Reborn as an Extra Chapter 512: Are you a Demon!? Part-2.

"So, what you're suggesting is... there's a possibility of reviving my father and Professor Jin through this technique?..."

Link's expression was one of pure bewilderment, his voice trembling with a mixture of skepticism and profound doubt as he posed the question.

"Yes, that is exactly what I am proposing..."

A brief silence fell over Link before he fixed his gaze directly onto Rio’s, searching for answers.

"A-are you perhaps a demon in disguise?"

Irritated by the accusation, Rio rolled his eyes in a show of defiance.

"Why does everyone react the same way whenever I explain my skills... ugh, this is becoming incredibly repetitive..."

Anna, who was perched on a chair beside the bed where the unconscious Jin lay, narrowed her eyes at Rio’s comment.

"It isn't an unreasonable reaction... to be honest, I was on the verge of attacking you just a moment ago..."

Rio could only offer a strained, wry smile in response. He gave a dismissive wave of his hand and sighed.

"Please, don't do that. I would certainly lose if someone I care for decided to attack me..."

It wasn't a matter of Rio being too weak to face Anna or her possessing overwhelming strength; rather, Rio’s sword intent would simply refuse to activate against her, preventing him from fighting back effectively.

Anna had once put her life on the line against Alverto’s subordinate to protect him and the others, and Jin had similarly risked everything to halt Alverto, leaving him severely weakened within the Spire of Ascension.

Without their sacrifices, Rio would never have attained his current level of power; he likely would have perished long ago at the hands of Alverto or his lackey.

Though Rio’s emotions had largely withered away, the weight of these life-saving debts remained heavy on his shoulders; his sentient sword intent would never strike those he held dear.

"As you are all aware... even an SS-rank healer has treated them both, yet the results were negligible..."

Rio turned his attention toward Riya, who stood next to Raji, and continued.

"Even a legendary skill with the power to mend all things is failing to heal them, obstructed by the innate defensive instincts of SS-rankers..."

"If we leave them as they are, it could take years for them to regain consciousness... Professor Jin might never open his eyes again... I am suggesting this to forge a new 'path'..."

Noticing the conflicted look on Anna’s face, Rio clarified his position.

"I’m not trying to force anyone’s hand; I am merely stating that I've discovered a potential 'cure' that could facilitate their recovery..."

"I brought this to your attention first because you are their family and loved ones. I won't proceed against your wishes. They are both vital to me as well, and I will honor whatever decision you make..."

Anna remained speechless for a long interval. Beside her, Raji massaged her temples, the exhaustion etched into her features as she struggled with the dilemma.

Link, meanwhile, wore his anxiety and suspicion openly.

"B-but tampering with the soul... th-that... that sounds incredibly dangerous... I-I..."

As Link stumbled over his words, unable to find his footing, a steady voice resonated through the room.

"So, your proposal is that you've found a way to breach the resistance that has been preventing me and the others from effectively healing them..."

Riya spat her candy into a nearby bin and stepped toward Rio.

Locking eyes with him, she began her interrogation.

"What are the specific parameters for reducing resistance? What is the projected success ratio for increasing the application level of healing magic? How about the quality of the healing magic's penetration? To what degree will the degradation of healing magic damage the soul when it passes through your sword intent?"

"Do you possess any supplementary healing skills to manage the potential risks? What is the likelihood of fractures forming in the sea of consciousness? How will soul fluctuations behave when subjected to such interference?"

Riya unleashed a barrage of technical questions so rapidly that the others struggled to keep pace.

Raji and the rest were quickly out of their depth, feeling as though Riya was speaking an entirely different language.

The complexity of her inquiries was overwhelming, making it difficult even to listen to them.

"Uh... could you slow down just a bit..."

"The parameters for resistance reduction will depend on my mastery of Sword Intent and the person it's being used on... It might be challenging with Link’s father, but Professor Jin should be easier, given his more vulnerable state..."

"Regarding the healing aspects... the truth is, I don’t actually have any potent healing abilities myself; that’s exactly why I consulted everyone first..."

"I need you to handle the healing and the other factors you mentioned. My only role is to bypass their physical and mental defenses to create a corridor to their sea of consciousness and soul..."

Riya’s eyes narrowed as she processed his words.

"So, you intended to involve me from the very start... a clever move. I doubt anyone else would be sufficiently qualified anyway... even an SS-ranker might fail to perform this 'miracle'..."

Riya referred to the plan as a 'miracle' because she understood how slim the odds of success truly were.

"Only the 'Heart of Eternal Nirvana' can mitigate the majority of the damage and multiply the success rate..."

While SS-rank healers are capable of the extraordinary, Riya—who had yet to reach S-rank—lacked that raw power. Her confidence stemmed solely from her unique legendary skill and her absolute certainty in her own medical genius.

Looking at the two patients she had spent months tending to, a spark of resolve ignited in Riya’s eyes.

"This strategy is viable... With me leading the healing, the success rate exceeds fifty percent."

Link looked at Riya, his voice filled with concern.

"B-but Riya... this is far too dangerous. I don't want to gamble with my father's life like this. Can't he just recover naturally over time? Why must we use such a hazardous method..."

Riya sighed at Link’s plea and answered with a heavy, calm tone.

"To be perfectly honest... I don't believe Professor Jin will ever wake up on his own; that is the brutal reality..."

Riya’s bluntness struck Anna like a physical blow, deepening her sorrow, but Riya could no longer afford to be gentle.

She refused to hide the truth or offer hollow comfort; doing so would betray her path toward becoming the world's greatest healer.

Shifting her gaze from Jin to Ashtel, her tone became even more grave.

"As for him... he isn't just your father, Link; he is the father and protector of this entire nation..."

"Every citizen is like a child under his protection, and the whole country is mourning. I am no different; I understand the stakes... if there were any other way, I would never suggest such a risky procedure for him..."

The room fell into a stunned silence, as if a localized explosion had occurred, leaving everyone struggling to grasp the gravity of Riya's words.

Riya looked back at Ashtel and continued.

"The Elven queen and I... we have both exhausted our capabilities... we've fully restored his physical health; all that remains is for him to wake up and regain his mana and strength..."

"We initially estimated it would take three to four months for him to stir, and perhaps a few years to return to his peak..."

Link’s eyes stretched wide.

"Y-you mean..."

Riya nodded, her expression somber.

"I cannot explain it; he is physically perfect, yet he simply won't wake up. It has been nearly half a year! There hasn't been a single sign of him regaining consciousness..."

"It is as if he is actively refusing to wake, trapped within his own slumber. This is a phenomenon seen in those who have endured extreme mental trauma..."

"I don't know what he experienced during that battle, but he isn't recovering from the psychological impact... I am helpless against it, and I can no longer maintain the hope that he will wake up by himself..."

Riya turned her determined gaze toward Rio’s sword, which rested on a nearby sofa. She wiped the tears from her eyes and spoke firmly.

"We no longer have the luxury of 'hoping' and 'waiting'... we must make a choice now, or it will be too late for both of them..."

"Even if we must resort to methods that resemble those of a demon, it is a risk worth taking."