Reborn as an Extra Chapter 703: Burdens of being an Awakener. Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
Arriving at a quiet corner of the cemetery, Rio clutched two flower bouquets, standing before two familiar headstones.
Nearly a year had passed since his last visit, and finding himself with spare time, he decided to pay his respects. He hadn't anticipated, however, that another would share the same intention at this precise moment.
"You're here too... Still visiting them after more than a year. I suppose you're not as emotionless as you appear on the outside..."
The words prompted a sigh from Rio. After a brief pause, he chose to respond.
"Does Link know you've come here, Riya? Don't tell me you're here because-"
Riya interrupted his question with a grave tone before he could finish.
"If you know, then please don't make a fuss..."
"It's not like I succeeded, anyway... As for Link... he recently learned a new technique; he's busy with his training..."
Riya's explanation left Rio speechless, and he could only offer another sigh and a shake of his head.
"I understand that Zach's and Riko-senpai's deaths were tragic... but... they would likely want you to move on and live a happy life too..."
"You don't need to shoulder the blame for this..."
As he spoke, Rio approached the graves, placing the flower bouquets as a gesture of remembrance to both of them.
"I know why you came here... You wanted to use 'Resurrection' on them... but you know better than anyone that such an action is unwise..."
"Even if you somehow managed it... it would still be considered tampering with the natural order and upsetting the world's balance..."
"The consequences would be severe..."
Rio's words caused Riya to close her eyes, her small fists clenching in frustration and defeat. She spoke with a voice heavy with sadness.
"I know... Yet... here I am... I still ended up attempting it... and I failed... sigh..."
"Their souls have already moved on... they might have already been reborn elsewhere, as there's a chance their souls entered the natural cycle of samsara..."
"Resurrecting them now is impossible... Liam and Ellie were fortunate to have you to safeguard their souls..."
Zach's and Riko's actions had a profound effect on Riya. Prior to these tragedies, she had been a carefree young woman, fond of candies and enjoying life without a care in the world. She had the backing of two SS-rankers, the most promising young talent of the younger generation as her fiancé, and a remarkable talent for healing.
It was only after Zach's death that Riya realized the world wasn't as vibrant as she had perceived it to be.
"As Awakeners... our lives are constantly fraught with chaos and uncertainty... Sometimes... I wonder if I could have lived a more peaceful life if I had just been an ordinary girl with no powers at all..."
"The weight of failing to save a life... the burden of watching someone you wish to save die in your arms... that burden is immense... it's truly heavy..."
Rio let out another sigh upon hearing her words.
"I'm not a healer, so I can't fully grasp your perspective or your emotional state, but... you know... when I gained the ability to manipulate souls..."
"Before I helped Link's father and Professor Jin awaken... I visited here once..."
Riya's expression shifted to one of surprise at Rio's words.
"Y-you mean..."
Rio nodded, his gaze fixed on Zach's and Riko's graves.
"Back then, I considered if there was even a slim possibility of saving their souls, but it appears their souls had already departed..."
"So... you're not the only one burdened by their deaths, you know..."
"Riko-senpai literally died before my eyes. I couldn't even save her life... Do you think I don't feel regret over that?"
Rio shook his head, speaking in a somber tone.
"What I'm trying to convey is that you don't have to blame yourself entirely; we all share the same guilt and burden just as much as you do... after all, we are carrying this weight together..."
Hearing Rio's words, the dejected look on Riya's face began to lift slightly.
"Despite your outward appearance of being detached from human emotions... you understand them quite deeply..."
"I'm astonished by your skill in conversation and persuasion... It's usually my role to treat people's physical and psychological trauma..."
"But here I am, needing support from others myself... sigh..."
Rio offered a faint smile in response to Riya's admission, picturing Lia's face in his mind.
"Everyone needs the support of someone or something in their life to remain anchored to their humanity..."
"Lia's existence is what propels me forward, preventing me from succumbing to the corruption of power..." At Rio's declaration, Riya scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Look at you, boasting about your girlfriend the instant you get the opportunity..." "Sigh... You speak the truth... I should have discussed this with Link before rushing here alone like a fool..." "I've always been foolish, but... these days... I believe I must also endeavor to be more intelligent..." Rio's smile graced his lips upon hearing her words, and he responded in a tranquil tone. "Believe me, you are already significantly more intelligent and powerful than you once were... Your progress is remarkable; you needn't doubt yourself..." "Previously, you lacked even the option to attempt resurrection, yet now you possess the capability to consider such an unethical act..." "Although attempting to revive the deceased is a controversial endeavor, you must recognize that you have surpassed your former self to such an extent that you even possess the option to bring back the dead..." "In my view, that alone signifies tremendous progress..."