly awkward atmosphere, a subtle smile appeared at the corners of his lips when he noticed certain physical traits about them. Danny stood at the same height as Rain, matching his stature in a way that was both surprising and intriguing.

Simultaneously, Annie mirrored her mother in height, highlighting their respective resemblances to their parents.

Their physique conveyed a sense of fitness and vitality, although it was evident that they didn't possess the same degree of muscles as Rain. This observation hinted at their conscious choice not to prioritize extensive muscle mass in their physical training regimen.

It appeared that Danny and Annie, in their pursuit of strength and fitness, had opted for a leaner and more streamlined physique, acknowledging the potential drawbacks of excessive muscle bulk.

Danny had a bit longer hair than his father, and he seemed more awkward when he looked at Rain, he tried to act like he didn't do that. At the same time, Annie didn't hide that and kept looking at Rain in the eye when their eyes met. Her hair was a bit curly and short, but it suited her.

"Why are you all frowning so much?" Leiah asked. "Considering the lengths that Rain went to find us, he should be the one who should be frowning. You met everyone else already, right? We should have done better considering that you wanted to sacrifice yourself."

"It is okay, Mom," Rain said. "I understand the situation, things are like that because I was half assed. It was never my intention to sacrifice myself… I just asked Seadrei to take everyone with him because I wanted to buy a time of time. Not because I was planning to blew myself up."

"... You didn't try to sacrifice yourself?" Roan furrowed his eyebrows.

"My plan was to return eventually, but I didn't think that it would take one hundred years, it seems that I overestimated my healing abilities," Rain explained. "That being said, I imagined that the enemies would leave everyone else alone if I were to disappear for a while."

Upon hearing Rain's statement revealing a different perspective about his absence, a collective surprise rippled through the gathered family members. The revelation clearly contrasted the long-held belief they had all clung to—the notion that Rain had selflessly sacrificed himself for their sake.

The revelation challenged their understanding and left them blinking in disbelief, struggling to process this unexpected turn of events.

For the longest time, they had held onto the story that Rain's disappearance was an act of selflessness, a sacrifice made for their safety and well-being. This belief had shaped their perceptions and attitudes toward Rain's absence, fostering a sense of reverence and gratitude for his supposed sacrifice. However, Rain's revelation shattered this deeply ingrained belief…

"What can I say?" Rain asked while showing a difficult expression. "I wanted to see you all once again… I couldn't let it go."

"Well… it wouldn't have changed anything if you had died," Kei crossed her arms and then said it. "I suppose that this is a good thing. The fact that you can be egocentric sometimes or when you have to."

"... I made you guys suffer thinking like that… I am really sorry," Rain said and then bowed deeply.

"... Raise your head," Roan ordered. "This troubled us for quite a while, but it is good to know the truth… it is also good to see you again. We all made mistakes since that time, and I guess we can't blame each other for them."

"Seriously… does it cost anything for you all to show a bit more happiness?" Leiah asked and then sighed. "Golems have more feelings than you all."

Rain, noticing the weariness etched on everyone's faces and understanding the toll a month inside the dungeons had taken, swiftly used his magic. He expanded the dimensions of the shelter. Walls stretched outward, creating more space within, offering a larger area for everyone to rest and recuperate comfortably.

They all had their own geat to camp anywhere they needed, but it seemed that they didn't use anything like underground shelters anymore… they sure were living a hardcore lifestyle. In any case, Rain understood that discussions and planning could wait; what everyone needed in that moment was a chance to catch their breath and recuperate from the grueling challenges they had just endured.

Besides, Rain knew he needed time to reflect as well. The events of the past few days had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within him, prompting contemplation about the future and the steps he needed to take. Although they looked guarded, everyone went to sleep and soon the exhaustion took over them. Only Rain and Terra were left awaken to guard the place.

"Didn't you go to sleep because you want to mess around a bit more?" Rain asked and then he got punched on the ribs. "You two have become too violent… violence isn't the answer, violece is a question and the answer is yes. Violence breeds violence, but in the end, it has to be this way."

"You aren't making any sense for your point," Terra said. "Anyway, we didn't have the chance to tell what we had learned, so that is why I am here. You took the lukewarm welcome like a champ, but I am still a bit worried."

"It is fine, just tell me what you have learned," Rain said.

Terra nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of sharing the knowledge they had gathered during their time they had been moving. With a sense of solemnity in her voice, she began recounting the discoveries the group had made.

It appears that the beast people harbored an aversion to the cold, much like the sea folk. Seeking refuge from the harsh conditions, they found sanctuary within the dungeons. However, it seems their prolonged stay within those environments led to an unforeseen and tragic fate… they became part of it at some point.