Reborn as an Extra Chapter 732: The Chaos Begins! Part-5.

~4 minute read · 998 words
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
As Ashtel confronts the demon king, Dahaka, he tells Ryul and Riku to leave. Dahaka attempts to stop them with his overwhelming aura, but Ashtel intervenes, absorbing the pressure. They exchange insults before clashing, and Ashtel's punch sends Dahaka flying into space. Ashtel follows, questioning if Dahaka is truly in his own body, to which Dahaka cryptically explains he has reincarnated into a new form.

Philosophical and ancient texts define it as a place of unparalleled happiness, delight, and bliss, often depicted as an ideal state or realm devoid of worry, suffering, and evil.

However, many concur that a 'paradise' is a deeply personal and unique experience for each individual.

For some, living surrounded by a jubilant family embodies their 'paradise,' while for others, peaceful solitude represents their ultimate 'paradise.'

Just as every individual's 'Dao' diverges, all beings across the cosmos possess a distinct 'Destination' and a singular 'Paradise' within their own hearts.

Yet, a scarce few ever attain their proclaimed 'Paradise.'

Numerous individuals falter midway along their 'Path,' never reaching the 'Destination Point' they so ardently desired.

Many stray from their intended 'Path,' becoming lost in the seductive abyss of a world teeming with distractions.

And a great many completely abandon their 'Path,' surrendering all hope of ever realizing the 'Paradise' they once envisioned.

Only those who possess an unyielding yearning for their ultimate goal, those who bravely tread their 'Path' to its very conclusion, can achieve the 'Paradise' painted in their hearts.

Furthermore, paradise manifests in its own unique fashion for every soul.

A boundless grassland, stretching to an unseen horizon, unfurled beneath Ashtel's feet.

Not far off, a colossal tree stood sentinel, beneath whose boughs a couple was engrossed in a picnic.

The tree's refreshing shade shielded the couple from the sun's gentle warmth, while a soft breeze whispered through their hair as they shared sandwiches and exchanged smiles.

Ashtel recognized the couple intimately; they were a younger iteration of himself and his wife, a time when they cherished picnics and each other's company.

The safeguarding of his nation, the protection of his beloveds, and the cultivation of joyous, tranquil moments with his family.

This was, and remained, Ashtel's 'Paradise'; the ultimate destination of his 'Path.'

Undeniably, this was his 'destination point.'

Ashtel had lived his most profound dream, having toiled diligently to reach this destination, but alas, this cherished dream had now faded into a distant memory.

Standing under the relentless sun, exposed and without shelter, Ashtel could only observe the idyllic couple enjoying their bliss, forever beyond his reach.

It was now merely a faded recollection.

"To manipulate individuals through their deepest emotions... It is no wonder you are called the Demon King, Nebo Dahaka..."

Without the slightest hesitation, Ashtel launched a fist in the direction of the unsuspecting, happy couple, tearing through the fabric of space-time and completely annihilating the manifested memory!

"How utterly cruel. You obliterated that beautiful memory with your own hands... Do you possess no heart, Ashtel Rex?"

Dahaka, positioned some distance away, tilted his head towards Ashtel, his voice laced with mocking amusement.

"I graciously offered you the opportunity to reconnect with your joyful past self, yet you outright dismissed it... what a heartless man you are..."

Gazing at Dahaka, who feigned disappointment in a transparent attempt to taunt him, Ashtel assumed his combat stance.

"The dreams, the aspirations I set out to achieve, I have already fulfilled them. I experienced a blissful life with my wife and child; I harbor no regrets whatsoever..."

"Attempting to sway my resolve by presenting the image of my wife will not shield you from the barrage of blows I intend to inflict upon you today..."

Ashtel slammed his foot down, breaching the 'Paradise' with cracks rending the ground and the very space, unleashing a powerful punch directly towards Dahaka's head.

Before Ashtel's fist could land its intended blow, Dahaka's form dissolved, replaced by a young Link who beamed at Ashtel, his smile radiant as he proclaimed,

"Papa! Welcome home!"

Once more, the memory was shattered by Ashtel's fist as the tapestry of space-time was ripped asunder.

However, differing from the previous instance, Ashtel halted his advance, a trickle of blood emerging from the corner of his mouth, catching even him by surprise.

"You are by no means the sole individual to have attained an elevated level of world authority, Ashtel Rex..."

"My diligent son has created a chance of a lifetime for me... Therefore, it would be prudent for you not to underestimate my capabilities..."

A sneering smile contorted the Demon King's features as he hovered in the sky, regarding Ashtel with a smirk.

As if to taunt Ashtel further, Dahaka spread his arms wide, surveying the immense 'Paradise' with a wicked grin.

"This is your 'Paradise,' Ashtel Rex. Any action you take within this domain will resonate upon you and you alone!"

"To damage this realm is to inflict harm upon your own soul and your sea of consciousness... once it is shattered, your soul will be utterly annihilated, leaving you naught but a sentient husk!"

Upon hearing these words, Ashtel comprehended the reason for the internal injuries he had just sustained.

The damage inflicted upon this realm was directly and instantaneously affecting his soul, mind, and physical being!'This is quite the predicament... He's revealed new stratagems...'

Ashtel had previously clashed with Dahaka, reaching a draw. However, the prior method of escaping Dahaka's world authority involved shattering the 'Paradise' realm.

Yet, circumstances had drastically shifted now that Dahaka had elevated the level of his world authority.

His world authority, now termed 'True Paradise,' possessed the capability to manifest a realm based on the target's envisioned paradise.

Initially, its purpose was to inflict potent debuffs upon the target by exploiting their emotions and various mental vulnerabilities. However, the current situation proved far more complex, as any damage inflicted upon this manifested realm was now mirrored back onto the target.

Ashtel's abilities were ferociously offensive; even a casual strike from him could tear through the very fabric of space and time, a fact the demon king was acutely aware of.

Therefore, it was evident that he would not engage Ashtel through sheer force!

Instead, he intended to battle in the arena where his own strengths lay: manipulation and debuffs!