Reborn as an Extra Chapter 523: To The Dwarf Kingdom! Part-1.

"So, your heart is set on the Dwarf Kingdom after all... I didn't expect you to make that call so quickly..."

Irvin expressed his amazement at Rio’s announcement, though his hands remained steady as he poured the tea.

He slid the cup toward Rio before continuing.

"The news recently broke that Ashtel Rex has finally regained consciousness... the public is celebrating his recovery like it’s a national holiday..."

"It still feels strange, though, how quickly the world pushed you aside the moment he woke up..."

Rio merely shook his head at Irvin’s observation, responding in his characteristically flat, emotionless tone.

"It was inevitable. He has spent decades as the nation's shield. A newcomer like me isn't going to eclipse his legacy in a few months; that kind of recognition requires a massive investment of time and effort..."

"Besides, I have no desire for more fame than I already possess. My only interest lies in finding the right opportunities to grow even stronger..."

Irvin could only sigh and shake his head in response.

"I can't wrap my head around your obsession with power... You’ve already reached such heights, yet you remain desperate for more. It’s almost as if you’re terrified that failing to gain strength will lead to some inevitable disaster..."

Having worked closely with Rio for several months, Irvin had grown quite familiar with the young man.

He had come to realize that Rio’s meteoric rise and swift improvement weren't solely products of raw talent.

The primary driver was Rio’s bottomless hunger for power; every time he grew stronger, his desire for the next level only intensified. This relentless cycle acted as a motor, propelling Rio forward at a staggering pace.

"Even your girlfriend is out there taking massive risks just to keep pace with you... You are an S-ranker now; isn't it time to relax a little? Give that young girl a break; she’s pushing herself to the limit just to avoid being left in your wake..."

Upon hearing Irvin’s remark, Rio let out a sigh, a rare expression of vulnerability crossing his features.

"Others can choose to halt... they have the luxury of resting, but I don't. My time for peace hasn't arrived yet. I must increase my Cultivation, or I will never truly be able to rest..."

The image of Lia’s bright smile flashed in Rio’s mind as he spoke further.

"It’s unfortunate that my progress makes her feel so pressured, but I cannot stop... not even for Lia, not even for love. I have to keep climbing, or there won't be anyone left to love in the end..."

Irvin found Rio’s desperation baffling, yet he knew further persuasion was pointless.

He had no wish to irritate Rio with meaningless chatter or end up on his bad side.

Too many people had met a grim fate at Rio’s hands, and even Irvin felt a lingering chill regarding Rio’s methods; thus, he withheld any further unsolicited advice.

"Well, given your rate of growth, I expect you'll reach the realm of demi-gods in just a few years. Perhaps you can finally rest then..."

Irvin sighed and dropped the subject of progression, assuming Rio’s ultimate goal was simply to hit SS-rank as fast as possible.

He was unaware that Rio’s ambitions were far more vast; he was looking toward a height that far exceeded the realm of demi-gods.

"Regarding the Dwarf Kingdom, how long do you expect this mission to take? Have you mentioned this to your wife?"

Rio nearly choked on his tea at the sudden question.

"Cough! Cough! You caught me off guard with that one! Old man, your sense of humor is getting sharper!"

"Well... hmm, I suppose calling Lia my future wife wouldn't be entirely wrong... hmm..."

A genuine grin spread across Rio’s face at the mention of Lia; he was clearly happy to talk about her.

"I’ve already sent her a message... however, she entered a peak S-rank dungeon with her father a month ago. We haven't been able to communicate since then..."

"There's no need for concern, though. I gave her a certain item before she departed for her training; she’ll be perfectly safe as long as she has it..."

Irvin nodded, acknowledging the situation.

"True, S-rank dungeons have become increasingly chaotic and dangerous lately. It might take them quite some time to clear it, maybe even a few months..."

"She might very well be an S-ranker herself by the time she emerges... she is a gifted child, after all..."

Rio nodded, visibly pleased by the compliment directed toward the girl he loved.

"Hehe... she really is the best! By the way, please contact her father and let him know I've left for the mission if they happen to exit the dungeon before I return to the empire..."

Rio knew he would be occupied for a significant duration. Fearing Lia might feel abandoned or sad if she returned to find him gone, he decided to leave this message as a safeguard.

"Understood, that’s a wise move... if only your stubborn father had been half as considerate regarding his loved ones... sigh..."

"Changing the subject... how certain are you that the boy you're searching for is even alive? Personally, I wouldn't dream of entering the Spirit Realm; that place is a literal 'Hell'..."

Surprised that Irvin was aware of the Spirit Realm's reputation, Rio questioned him.

"How do you know about the horrors of the Spirit Realm? You don't strike me as someone who would wander into such a lethal territory, old man..."

Irvin sighed, his voice turning grave.

"I haven't personally crossed over... but your father attempted it once. As you know, Kevin was obsessed with exploring places that were off-limits to ordinary people..."

"He lived for breaking the rules and being an unmatched assassin... he once managed to infiltrate that place for a few 'minutes'..."

Rio’s interest was piqued, and his eyebrows shot up.

"A few 'minutes'? That sounds like an incredibly short stay, doesn't it?"

Irvin gave a small, knowing grin before answering.

"Don't underestimate how 'Miasma' affects normal people, kid. Unlike you, the rest of us are terrified of even brushing against that foul power!"

"And that idiot Kevin! He actually survived in the presence of Miasma for a few 'minutes' without being corrupted! It was a staggering achievement!"

Typically, a person needs to be at least S-rank to have even a prayer of resisting Miasmic corruption; those who are weak would fall in seconds.

Only those possessing 'legendary skills' have a high natural resistance; otherwise, reaching SS-rank is practically a requirement to withstand Miasma properly.

Even then, one must possess incredible mastery over their 'world authority' and maintain perfect emotional control, or they will still succumb in a place saturated with it.

This was the primary reason Raji had flatly refused to enter the Spirit Realm; her vulnerability to corruption was even greater than Link's.

"As you are aware, the dungeons in our world occasionally mirror real-world locations with high precision..."

"Years ago, a specific dungeon appeared that created a temporary, weak link to the Spirit Realm. Your father tried to use it as a doorway... he only stayed for a few minutes before retreating..."

Irvin’s tone became even more somber.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was the first and only time I ever saw him truly terrified and panicked. I had never seen him so shaken..."

"He just kept screaming, 'Insanity! How is this possible!?' over and over until he passed out... by the time he came to, he had lost the memory of what he had witnessed..."

Irvin shook his head and shrugged, posing his question once more.

"That’s why I’m asking—are you truly going to such a nightmare of a place just to find a kid who might already be dead?"

"The odds of a rescue are microscopic. Even with that strange artifact you mentioned, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. Furthermore, the dangers are—"

Rio cut him off before he could finish.

"Don't be such a pessimist, old man; it's bad for your health. I'll be back with that lost idiot before you know it; it’s as simple as that..."

"Fear? That’s an emotion I’ve never experienced. There’s no use trying to talk me out of it... The 'Spirit Realm'... honestly, I need a place like that to give me a real challenge..."

Rio grinned, drained his tea, and set the cup down. He stood up and gave Irvin a casual wave.

"Take care of yourself, old man. When I return, my strength will be on a completely different level. I'll even bring you a souvenir from the Spirit Realm... hehe..."

Irvin sighed, realizing it was futile to argue. He could only offer a prayer for the young man's survival.

"Stay safe, kid! I hope you complete your mission and return in one piece!"

"I'll have some top-tier tea waiting for you if you make it back soon!"

Rio offered a bright smile at the promise.

"It’s a deal, old man!..."

With those final words, Rio exited the tavern, vanishing as quietly as he had arrived.