Reborn as an Extra Chapter 604: Let’s Go Home. Part-4.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
A flying vessel rested silently at one of the port's docks, yet in contrast to the teams on other vessels, the members of this one appeared far more bewildered and restless.
This marked their last day in the dwarf realm; they could remain no longer than six months, and as soon as midnight struck, their permission to linger would end, compelling them to vacate the harbor.
"Captain... we have just around thirty minutes remaining... It seems Sir Rio might not make it back today..."
"The team has been separated from home for six months already... they're all itching to depart... should we-"
Before the underling could complete his thought, the vessel's leader shook his head and rejected the idea right away.
"Our orders are to bring him home no matter what... until the full six months pass, we'll stick to that duty..."
"We'll hold out until the final instant... there's still thirty minutes... go ahead and ready the vessel for liftoff while you wait..."
"We'll linger until the absolute end..."
The underling chose not to debate his superior, so he simply agreed with a nod and replied.
"Alright, we'll warm up the engines first for an easier takeoff..."
The vessel's leader grinned at his crewman and responded.
"Excellent..."
"Don't assume thirty minutes is insignificant... the individual we're awaiting is a formidable S-rank expert and the 'Hero of Dawn' who rescued the world from ruin at the claws of a demon lord!"
"In that short span... someone like him could cover thousands of miles! Plus, 'Darkstar' Rio is renowned for his alarming concealment and velocity skills..."
The underling found nothing to counter those truths.
All were aware of Rio's might, with some even predicting he'd become the human empire's next SS-rank powerhouse, making it wise not to belittle him.
Though Rio had stepped out of the public eye over the last six months, his fame remained undimmed!
Indeed, 'Darkstar' had gradually turned into a beacon of security for countless folks and a terror for wrongdoers.
Given how brutally Rio handles his targets, outlaws prefer capture by Ashtel Rex, who would erase them entirely, over falling to Rio's potential cruel torments!
'He'll surely return shortly...'
The vessel's leader was merely a regular human, yet after piloting a magical craft across perilous seas for so long, he possessed a sharply refined instinct.
And that instinct urged him to hold steady and avoid haste; Rio could well appear in these closing thirty minutes.
Throughout the ensuing half hour, the leader stayed rooted on the deck, personally awaiting Rio's arrival.
With merely five minutes to go and the vessel's motors igniting in preparation for flight, a sudden breeze struck the leader's face, forcing him to narrow his eyes briefly.
By the moment the leader reopened his eyes, a known figure had materialized before him.
Resting against the primary deck's rail, Rio had shown up at the ultimate second, climbing aboard just prior to liftoff!
"You're here! I was certain you'd arrive in time!"
As soon as Rio returned, the leader wasted no moment and promptly commanded his team via communicator to launch the vessel and set off.
The flying craft swiftly abandoned the dwarf kingdom's harbor and glided into the endless sea.
On the primary deck, Rio gazed at the dwarf kingdom's port with his typical blank expression, though inwardly a swirl of mixed feelings churned.
'Another voyage concluded, another task fulfilled... yet plenty of tasks remain... my path stretches far ahead...'
The dwarf kingdom's port gleamed strikingly under the night, its constructions of rare metals and minerals sparkling vividly against the dark veil.
From afar, it resembled a radiant strand of pearls and gems laid upon the boundless waters!
Such a stunning sight perfectly suited as a parting glimpse of the dwarf kingdom.
"Apologies for the delay... I ran into numerous issues but just managed to get back in time..."
"I value that you held on until the end for me..."
In response to Rio's statement, the leader beamed and dismissed it with a gesture.
"No problem, it's our role to aid our nation's hero when required!"
The leader proved considerate; detecting the fatigue in Rio's subdued tone, he provided a room key for repose.
Rio had labored nonstop for the prior half year, and with the offer of rest quarters, he accepted the leader's gesture without refusal.
Those keys matched the ones from before, leading to the very cabin designated for Rio upon his initial embarkation from the human empire.
After a thankful nod to the leader, Rio departed the main deck and proceeded directly to his quarters.
As he unlocked his door, Rio let out a heavy sigh and reflected inwardly.
'Fortunately, the folks aboard lack the strength to detect my concealed items...'
'Should they spot that coffin... their cheerful expressions would vanish...'
The crew appeared to have reaped substantial gains from this year's commerce, all content and keen to head home.
Upon spotting Rio, they welcomed him warmly with grins.
Most had loved ones awaiting them after half a year apart, and Rio wished not to spoil their pure joy.
Therefore, he concealed the holders of Ellie's remains and the pair of spirits even after coming onboard.
Inside his cabin, Rio settled into a seat by the window, transformed his blade back into a flute, and began a tune.
The sole variation lay in the tune's softer, more profound quality, echoing the sorrow and remorse of a partly botched assignment.
Rio had indeed finished the assignment, but only half the goal was met.
Ellie and Liam had become mere formless essences, preferable to total demise yet still a grave shortcoming in Rio's view.
'I must grow stronger... potent enough that my companions no longer sacrifice themselves against foes...'
Zach, Riko, Liam, and Ellie.
Each had faced avoidable disasters, preventable through sheer dominance.
'Raika... A Manifestation wielding mythical relics and possessing a potent ability...'
'The 'Echo Of Paradise'... Nothing in the source story mentioned such a technique or force...'
'I'll have to collect details on this... and that lyre as well...'
Rio's quest to rescue Liam and Ellie from the spirit domain was over, yet it birthed fresh opportunities concurrently.
Fresh challenges and adversaries had emerged, demanding novel capabilities to confront these dangers.
Furthermore, as moments advance, escalating threats will rise amid the widespread turmoil.
The Chaos Era draws near; enduring the impending trials demands mighty prowess, a fact Rio grasps more deeply than any other here.
'After resolving Liam and Ellie's issues... I'll dive into my subsequent pilfering spree immediately; I must amass power before true crises unfold...'
Protagonists' boons and edges abounded, with many yet unclaimed by Rio.
'I've traversed inferno already; no further peril will faze me...'
Reclined in the chair with feet propped on the tea stand, Rio performed the flute melody while intently viewing the expansive sea beyond the pane and the starlit heavens.
Full moon's glow illuminated the soaring vessel as it traversed the pristine skies beneath the star-packed night canopy.
Those glittering stars signified not just a voyage's close but heralded the dawn of an impending new 'odyssey'!
Rio would eventually title that solitary nocturnal melody as,