Reborn as an Extra Chapter 518: Awake!

Rio dismissed Ashtel’s comments with a roll of his eyes, choosing not to engage in an argument.

"Speaking of breaks... I truly didn't anticipate the situation unfolding the way it did..."

"To be honest, I had come to terms with my own demise during that conflict... little Riya and the elven queen saved my life; I feel quite indebted to them..."

Ashtel’s admission caught Rio off guard.

"Something existed that was powerful enough to nearly kill you? That is hard to believe..."

Upon hearing Rio’s inquiry, a shadow of hesitation crossed Ashtel’s features. He scratched the nape of his neck, a strained smile appearing on his face.

"Back then... I stood at death’s door more closely than ever before; I haven't sustained a beating that severe since I attained the rank of SS-ranker..."

Rio’s shock intensified, and his grip on his teacup faltered.

"You were beaten!? You!? What!? Bullsh*t!"

Defeating Ashtel in a direct confrontation was deemed nearly impossible, unless the adversary possessed a world authority far surpassing his own or existed in a realm beyond SS-rankers.

Rio was well aware that he was still a vast distance away from the level required to confidently claim victory over someone like Ashtel Rex.

The idea that someone had thrashed him and brought him to the brink of death was simply inconceivable.

"Err... it wasn't exactly a one-sided thrashing, you know... Hmm... how should I put it... oh! Right, I managed to pull my opponent down into the abyss with me!"

"That’s a more accurate way to say it... I was just about to step through the gates of hell when my lovely daughter-in-law hauled me back to the living world, while my foe remained trapped on the other side..."

Setting his teacup aside, Rio’s expression turned solemn.

"Still, the fact that an entity capable of nearly killing you was present in that location is terrifying; they could have massacred everyone inside if you hadn't intervened..."

At that time, Rio had only recently attained rank S and lacked a stable foundation in that realm; he likely wouldn't have survived a single strike from such a creature, even if it were in a weakened state.

It was a stroke of luck that Ashtel was there to handle it.

"Who exactly was this opponent—"

Before Rio could delve into the specifics with Ashtel, both men suddenly detected a familiar aura expanding. They immediately hurried back to the concealed chamber where Ashtel and Jin had been resting earlier.

The other dormant figure was finally showing signs of waking, making their return urgent.

...

A violent headache pulsed through Jin’s mind in relentless waves. As he opened his eyes, his surroundings were a blur, his vision struggling to process the light.

"Ugh, my head... this feels like the worst hangover I’ve ever experienced..."

Frowning deeply, Jin rubbed his temples and pushed himself up into a sitting position on the bed.

His vision swam, and it took several moments for his eyes to acclimate to the brightness of the room.

"Where am I?"

Before Jin could orient himself, Anna, who had been keeping watch by his side, suddenly burst into tears even as a smile broke across her face.

"Y-you... you’re finally awake... You moron! I was so scared for you! You total idiot! Why must you always act like this! You are such a foolish man!"

Caught in confusion, Jin watched as Anna lunged at him like a lioness, wrapping him in a fierce embrace while tears and snot stained her face.

"ahhhh, sob, sob... You’re awake; I feared you would never open your eyes! I was terrified; I thought you were gone for good!"

As her tears flowed without end, it took Jin some time to piece together the situation as his memories slowly returned to him.

"Oh! I was in a fight with that cursed Demon Prince! I believe I lost... ugh, is this the afterlife?"

Jin had sacrificed everything, even igniting his soul to forcefully wield the power of a law to strike Alverto and sever his bond with the Spire of Ascension.

He was certain he had no hope of survival, which made the current reality impossible for him to grasp.

"Idiot! Idiot! You stupid f*cker! This isn't the afterlife! You are alive; you put me through so much worry! Why did you have to be so reckless!"

"You barely clung to life! What would I have done if you hadn't made it!"

Witnessing Jin’s bewilderment, Anna’s crying intensified, her voice trembling as she spoke.

The collective weight of her emotions, sadness, and the powerlessness she had endured over the past six months finally poured out.

Anna had maintained a facade of strength for half a year to keep from falling apart, but today, that resolve shattered.

Now that Jin had returned to her, she could no longer suppress her feelings; she wept openly in his arms.

Jin pulled Anna close, attempting to provide comfort.

"Uh... My apologies, I was quite impulsive... err... You know how I am; I’ve always been reckless. You don't need to be so distressed, you know..."

At those words, Anna seized Jin by the collar, shouting through her tears,

"I f*cking love you, you idiot! How can you expect me not to worry!? How can you be so reckless all the time!!"

Jin was stunned by her intensity and the weight of her confession.

It appeared the duration of their separation had forced Anna to confront her heart; she had finally realized the depth of her feelings and found the courage to voice them.

"Er... I-I love you too, you know..."

While the two were occupied with each other, several uninvited observers stepped into the room, wearing broad smirks.

"Finally, the moment has arrived! Ah, we’ve been praying for times like these~"

"Congrats on waking up, and for finally accepting each other’s feelings... I hope the wedding is soon!"

Raji was the first to speak, clapping her hands and dabbing at imaginary tears, acting like a proud witness to the two troublemakers finally being honest.

"Ahem, cough... this is the Rex Mansion; you two kids can head home if you want to be that passionate with one another..."

"Regardless, congratulations on your recovery... Make sure to send a formal invite to the Rex mansion once the wedding date is set..."

Ashtel stood nearby, his teasing words causing the couple to flush with embarrassment.

"Uh, glad to see you awake, Professor Jin. I’m happy you’re doing well..."

Rio was the last to offer his well-wishes.

Jin smiled at the group, nodding to each of them in gratitude as he used his sleeve to wipe the tears from Anna’s face.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to ever wake up... but I am truly grateful to everyone; it must have been an ordeal to heal me and pull me back from the brink..."

In response, Ashtel shook his head.

"Don't mention it; we have an incredibly gifted healer. There was no way that arrogant girl would let you die such a meaningless death..."

Ashtel glanced at Raji and Rio before suggesting,

"Err... I think we ought to leave these two alone; they clearly have much to discuss..."

With those words, Ashtel departed, followed by Raji who gave a final nod to Jin and Anna. Rio waved a brief goodbye as they all exited to give the couple some privacy.

"So... how about starting with a kiss then?"

Seeing that Jin was already back to his flirting ways, Anna pouted and turned her face away.

"Hmph! Drop dead, idiot, I’m not talking to you!"

Jin could only offer a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck in awkward silence.