Reborn as an Extra Chapter 524: To The Dwarf Kingdom! Part-2.

"Take this file. Review the contents thoroughly during your trip, then incinerate it immediately. Ensure no eyes but yours ever see what is written inside..."

Rio accepted the papers from Ashtel, his expression clouded with confusion.

"What exactly is this? I can sense a formidable enchantment radiating from these pages. There is a high-level privacy spell protecting this document..."

Acknowledging Rio’s observation with a nod, Ashtel spoke in a composed tone,

"This contains every piece of intelligence required for you to survive the dwarf kingdom solo. I have compiled all the nuanced data I possess regarding their land, including several well-guarded secrets..."

"You will find records on their national defense strategies, military strength, and detailed profiles on their most powerful experts, including their residences and frequent haunts..."

Rio stared at Ashtel, visibly stunned by the revelation.

"Wh-what!? Why would you hand me something like this? I am not heading there on some high-profile assassination mission, you know!"

Rubbing the back of his neck with a hint of sheepishness, Ashtel answered Rio’s outburst.

"Well... as you are aware, I once had a bit of a scuffle with their top leadership... and during that time, I might have 'borrowed' their classified records, including their internal military data... cough..."

Rio’s mouth hung open in disbelief; he was momentarily speechless at the sheer audacity of the man.

"No wonder they issued a permanent ban on you and your entire lineage entering the dwarf nation... that actually seems like a perfectly logical response now..."

Ashtel could only clear his throat to hide his embarrassment. In his youth, he had been far more impulsive and reckless.

"Ahem! Regardless, study it when you find the time. Once finished, you must burn it or destroy it by any means you see fit. A potent privacy ward is already active on the parchment..."

"The text is visible only to you. Should anyone else attempt to read it, the documents will trigger a self-destruct sequence."

Accepting the gravity of the gift, Rio stowed the papers safely within his space ring.

"One more thing—avoid utilizing your space ring openly while you are within that kingdom..."

"Dwarves are master craftsmen, yet space rings remain a rarity there since they are primarily reserved for storing vital artifacts..."

"Displaying one could make you a prime target for bandits or opportunistic criminals. While you possess the strength to handle such pests, it is wiser to maintain a low profile while traveling in foreign territories..."

It felt ironic receiving a lecture on staying 'low-key' from the very man who had once turned the dwarf kingdom upside down, but Rio took the warning to heart.

He deactivated his shadow robe, adjusting his attire to resemble that of a common wanderer.

Rio donned a brownish cloak adorned with black sword motifs. His hands were now encased in fingerless gloves that concealed most of his palms.

He pulled the hood of the brown robe over his head to obscure his features.

By doing this, Rio successfully hid his space ring and face, and he even utilized a transformation ability to turn his weapon into a simple-looking 'flute.'

"Right then. From this moment on, I am merely a modest performer. Rio 'The Wandering Bard'... that has a nice ring to it..."

Ashtel watched the sudden transformation, impressed by the speed of the disguise.

"Wh-what kind of garments are those? They shifted instantly; I have never witnessed such a thing before... Is that some sort of artifact?"

"Even I failed to detect that you were wearing an enchanted item until you altered its appearance. Truly remarkable... it is no wonder you rose to become a renowned assassin in such a short span of time..."

A nostalgic glint appeared in Ashtel’s eyes as a small smile touched his lips.

"You... you truly take after your father, you know... Sigh, if only he were present to witness this. He may have failed as a husband, but he was a decent man at his core... sigh..."

Shaking off the somber thoughts to avoid dampening the mood, Ashtel gestured toward a nearby docked vessel.

"That is a merchant flying ship. One of my subordinates operates a firm that conducts extensive trade with the dwarves, and that vessel belongs to him..."

"The ship is currently preparing for departure. It will remain stationed in the dwarf kingdom for trade purposes for approximately six months... I have handled the logistics; you simply need to board and travel with them..."

Ashtel looked at Rio intently before continuing,

"Once you arrive at the dwarven docks, you can disembark. From that point forward, you are on your own..."

"The documents I gave you contain the necessary directions. Locate the weak node leading to the spirit realm and ensure you return to this vessel within the six-month window..."

"Should you miss the departure, you will be forced to wait a full year for the next ship or find a way to smuggle yourself back across the border..."

"Diplomatic ties with the dwarf kingdom are strained, so official transport is scarce... the underground routes might be your best bet if you get stuck..."

Ashtel stroked his chin, lost in thought as he planned for contingencies.

"Hmm... though that would be complicated... you will have Liam with you upon your return, making stealth difficult... Wait, that dragon girl has wings. Yes, you could simply fly back on her..."

Rio raised a hand, cutting off Ashtel before he could invite any more bad luck.

"Don't say that. I intend to return as quickly as possible. I have no desire to leave my girlfriend waiting at home. I want to be reunited with her immediately!"

"I will definitely be back within a month or two!"

As they conversed, a man wearing thick spectacles approached them, identifying himself as the captain.

It was clear that Ashtel had already finalized the arrangements with the ship’s commander.

"It is a profound honor to assist the 'Hero' of our land! Uh... cough... my young daughter is a great admirer of yours; would it be possible to get an autograph... cough..."

Feeling a bit awkward but unable to refuse the captain's earnest request, Rio obliged and signed the paper.

"Oho, you have become quite the celebrity, kid. Just don't let little Lia find out you're giving autographs to female fans, haha..."

As Rio was signing, a familiar voice called out. He turned to see Jin approaching in a wheelchair, with Anna providing assistance.

"Professor Jin... You came as well? You should be recovering... and shouldn't you be spending time with your future wife?"

Jin nearly lurched out of his seat at Rio’s playful jab.

"COUGH!!! Ahem... O-of course I will spend time with her, you little brat!"

"I merely came to bid you farewell! Furthermore, I wanted to express my gratitude for your help in saving my life... though, when you used that mind penetration technique... did you happen to see anything embarrassing about me... ahem..."

Rio gave a dismissive roll of his eyes.

"Not a chance. I have zero interest in peeking into the dull lives of old men! I have far more important things to occupy my time!"

In response, Jin jokingly hurled a slipper at Rio, which the youth dodged with ease.

"You little punk! Ugh! The youth of today are far too brazen..."

Rio smirked at the grumbling professor and offered a respectful nod to Anna.

In addition to them, Raji, Link, and Riya had also gathered to see him off.

Raji presented Rio with a sealed magical item.

"Take this. I have stored three of my most potent spells within this artifact. Use them only in dire situations, and ensure you are at a safe distance, as these spells cannot differentiate between friend and foe..."

"I have calibrated the device to respond to the frequency of your sword intent... even if your mana is depleted, your sword intent can trigger the stored magic..."

Though Raji could not join the journey, as a high-tier demi-god wizard, she knew her strength lay in preparation. She ensured Rio had a powerful trump card.

Riya then handed him several top-tier potions she had personally brewed using her legendary skills; these mixtures were potent enough to cleanse even the darkest miasmic corruption.

Link, having no physical gift, simply bumped fists with Rio and gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Carrying the well-wishes and expectations of his companions, Rio followed the captain and climbed the boarding ramp.

He waved a final goodbye to the group watching from the docks as the massive hull doors sealed shut and the flying ship ascended into the sky.