Reborn as an Extra Chapter 719: Echoes From An Ancient Past. Part-1.

While Team Astra was preparing for a tranquil and joyful holiday, the circumstances on Ashtel’s end were starkly different.

Through a teleportation portal ingeniously crafted by Riku, Ashtel and he materialized on the bank of a serene lake, its waters so clear they resembled liquid crystal.

This lake was nestled within a small, forest-like expanse.

A narrow path encircled the lake, appearing to wind its way out of the woodland.

Although the road bore signs of neglect, likely from years of disuse and lack of maintenance, it remained largely intact.

Just as Ashtel began to ponder Riku’s reason for bringing him to this specific location, Riku inquired with a serious tone,

"Sir Ashtel, what is your knowledge regarding the race known as 'Sortilega'?"

The question elicited a puzzled frown from Ashtel.

"Sortilega? That name is entirely new to me... does such a race even exist?"

Upon hearing Ashtel’s response, Riku exhaled deeply, confirming his suspicion that Ashtel was indeed unaware of this race.

"Well, it isn't a widely known race, and it no longer exists, so it's quite understandable that people wouldn't be familiar with it today..."

With that, Riku gestured, effortlessly dispelling a potent illusion spell that had been concealing the area.

The dense thicket of bushes and trees vanished instantly, revealing a previously hidden road that emerged as if from nowhere!

This new path, unlike the old one, was meticulously maintained and beckoned them deeper into the forest.

"Follow me; there is something I wish to show you..."

"As the most powerful individual on this planet, I trust you possess insight into this matter, and I would value your perspective..."

Speaking these words, Riku set off into the depths of the forest, following the newly unveiled road.

"An illusion was present here? I didn't even detect it... that's truly remarkable..."

Had Riku not actively dispelled it, Ashtel would have remained completely oblivious to its existence.

Ashtel advanced, falling into step behind Riku, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings with evident curiosity.

"Such formidable illusionary magic... I know of only one entity capable of such a feat..."

Riku acknowledged Ashtel’s observation with a nod.

"Indeed, this illusionary barrier was erected by 'The Great Illusory Holy Beast,' Marik himself, during the thousand-year demon extinction war. It was created at the behest of King Allen Von Reinhart..."

"It once served as a clandestine fortress for crucial strategic meetings of the world alliance army during that protracted war... and was also utilized as a hidden research facility for a period..."

"Overcoming the detection of the hidden space behind this illusionary barrier is exceedingly difficult, even for peak SS-rank cultivators; however, its sole function is concealment and it lacks the resilience to withstand the onslaught of someone as potent as yourself..."

Ashtel nodded in understanding.

"While it's true that few, if any, in this world can withstand my attacks, using me as a benchmark is hardly fair to others. Nonetheless, I grasp your meaning..."

Ashtel wasn't being arrogant; his statement was simply the unvarnished truth.

His esteemed title as the world's strongest man was earned through his unparalleled and unyielding might.

"Although I have a premonition that the younger generation might soon surpass me... for the time being, I still hold the top position. Therefore, please feel free to discuss the perplexing issue you've encountered..."

"If I am unable to offer a resolution... you may have to await the maturation of the next generation for someone stronger to tackle this challenge..."

Hearing this, Riku’s eyes gleamed as a realization dawned upon him.

"Ah, so that's why I sensed something 'unusual' about that black-haired youth... You perceive it too? Phew~ I thought I was imagining things..."

At Riku’s words, Ashtel’s lips curved into a smile, and he nodded in agreement, replying with palpable excitement,

"Without a doubt, I sense it... the feeling is still incredibly subtle and nearly imperceptible... yet nowadays, whenever that youth is near..."

"I feel a sense of threat radiating from him..."

"He is on the cusp of becoming a demigod! And not just any demigod, but an exceptionally powerful one at that..."

Given that both were SS-rank cultivators and had tread the same path of growth previously,

They understood that once an individual approaches the demigod realm, the world's fundamental laws begin to subtly shift around them.

Contrary to common assumption, the specific 'World Authority' one awakens is not determined at the precise moment of ascension to demigod status; rather, a person's 'World Authority' is established from the very instant they choose their 'Path.'

Progressing from rank A to rank SS merely represents the stages of one's journey along their 'Path' toward their ultimate 'Destination.'

One does not embark on a 'Path' without having a predefined 'Destination' in mind; otherwise, the inevitable outcome is becoming lost.Should someone already grasp their destined 'destination' and achieve success by treading their 'Path' diligently, finally attaining the realm of demigods, their 'Path' bestows immense rewards for such endeavor in the form of 'world authority.' A 'World Authority' essentially represents the tangible manifestation of one's journey along the 'Path' of ascension; it is forged from all the profound, life-altering experiences accumulated on this 'Path.' Furthermore, as one draws nearer to the SS rank, their 'world authority' begins to manifest more prominently within their 'Path' and their very existence. Put simply, even prior to achieving SS-rank status, an individual's 'world authority' subtly emerges within their soul fluctuations, albeit in a nascent and dormant condition. Rio's circumstances mirrored this phenomenon. Upon reaching the pinnacle of S rank, his 'World Authority,' a future endowment, commenced its manifestation within his soul, discernible only at an almost imperceptible degree. Despite its embryonic phase, it possessed the capacity to instill a sense of threat in peak SS-rankers such as Ashtel and Riku, underscoring Rio's extraordinary nature.