Reborn as an Extra Chapter 536: The Cube of Possibilities. Part-2.

Previously on Reborn as an Extra...

Rio discusses the nature of legendary weapons with the master smith Kehrid, learning that their true names and titles often mask their reality as manifestations of the world's laws. Seeking a way to find his friend Liam before time runs out, Rio discovers that his original contact is dead and the artifact he needs—the Cube of Possibilities—is already in Kehrid's possession. However, the smith warns that the Cube is a corrupted relic of a former Demon King that leads users toward their deepest, often darkest, desires. Rio must now decide if he is willing to risk his sanity and soul to harness an artifact that has led almost every previous owner to a horrific end.

"That fool Fabian.... *Sigh*... he took this cube from me under the pretext of searching for a new invention..."

"In truth, his heart’s greatest yearning was to discover a method to resurrect his deceased wife... I cautioned him against wielding this artifact, yet he persisted in pleading with me..."

"I found myself unable to let down my own disciple... and he eventually succeeded in tearing open a fleeting miasmic rift! He intended to harness the power of miasma to track down his wife’s departed soul!"

Kehrid let out a heavy sigh, utilizing telekinesis to refill his mug before gulping down more beer.

"In theory, the cube did provide him with a 'possibility,' but it was a cursed path; even had his wife returned to life, her soul would have been tainted by the miasma..."

"The rift erupted with miasmic corruption that Fabian was powerless to endure, leading to his gruesome demise... which only proves the second rule of this cube..."

"One must possess sufficient strength to shoulder the consequences of using such an artifact..."

Rio knit his brows at Kehrid’s explanation and questioned him,

"But you have kept this artifact for ages; how is it that you remain unharmed?"

Kehrid gave a nod at Rio’s inquiry, responding with a grave expression,

"I am a man who was granted the blessing of 'Astra,' the world’s most renowned healer; furthermore, King Allen bestowed a potent soul barrier upon me for my protection... naturally, I am immune to the artifact's influence..."

"Despite the terrifying results it can produce while granting power, it is merely a peak SS-rank artifact at best; it lacks the strength to truly devastate an SS-ranker..."

"The genuine side-effects manifest when the weak attempt to use it... most of its previous owners perished from mental or miasmic corruption..."

"I am unaware of the full scale of its capabilities, but this is not an object meant for just anyone..."

Kehrid recognized Rio as a brilliant young talent with a luminous future; he felt it was unwise for Rio to handle the artifact, fearing it would lead to a tragic end.

"Kid, you’ve befriended my grandson and even brought 'Vinash' to see me... though we are essentially strangers, I have no desire to see you fall prey to this thing..."

Kehrid remained ignorant of Rio’s true status or his current global fame, having isolated himself from society and the affairs of the world long ago.

He had entered retirement years prior, meaning the internal politics of the dwarf nation no longer concerned him.

The fact that Rio was friends with his grandson was all that mattered; he had no interest in further complications.

"Since destiny has brought us together... it would be wrong of me to refuse you; I am willing to give you the artifact, though I strongly advise against its use..."

"Ask yourself, 'What is your deepest desire?' and will it truly assist in locating your lost friend? If your primary wish does not align with finding your friend, then this cube will be worthless for your current quest..."

Rio frowned slightly at Kehrid’s probe, reflecting internally.

'My "path," my ambition, and my soul's desires are centered on growing stronger, crushing the calamity destined to strike this world, and eventually finding peace...'

'It is true that these goals do not intersect with rescuing Liam... from that perspective, the cube of possibilities might be of no use to me, however...'

Rio’s eyes sharpened as he spoke,

"Actually, I wish to conduct an experiment... Since you are present, you can intervene if things take a turn for the worse. Can you explain the activation process for this artifact...?"

"Should my experiment fail to yield results, I will stop pursuing this artifact immediately."

Kehrid was baffled by Rio’s request, unable to guess what the boy intended to do.

"Well, provided you use it while I or another powerhouse is nearby, we can likely avert a disaster... but what exactly are you planning?"

"Typically, a user must infuse their mana into it for activation, but in your case, I suppose using your sword intent would be more effective..."

Rio carefully moved Kifrid’s small head onto the sofa, stood up, and retrieved the cube from the table.

He stepped into a clear space in the living room, distancing himself from Kifrid to ensure the child wouldn't be caught in the experiment, and took a long breath.

'This artifact is indeed hazardous, but I possess something that might be the perfect counter for such a situation...'

Rio gave Kehrid a nod to signal the start and then released his sword intent into the artifact.

Just as he suspected, the moment the artifact attempted to invade Rio’s mind, it was blocked by his 'True Immunity' skill, neutralizing the artifact's influence instantly.

Once Rio had successfully countered the 'side effects,' the Cube shuddered from the backlash and ceased its attempt to manipulate him.

It turned 'docile' under the pressure of Rio’s formidable sword intent, stopping its rebellion like a naughty child who had just received a stern lashing.

"Wha—what the hell!?"

Kehrid nearly tumbled out of his chair, completely stunned!

As a peak SS-ranker and the long-term owner of the Cube, he had held the artifact for nearly a thousand years!

Yet, he had never witnessed the object act so submissively toward anyone!

He watched in awe as Rio released his grip on the cube, only for the artifact to begin hovering around him like a loyal puppy afraid to upset its master!

"What did you do!? D-damn! Are you certain you aren't some secret offspring of the Demon King!?"

Kehrid’s jaw dropped so low it nearly hit the floor; he even forgot his beer, paralyzed by the sheer shock of the scene!

"T-this is madness!"

Disregarding Kehrid’s disbelief, Rio 'commanded' the cube to display a secure and rapid path to 'Liam.'

The cube dared not defy Rio’s will, immediately calculating the very threads of destiny to map out the correct route!

It even projected a virtual interface, using arrows to guide Rio!

Watching that once-rebellious artifact behave so meekly, Kehrid nearly spat out a mouthful of blood from frustration!

"I struggled to master that thing for centuries, and you tamed it with a single touch! You really are a monster, kid!..."

Rio shook his head, returning to the sofa as he spoke in his characteristically cold tone,

"So, what is your decision? Will you allow me to borrow this artifact? I can compensate you with rare treasures from the spirit realm if you wish..."