Reborn as an Extra Chapter 693: Make Me Move If You Can. Part-2.

Ashtel meticulously reviewed each SS-ranker within the world alliance, yet none appeared to possess the requisite power or inclination to aid Neo and Alverto in their clandestine operations.

"All evidence seems to implicate the 'Demon King'... but... that individual's abilities shouldn't involve 'projections' or 'concealment.' ..."

"The last time I clashed with him... his power was more direct and combat-oriented, much like my own..."

Ashtel was, in fact, quite familiar with the 'Demon King's World Authority,' having engaged him in battle only a few decades prior.

At that time, Ashtel's own World Authority was merely at level 3, yet he had managed to hold his own against the Demon King.

This implied that the Demon King no longer posed a significant threat to him, given Ashtel's current enhanced strength.

"Unless the Demon King has been surreptitiously replaced by a new entity possessing a World Authority entirely dissimilar to his own..."

"It's improbable that such a drastic shift in power would occur..."

"The likelihood of this third party being someone unknown to me is considerably higher..."

Typically, the emergence of a new SS-ranker would be universally recognized, with the entire world immediately becoming aware of such a momentous event.

Recall, when Jin ascended to rank SS, the world's mana flow instantly altered, and even the demons grew noticeably more agitated shortly thereafter.

Consequently, it is virtually impossible for an individual to conceal their attainment of SS-rank status from the world and remain in hiding indefinitely.

Sooner or later, their presence is bound to be discovered.

"Unless someone discovered an SS-rank dungeon, entered it, and then ascended to SS-rank within such a formidable location, could they possibly conceal their ascension from the world!"

"But undertaking such an endeavor is akin to willingly embracing death! Even individuals on the cusp of reaching SS-rank are not sufficiently powerful to survive within SS-rank dungeons without a World Authority..."

"This brings us to the crucial question... from whence did this mysterious SS-ranker emerge?..."

Abruptly, Ashtel turned his gaze to his left and inquired,

"What are your thoughts on my reasoning?"

The instant Ashtel uttered these words, the fabric of space-time tore open, revealing a small portal.

A dimly perceived, grayish-black shadowy figure emerged from the diminutive portal; this spectral form appeared as though it were merely a fragile shadow, susceptible to destruction with the slightest touch.

It possessed no discernible presence or soul fluctuation of its own, yet it was undeniably something extraordinary.

"Your deductive prowess is as impeccable as your raw strength... it is no wonder they proclaim you the planet's mightiest individual..."

The voice emanating from the indistinct shadowy figure was profoundly disquieting, and its mere presence served to intensify the miasma and corruption in the vicinity.

"It has been some time, Ashtel Rex..."

In response to the other party's words, Ashtel offered a smirk, his expression laced with arrogance.

"Indeed, it has been an age, Demon King Nebo Dahaka... I wonder what compels your visit today?"

As he spoke, Ashtel subtly activated his World Authority at a low setting, distorting the space-time continuum and concealing Raji, Liam, and the entirety of the underground laboratory within a simple barrier woven from his power.

"Unless you intend to provoke me and incite me to storm directly into the Demon Race's territory... I cannot fathom why an entity such as yourself would dare to encroach upon HUMANITY's domain!"

"Provide me with your most compelling REASON, or I shall not hesitate to lay waste to your cherished palace..."

As if standing as an unyielding bulwark between the Demon King and the entirety of humankind, Ashtel surged forward, confronting the Demon King himself without the slightest flicker of hesitation or fear gracing his features.

Observing Ashtel, who stood as an insurmountable obstacle in his path, the blurry shadow fell into a moment of silence before responding.

"You are aware that my purpose here is not to create conflict for you... after all, I appear before you merely as a vessel..."

"Had I desired to instigate trouble, I would have arrived in my true form, for even I recognize that forcing an individual of your strength aside would necessitate considerable effort..."

Ashtel interlaced his arms across his chest upon hearing these words, retorting,

"Hmph, you are mistaken; even with your utmost efforts in devising schemes against me, I would still not permit you to act as you please..."

"As long as I stand as humanity's protector, I shall not allow the likes of you to inflict harm upon even a single blade of grass in this realm!"

At Ashtel's resolute declaration, the blurry shadow revealed a contorted semblance of a smile upon its visage.

"You are the second most intriguing individual I've encountered in my entire existence, Ashtel Rex... If only you possessed a greater degree of trustworthiness... No... that's unnecessary..."

"I have a superior alternative available."

Ashtel's brow furrowed at the Demon King's assertion and he retorted,

"Cease your prevarication... State your intentions and depart!! My valuable time cannot be squandered on someone like you!!"

Disregarding Ashtel's abrasive remarks, the Demon King offered no direct reply. Instead, a diminutive, shadowy hand materialized, its finger aimed directly at the subterranean laboratory.

"It is imperative that I converse with Rio Flash... 'Privately'... Therefore, you must permit him to accompany me to the demon continent..."

"My sole desire is for you to cease obstructing my path... and permit my passage..."

Upon hearing the Demon King's pronouncement, Ashtel extended his arms expansively, a smirk gracing his features as he declared,

"I have no intention of relinquishing my role as an impediment anytime in the foreseeable future..."

"And if you possess the audacity... THEN compel me to yield if you ARE CAPABLE!"