Reborn as an Extra Chapter 523: To The Dwarf Kingdom! Part-1.

"So, your heart is set on traveling to the Dwarf Kingdom... that choice came much sooner than I anticipated..."

Irvin expressed his amazement at Rio’s announcement, though his steady hands never faltered as he poured the tea.

Sliding the cup toward Rio, he continued.

"The news recently broadcasted that Ashtel Rex has finally regained consciousness... the public is celebrating his return as if it were a grand festival..."

"Even so, it feels strange how quickly the world pushed you aside the moment he woke up..."

Rio dismissed Irvin’s observation with a shake of his head, responding in his characteristic, flat tone.

"It’s natural. He has been the shield of this nation for decades. A newcomer like me isn't going to eclipse his legacy in a mere few months; achieving that would require a massive investment of time and effort..."

"Besides, I have no desire for more fame than I already possess. My only goal is to find paths that allow me to keep Cultivation and growing stronger..."

Irvin let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head at the younger man.

"Your craving for power is something I cannot grasp... You are already incredibly formidable; I don't understand why you remain so driven. It’s as if you are terrified that something catastrophic will occur if you don't keep ascending..."

Having collaborated closely with Rio for several months, Irvin had grown quite familiar with him.

He had finally realized that Rio's rapid advancement and swift improvement weren't solely products of raw talent.

The primary engine was Rio’s bottomless hunger for strength; every time he gained power, his desire for the next level only intensified. This relentless cycle propelled Rio forward at a staggering pace.

"Even your girlfriend is forced to take massive risks just to stay in your shadow... You have already reached the rank of an S-ranker; why not enjoy life a little? Give that young lady a break; she is pushing herself to the limit just to avoid being left behind..."

At Irvin’s remark, Rio exhaled deeply, a rare expression of vulnerability crossing his features.

"Others can choose to halt... Others can afford to rest, but I cannot. The time for me to relax hasn't arrived; I must gain more strength, or I will never find true peace..."

The image of Lia’s bright smile flashed in Rio’s mind as he spoke.

"It pains me that my constant growth makes her feel so pressured to keep up, but I am unable to stop... even for Lia, even for the one I love... I have to continue getting stronger. If I don't, there won't be anyone left to protect or love..."

Irvin remained baffled by Rio’s desperation, yet he knew further persuasion was futile.

He didn't want to provoke Rio by babbling nonsense or end up on his bad side.

Knowing how many had suffered under Rio’s hand, even Irvin felt a lingering chill regarding Rio’s methods; thus, he ceased his unsolicited advice.

"Well, considering your talent and the speed of your progress, you'll likely reach the realm of demi-gods in just a few years. Perhaps you can rest then..."

Irvin sighed, dropping the subject of advancement, assuming Rio’s ultimate ambition was simply to hit SS-rank quickly.

He was unaware that Rio’s sights were set much higher; he was aiming for heights far beyond the demi-god stage.

"Regarding the Dwarf Kingdom, how long do you expect this mission to take? And have you mentioned this to your wife?"

Rio nearly sputtered on his tea at the unexpected question.

"Cough! Cough! You caught me off guard! Old man, your sense of humor is improving!"

"Well... hmm, calling Lia my future wife wouldn't exactly be incorrect... hmm..."

Rio beamed with genuine joy at the mention of Lia, his happiness evident.

"Anyway, I sent her a message to let her know... but she entered a peak S-rank dungeon with her father a month back. We haven't had any contact since."

"There’s no need for concern, though. I gave her something special before she started that grueling training; she’ll be perfectly safe as long as she keeps it with her..."

Irvin nodded in agreement.

"True, S-rank dungeons have become increasingly volatile and difficult lately. It might take them quite a while to clear it—maybe even a few more months..."

"She might return as an S-ranker herself... she is a gifted child, after all..."

Rio nodded, clearly pleased to hear the girl he cared for being praised.

"Hehe... she really is the best! By the way, please contact her father. Tell him I’ve departed for the mission in case they emerge from the dungeon before I return to the empire..."

Rio knew he would be occupied for a long duration. Fearing Lia might feel abandoned or lonely if she returned first, he established this backup plan for reassurance.

"That’s a wise move... if only that stubborn fool of a father of yours was as considerate when it came to his loved ones... sigh..."

"Moving on... how certain are you that the boy you're searching for is even alive? Personally, I wouldn't dare set foot in the Spirit Realm; that place is a literal 'Hell'..."

Surprised that Irvin was aware of the Spirit Realm's reputation, Rio questioned him.

"How do you know the Spirit Realm is such a 'hellish' location? You don't strike me as someone who would wander into such lethal territory, old man..."

Irvin sighed, his voice turning grave.

"I haven't visited it myself... but your father attempted to go there once. Kevin always had a passion for exploring places that were off-limits to ordinary people..."

"He took pride in breaking the rules and being an unstoppable assassin... he once managed to infiltrate the place for a few 'minutes'..."

Rio’s interest was piqued as he asked,

"Just a few 'minutes'? Isn't that an incredibly short stay?"

Irvin smirked slightly before answering.

"Don't underestimate how 'Miasma' affects normal people, kid. Unlike you, the rest of us are terrified of even brushing against that foul power!"

"And that idiot Kevin! He actually stayed in the presence of miasma for several 'minutes' without being corrupted! That is a monumental achievement!"

One generally needs to be at least S-rank to have any hope of resisting miasmic corruption; weaker souls can't survive it for even a few seconds.

Only those possessing 'legendary skills' have exceptional natural resistance; otherwise, reaching SS-rank is a requirement to truly withstand it.

Even at that level, one must be a master of 'world authority' and possess ironclad emotional control, or the miasma-saturated environment will still lead to corruption.

This was why Raji had flatly refused to enter the Spirit Realm; she was even more susceptible to the miasma than Link.

"As you are aware, the dungeons in our world sometimes mirror real-world locations with startling accuracy..."

"Years ago, a specific dungeon appeared that created a temporary, weak bridge to the Spirit Realm. Your father tried to cross through it... he only lasted a few minutes before retreating..."

Irvin’s tone became even more somber.

"I remember that day as if it were yesterday. It was the first time I ever saw him truly terrified and panicked. I had never seen him so rattled..."

"He just kept screaming, 'Insanity! How can this be!?' repeatedly until he lost consciousness... by the time he woke up, the memory was gone. He couldn't recall a single thing he saw..."

Irvin shrugged and shook his head before repeating his question.

"So, I'm asking you again: are you really prepared to dive into such a nightmare just to find a kid who might already be dead?"

"The odds of a rescue are microscopic. Finding him would be like searching for a needle in a haystack, even with that strange artifact you mentioned. Furthermore, the dangers are—"

Rio cut him off before he could finish.

"Don't be such a pessimist, old man; it's bad for your health. I'll return with that lost idiot soon enough. It’s as simple as that..."

"Fear? That’s an emotion I’ve never experienced. There is no use trying to talk me out of it... The 'Spirit Realm'... it’s exactly the kind of challenge I need to push myself further..."

Grinning, Rio drained the rest of his tea and set the cup aside. He stood up and gave Irvin a casual wave.

"Take care of yourself, old man. When I get back, I’ll be significantly more powerful than I am now. I'll even bring you a souvenir from the Spirit Realm... hehe..."

Irvin sighed, knowing Rio was immovable. He could do nothing but offer a silent prayer for the young man’s safety.

"Stay safe, kid! I hope you finish your mission and return in one piece!"

"I'll have some high-quality tea waiting for you if you come back quickly!"

Rio gave a bright smile at the offer.

"It’s a deal then, old man!..."

With those final words, Rio exited the tavern, departing as quietly as he had arrived.