Reborn as an Extra Chapter 535: The Cube of Possibilities. Part-1.

Rio was intrigued, as the original novel had never mentioned this specific armament.

"Based on its name, it sounds like it can manipulate fate or something similar... What exactly is this weapon?"

In response to Rio’s inquiry, Kehrid shook his head and began to explain.

"I have never laid eyes on it myself, but rumors say the ’Origin’ bestows this weapon upon those it finds worthy... Its appearance and the extent of its powers remain a total mystery to me..."

"Do not let the name fool you; many artifacts and weapons in this world are given deceptive titles on purpose. Furthermore, ’The Sword of Promised Destinies’ is merely a ’title’ rather than its actual ’true name’..."

It was similar to how ’The Sword of Absolute Destruction’ possesses the ’true name’ of ’Vinash,’ which signifies ’destruction,’ yet ’Astra’ translates to ’weapon,’ despite being a blade that ’saves’ lives.

While ’Raksha’ means ’protection,’ the sword's title is ’Cosmic Order,’ implying its purpose isn't to protect individuals but to safeguard the ’cosmic order’ itself.

Just as a person might hold various titles while possessing a completely different name and temperament, legendary weapons follow the same logic.

They possess immense power and are overwhelmingly formidable.

Their strength is so absolute that they are considered ’unbreakable’ and ’indestructible.’

This durability wasn't Kehrid’s doing; rather, it is the manifestation of the ’laws’ of the ’world’ that renders them ’indestructible.’ To shatter these legendary weapons, one would have to annihilate the specific ’law’ of the ’world’ itself!

"I wonder if King Allen’s friendship with ’Raksha’ fractured because he received the Sword of Promised Destinies..."

Rio shared this thought with Kehrid, who merely shrugged in response.

"Who can say for sure... It isn't as if I can perceive the thoughts of a ’sword,’ right?"

"Regardless, you mentioned you were traveling to find your friend... Does that mean your visit to the dwarf kingdom was driven by the need for a ’compass’ artifact?"

Dropping the previous topic, Kehrid got straight to the point as he drained the rest of his beer.

"Yes, I received information that I should seek a blacksmith named Fabian near the ’Tower of Sea Gazers,’ who was supposed to provide the ’artifact’ for me..."

"Though I don't actually know what the artifact is..."

Since Rio had entered the dwarf nation through illegal means, he didn't have the luxury of asking the country's leaders for the item.

He also couldn't risk contacting any high-ranking figures, fearing the consequences if his illegal entry was discovered.

’It’s a shame Lia took the small golem with her on her training mission, otherwise I would have handed him over to Kehrid right now...’

Rio had planned to bring the sentient golem from the dragon valley to the dwarf kingdom, believing Kehrid would be an ideal guardian.

As an SS-ranker and a master smith, Kehrid was more than capable of looking after it.

The only obstacle was that Lia had taken it with her.

’Sigh... when are you coming back, my adorable Lia~~~’

While Rio was lost in thoughts of his beautiful girlfriend, Kehrid retrieved a strange, ’square’ object from his space ring.

"The artifact you are searching for is this: the ’Cube of Possibilities’!"

"That fool Fabian was once my apprentice; he passed away during a perilous experiment a few years back. This artifact has been in my possession ever since..."

Kehrid’s voice was heavy with sorrow as he spoke of the past.

"He was a gifted student with a bright future; unfortunately, he lacked the necessary talent as an awakener..."

The journey to becoming a ’master smith’ in this world is grueling; it requires mastering incredibly difficult technologies and skills, alongside possessing massive talent as an awakener.

Only those who achieve rank SS and can forge artifacts of SS-level or higher are honored with the title of ’Master Smith.’

Most individuals perish while walking this treacherous ’path’ of pain and hardship.

Some fail due to a lack of talent, others due to a lack of effort, and some simply break under the intense pressure.

Every blacksmith dreams of forging legendary weapons, but the ’path’ to that goal is far from easy.

’It’s no wonder ’Vinash’ guided me here and my instincts led me to Kifrid; if I hadn't encountered this kid, finding the artifact would have been impossible...’

’The mission would have failed by now...’

Rio didn't have the chance for a do-over; time was slipping away, and every delay made saving Liam’s life more unlikely.

Nearly six months had passed since the ’Chronos Incident,’ and the odds of rescuing Liam had already dropped below one percent.

Ashtel’s data was decades old, and much could have changed in such a vast span of time.

"I am truly sorry for your loss... However, I require that artifact to save my friend. Name your price for it; if it helps, I can put you in touch with the human nation and ensure your demands are met..."

Rio wouldn't dream of stealing from an SS-ranker, nor did he want to offend Kehrid, who had been helpful in explaining his sword's history.

He was fully prepared to offer fair compensation for the item.

Upon hearing Rio’s offer, Kehrid gave a deep sigh and used telekinesis to place the ’Cube’ on the table.

"It isn't that I'm unwilling to part with it... but this artifact is extremely hazardous..."

"This object is known as ’The Cube of Possibilities.’ Its main purpose is to guide you toward ’possibilities’ that can grant your ’wishes’..."

Kehrid’s eyes narrowed as he continued his explanation.

"But this is by no means a benevolent artifact; it was once used by the ’Previous Demon King’! King Allen obtained it after slaying the ’Demon King’ and gave it to me as payment for the powerful swords I forged for him..."

With another sigh, Kehrid added,

"This artifact is highly unusual; I believe it has been tainted by some form of miasma. Anyone who keeps it near for too long eventually loses their mind..."

"I have loaned this artifact to many who sought my help; most of them met their end after reaching horrific ’possibilities’..."

"This led me to the conclusion that the artifact’s true power is drawing a person toward their deepest ’wish’..."

Rio’s gaze sharpened at Kehrid’s warning.

He understood the implication: everyone harbors numerous desires, but every being also has a profound, hidden wish that might be selfish or entirely unrealistic.

If those desires find a ’medium’ like this cube to turn them into a ’possibility,’ the consequences could be disastrous.