Reborn as an Extra Chapter 573: The Grand Seal Of The Final Gamble. Part-3.

"Even though the notion of devouring others' souls feels a lot like demonic behavior... it's actually not a terrible plan... it serves as an excellent way to reuse these monsters without any true aim, who endure torment simply by their existence..."

"At the very least, I can channel their soul power into something more worthwhile... hold on... why am I chattering to myself at this moment? Argh... lingering too long in the spirit realm has caused me to form this habit of self-conversation..."

Gliding ahead at a leisurely yet consistent pace, Rio shook his head and muttered to himself yet again.

"I absolutely cannot let this habit show in the outside world, or it'll unsettle Lia..."

In just a few additional days, three full months would have passed since Rio first stepped into the spirit realm.

He had spent such an extended period in this nightmarish domain that the gloomy, moist surroundings now appeared somewhat appealing to his eyes.

'I truly ought not to remain here much longer... I'm genuinely beginning to appreciate this spot deep down...'

In contrast to the external realm, where Rio constantly had to hold back, remain vigilant, and deal with severe repercussions for employing miasma or stepping out of bounds.

This domain served as a true haven for him.

He possessed immunity to miasma; he could dwell here indefinitely if he chose, and the greatest advantage was his ability to practice without end!

He could relentlessly hone his abilities and test them out freely, free from concerns about drawing the attention of SS-rankers who vigilantly monitored the world.

Moreover, he could employ the local monsters as experimental targets without any interference whatsoever.

The spirit realm functioned as a perfectly customized practice area for Rio, as though it had been designed specifically for him from the start!

'This location is truly exceptional... yet I cannot linger... Lia awaits my return at home...'

The sole factor enabling Rio to fend off the allure of this remarkable domain and maintain his restraint stemmed from the recurring image of a certain golden-haired girl's face in his thoughts.

'Sigh... even within this infernal pit, you manage to tether me to my human side... you truly stand as the supreme gift in my existence... Lia...'

Without Lia's support, Rio would lack any incentive to go back to the human empire; he might simply forsake the world, abandon all ties, and reside here in this secluded territory beyond anyone's view.

He could distance himself entirely from the constraints of mortal society, cultivate in peace, and thrive joyfully without any disruptions from outsiders or obstacles.

There would be zero concern over the planet's looming doom, no obligation to fret about demonic incursions or mighty foes, and no pressure to rescue anyone else.

Rio could exist here liberated from all anxieties and responsibilities.

'Reflecting on this issue... I realize my intense efforts to grow and my inner turmoil partly arise because in the serene, joyful existence I crave... I desire your presence alongside me, Lia...'

'If my sole goal were merely a straightforward, tranquil life of bliss, I could dwell here eternally... but my greed extends further... I suppose I remained somewhat unclear about the true nature of my 'Path' until now...'

'Yet it feels sharper and more defined at this point...'

"Haha... so you're in agreement with me too, huh?..."

Rio jolted from the abrupt alerts, emerging from his reverie as a joyful expression spread across his features.

Isolated in this shadowy, torturous expanse, Rio had come to grasp just how fragile the boundary lay between retaining one's humanity and descending into utter detachment.

He gained progressively deeper insights into his own being and purpose, thanks to the abundance of solitary time for reflection on himself and his surroundings.

'Perhaps this explains why it's known as the 'Spirit Realm'—a domain where one can uncover any spirit sought... including one's innermost self...'

Every awakener across the globe yearned for enhanced comprehension and a stronger bond with their 'Path.'

Rio had realized that enduring the spirit realm's trials made it the premier spot worldwide for strengthening ties to one's 'self' and 'Path' alike.

'I'll be able to revisit this domain for training later on, but I won't leave Lia in suspense any longer...'

Rio had initially planned to wrap up his full assignment within a single month before heading straight back home.

However, the spirit realm's vastness and treacherous paths often left him short on schedule.

Despite the ticking clock and his anxiety over potentially irking Lia, Rio hadn't squandered even a moment during his time in the spirit realm.

From this grueling three-month ordeal, he had reaped immense benefits, now boldly claiming he could eradicate entire nations with one strike.

Though he couldn't yet unleash the cataclysmic destruction of SS-rankers, Rio was steadily closing the gap to their prowess, step by step!

'The conclusion of this assignment draws near as well...'

Miasma currents surged so fiercely around him that Rio employed his miasma manipulation to redirect the flows encircling him, allowing forward progress.

Miasma hung so thickly that the terrain beneath lay shrouded under layers hundreds of meters deep in solidified, compact miasma, with broad miasma streams branching everywhere.

The atmosphere brimmed with heavy miasmic vapors, while miasma precipitation fell ceaselessly from above.

This ranked among the most harrowing environments Rio had encountered; miasma dominated so intensely here that spatial structures fractured throughout.

The world's 'laws' faced severe suppression, reduced to minimal potency, and the repelling force assailing Rio felt like endless colossal tidal surges crashing repeatedly, intent on hurling him aside.

Visibility stretched to zero ahead, yet Rio pressed on without hesitation, fueled by unyielding resolve.

Having journeyed this far, retreat was unthinkable, and Rio's perseverance yielded results.

The fierce battle against the miasmic torrents endured for days, but Rio ultimately penetrated to the heart of the phenomenon.

Before him sprawled countless spatial rifts, expelling massive volumes of miasma outward, forming a colossal wall of fissures that barred all approach.

It resembled a multitude of wormholes tearing open, directly channeling liquid miasma straight from the Sea of Miasma!

That miasma then dispersed widely, tainting the spirit realm from within!

'Does this represent the gateway into the Sea of Miasma?'

Rio felt certain this marked his sought-after goal, probably the very site King Allen had once utilized to access the Sea of Miasma.

It stood as the location that had borne witness to the ultimate desperate bid of this universe's mightiest entity.