Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

Chapter 31: Utter disgust

Everyone sensed a strange tension lingering in the air. His grandparents showed expressions grave and contemplative. Rain's father, standing nervously, could barely meet his parents' piercing gazes.

Rain's grandparents were renowned for their knowledge and wisdom. Still, they were also known for their strong-willed nature and intolerance for dissenting opinions. Their reputation often preceded them, and they didn't take kindly to those who dared to challenge their beliefs or question their authority.

Rain's father, aware of this trait, was on edge, knowing the potential consequences of any disagreement or clash of ideas that might arise during this discussion. He understood the weight of their expectations and the pressure to conform to their standards. It was as if the very foundation of their family dynamic was built upon a delicate balance, easily disrupted by any form of defiance.

Still, despite the tension, Roswall and Melody were studying Rain as if they were truly considering his proposal. That was a first. Usually, it was their way or the highway. After a short while of silence, they made their choice.

"Very well, we will compromise as well," Roswall said. "It seems that despite things, your father and mother raised you to make sense when you explain what you want. Something that he was never able to do before."

"I am still learning," Roan shrugged. "Father, Mother. While I am thankful for showing interest in Rain despite the… situation, I would like you all not to try to write his fate in a stone of some sort. I am also surprised that my kid is this capable, so I don't want to limit his options."

"We will keep that in mind, and we will be waiting for you," Roswall declared.

Rain wasn't sure if he was thankful for that trouble… as soon as he arrived in that world, he lost his first home thanks to dragons, he almost lost his father thanks to a war, and now he was almost losing his freedom thanks to his grandparents.

"I suppose nothing comes for free," Rain thought. "I am making a lot of progress at school, so I might as well continue to make the most out of it while entertaining them."

"I raised you well, Rain," Roan said while nodding to himself. "To think that you have the balls to go against my parents and even have the brain to convince them."

"He has the beauty too. He inherited from me, naturally," Leiah said while messing with Rain's cheeks.

"Now I know who Dana is copying," Rain thought.

Putting aside the opinions of his parents, Rain was still bothered by his grandparents. They weren't exactly bad people, but they ignored everyone in their family that was useless for their reputation… Rain wondered if they were too old to change or if he should waste his time trying to change them.

Just like the first time he went to school, Leiah made a fuss to buy some new clothes for Rain to head to his grandparent's house. Roan explained that they wouldn't be taught like they were at school; instead of that, some people that worked for their families would teach them tricks to improve their talents. That was why his oldest cousin was able to use Fireball when he was only five. Regardless, buying new clothes was unnecessary, but Leiah did it anyway.

The mansion was close to the house, so Rain went alone. This time, he found some guards at the entrance of the place, but it seemed that they recognized him and opened the place without wasting time.

In the garden, Rain felt like he was at an elementary school… There were too many kids there. Around fifty… It seemed that everyone in the family reproduced like rabbits. Regardless, maybe the sons of Roan's cousins were also there.

"I guess I will copy Mom and stay in the corner," Rain thought. "Where is the adventure? Damnit. I want to hunt monsters."

That was a bit difficult, given his age. Regardless, the kids were around five and ten, but Rain didn't see the kid with the fireball. It made sense that he should be old enough to study in the capital.

His cousins gathered together in a small group and glanced at him with curious eyes before quickly averting their gazes. Whispers passed between them, their hushed conversations creating a sense of secrecy and exclusion.

Rain could feel their eyes lingering on him, their stares laden with a mixture of intrigue, speculation, and something else he couldn't quite decipher. It was as if they were silently exchanging unspoken words, sharing thoughts and opinions about his arrival.

Whispers continued to circulate, growing more pronounced as Rain approached. The words were carefully chosen, spoken in hushed tones that seemed to carry both curiosity and caution. Their murmurs seemed to be about him, and it became apparent that he was the subject of their discussions.

"I can take this much," Rain thought.

Since Rain arrived at the exact time, he didn't have to wait for long. Some people came from the mansion and then began to call all the kids for names. It seemed that they worked in the house; even though they were supposed to be their instructors, they were also servants of the family.

For some odd reason, the kids were split equally into groups of five exactly… Rain already knew that he would study magic, but he didn't expect that only so few kids would show interest in it. At the same time, they were all girls who looked at him as if he was a flying cockroach.