Reborn as an Extra Chapter 722: Echoes From An Ancient Past. Part-4.

After a thorough yet fruitless investigation within the temple, Ashtel and Riku departed, their search yielding no significant clues.

"Miasma presents itself as a formidable power," Ashtel mused, "rendering escape impossible for any creature it designates as prey."

Riku added, "It beggars belief that a Sortilegan of this particular kind managed to survive the annihilation of its kin by the miasma sea."

"This adamantium slab," Riku continued, referring to their recent discovery, "appears to be the sole known entity to have emerged from the miasma sea. Typically, nothing escapes its clutches."

Ashtel, upon hearing Riku's observation, countered with a thoughtful shake of his head.

"We cannot definitively ascertain if this being originated from the miasma sea or if its existence is the result of some other unknown phenomenon; its presence here is profoundly perplexing."

"Even if it were linked to the miasma sea," Ashtel pondered aloud, "the temporal alignment is completely askew. Its race was eradicated millennia ago. How then could this creature persist until the present day, and where has it been all this time?"

The creature itself was not an awakener; it was merely an ordinary being. Its physiology lacked any trace of mana or miasma, suggesting it should have succumbed to natural causes long ago due to its limited lifespan!

Both Ashtel and Riku had conducted a thorough analysis of its remains, using cellular activity to determine that the creature was only 30 years old and possessed a maximum natural lifespan of approximately 70 years.

However, this biological data starkly contradicted the established timeline of their world's destruction thousands of years prior.

"Could it be possible," Ashtel ventured, "that this creature became trapped within some form of wormhole, effectively halting its aging process?"

"This scenario would allow time to progress in the outside world while he remained ageless until the wormhole eventually expelled him."

Riku found this hypothesis compelling, yet it also presented a significant inconsistency.

"However," Ashtel pointed out, "if that were the case, the fundamental laws governing space-time would have immediately registered his reappearance after millennia, and its effects would have been instantaneous."

"All the frozen time would have converged upon him at once, disintegrating his body into dust in a single moment."

"This is precisely why awakeners specializing in space and time abilities exercise extreme caution when attempting temporal manipulations; they understand the immense risks involved."

"The 'laws' governing space and time are notoriously unforgiving. Transgressing these boundaries in such a manner invites a most perilous fate."

Despite their exhaustive efforts, the enigmatic creature defied all conventional theories, its very existence shrouded in mysteries that seemed beyond resolution.

"This creature," Ashtel mused, contemplating its peculiar state, "feels like it's trying to reveal something we're overlooking."

"I have a distinct premonition that something is amiss... that an event of great significance is imminent..."

Ashtel struggled to pinpoint the exact nature of his unease, yet he felt a growing certainty that a nefarious development was unfolding in the shadows, one that boded ill for their future.

'It evokes the same sensation I experienced when the Demon King spoke in riddles,' Ashtel thought.

'He did mention that change was inevitable... alas...'

Gazing towards the setting sun on the distant horizon, Riku sighed, offering his interpretation.

"This creature appears to be an echo from a forgotten past, a harbinger attempting to warn us of an impending danger."

"I sincerely hope we can decipher the truth behind its anomalous arrival before the catastrophe it portends arrives at our doorstep."

Noticing Riku's somber expression, Ashtel placed a supportive hand on his shoulder.

"Do not succumb to despair, my friend. If the very bedrock of a nation begins to falter, the entire realm will struggle to withstand adversity."

"We still have the option of consulting the World Tree. Let us set aside our worries for today."

A smile returned to Ashtel's face as his characteristic optimism resurfaced.

"I've heard that the Beast Archipelago boasts exceptional wines. Shall we? My treat for the evening."

Upon hearing this, Riku immediately objected.

"Absolutely not. You are the guest in this land. It falls upon me to host you, therefore the drinks are indeed on me!"

Ashtel attempted to counter, but Riku remained steadfast in his refusal.

"Come now. I know a place that serves the finest vintage. I assure you, its potency will leave you unable to find your way home unassisted!"

A challenging glint appeared in Ashtel's eyes.

"Oh? Is that a declaration of war? I am renowned as the world's strongest man! No wine exists that can best me!"

"Lead the way! I am eager to witness firsthand the source of your unwavering confidence!"

With their playful argument settled, the two SS-rank powerhouses opened a portal and vanished in a flash.Little did they realize that the moment the pair departed, the currents of mana and miasma within the vicinity began a swift and dramatic alteration. Deep within the temple's underbelly, the arcane sigil fractured, succumbing to the strain, as the lifeless Sortilegan's eyes snapped open, and it rose with an unnervingly placid demeanor. The entity exhibited no astonishment upon detecting its unfamiliar surroundings, behaving as though fully cognizant of the unfolding events and its own arrival. Those guards and temple personnel on duty remained entirely oblivious to the strange occurrences, continuing their routines as if nothing were amiss. The four-armed being proceeded past them all, unnoticed by any, murmuring softly to itself, "The time has come..."