Reborn as an Extra Chapter 712: To The Beast Archipelago! Part-2.

However, to Rio, all this immense wealth signified virtually nothing.

Each individual harbors distinct aspirations and dreams, assigning unique values to their own lives.

While the riches of the Rex family might evoke significant envy and admiration from many, for Rio, money had devolved into a meaningless collection of digits.

Should Rio ever desire financial gain, he could simply journey back to the spirit realm, select any random stone or even a handful of sand, and exchange it for exorbitant sums in the outside world.

No entity, not even SS-rankers, dares to venture into that perilous domain, rendering every resource a supremely rare commodity; a mere handful of soil would command millions.

Beyond the spirit realm, Rio possesses the ability to fabricate 'miasma crystals' himself.

Currently, his skill in this creation is so refined and concentrated that finding miasma crystals of comparable quality anywhere else in existence, save for the deepest recesses of the spirit realm or the edges of the sea of miasma, is nearly impossible.

Each of these crystals is so exceptionally precious and scarce that it would incite intense conflict among the world's scientists and researchers, rendering its value utterly incalculable.

Finally, his prodigious fame generates a substantial passive income stream through diverse merchandise companies and other entertainment-related sectors.

By this juncture, Rio's bank account overflows with millions, and his daily earnings surpass his annual spending capacity, leading to a ceaseless accumulation of wealth.

While Rio may not possess the same level of affluence as the Rex family, he could indeed attain immense riches if he so chose; his sole impediment is a lack of fervent interest in accumulating wealth compared to enhancing his own power.

He already possessed sufficient funds for a life of comfort and tranquility, and that was his sole priority.

"So... we're utilizing your family's private starship for the journey?... That's a sound plan; no one would dare challenge or impede the personal vessel of the world's most formidable individual..."

Link inclined his head in agreement with Rio's statement and gently patted the robust, metallic exterior of the starship.

"This craft is engineered specifically for unparalleled stealth and velocity; it could transport us instantly if operated at maximum speed, but that would invariably compromise its stealth capabilities. Therefore, a reduced speed is the more prudent approach..."

"While our arrival might be somewhat delayed, this method will allow us to evade the scrutiny of most unwanted observers..."

Upon hearing Link's explanation, Lia interjected with a question:

"If our objective is stealth, wouldn't it have been more effective for Uncle Ashtel to transport us via a portal?"

"The starship could hardly offer greater stealth than that..."

Ashtel, having just concluded a discussion with the maintenance crew regarding certain matters, responded to Lia's query in his characteristic calm demeanor:

"Under typical circumstances, employing a teleportation portal is indeed the optimal choice; it affords a very high degree of secrecy..."

"However, the present situation is far from ideal..."

Ashtel emitted a profound sigh before continuing with a grave tone:

"As I previously informed you all, the Demon King has exhibited unusual activity lately; numerous association members have reported significant movements on his part recently..."

"He even dispatched one of his emissaries to our human empire while you were occupied with the revival of Liam and Ellie. I am quite certain that individual is plotting something substantial..."

Individuals of Ashtel's and the Demon King's caliber, being SS-rankers, possess extraordinary power and are acutely perceptive to even the slightest alterations in the world's flow of mana and miasma.

Their ability to detect spatial fluctuations with remarkable precision facilitates their easy identification of dungeon gates exhibiting potent spatial distortions.

Furthermore, for a portal to possess the requisite strength to transport someone as powerful as Ashtel, it would necessitate the generation of exceptionally potent spatial fluctuations and consume an immense quantity of energy.

In essence, just as Ashtel and his peers can discern the Demon King's movements through his portals, the Demon King is equally capable of sensing the transit of powerful SS-rankers within the alliance!

Should he deduce that Ashtel and numerous other SS-rankers are converging at a single location, he would swiftly infer that the group is convened for a meeting and likely devising strategies against him.

At such a juncture, he might orchestrate actions against nations that are less defended due to their protectors being engaged in the meeting.

Given the potential repercussions, no one was willing to court such a risk; consequently, it was deemed preferable to forgo the use of the teleportation portal and opt for conventional transportation methods to reach the Beast Archipelago with a far greater degree of subtlety.

"And thus, we shall proceed at the slowest possible pace, prioritizing stealth..."

Upon hearing this, Rio inquired anew:

"Hmm... if you're aiming for stealth, perhaps I could infuse this vessel with miasmic corruption, effectively dampening its spatial and mana signatures. That would certainly enhance its concealment."

Upon hearing Rio's proposition, Ashtel rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish expression on his face as he responded,

"Well, that's certainly a possibility... but traveling inside a spaceship entirely enveloped in miasma..."

"It sounds rather foreboding. The inhabitants of the beast archipelago might even mistake us for demons if they catch sight of us like that."

Rio simply shrugged his shoulders at Ashtel's words and replied,

"For the sake of achieving stealth, one must be willing to make minor sacrifices in appearance. I consider that a small price to pay, honestly."

"So, what are your thoughts? Should I proceed with this plan?"

Nowadays, controlling miasma was as natural to Rio as breathing; he even harbored a fondness for it, often finding it more potent and adaptable than his other elemental abilities.

While many viewed miasma as a dreadful affliction, Rio perceived it as merely another one of the peculiar abilities within his extensive repertoire.