Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix - C.282: Vacation

There was also a sea dragon. Described as a colossal, serpentine sea serpent stretching for miles, the creature possessed immense power. It could capsize ships with a flick of its tail, and sightings of it were seen as harbingers of impending disaster.

There was also even the description of something akin to a shark. A behemoth of a shark that was believed to roam the ocean's depths. With jaws large enough to swallow small boats whole, it struck fear into sailors' hearts. Stories told of it breaching the surface to snatch sailors from their vessels.

There was also an ethereal monster that was capable of creating disasters. A mythical monster capable of creating devastating maelstroms. These whirlpools could swallow entire fleets, and ships that ventured too close risked being sucked into its relentless vortex.

The final one was quite hard to name. Often depicted as a multi-headed sea monster dwelling in rocky sea caves, the creature posed a grave threat to passing ships. Sailors ran the risk of losing crew members to its snapping jaws or having their vessels dashed against treacherous cliffs when sailing too near its lair.

As Jori and the rest of the group discussed these legendary sea monsters, their faces showed clear unease. They couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that these colossal creatures, long dismissed as mere legends, might actually exist. Their expressions revealed a mix of wonder and fear.

However, Rain stood out in stark contrast. While his friends discussed these terrifying sea monsters, his face was marked by excitement. He seemed thrilled at the prospect of facing these enormous creatures, much like his enthusiasm for taking on dragons.

Yet, his friends couldn't hide their concerns, and they exchanged worried glances. They suspected that Rain's excitement might dwindle once he experienced the eerie and unsettling ambiance of the open sea at night. The sea's foreboding aura, combined with the unknown dangers lurking beneath the dark waves, could make anyone rethink their adventurous aspirations.

"You shouldn't think of fighting when you still have burn wounds on your body," Terra said while showing a serious look. freёweɓnovel.com

"It will be fine. Sea monsters can't decrease healing magic, and I doubt that they will curse me like dragons," Rain said. "Anyway, I was just considering the prospects of that mission coming to us, but we don't have to think about it now. You guys should rest for one week before thinking of training and working as well."

The group unanimously agreed that it was high time for some well-deserved rest. After confronting dragons, potential sea monsters, and the enigmatic port city attack, a break was not only needed but also long overdue. It was an opportunity to recharge their energies and regroup for whatever challenges lay ahead.

For Rain, this break held a particular significance. His absence from home for three months had made him realize that even though his sisters appeared unchanged, prolonged separations could gradually weaken the bonds within a family. While their faces looked as familiar as ever, he understood that maintaining their close-knit relationship required continuous effort.

With this in mind, Rain yearned for quality time with his sisters. He aimed to bridge the gap created by his extended absences and strengthen their sibling connections. Additionally, he felt a sense of responsibility to play the role of a protective guardian, especially when it came to warding them off from insects, also known as no-good boyfriends.

In his eyes, safeguarding his sisters from unwelcome attention was a duty as important as defending against dragons or sea monsters. your-chapter-source-MvLeMpYr

"So, what is the news?" Rain asked when he met his sisters for the usual morning training in the garden.

"Same as ever," Dana replied.

"I want to finish training as soon as possible and take a nap after breakfast," Kei said.

"What are we going to have for breakfast?" Gila asked.

"So, this is the legendary cold shoulder…" Rain said and then sighed.

Despite the fact that Rain's sisters seemed unchanged in their appearance, he couldn't help but detect a subtle coolness in their demeanor. It was as if the three months of separation had introduced a small but noticeable shift in their interactions. This left him feeling uneasy, and his initial instinct was to rush in and remedy the situation by treating them to their favorite sugary indulgences.

However, he held back. The food they adored was loaded with sugar, and Rain was well aware that excessive indulgence, particularly for Dana, who was entering the tumultuous phase of puberty, wasn't a prudent choice. He recognized the importance of taking a more measured and patient approach to navigate this delicate period of transition for his sisters.

"By the way, Dana, the year at school is ending, so you will have some free time for a while, right?" Rain asked. "What do you want to do during your break?"

"... The sea," Dana replied after thinking for a while.

Rain's discomfort grew as the conversation veered in a direction he wasn't too fond of. He was aware that his sisters were well-informed about the ongoing issues at the coast, and Dana's expressed desire to visit that area immediately raised red flags. What concerned him even more was that Kei and Gila seemed equally enthusiastic about the idea.

While Rain wholeheartedly appreciated the value of family trips and creating lasting memories, he couldn't help but wish for a destination that would offer a bit more tranquility and less emotional turbulence. The recent string of challenges they had faced, from confronting dragons to the prospect of sea monsters, had already subjected them to a fair share of stress and anxiety.

In Rain's view, a vacation should be an opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment, a chance to escape the worries and dangers of the outside world.

"Anywhere else?" Rain asked.

"No," Dana replied.

Rain wanted to sigh… Dana had already hit puberty, and she had become quite smart as well… Rain eventually realized that there was still the ocean on the opposite side of the trouble. Still, he wondered if things would be that smooth.