Reborn as an Extra Chapter 695: The next meeting will be in...

With Riya successfully earning the favor of the entire 'world,' the heavenly tribulation found itself defeated and forced to retreat.

"Hoh? That concluded far quicker than anticipated..."

A look of surprise dawned on Ashtel's face as he observed the receding clouds above. He then deactivated his world authority and dismantled the barrier that had enclosed the underground laboratory. Following confirmation that all was back to normal, Ashtel descended, landing gracefully beside Liam and Raji.

"How peculiar... I had assumed he would have awakened by now..."

Even though the frantic absorption of mana had ceased, Liam remained unconscious, showing no immediate signs of regaining consciousness.

"Perhaps the soul requires a period to fully acclimatize to a new body post-transplantation..."

"Speaking of which, who were you conversing with? Your barrier prevented me from sensing anything clearly, though I did detect an increase in miasma..."

Raji's inquiry caused Ashtel a moment of surprise.

"You managed to sense him even from within my barrier? It appears your control over your world authority has significantly improved lately; you may soon reach level 2..."

Ashtel commended Raji on her progress before stating in a calm tone,

"The one who appeared to challenge me was none other than the Demon King... though it was merely a vessel, do not underestimate him... he possesses strength nearly equal to my own..."

"So, even a mere vessel would be capable of effortlessly dispatching early SS-rank individuals... If you ever encounter it, flee without a second glance..."

Raji swallowed hard at his words and nervously inquired,

"W-why would the Demon King manifest here!?"

Ashtel dismissed the question with a wave of his hand, choosing not to elaborate extensively.

"It's nothing significant; that individual likely intended to cause trouble for us without any discernible reason..."

"After centuries of existence, these elder beings often succumb to severe dementia and engage in random acts; don't ponder it too deeply..."

"More importantly, the children seem to have finished their tasks; they have all exerted considerable effort. We should now transfer them to a considerably more secure location..."

Raji found Ashtel's casual attitude towards the Demon King's threat disconcerting, yet she recognized that the immediate safety of Riya and the others took precedence. The investigation into the Demon King's motives could wait.

Using their telekinesis to levitate Liam, the two SS-rank powerhouses returned to the underground laboratory, only to discover it utterly destroyed and obliterated!

"These youngsters... they truly know how to turn a place upside down..."

"Well, given their best efforts, I shall refrain from scolding them..."

With a sigh, Ashtel approached the epicenter of the explosion, where Ellie lay peacefully on the ground.

"So, they did succeed after all..."

A smile of relief spread across Ashtel's face as he used his telepathy to gather the slumbering children. Simultaneously, Raji opened a portal leading directly to the capital city.

"Let's depart; we must arrange a suitable place for these young ones to recuperate..."

With those words, the two SS-rank cultivators retreated, accompanied by the entire Astra team.

Two figures materialized on a southern-facing hill, situated roughly a thousand kilometers across the ocean from the forbidden edge of the demon continent.

"You sensed it as well, Syvis?"

In response to King Ryul's question, Queen Syvis, an elf, nodded her head, her gaze fixed on the demon continent, a frown creasing her beautiful features.

"There was a new surge of activity... it appears he dispatched his vessel to the human empire..."

"It is worrisome how effortlessly he dispatches his vessels across the globe without our awareness for such extended periods..."

To Syvis's statement, Ryul offered a wry chuckle, replying with composure,

"That is hardly new... that entity has possessed such capabilities for a considerable duration... It's simply that he hadn't dispatched a new vessel externally in several hundred years..."

"But today... he has sent one forth... and coincidentally, unusual events are unfolding simultaneously within the human empire..."

Syvis concurred with his observation.

"Indeed... a potent heavenly tribulation is occurring... and furthermore, I can sense the stirrings of the 'law' of 'protection and cure.'"

"I wonder if little Riya has once again accomplished something extraordinary... she is a remarkable healer; I wouldn't be surprised if she surpassed both Aria and myself much sooner than anticipated..."

Ryul also nodded in agreement.

"That is certainly plausible... The last time she visited, she invoked the very power of the 'world' as her guardian; I wouldn't be astonished if she performed something even more grandiose this time around..."

"Reflecting now, the rising generation of humanity this era is truly overflowing with prodigies... The peerless swordsman Rio... that fellow has indeed gained considerable renown globally."

Syvis let out a profound sigh, observing that the celestial tribulation had dissipated, and commented,

"Heavenly tribulations... every time this phenomenon occurs... I can't help but feel an unsettling dissonance with this world..."

"The most terrifying aspect is its inevitability... one can only confront it directly... even if one were to depart this planet and venture into the vastness of space, such an event could still manifest among the stars!"

Ryul clasped his arms, his expression mirroring Syvis’s sentiment.

"Indeed, those ominous clouds are naught but concentrated mana and a tangible representation of the world's governing principles; they can manifest anywhere; attempting to flee is futile..."

"Speaking of peculiar global shifts... owing to the escalating instability within the dungeons, a brief convocation has been scheduled... You might have the chance to encounter young Riya during this time, should they elect to accompany Ashtel..."

Upon hearing this, Syvis's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Where will this gathering be convened?"

Ryul pondered for a moment before furnishing his reply,

"Hmm... as it's a concise meeting, it won't be hosted within the elven territories; nor will it be arranged by humans... Dwarves lack the requisite strength..."

"I surmise it will be the 'Beast Archipelago' that takes responsibility for hosting the assembly this occasion..."