Reborn as an Extra Chapter 604: Let’s Go Home. Part-4.

At one of the port's docks, a flying ship rested in silence, yet the crew aboard this vessel displayed far more bewilderment and unease compared to those on surrounding ships.

This marked the concluding day of their stay in the dwarf nation; they could remain no longer than half a year, and as soon as midnight struck, their permission to linger would end, compelling them to vacate the harbor.

"Captain... we have roughly half an hour remaining now... It seems Sir Rio might not make it back today..."

"The crew has spent half a year far from home... they're all anxious to depart... should we-"

Before the subordinate could complete his thought, the captain shook his head firmly and rejected the idea at once.

"Our orders were to safeguard his return no matter what... until the full six months elapse, we'll adhere to that duty..."

"We'll remain until the absolute final moment... half an hour is still available... go ahead and ready the ship for liftoff in the interim..."

"We'll hold out until the very end..."

The subordinate chose not to debate with his superior, simply nodding in agreement as he replied.

"Alright, we'll warm up the engines first for an easier takeoff..."

A smile crossed the captain's face as he addressed his subordinate.

"Excellent..."

"Don't assume half an hour is insignificant... the individual we're awaiting is a formidable S-rank powerhouse, the 'Hero of Dawn' who rescued the world from ruin at the grip of a demon prince!"

"In just half an hour... someone of his caliber could cover thousands of kilometers! Besides, 'Darkstar' Rio is renowned for his astonishing stealth and swiftness skills..."

The subordinate found no counter to those truths.

All were aware of Rio's immense strength, with many even predicting he'd rise to SS-rank in the human empire, making it wise never to underestimate him.

Though Rio had stepped away from public view over the last six months, his fame hadn't faded one bit!

On the contrary, 'Darkstar' had gradually turned into a beacon of security for countless folks and a terror for wrongdoers.

Given Rio's brutal handling of targets, outlaws preferred capture by Ashtel Rex, facing instant oblivion, over Rio's potential agonizing torments!

'He'll surely return shortly...'

The captain was merely a regular individual, yet years of piloting a magic ship across perilous seas had sharpened his instincts to a keen edge.

Those instincts urged him to hold steady and avoid haste; Rio could very well appear within this closing half hour.

For the whole of the ensuing thirty minutes, the captain stayed rooted on the deck, personally awaiting Rio's arrival.

As merely five minutes remained and the ship's engines began to glow and prepare for flight, a sudden breeze struck the captain's face, forcing his eyes shut briefly.

By the moment he reopened them, a well-known figure had materialized before him.

Rio, reclining against the main deck's railing, had shown up at the eleventh hour, slipping aboard just prior to departure!

"You're here! I was certain you'd return in time!"

With Rio safely aboard, the captain wasted no moment, swiftly commanding his team via communicator to ignite the engines and set off.

The flying ship promptly abandoned the dwarf kingdom's port, soaring out into the endless sea.

On the ship's primary deck, Rio gazed at the dwarf kingdom's harbor with his typical blank expression, though a swirl of mixed feelings churned within.

'Another voyage concluded, another task fulfilled... yet numerous quests remain... my path stretches far into the future...'

The dwarf kingdom's port gleamed with extraordinary allure under the night, its structures of rare metals and minerals radiating splendor amid the gloom.

From afar, it resembled a luminous strand of pearls and gems draped over the boundless waters!

Such a stunning sight perfectly suited as a parting glimpse of the dwarf kingdom.

"Apologies for the delay... I ran into plenty of complications but scraped by to return just in time..."

"I value that you lingered until the final instant for my sake..."

The captain grinned and dismissed Rio's words with a casual gesture.

"Think nothing of it; aiding our nation's hero in crucial moments is our responsibility!"

Perceptive as he was, the captain detected exhaustion in Rio's subdued tone and handed over a room key for respite.

Rio had toiled nonstop these six months, so with rest offered, he accepted the captain's gesture without protest.

The key proved identical to his earlier one, leading to the very cabin he'd occupied upon initial boarding from the human empire.

After a grateful nod to the captain, Rio departed the main deck and proceeded directly to his quarters.

As he unlocked his door, Rio let out a heavy sigh, musing inwardly.

'Fortunately, the folks on this vessel lack the power to detect my concealed items...'

'Seeing that coffin would wipe the joy from their expressions...'

The crew had evidently profited handsomely from this year's commerce, all thrilled and keen to head home.

Spotting Rio, they offered cheerful greetings and warm smiles.

With loved ones awaiting after half a year's absence, they yearned for reunion, and Rio wished to preserve their pure happiness.

Therefore, he concealed the vessels holding Ellie's remains and the pair of spirits even after coming onboard.

Inside his room, Rio settled into a window-side chair, transformed his sword back into a flute, and began a tune.

This melody differed, softer and more profound, echoing the sorrow and remorse of a partly botched endeavor.

Rio had indeed finished the assignment, but only partially met its goals.

Ellie and Liam lingered as mere souls without forms, preferable to total demise, yet Rio viewed this as a grave shortcoming.

'I must grow stronger... potent enough that comrades no longer forfeit their lives combating foes...'

Zach, Riko, Liam, Ellie.

Each had endured avoidable calamities, preventable through unmatched might.

'Raika... A Projection wielding legendary artifacts and possessing a mighty skill...'

'The 'Echo Of Paradise'... Nothing like this skill or force appeared in the original story...'

'I'll have to collect details on this... and that lyre as well...'

Rio's quest to rescue Liam and Ellie from the spirit realm had concluded, yet it sparked fresh opportunities simultaneously.

Fresh challenges and adversaries had emerged, demanding novel strengths and talents to confront them.

Furthermore, as time advanced, escalating turmoil would summon ever mightier figures.

The Age of Chaos loomed near; enduring the impending turmoil required formidable power, a fact Rio grasped more deeply than any other in this realm.

'After resolving Liam and Ellie's issues... I'll launch my subsequent theft spree immediately; I must amass as much strength as possible before true crises arise...'

Protagonists boasted endless advantages and secrets, many of which Rio had yet to seize.

'I've traversed hell already; nothing else will daunt me now...'

Leaning back in his seat with feet propped on the tea table, Rio flute-played intently, eyes fixed on the expansive sea beyond the glass and the star-studded heavens.

Full moon's glow bathed the flying ship as it glided through pristine skies beneath the myriad-starred night.

Those sparkling lights not only signaled a journey's close but also heralded the dawn of another 'adventure' on the horizon!

Rio would eventually title that solitary nocturnal melody as,