Reborn as an Extra Chapter 581: One more Final Gamble, Both or None! Part-6.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
Anger and annoyance flashed across Ellie's features upon spotting an unknown figure beside Liam's soul.
At first, she had spotted the torch stand close to the massive seal as perfect for anchoring and safeguarding souls, which is why she positioned Liam's soul right there.
She possessed no other tool or power to preserve a soul in a stable, protected state over an extended duration.
Rio had spent almost a full year before he finally showed up; without Ellie securing Liam's soul on that torch, it would have crumbled away into oblivion long ago, rendering any rescue impossible.
Additionally, since nobody had ever breached this enclosure previously, she felt no concern over the security of Liam's soul or the risk of it being taken by another.
Not even the demon prince Alverto, despite his fabled skill, managed to penetrate this unyielding cage that resembled a fortress; Rio stood as the only exception.
Therefore, Ellie had never imagined, not even in her wildest thoughts, that anybody could slip past the cage and get so near to Liam's soul!
Ellie fumed with self-directed frustration over her oversight, yet Rio remained relatively calm upon encountering that unknown individual.
"Raika... the so-called modest bard... you're back once more... I'm hardly shocked that you've infiltrated this spot as well..."
"That knack of yours for popping in and out unpredictably is truly odd..."
The mysterious figure by Liam's soul turned out to be none other than the wandering bard Raika!
Raika grinned while caressing his lyre, then spoke up,
"Appreciate the compliment... I could share this talent of mine with you, provided you consent to friendship, hehe~"
Even as Raika chuckled and beamed, neither Ellie nor Rio felt inclined to return the cheer.
"What are you after? Why focus on Liam?"
Rio skipped all niceties and dove right into the matter.
However, Raika showed no interest in offering a direct reply.
"Hehe... haven't I mentioned it repeatedly? Join me as a friend, Rio... I wish for you to rise as a hero! To rescue countless souls..."
"Grasp my hand, Rio... together we could achieve wonders... all for the sake of your companion's life... I merely seek your friendship..."
"Sounds like a fair bargain, doesn't it? Hehe..."
Ellie scowled at his statements, though she restrained her fury since Liam's fate hung in the balance; she turned to Rio and inquired,
"Who might this individual be, Rio? Are you responsible for leading him here?"
Rio denied it with a shake of his head.
"No... I'm clueless about this oddball myself... but I'm certain I didn't escort him... he's equipped with a strange power allowing him to materialize and vanish at will..."
"Maybe it's some potent legendary skill or similar..."
Ellie's shock hit her upon hearing Rio's explanation; she shot a fierce look at Raika and gazed anxiously at Liam's soul, yet words escaped her.
Noticing her silence, Rio met Raika's gaze firmly and declared,
"Having failed to win my consent... you've now schemed to compel me into picking between my buddy's survival or my personal path..."
"You sure are sly, I'll admit..."
In response, Raika's smile widened slightly as he lifted his lyre higher, causing Liam's soul to vanish from its spot in an instant.
"Indeed, the decision falls to you, Rio Flash... whether it's your friend's existence... or you join me as a friend and allow my guidance toward heroism..."
"All I aim to do is assist you, Rio, hehe~"
The sudden vanishing of Liam's soul nearly drove Ellie into a rage-fueled frenzy, but Rio held her back.
Through mental telepathy, Rio linked with Ellie's thoughts while advancing a step, locking eyes with Raika before stating,
"I have zero interest in your friendship... hand back Liam's soul immediately; consider this your last chance..."
Rio might have welcomed friendship from most, yet something deep within prevented him from embracing Raika's proposal.
His sword intent, his essence, and his core being recoiled from Raika; there was no chance he'd ally with him and endanger his own future.
"And suppose I decline to give him back?"
Raika's grin and retort finally shattered Rio's last threads of restraint.
"Should you withhold him, I'll compel you to yield him..."
With those words spoken aloud, Rio shifted his flute into sword mode once more, and his attire transformed from traveler's garb back to the 'Hunter' outfit he wore for pursuing wrongdoers.
Though the outfit swap and flute alteration granted no actual boosts, they signaled Rio entering complete battle readiness.
"I won't engage in a setup stacked against me... I refuse to select just one path... I'll claim them all..."
Rio's expression settled into its typical blank calm as he voiced his resolve.
Rio refused to follow Raika's script; he'd seize neither choice fully, or grab everything!
It was a bold wager!