Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix - C.286: Contingency

The streets of the bustling port town, once teeming with life, now lay empty and silent. The usual vibrant atmosphere had given way to an eerie stillness with the group navigating through these desolate urban avenues.

Their footsteps echoed softly, reverberating through the silence as if the city itself had withdrawn into seclusion. The buildings that flanked the streets stood as mute witnesses, their windows dark, doors tightly shut, embodying the city's collective retreat.

Yet, amidst this ghostly emptiness, there were intermittent signs of life in the distance. Squinting against the haze, our group discerned faint figures slowly converging on the port. These distant shapes gradually came into focus, revealing purposeful travelers with various burdens.

Some carried bundles, others pushed loaded carts, and a few guided horses burdened with cargo. Their determined strides cut through the eerie silence, a stark contrast to the deserted city streets.

"It seems that we arrived at a calm time," Reca said while looking around.

"It also seems that the attacks didn't extend beyond the city that much, but most of the place has been evacuated.

As Rain and his companions neared the port, the break of dawn unveiled a scene both weary and resilient. People living in the nearby houses were emerging to grab a bite. Their tired faces told tales of nocturnal battles, a constant struggle, with sleepless nights leaving their mark. Yet, these folks had no other option. In this coastal town, uncertainty was an ever-present companion. NovelFire-your-novel-source

Breakfast aromas mixed with the sea's salty scent as people gathered around makeshift tables. They exchanged knowing glances, speaking in hushed tones. There was a shared understanding of the need to stay alert. Morning meals had transformed from a simple routine into a brief refuge before they resumed their watch on the horizon.

As Rain and the group drew closer to the port, they couldn't help but empathize with these tough souls. They all faced the ceaseless threat from the sea folk, and the constant uncertainty was a heavy burden.

Rain was eventually met with an unexpected sight upon reaching Orcis' home. His once-peaceful garden was now occupied by a cluster of tents, an assortment of various sizes. A notably larger and well-appointed tent stood prominently among them, dominating the space.

Rain couldn't help but furrow his brow in confusion. He found it puzzling why they had chosen to set up these makeshift tents outdoors when Orcis' own house was perfectly suited to serve as their headquarters.

"Why in the world would they make tents out here?" Rain thought

Approaching the tent cluster cautiously, the group observed the occupants and their activities. Some smaller tents seemed to shelter individuals in rest or recovery. In contrast, others housed supplies, weapons, and equipment, indicating the presence of adventurers or guards getting ready for action.

The largest tent, situated right in the heart of Orcis once-pristine garden, intrigued him the most. Figures could be seen moving inside, and the entrance flap was held open, inviting investigation.

Exchanging quizzical glances with Jori, Reca, Terra, and Asche, Rain made his way through the tent flap, entering a spacious interior that functioned as a makeshift command center. Tables littered with maps, charts, and documents were scattered around. At the same time, a group of individuals engaged in an animated discussion occupied one corner.

"Wow, you really came fast," Branden said.

Inside the large tent, Rain and his companions encountered an unexpected scene. Seated around an improvised command table were a group of individuals who bore the visible signs of fatigue. Among them were Branden and Lorene, Branden's stepsister. Both showed weariness on their faces, but their expressions now sparkled with surprise.

Beside Lorene sat Orcis, her husband, who appeared equally drained yet shared the same astonished look. These three familiar figures formed the core of the group, and their reactions conveyed their disbelief.

Branden was the first to speak up, his eyes widening in disbelief as he rose from his seat. Lorene, seated beside Branden, also seemed taken aback, and Orcis nodded in agreement. The early arrival of reinforcements had caught them off guard, as they had expected support to arrive at least a week later.

The soldiers in the tent, who had silently observed the encounter, also displayed a mix of surprise and relief at the unexpected reinforcements. It was evident that this timely support had injected newfound hope into the weary group. Rain recognized Julie among them, one of the guards that served Orcis but still liked him. Rain wondered why he didn't forget that…

"We asked him to call you after we heard the report, but he didn't give the direct command," Lorene said. "Still, he looked like you still would come. It has been a while, Rain. It seems that you brought some friends and… three cute pies as well."

"We were planning to go on a trip to the beach, but we ended up coming to the beach in the opposite direction," Rain explained. "Anyway, we are here. What next?"

"I am thankful for your arrival. We know that Jori, Reca, Liss, Asche, and Terra have experience fighting in the ocean, but are you going to be fine?" Orcis asked. "People have a hard time getting used to fighting there."

"It is fine. I have some ideas of my own on how to deal with these issues," Rain said.

"I see… Julie, please guide the young ladies to unpack in one vacant building and then escort them back," Orcis said.

"Yes, sir," Julie said.

Rain initially worried about his younger sisters, Dana, Kei, and Gila. He was concerned about exposing them to the fatigue and tension in the camp for an extended period. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see them adapt quickly to the unfamiliar surroundings and the presence of exhausted defenders. Their resilience in the face of adversity reassured him.

In fact, a part of Rain wasn't overly worried about their temporary separation. He had prepared for this possibility, understanding that as they grew older, they would need to learn to navigate the world independently. Additionally, he had contingency plans in place in case of any emergencies that might arise in his absence.