Reborn as an Extra Chapter 610: S-rank Dungeon, A Forgotten Nation. Part-5.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
"T-that’s... quite an unusual method for employing a sword technique... or is this truly a sword art at all?"
"You’re merely flailing the blade haphazardly, devoid of any elemental infusion or particular technique. It’s nothing but raw power in action!"
Lia found herself utterly perplexed by James’s combat style; it resembled a fighter accustomed to bare hands being given a blade and simply wielding it through sheer might!
’Perhaps he chose the incorrect path... a warrior’s class would suit him far better than that of a blade master...’
Noticing Lia’s disappointed head shake, James offered an uneasy grin and responded,
"Naturally, brute force isn’t my only approach! I’d be glad to demonstrate my accurate strikes if you’d like!"
Lia merely dismissed him with another shake of her head and began moving ahead, disregarding his words,
"Never mind, I’ve witnessed plenty. Rio excels far more in blade techniques anyway; I’ll gain insights from him. Now, guide me to the dungeon without delay..."
Upon hearing Lia’s remark, James wilted like a punctured air sac and proceeded onward, gripping his weapon firmly with both hands while murmuring,
"Sigh... am I truly so inept with sword arts... sigh... The youth of today are ruthless; they’ve wounded my delicate heart deeply... sigh..."
Lia couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sight of that burly, muscled figure pouting childishly and feigning injury.
It struck her as particularly amusing that such a robust giant would proclaim himself so vulnerable.
Traversing the elevated plain, the pair reached the brink, where James took to the skies and announced.
"To reach that passage opposite, we must traverse this molten basin... Shall I transport you?"
At the query, Lia lifted her shoulders indifferently.
"I’m capable of flight as well, you realize..."
Delicate fairy wings unfurled from Lia’s back, elevating her swiftly into the air.
The radiant glow emanating from the wings cleansed the surrounding atmosphere, causing the toxic fumes nearby to dissipate instantly upon brushing against them!
In contrast to most empowered individuals who required S-rank attainment for aerial mobility, Lia possessed flight abilities even prior to achieving A-rank!
Observing Lia soaring independently, James sighed and continued his brooding.
’Sigh... my girl despises me...’
By gliding over the enormous molten expanse, the duo evaded the seething magma below, which bubbled incessantly with hissing sounds.
Hovering above the fiery liquid, Lia observed diverse beings thriving and navigating within it.
Certain ones leaped briefly like aquatic creatures before plunging back immediately.
Others bobbed along the top layer, while some lurked beneath, exposing merely a hint of their armored hides above.
Molten crocodiles and igneous lizards abounded; it formed a full-fledged habitat teeming with myriad life forms.
With essence permeating every corner of the globe, numerous species have adapted to harsh conditions through its influence, and certain ones are remarkably adept, forgoing even respiration!
They draw sustenance from ambient forces and essence, rendering breathing or feeding unnecessary!
Such beings remain uncommon, yet a notable number persist within this enchanted realm.
Throughout her three years in scholarly pursuits, Lia had delved into the myriad beasts commonly encountered globally and in labyrinths; hence, the abundance of monster types in this lone molten basin held no shock for her.
Furthermore, given that Lia’s blade style emphasized exploiting creatures’ vulnerabilities intensely, she stood as Team Astra’s foremost authority on beast anatomy.
Though she’d never encountered these igneous beasts previously, their frailties and traits were familiar, thanks to prior study.
Perhaps only Riya could rival Lia in beast biology knowledge, given her healing role demanded deep understanding of bodily workings across diverse species.
For all her scatterbrained tendencies in other areas, Riya shone as a premier healer in the medical domain.
’Restorative spells... in essence... with greater command over soul arts, I ought to wield some restorative powers too...’
As a wielder of a sacred soul, Lia held the capacity to employ her soul’s might for mending herself and allies via soul arts; she simply lacked full proficiency as yet.
"See there, that’s the outpost; beyond it lies the passage granting direct access to the labyrinth..."
While Lia pondered sundry matters inwardly, James’s call pulled her from reverie, revealing his gesture toward a stone sentinel statue positioned by the passage’s mouth.
Upon James and Lia’s descent beside the entry, the sentinel’s gaze ignited with emerald luminescence, probing James’s essence pulses!
[Probing For Unauthorized Access... Probe Finished! Correspondence Detected!]
[Greetings upon return, Lord James!]
"I installed this sentinel here to safeguard the labyrinth’s portal. The domain beyond is designated as exclusive territory of the Silver Household and the Silver Shadow Alliance..."
"Hence, entry is restricted to Silver Household members or elite alliance affiliates..."
As he spoke, James guided Lia into the spacious corridor, evidently crafted with exquisite skill.
"During my youthful travels for honing skills across the lands, I stumbled upon this labyrinth!"
"It possesses a remarkable trait; each visit unveils a fresh and distinct zone within!"
"I’ve deduced that the labyrinth’s core adapts wholly to the challenger’s desires..."
James beamed at Lia, his tone brimming with pride,
"To put it simply, this labyrinth reshapes itself to deliver the ultimate trial tailored for the entrant..."
"It serves as the premier individualized practice arena, shaped by your unique attributes..."
The corridor to the labyrinth proved brief, allowing them to traverse it swiftly in mere moments amid conversation.
Emerging from it, they entered an expansive chamber.
Within a colossal rounded subterranean hollow, an immense labyrinth portal hovered centrally, rotating steadily.
Intense dimensional waves surged from its rotations, sculpting the cavern into a domed auditorium!
James grinned and ruffled Lia’s hair while declaring with evident satisfaction,
"As your sire, this represents the greatest developmental boon I can offer you, Lia... I assure you... upon leaving this labyrinth, your strength will surpass your current self by leaps and bounds!"
A smile graced Lia’s lips as her left hand instinctively reached for the grip of her blade at her hip, her gaze fixed on the colossal portal.
In harmony with her thrill, James presented the labyrinth.
"Behold the S-rank labyrinth known as ’A Forgotten Nation’!...."