Reborn as an Extra Chapter 531: A Meeting Arranged By Fate. Part-3.

"Excellent, this ensures you'll grow up to be both tall and powerful..."

Kifrid pouted upon hearing Rio’s remark.

"Hmph! Do you take me for a gullible toddler? All you did was tap me with that flute! I'm not falling for your tricks!"

Because Rio’s abilities operated on a fundamental soul level and he lacked any malicious intent toward the boy, it was virtually impossible for Kifrid to detect the change.

In truth, even those at the SS-rank might fail to perceive that Rio had altered something within Kifrid’s soul and sea of consciousness.

This represents the most terrifying aspect of Rio’s strength.

Victims remain completely unaware of what has transpired once they are struck by his powers.

Had such abilities fallen into the hands of a villain, they could have easily manifested a living hell on earth through their misuse.

"Haha, don't be so greedy, little one. I've already bestowed a magnificent blessing upon you. What more could you want? I only have a few candies left now..."

At the mention of candy, Kifrid’s eyes sparkled, yet he managed to restrain himself.

"No! My mother warned me never to accept sweets from strangers; I won't be deceived!"

Rio could only offer a strained smile in response.

'If it were Riya, she likely would have taken the bait... though, considering her current strength, it wouldn't really matter anymore...'

Riya had been capable of pulverizing demons and monsters back when she was merely an A-ranker; now that she had ascended to S-rank, her healing abilities were likely as deadly as Rio’s own miasma in a fight.

"The sun is going down; it's time for you to go home, kid. It’s getting late—"

Kifrid cut Rio off before he could finish.

"Fine, I've made a decision! If you truly want to grant me a wish, then help my grandfather!"

"My grandpa is old, and he’s been miserable because he can’t locate his lost weapons!"

Taken aback by the request, Rio inquired,

"Why is an old man searching for weapons? Shouldn't he be relaxing in the sun and enjoying his retirement?"

"Well, I happen to be quite skilled at locating things, so perhaps I can assist him..."

Rio possessed a potent skill for tracking individuals or objects. He could simply strike Kifrid’s grandfather with his blade and employ soul manipulation to uncover the location of the lost items.

While people often struggle with memory, their souls and sea of consciousness retain every moment of their lives; by tapping into these two realms, one can read a person's entire history.

Having practiced these techniques on numerous willing subjects, Rio was confident that as long as the target was S-rank or lower, he could safely peer into their mind.

"Great! Let’s head out then! Grandpa will be thrilled! Hehe!"

With those words, Kifrid tucked his wooden toy sword into his belt.

He began walking toward his grandfather's house, but his small legs made for a slow pace. Rio eventually picked him up and hoisted him onto his shoulders.

As Rio quickened his stride, the cool breeze brushed against Kifrid’s face from his high vantage point, making the boy laugh with joy.

"Whooo~ this is great! I've decided! We’re friends now! You’re my big brother Rio from today on! Hehe!"

Rio rolled his eyes at the declaration.

"You shouldn't be so trusting of strangers, kid. What if I were a villain?"

Kifrid giggled and replied,

"I listened to that sweet melody you played! It was beautiful; only a truly good person could play music like that!"

Rio was momentarily stunned by the child's logic.

'Err... this kid is far too innocent... well, he's just a child; he’ll gain wisdom as he ages.'

Sighing quietly, Rio carried the boy toward a massive hilltop in the distance.

"Hey, why does your grandfather live up on a hill? How does an old man manage such a steep climb?"

Kifrid laughed at Rio’s concern.

"He’s always complaining about his aching back, yet he refuses to move in with us! He just stays in his gloomy little shack!"

Rio could only sigh once more.

Fortunately, the hill was far enough from the village that Rio didn't have to worry about being spotted with the boy.

A human would stand out far too much in this kingdom of dwarves, and Rio preferred to avoid attention; he was only helping Kifrid to repay the debt he felt he owed the little guy.

Kifrid possessed immense talent, and Rio could sense that the boy might become someone significant in the future, making it wise to build a rapport now.

"Grandpa!! I'm here~"

Upon reaching the small dwelling, Kifrid yelled out with excitement while Rio surveyed the surroundings.

'Is this a forge? Is his grandfather some kind of smith?'

Blacksmithing—the crafting of weapons and artifacts—was a prestigious and ancient trade among the dwarves.

If you gathered any three dwarves, at least one was bound to be a blacksmith, even in the modern era.

While factories now mass-produce armaments, truly powerful gear is still forged by hand.

That is the ultimate goal for every dwarf.

They all aspire to be master blacksmiths capable of creating S-rank or even greater artifacts.

'I don't sense any mana fluctuations or environmental anomalies... that suggests Kifrid’s grandfather is just an ordinary man...'

Rio brought Kifrid to the entrance, and the boy hopped down before kicking the door open.

"I've arrived, Grandpa!"

The old man was sitting on a tattered chair near the small forge, sipping beer.

"Oh! It's you, my wonderful grandson! It feels like forever since your last visit!"

The two embraced warmly.

Rio entered as well, and Kifrid moved to introduce him.

"This is my new friend, Big Brother Rio! You mentioned you lost some things; I brought him to find them! He says he’s an expert at finding stuff!"

As Rio stepped into the forge, the grandfather looked up to meet his eyes.

It felt as though Fate itself had orchestrated this encounter; the world seemed to freeze in that singular moment.

The old man’s gaze landed on the flute hanging at Rio’s side, and he nearly bolted out of his chair in pure terror!

"My god!!! Is that 'Vinash'!? That is 'Vinash,' isn't it!? How did you come to possess that sword!?"

Pure horror washed over the old man's face as he frantically pulled Kifrid behind him, his expression one of utter disbelief!

"Wha—what!? Why are you carrying that cursed blade!? And just who are you..."

"Wait, I recognize that face!! What is your connection to that bastard Kevin Flash!?"

Rio was equally stunned by the old man's outburst, nearly stumbling from the shock.

He had never anticipated that anyone would identify his weapon so easily, especially while it was disguised as a simple steel flute.