Reborn as an Extra Chapter 749: A Future Without You... Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
"The battle in the heavens... it’s escalating, isn’t it? Exactly what is Rio confronting up there?"
Lia’s brow furrowed slightly as she gazed upwards. Moments prior, they had witnessed one of the planet’s moons shatter from the combat, its fragments then hurtling towards Cyria-229.
A colossal spirit magic barrier had to be erected by Lia above the half-orc settlement to ensure their safety.
"Perhaps I should offer my assistance?"
Link’s gaze followed Lia’s concerned one to the sky, his heart giving a jolt as he felt the immensely potent sword intent fluctuations even from this vast distance.
‘That fellow… he’s truly unleashing his fury. Am I mistaken, or has his sword intent grown exponentially stronger?’
‘We are separated by thousands of kilometers, yet I can still precisely discern the overwhelming power emanating from his sword intent, even from such a remote location…’
"If something has compelled him to go this all out… perhaps he requires my aid?"
Just as Link contemplated intervening, Lia’s golden hair began to emit a radiant glow, and ethereal golden threads, visible only to her, materialized around her.
The vision was fleeting, lasting mere seconds before she reverted to her normal state, a puzzled frown creasing her features as she murmured aloud.
"Hold on… Did Rio just harness my destiny manipulation ability? He also conveyed a message, advising us all to remain put for the time being…"
By employing the threads of destiny and the power bestowed by Lia, Rio had successfully dispatched a message to her, ensuring its absolute privacy from any external interference.
"I comprehend. The adversary might be too formidable for us if he’s urging us to stand down… Could it be a type that bypasses physical defenses and strikes directly at the mind?"
Link was no fool; if Rio, who rarely issued warnings, was now providing one, it signified a situation beyond their current collective capabilities.
Intervening at this moment might even impede Rio’s progress.
"Well then, if he doesn’t need our help, let’s proceed with our own assigned task…"
At Link’s suggestion, both Riya and Lia assented.
The group had resolved to visit the central plaza and examine the five peculiar statues and the altar themselves, with the half-orc village chief and a large half-orc possessing a comically deep voice guiding them.
"Esteemed Angels, you must exercise extreme caution. I suspect we half-orcs may still be susceptible to that potent entity’s influence, and upon reaching the altar, its power will intensify…"
"Therefore, if possible, maintain your vigilance even towards us. We might inadvertently offend you should the other party utilize our bodies as vessels for nefarious deeds…"
Listening to the elder chief’s cautionary words, Riya offered a confident smirk and replied serenely.
"There is no need for apprehension. With my healing and purification magic field enveloping us, it is impossible for any miasmic force to approach us without sustaining severe harm, let alone achieve possession…"
"Furthermore, I have already imbued everyone within this settlement, including the three of us, with a layer of purification magic…"
"If any entity were to still penetrate our beings with their miasma, I would be undeserving of the title ‘Inheritor of the Heart of Eternal Nirvana’…"
Riya possessed unshakeable faith in her capacity to combat miasma and corruption.
Apart from Rio, who wielded absolute control over miasma, Riya stood as the second most formidable and resistant individual against miasma in this realm, followed by Lia and then Link.
Their entire party was essentially anathema to miasmic corruption, leaving them with nothing to fear.
Even in the unlikely event of their corruption by miasma, Rio could effortlessly purge it all upon his return, rendering concerns about possession and corruption utterly baseless!
"That is most reassuring. I am truly grateful you have come to aid our humble settlement; thank you, Lord Angels!"
The elder chief offered a slight bow to Riya and the others before resuming his role as their guide.
As the group proceeded towards their destination, Link and Riya engaged the elder chief in conversation about various matters, while Lia remained focused on observing the threads of destiny, keeping a watchful eye on all unfolding events.
[Lia… I’ve been meaning to mention this. Despite employing my spirit detection and all other sensory abilities… I am unable to perceive who Rio is battling. That entity… it appears to possess no form or discernible existence…]
‘I am aware… However, I can perceive the threads of destiny to a certain degree. The one confronting Rio is undeniably powerful. Their threads of destiny are exceptionally robust, and I find myself incapable of influencing them…’
'Rio must have channeled his sword intent to disrupt the opponent's destiny threads during that earlier strike...' [That fellow... he might soon even emulate your abilities. Does that not concern you?] 'Hehe, what is there to fret about? If he succeeds in copying it, so be it; it's not as if I'm vying with him for raw power...' 'Even Link struggles to keep pace with Rio these days, so I definitely cannot match him in that regard... My sole desire is to not become a burden to him; everything else is secondary...' Contrasting her past self, who would become agitated over trivial matters, Lia had evidently matured and grown more patient. Having faced life-threatening perils and gained a profound grasp of her own 'Dao', Lia was no longer plagued by insecurity; her singular aspiration was to secure a small corner within Rio's detached heart. That much signified sufficiency for her.