Reborn as an Extra Chapter 683: Operation ’Hydra’. Part-1.

"Today, the rain is pouring down fiercely... It has been ages since such a torrent last fell..."

Standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window, Link gazed calmly at the cityscape outside.

"Though... I can’t pinpoint why... a bad feeling grips me now... my instincts warn that something major is brewing..."

Riya, reclining on Raji’s lap, heard Link’s remark, let out a heavy sigh, and replied in a gloomy tone.

"Sigh... These rainy days are the worst for me... everything feels so dim and gloomy... I prefer bright, sunny warmth!"

"On warm days, the scent of sweets wafts from far away..."

Raji rolled her eyes upon hearing Riya and responded,

"The world doesn’t revolve solely around sweets and candies; plenty of other matters exist beyond them, you know..."

"You’re a full adult now, yet acting like children... sigh, at this pace, when will I get to be an aunt... sigh..."

Riya’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Raji’s comment, while Link nearly banged his forehead against the glass in utter astonishment!

"What on earth are you saying!? We’re way too young for that!!"

"Plus, we’re just engaged! Not married yet, you know!!"

Link jabbed his finger toward Raji and shot back loudly,

"Rather than grilling us on this, you should face questions from us!!"

"You’re the one who ought to marry and start a family!"

Raji remained unperturbed by Link’s outburst; she simply sipped her wine and answered.

"Love, marriage, and joy... such things fit those with a trusted beloved..."

"You two match perfectly... the future holds unknowns; an awakener’s life is full of uncertainty..."

"No absolute certainty exists that you’ll greet tomorrow’s sun... Better seize what you desire now than postpone for later..."

While uttering this, Raji sighed and pinched Riya’s plump, adorable pink cheeks,

"Me? I’ve moved beyond fiery romance... Doubt I’ll ever love again... Solitude and personal tranquility suit me more..."

Ashtel folded his arms, reclined against the sofa, and addressed Raji steadily at her statement.

"Don’t allow that vile man’s actions to destroy your existence, Raji..."

"SS-rankers boast lifespans spanning millennia; by age, you’re barely an infant! Ample time lies ahead..."

"Even as this nation’s protector, you can savor cherishing a dear one..."

Gazing into Raji’s eyes, Ashtel pressed on,

"I was once a fool ignoring all human bonds... Battles consumed my every thought..."

"When awareness dawned that I’d forsaken all else... regret had set in too deeply..."

"As SS-rankers backed by nations, wielding vast riches and assets, safeguarding the land is our obligation... yet we needn’t abandon our human essence..."

Ashtel eyed his son with a grin and continued.

"Like Link and Riya, you’re still young... I’ll bear the load till the new generation matures..."

"Simply seek your own cherished partner..."

Prior to becoming a demigod or the planet’s mightiest, Ashtel had been a devoted father and spouse.

Defending the nation stemmed from his voluntary pledge, yet faced with choosing family over country, he’d pick kin instantly.

Ultimately, though among Earth’s top demigods, Ashtel Rex retained his humanity and sentiments.

"You know... in my youth... I imagined the great Ashtel Rex as a rigid, overbearing figure... but after years of acquaintance..."

"I realize you differ vastly from the tales and gossip spread by the world..."

Ashtel grinned at Raji’s observation and responded,

"I reserve my ’professional’ side for outsiders... With intimates, I’m far more lenient..."

"On rumors and facades, Rio stands as the biggest paradox I’ve encountered..."

"Outsiders and gossip paint him as a aloof, ruthless hunter who relishes tormenting lawbreakers without mercy..."

Ashtel grinned slyly while going on.

"Yet observe him with Lia and your group... those false tales shatter instantly! Haha..."

"Oh! Talk of the devil, it’s his call..."

With Rio finally reaching out to them, Link and the others cast interested glances toward Ashtel.

"Hoh, this guy finally decided to call... he really took his sweet time-"

Link barely got the words out before spotting the smile fade from Ashtel’s face in an instant, silencing him as that earlier ominous hunch came rushing back.

Ashtel’s features morphed swiftly from cheerful to grave and then strained, heightening the tension so palpably that everyone present sensed the shift in the air.

When the call wrapped up, the oppressive weight hanging over the room neared suffocation levels, forcing Riya to voice her concern,

"W-what happened?"

Ashtel held quiet for a moment after her query, drew in a steadying breath, and then replied.

"The situation has changed... we need to prepare ’two’ of ’them’ now..."

At Ashtel’s declaration, Link’s complexion drained of color, Raji’s glass tumbled from her fingers to shatter on the floor, and Riya slumped onto the sofa as her legs buckled beneath her.

"Ellie is... th-this..."