Reborn as an Extra Chapter 519: The Next Mission is... Part-1.

Rio and his companions vacated the room, leaving Anna and Jin to enjoy some private time.

Meanwhile, Link and Riya returned to the villa, having successfully concluded their own ascension rites.

The pair offered their heartfelt congratulations to Jin and Anna regarding Jin’s recovery before quickly departing to grant the couple some much-needed intimacy.

Riya’s breakthrough to S-rank brought great joy to Jin and Anna, who returned the sentiments by congratulating both her and Link.

As she was not only their student but also a significant benefactor, they felt an immense sense of pride in her achievement.

After leaving the lovebirds, Link and Riya headed toward the room where the other three were currently waiting.

"Hoh, the little boy has finally grown into a proper man. Ahhh... it feels like just yesterday when young Link was so fragile, weak, and adorable..."

Raji began teasing Link the second he walked through the door, making him shift uncomfortably.

"Ahem, t-that was ages ago; I've already forgotten about those days..."

Even Ashtel gave a nod, offering a rare word of praise.

"You have finally taken that first stride toward the summit of power; however, reaching S-rank is merely the start. It provides you with only the most basic qualifications to survive in this world..."

"But do not let it go to your head; before you become the strongest, it is wiser to remain cautious, composed, and calculating..."

Link etched Ashtel’s advice into his memory as he took a seat on the sofa across from Rio.

Riya, conversely, was showered with sweets as a reward; everyone in the room, Rio included, had prepared a stash of candy for her.

She accepted the gifts with delight, curling into a ball and resting her head on Link’s lap in a relaxed, lazy manner.

Rio gave a slight smirk and turned to Link.

"Now that you've reached S-rank, how about a 'friendly spar,' hehe? Anything goes, as long as we don't kill each other! Actually, wait, maybe we should just kill each other! Keke..."

Link’s eyes lit up with excitement at the suggestion, his fists clenching as he licked his lips.

"I’ve been waiting for you to say those exact words!! Hehehe, let’s do it! I’ve been itching to slam my head against your sword for a while now!"

Sparks flew between them as they locked eyes; it looked as though they might spring at one another any second, fighting like wild beasts.

"Cough!... Save your 'friendly spar' for another time, and don't you dare do it within the capital... if you two clashed, half the city would be reduced to rubble in minutes..."

Rio had already been an S-ranker for nearly six months, during which he had solidified his cultivation and mastered a massive array of skills from his hunts.

Link was a newcomer to rank S, but he possessed one terrifying advantage: his absurd defensive power!

While Link might struggle to land a hit on Rio given the speed difference, Rio might find it equally impossible to hurt Link! His defense was already approaching the level of an SS-ranker!

This was precisely why Rio was so eager and excited to face him.

Ordinary S-rankers could no longer provide a challenge for Rio; he required a more durable opponent who wouldn't crumble after a few exchanges.

In Rio’s eyes, a tank like Link was the perfect punching bag and sparring partner.

"Besides, there is something I must discuss immediately; that is why I requested Raji’s presence as well..."

Raji had planned to retire for some rest after seeing Jin and Anna, but Ashtel had insisted she stay for an important conversation.

"Ugh, can't we deal with the stressful stuff in a few days? I'm exhausted and I really don't want to carry any more burdens..."

In response to Raji’s whining, Ashtel shook his head, his expression turning grave.

"No, this cannot wait... I woke up yesterday, and for various reasons, I haven't been able to speak with you all until now..."

"I can delay this no longer; the more time passes, the more complicated this situation will become..."

The weight in Ashtel’s voice caused a wave of tension to wash over everyone.

For the strongest man on the planet to look so troubled, the news was clearly catastrophic.

Rio and Link stopped their staring contest and looked at Ashtel with confusion, wondering what could possibly be so dire.

"I... I want to talk to you all about 'Liam Aldif' and 'Neo Aldif'..."

Upon hearing those names, Raji sat up straight, and the others’ eyes widened as their interest was piqued.

Ashtel let out a heavy sigh, looking at each person before continuing.

"Let me begin from the start... as you are likely aware, Neo Aldif was seen with Demon Prince Alverto. Many SS-rankers witnessed him at Alverto’s side when the 'Spire of Ascension' was summoned..."

"I was pulled into the 'Spire of Ascension'... and while I could have resisted the teleportation with my strength, I had a premonition that I should allow it to happen..."

"I entered willingly and reached 'Floor 100' of the 'Ascension Spire'..."

The room grew silent as Ashtel recounted his personal account of the event.

"There, I encountered 'Neo Aldif.' He was indeed collaborating with Demon Prince Alverto. It has been confirmed beyond any doubt that he betrayed all of humanity..."

As he spoke, Ashtel directed his gaze toward Raji, making it clear that Neo was a traitor and that she should not attempt to defend him.

Despite their complicated history, Raji had once loved him, so it was vital to present the facts with undeniable proof.

"Hmph! I always knew he was a piece of work; it doesn't even surprise me that he turned traitor!"

Ashtel sighed and went on after hearing her response.

"Neo Aldif intended to assist Alverto in his scheme to 'Connect to the Origin' of the world..."

"I am unsure of Alverto’s ultimate goal in creating such a connection, but Neo was boasting about it openly, so I cannot say for certain what the truth is..."

"Because of his twisted ideals and his betrayal of our race, I could not allow him to proceed... to halt his schemes, end his support for the demon prince, and ensure humanity's safety, I had to make a grim choice..."

Ashtel looked Raji directly in the eyes before delivering the final blow.

"I killed Neo Aldif inside the 'Spire of Ascension'..."

The silence that followed Ashtel’s words was haunting.

Time seemed to freeze as shock and disbelief took hold of everyone; even Rio struggled to maintain his composure after such a stunning revelation.

Raji’s eyes went wide, and she needed a long moment to digest the news; she slumped back into the couch as if her strength had vanished, falling into a daze.

"I kept telling him not to play with fire... he never listened... sigh, in the end, he died following his 'selfish' path until the very end... why did I even... sigh..."

At one time, Raji had loved him truly; though she was furious at his betrayal, some small part of her still held onto those old feelings.

Even if she wanted nothing to do with him, she had never wished for him to meet such a grim end.

Seeing her sister so broken, Riya moved to her side, wrapping her small arms around Raji to offer what comfort she could.