Reborn as an Extra Chapter 753: A Future Without You... Part-5.

"Where am I?"

Surveying his surroundings, Link could only perceive utter darkness.

’Lia and Riya aren’t near me. It appears we were dispersed after passing through that portal…’

’I must reunite with the others and ensure Riya’s safety—’

As these thoughts occupied Link, a door suddenly burst open with a resounding boom, and light from beyond spilled into the darkness, illuminating the space slightly.

It was then Link recognized his surroundings; he was actually in his own room, the place he had resided in his entire life!

’This is the Rex Mansion!’

Before Link could process this revelation, the individual who had violently opened the door snapped their fingers, activating the room's lights and fully revealing the scene.

The intruder was none other than his father, Ashtel Rex.

Link also witnessed a 16-year-old version of himself, huddled on the floor, weeping, curled into a ball.

"I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it… no, no… no…"

An unsettling sensation coursed through Link’s body, raising goosebumps as he observed this weak, pathetic iteration of himself.

However, before Link could comprehend the situation, Ashtel Rex, visibly enraged, strode towards the younger Link and spoke with a furious tone.

"All that talent, all that training, all those resources, and this is the extent of your achievements!?"

"You had one singular f*cking duty, Link! When you became engaged to that girl, securing her life became your responsibility!"

"Your only task was to keep her safe! But look at you! You couldn’t even protect your fiancée! How do you expect me to entrust you with the governance of this nation when you can’t safeguard a single individual, Link!?"

These harsh words struck a chord not only in the younger Link but also resonated deeply within the current him, causing his heart to falter with guilt and apprehension.

The memory of the New Year’s festival flashed in Link’s mind as vividly as if it had occurred yesterday.

On that fateful day, his most cherished person was nearly wrested from him forever!

Fortunately, Rio’s timely intervention averted disaster and forged the foundation of Rio and Link’s friendship. Yet, Link still harbored a lingering fear of what might have transpired had Rio not arrived when he did.

Gazing at his father’s furious countenance, the younger Link displayed profound shame, while the present-day Link could only offer a sigh.

’Could this be some form of illusion or a mental assault technique? It appears someone is attempting to weaponize my deepest anxieties against me…’

Link's profoundest fears revolved around losing Riya and failing to meet his father’s expectations; the scene unfolding before him personified both these dreads simultaneously.

Consequently, Link easily deduced that his vulnerability was being exploited, with the intention of destabilizing his mental state.

"I didn’t do it, I-I tried my very best… I-I…"

While Link was engrossed in devising a strategy against this illusory attack, the scene persisted, with the younger Link desperately attempting to offer justifications.

"Silence! Not only did your actions lead to Riya’s demise, but you also went on a destructive rampage, slaughtering hundreds of innocent civilians and fellow academy students before everyone’s eyes!?"

"Are you f*cking insane!? Is this the culmination of all your talent and power!? Is this why your mother sacrificed her life!?"

Tears welled in Ashtel’s eyes, his imposing aura faltering and diminishing as he berated Link.

Contemplating the profound disappointment his wife would feel upon learning he had raised Link so poorly, Ashtel felt a piece of his heart shatter in that moment.

Witnessing his father’s sudden vulnerability, the younger Link attempted to plead for clemency, but it was futile.

"Do not beg for my forgiveness, Link. If you genuinely wish to atone, go to the families of those who perished, bow your head before them, and implore their forgiveness for taking their children’s lives!!"

"Seek Raji Croft’s forgiveness for failing to protect the sister she entrusted to you with immense hope! Ask for the forgiveness of Riya’s departed soul if you truly seek absolution!"

Despite his utmost efforts, tears streamed uncontrollably from his eyes.

The most formidable man on the planet was reduced to a helpless, weeping elder due to his son’s transgressions; the incident was so profoundly traumatic that it inflicted a significant scar upon Ashtel’s indomitable spirit.

Ashtel turned to depart, but paused to utter a solemn decree.

"Link, from this day forward, you are forbidden from identifying yourself as a member of the Rex family, and you shall never again set foot in this mansion!"

"Until every single victim of this tragedy grants you their forgiveness, I will not acknowledge you as my son; vanish from my sight before I commit an act of rashness…"

"Understand this: the sole reason you're still alive after claiming so many lives is the promise I made to your mother to protect you... If you were not my son, you would have been struck down instantly for endangering the innocent people of our land."

Ashtel bore a profound sense of duty, his loyalty as a guardian of the nation unwavering, yet his family held an equally significant place in his heart.

The vow he gave to his wife superseded his own life and the entire nation.

It was for this reason he refrained from attacking Link; had it been any other individual who went on such a destructive spree, indiscriminately ending lives, Ashtel would have dealt a fatal blow on the spot!

"Depart now and never again appear before me! I cannot guarantee my actions if my self-control falters further..."

Intimidated by his father's formidable aura, Link fled his home, a forlorn figure akin to a stray dog with nowhere to turn and no one to depend upon.

From that point forward, Link found himself completely devoid of support.