Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix - C.281: From the depths

The morning arrived, and Rain woke up feeling fresh and without the misery of a hangover. His companions, however, were not as fortunate. They groaned and clutched their pounding heads, regretting their enthusiastic celebration from the previous night.

Adding to their discomfort was the disconcerting absence of Branden. The news of his continued unavailability cast a pall over the group's mood. They connected that to the attack on the port, exacerbating their headaches and a general sense of unease.

In light of this, Rain suggested that they make use of the free rooms in his house to recuperate from their hangovers at their own pace, a small solace in an otherwise disconcerting situation.

"I am sorry, Rain," Leiah said. "I didn't want to spoil your return, but I knew about the attack and that Branden went there to help."

"It is fine. It is understandable," Rain said. "Anyway, you can return home now, Mom. I will talk with Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma later."

"Yes. By the way, three of those girls are single, right?" Leiah asked while smiling. "They all seem nice."

Rain couldn't help but roll his eyes when he heard his mother's comment about Liss, Asche, and Terra. He had anticipated such remarks from her, and her predictable reaction left him feeling exasperated. With a resigned sigh, he muttered to himself, "I should have known she would say that eventually."

Rain considered Terra, Liss, and Asche his friends. Recently, his relationship with Terra had grown closer, and he suspected it was due to the intense experience of him saving her from the water dragon. Life-threatening situations had a way of bringing people together, as emotions ran high in the face of danger.

Rain appreciated Terra's newfound closeness, but he preferred taking things one step at a time, allowing their bond to develop naturally. He recognized that genuine understanding and trust built authentic friendships and connections. So, he was open to seeing where their journey together would lead.

Still, Rain assumed that she probably saw him saving her from the water dragon, and she was probably feeling a few things thanks to the bridge suspension effect.

The bridge suspension effect is a psychological concept observed during intense or life-threatening situations. It describes the phenomenon where individuals develop stronger emotional connections with those with whom they share such experiences with.

This effect is attributed to the surge of stress hormones like adrenaline in response to danger, which heightens emotions and fosters a sense of unity among people facing the crisis.

In such moments of crisis, the brain's chemistry promotes increased alertness and emotional intensity. People rely on each other for support and survival, which, in turn, deepens trust, empathy, and camaraderie. The term "bridge suspension effect" metaphorically compares the emotional bonds formed during these situations to the interconnected elements of a suspension bridge that maintain stability.

The bridge suspension effect is temporary. The strength and lasting impact of the emotional bonds formed can vary from person to person. Their long-term endurance depends on subsequent interactions and shared experiences after the crisis has passed. freewebnσvel.cøm

"Should we talk with Karla about this?" Jori asked when they joined to talk in the garden. "I am curious as to why the port town was attacked by who as well."

"Do you think that it might be connected to the times you guys were on the sea?" Rain furrowed his eyebrows.

Now Rain thought about it. He still hadn't found the guys who tried to kill him and Lorene in the port city. He didn't recall seeing any magic people that had the power to create things like magic bombs… maybe he wasn't the real target, and the assailant was a killer from another species entirely, but Rain didn't recall hearing about such an ability.

"It is hard to say… if they are only pirates, the guards of the town would be enough to deal with them," Jori replied.

"Pirates wouldn't attack for long. Lord Branden wouldn't leave the capital because of such small fries," Reca added.

When considering potential threats to the port city other than pirates, two significant possibilities arise the Sea Folk and aquatic monsters. The city might have found itself in disputes with the Sea Folk over sea-related resources, territorial claims, or trade routes. Such conflicts can often lead to hostile actions against the city.

Retaliation or Vendettas: If the city's policies or actions have harmed the Sea Folk's interests, retaliation or seeking vengeance could be a motive, potentially resulting in various forms of aggression. The Sea Folk could have internal divisions or leaders with divergent agendas. The attack might be an outcome of internal power struggles or efforts to gain regional supremacy. MVLeMpYr-com-story

Aquatic monsters are typically part of the natural ecosystem near coasts. Yet, unusual environmental changes might push them to act more aggressively or venture closer to inhabited areas. External forces, like powerful mages or enchanted artifacts, could manipulate these monsters, compelling them to attack the city. They might not be acting of their own accord.

Alterations in the marine environment due to pollution, overfishing, or other factors could disrupt the balance in aquatic ecosystems. This could lead to more hostility from creatures that are usually passive as well…

"I guess these two possibilities are the most likely ones," Rain said. "You guys captured a giant monster, didn't you?" Rain asked. "What kind of other monsters have you heard of that exist on the sea?"

Jori and the others exchanged uneasy glances as they mulled over the idea that the recent attack on the port city might be linked to formidable sea monsters. These colossal creatures had long been dismissed as mere legends, but now they faced the disconcerting prospect that these tales could hold some truth.

They mentioned a giant Kraken-like creature called that apparently has been alive for ten thousand years, and some people claimed that they saw it. This monstrous, tentacled sea creature was rumored to lurk in the ocean's deepest trenches.

It boasted incredible size and strength, capable of dragging entire ships beneath the waves with its powerful tentacles, making sailors' encounters with it terrifying ordeals.