Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Branden and Esmeralda grew increasingly restless after a week of confinement within the carriages. They occasionally took short walks in an attempt to break the monotony of their journey. However, these strolls were cut short whenever they spotted something unusual in the distance.

These oddities often took the form of flying creatures or massive reptiles roaming the landscape. For the sake of safety, they were quickly ushered back into the carriages whenever these mysterious beings appeared on the horizon.

"How curious… why wouldn't they just kill them all?" Rain thought.

It shouldn't be difficult, given that they can mobilize all the tribes to start a war of conquest. They should be able to use them as well to hunt monsters.

In any case, Rain forgot about that when he finally could see the capital of the Magic People country. Branden and Esmeralda could see it as well, and they were left speechless.

The capital of the magic people's country was a breathtaking sight to behold. It stood tall, resembling a colossal structure with multiple layers that seemed to reach for the sky. When viewed from a distance, the city appeared as a magnificent and vibrant castle adorned with a plethora of trees, plants, and flowers that added a burst of color to its facade.

From the upper levels of the city, cascading fountains and winding canals snaked their way down, creating a picturesque and majestic scene. The entire city seemed to harmonize with nature, blending the elements seamlessly into its design.

It was a place of wonder and enchantment, where the beauty of the natural world coexisted gracefully with the architectural marvels of the magic people's civilization.

It looked like the place could keep expanding and it resembled a bit of a pyramid with several levels.

"Welcome to our capital," Geio said when the carriage showed down, and he decided to stretch his legs a bit as well. "I hope that the journey wasn't that harsh on you all."

"It was fine," Branden said while rotating his upper body once he left the vehicle. "What should we do from here onward?"

"You all can just wait while I inform the council about your arrival. You should have a chance to meet them soon enough," Geio replied.

Soon enough wasn't enough for Rain. He wanted a clear date; otherwise, they might stay there for weeks since their soon enough probably wasn't the same as humans.

In any case, the group eventually reached the city after crossing the entrance, and while they saw a lot of people along the way, it was the first time they saw so many magic people without wearing hoods.

The magic people hailed from a myriad of tribes, each bearing a distinctive and unique appearance that set them apart from one another. Their diversity was a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures within their civilization. Mercury Warriors tended to be shorter in stature but had incredibly well-defined muscles, a testament to their physical prowess.

They were often adorned with intricate tattoos and body paint, showcasing their tribal affiliations. Their eyes were keen and sharp, reflecting their vigilant nature.

Members of the Fire Dancer tribe exuded an aura of fiery passion. They often had striking red or auburn hair reminiscent of flickering flames. Their eyes held a glint of determination, mirroring their fervor for mastering fire magic. Fire Dancers wore clothing adorned with intricate patterns resembling flames and embers.

These magic people had a close bond with nature, and it showed in their appearance. They were often covered in earthy, leafy garments, blending seamlessly into wooded environments. Their hair was adorned with flowers and vines, and their eyes sparkled with the wisdom of the forests.

The Air Nomads possessed an ethereal and otherworldly appearance. They were often slender and graceful, with flowing garments that seemed to defy gravity as they fluttered in the wind. Their eyes appeared dreamy and distant, symbolizing their deep connection to the skies and the wind.

As expected, those drew a lot of attention, even more so since they were surprised that a lot of people from different tribes lived in harmony and managed to build a city like that. It was a clear sign that required the cooperation of numerous tribes.

As the group ventured further into the capital city, they encountered its unique architectural layout. The city was divided into distinct sectors, each stacked atop the other, creating a multi-tiered metropolis. To navigate between these sectors, they found themselves ascending numerous flights of stairs, which connected the bustling layers of the city.

The vigilant guards guided their journey through the city's complex geography. These guardians of the magic people civilization led them to a quiet and vacant inn, signaling a temporary respite from their travels. Here, the group would find a moment of rest. Geio parted ways with them to fulfill his own duties.

Upon entering their room, the group refrained from immediately unpacking their belongings. Branden and Esmeralda, their weariness evident, opted to take a moment's respite by sitting on the room's beds. In contrast, Rain, vigilant as ever, began a thorough survey of their immediate surroundings.

With his keen perception and heightened sensitivity to magic, Rain silently indicated various points within the room. His gestures revealed that he could detect the presence of magic people not just around them but also above and below.

At the same time, Branden sighed… it was difficult not to do anything about that, but it couldn't be helped. As for Rain, he equipped a cloak and hid the best potions on his back. He didn't like cloaks since they hindered his movements a bit, but that was necessary.

"The atmosphere of the city seemed pretty peaceful. I thought that things would be more intense since the dragons are threatening them," Esmeralda said.

"Indeed, but for us who live in the capital, it is difficult to grasp dangerous situations when they are too far away from us," Branden said. "A lot of tribes live here, but I imagine those are the upper echelon's servants and family."

"I thought that they didn't have servants," Rain said.