Reborn as an Extra Chapter 723: Pleased to see you again... Part-1.

"The Bird Tribe is just as unique as the other tribes; we're fortunate to have arrived while they're organizing a festival..."

"It appears we'll get to witness fireworks tonight around 9:00 PM!"

A delightful smile graced Lia's lips as she savored the cotton candy in one hand and took a sip of a chilled soft drink with the other.

Rio affirmed her words, his arm lightly encircling Lia's slender waist, ensuring she wouldn't be separated from him in the bustling crowd.

"Over the past two days, our exploration of Felina Island and Dreamer Island was pleasant, and they each possessed their own distinct charms. However, Island Ptichka truly surpasses them in scenic beauty and the number of famous tourist spots..."

Island Felina served as the primary domain for the cat tribe and its various sub-tribes, encompassing tigers, lions, and all manner of feline beast folk.

Island Dreamer, conversely, was under the dominion of the dog tribe. Its name, 'Dreamer,' was inspired by the 'Enhanced Intuition' bloodline ability that many high-ranking awakeners of the dog tribe naturally manifested as their strength grew.

The island teemed with training enthusiasts, and hundreds of private and public training facilities were scattered throughout. It resembled a military fortress more than a tourist destination, given the Dog People's penchant for rigorous training.

Unlike Island Felina, where the cat tribe predominantly focused on agility and speed, the dog tribe's emphasis lay in strength and defense.

Link was immediately captivated by the island the very moment Miki introduced its culture to the group. Consequently, he ventured off with Riya to observe the various training grounds and related facilities.

Miki, unwilling to let them recklessly enter just any private training organization's buildings, had no choice but to accompany Link and Riya.

Thus, the group divided: Rio and Lia opted to explore Island Ptichka, the territory of the Bird Tribe.

And indeed, their decision proved rewarding as they discovered the Bird Tribe was hosting its annual festival just two days later.

Consequently, Rio and Lia resolved to inform Link and the others about the upcoming event.

Ultimately, the group reached a consensus: they would dedicate the first two days of their vacation to exploring the various islands before collectively attending the festival on the night of the fireworks display!

As they reveled in their travels, two days slipped by swiftly, with Rio and Lia exploring numerous islands together.

While some islands were uninhabited and offered little to see, others boasted breathtaking scenery, prompting Lia and Rio to spend considerable time exploring them.

Numerous other islands existed within the beast archipelago, but they were either military installations or private properties belonging to large corporations, so Rio and Lia did not venture to them.

After indulging their wanderlust to their heart's content and cherishing their quality time, Rio and Lia returned to Island Ptichka for the festival and the fireworks show scheduled for that very day.

"Link mentioned they'd meet us at the central fountain plaza on the east side, half an hour before the fireworks commence. We still have a little time; what would you like to do next?"

In response to Rio's question, Lia's gaze drifted towards the Ferris wheel in the distance, brilliantly illuminated with vibrant colors against the deepening twilight sky.

"Let's go there! It's been quite some time since I last rode one!"

For S-rank awakeners like themselves, soaring through the skies was practically commonplace, diminishing the allure of amusement park rides.

However, the rides themselves weren't the primary focus for the pair; their main concern was simply being together. Visiting the Ferris wheel was merely a pretext to deepen their intimacy.

"Indeed, I wanted to go there as well... let's go..."

Clinging to each other and indulging in delectable junk food, the two embarked on a Ferris wheel ride. Seated side-by-side, they held hands, gazing at the full moon suspended amidst the starry expanse.

"I feel like it's been ages since our last date... I believe the most recent one was that aquarium visit before you departed for the spirit realm and I commenced my training mission..."

Lia rested her head on Rio's shoulder, exhaling a long sigh as she reflected on the past.

The preceding year had brought about so many transformations, drastically altering the course of their lives.

Rio had ascended to become one of the world's most renowned S-rankers, a constant thorn in the side of criminals globally.

Although the spirit realm had not physically impacted Rio, as he was impervious to miasmic corruption,

the experiences he endured within it had profoundly shaped his mindset, leading to significant learning and immense personal growth following that mission.

Lia, on the other hand, endured a near-death ordeal, forged friendships that were fleeting, and emerged notably more mature.

Their lives were each characterized by profound hardship, relentless toil, and an insatiable hunger for greater power.

Had they been a conventional pair, their relationship likely wouldn't have weathered more than a few months, succumbing to prolonged separations.

While Lia's training mission spanned merely a few days, Rio’s unfolded over nearly a full year, during which he engaged in countless battles, navigated treacherous schemes, and bore witness to numerous harrowing tragedies.

In Rio's position, anyone else might have undergone a complete transformation, their affections possibly fading into a distant memory.

However, the bond between Lia and Rio was of a singular nature.

They possessed a deep understanding of each other's struggles, allowing their affection to remain steadfast even through years apart.

"When I was younger... I used to envy everyone who had loved ones and experienced happiness... My envy of Kira was particularly intense..."

"But now... I believe I've discovered my own purpose. I no longer need to envy anyone... Thank you, Rio; you are the greatest blessing in my life..."

Gazing at the breathtaking panorama outside the Ferris wheel cabin, her head resting on Rio's shoulder, Lia felt a surge of emotion.

Observing her, Rio offered a gentle smile, encircling her with his arm, and replied,

"You are an even greater blessing to me. It is I who should be thankful that you accepted me..."

Sensing Rio’s attempt to outdo her in a contest of affection, Lia felt a spark of defiance. Cupping his face in her hands, she leaned in and declared,

"I love you more than you love me!"

To ensure her victory, Lia silenced Rio's potential retort by sealing his lips with her own!

"Hah? Look at these two lovebirds! We're all waiting for you two to arrive, and you're off in your own little world!"

Lia hastily pulled away from Rio, her face flushing with embarrassment after the sudden voice interrupted her triumphant moment.

"Th-that's not it! We were just about to head your way!"

At that precise moment, Riya had soared towards their Ferris wheel, seeking them out as their meeting time approached and they had yet to arrive at the designated spot!

"Where are Link and Miki?"

Dismissing Riya’s amused, smug expression at catching them in such a tender moment, Lia quickly shifted the subject!

The Ferris wheel also halted during this exchange, allowing Riya to descend and await the couple's arrival.

"There's an arm-wrestling competition near the central plaza offering a large stuffed plush toy as a prize; he's competing to win it for me..."

"As for Miki, she went to grab some snacks for all of us... You two are the only ones running late; hurry up, or we'll miss the fireworks..."

Heeding Riya’s words, Lia and Rio nodded in agreement and followed her, the trio proceeding towards the central plaza with purpose!

"How was your vacation these past two days? Where did you and Rio go? Tell me everything..."

Upon reuniting, the two young women immediately launched into animated conversation, eager to share details of their respective dates and holidays with beaming smiles.

Rio could only trail behind them silently, finding it challenging to join in on their typically feminine discussions.

Fortunately, the central plaza wasn't an extensive distance away, and they reached their destination with considerable speed.