Reborn as an Extra Chapter 626: To The Temple Of Nature! Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
Though Lia was unable to alter the past, she was aware that she could at least safeguard these two small beings until she completes this dungeon.
'All fairies gather and mingle at this place known as the 'Temple of Nature'... I'll search for hints there and discover if there's a method to conquer this dungeon...'
[Dungeons truly are strange and captivating phenomena... stepping inside lets you glimpse into eras long vanished...]
[You get to observe the past playing out before your eyes in the present moment... Should I ever encounter the maker of this cosmos... I'd inquire, 'What exactly are Dungeons?'...]
[And what role do they play in this realm?...]
Without dungeons, the regular dungeon outbreaks wouldn't lead to the demise of countless individuals across the globe.
Without dungeons, humanity wouldn't dread the monsters that flood out and slaughter indiscriminately.
Without dungeons, there would be no worry over abrupt rises in miasma levels, since no miasmic dungeon would be releasing huge quantities of miasma into the environment.
Without dungeons, the shadowy crimes that occur away from worldly gaze within their depths would vanish entirely.
The inquiry, 'Why do dungeons come into being, and what precisely are they?' dates back to the era of mana and miasma, yet it remains unanswered by all.
'This marks the initial occasion I've witnessed you displaying such doubt about a matter... It appears even divine spirits harbor uncertainties regarding certain aspects of the world...'
[Haha, naturally.... Even the most powerful and formidable demi-gods confront uncertainty when facing the grand 'Unknown'...]
[This enchanted realm brims with unpredictability; events can transpire at any moment, on any given day...]
Kai shifted into his lion shape while perched on the verdant meadow, gazing at the expansive azure heavens as though peering into the cosmos itself.
[I ponder... whether a time will arrive when every secret of the universe stands revealed...]
[Though the universe holds bizarre elements... its immensity and capricious essence render it equally enthralling...]
'Indeed, numerous SS-rankers venture into the boundless cosmos to savor that very excitement of exploring the uncharted...'
SS-rankers possess an enormous lifespan; a millennium means little to them, and barring death in battle, the majority endure for tens of thousands of years effortlessly.
With such an extended existence, the constraints of society and the woes of mortal life begin to fade in significance.
Consequently, seeking fresh avenues for pleasure and excitement proves immensely appealing to enduring beings.
Some derive delight in shielding their dear ones, whereas others pursue it by delving into the mysterious.
The notion of journeying extensively across the stars holds immense allure for every SS-ranker.
'Once Rio and I attain SS rank... someday... we'll embark on an extended expedition and behold the myriad marvels this universe holds...'
Worlds eternally bound to their sun's path, star systems featuring multiple suns and black holes orbiting in tandem, realms where diamonds cascade from the skies, and uncharted nebulae stretching across millions of light-years!
The cosmos overflows with marvels awaiting discovery!
[That's an excellent notion; I once journeyed throughout the spirit realm in those days when corruption hadn't spread so widely...]
[It was a pleasant era...]
...
As Lia and Kai discussed prospects for the future and the intriguing essence of this universe, the trio of young ones bounded about, frolicking joyfully together.
Lyria and Miria crafted crowns from flowers and set one upon Lia's head, while even Kai in his lion guise received one.
The formidable silver lion now bore a floral crown upon his mane, enhancing his stature as the 'Divine Spirit General!'
"Typically, spirits flee in terror upon sighting me, and humans avoid approaching..."
"Only the fairy folk remain utterly fearless of my form... it held true in ancient times as well..."
On this occasion, Kai forwent telepathy and voiced his words aloud, startling even Lia.
"Um... don't stare at me with that astonished expression. Naturally, I can speak; I'm a divine spirit, not an actual lion... My spirit magic allows me to shape my voice however I desire..."
Lia could practically envision Kai rolling his eyes, as if deeming her odd for overlooking his ability to converse.
"Yet you always rely on telepathy... I genuinely believed you couldn't vocalize..."
"You ought to have mentioned you were capable of it..."
In response, Kai adopted a cocky tone,
"You never inquired..."
Lia pursed her lips slightly and declared.
"For misleading your master... punishment is due... ah, perfect! We'll all mount your back en route to the Temple of Nature immediately!"
Noticing Kai's imminent refusal, Lia provoked,
"Don't claim that the mighty divine spirit general lacks the strength to bear a young human girl and two tiny fairies upon his back?"
Responding to Lia's intentional taunt, Kai eyed the small golem and remarked,
"Observe... she omitted you from the count. You'll stand with me and object to this unjust penalty, correct?"
Upon hearing Kai, the little golem merely rubbed its rounded head, seemingly baffled by such intricate feelings and actions.
"Um, want flower?"
Failing to comprehend, the little golem extended its tiny hand with a flower, leaving Kai embarrassed.
"Ugh... why must I undermine myself by speaking so recklessly... sigh..."
Left with no alternative, Kai expanded his form.
He grew to several meters in height, his broad back now ample for Lia and the others to sit or recline upon with ease!
"I'll count only to three; if you're not aboard by then, this ends here..."
Wearing a triumphant grin, Lia seized the little golem and leaped onto Kai's back alongside the two fairies!
"Ahoy! Set sail!!"