Reborn as an Extra Chapter 606: S-rank Dungeon, A Forgotten Nation. Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
"Haha, how long are you going to keep gazing at him? It's time to concentrate on your own growth moving forward, remember?"
Upon catching her father's playful taunt, Lia puffed up her cheeks and responded,
"Hmph! I was merely checking to see if he's gone yet..."
As the vehicle pressed onward, Rio's figure gradually vanished from the car's rearview mirror.
Once he was out of sight, a wave of sorrow washed over Lia immediately, yet the locket Rio had gifted her emanated a soothing warmth that evoked his nearness, allowing her to soothe her unwilling emotions.
’To remain steadfast at his side... to avoid becoming a hindrance to him, I have to continue growing stronger; I can't stay feeble and dependent on him forever...’
From the outset, Lia possessed keen self-awareness.
Right from the beginning, she recognized Rio's exceptional talent, which blazed vividly each time he triumphed over Link!
Prior to Rio earning fame as the ’Rising Dark Star,’ Link—the offspring of the planet's mightiest figure—held the spotlight as the premier prodigy of the youth.
However, as the days went by, Rio's fame surged dramatically, even eclipsing Link's own acclaim.
Through his victory in the ’Supreme Talent’s Tournament,’ Rio had firmly established himself as the supreme talent across the world's younger generation!
Consequently, Lia held no illusions that Rio would advance at an accelerating pace with time, widening the gap in their strengths ever further.
In truth, among their whole circle, Lia ranked as the most lacking in talent.
’Sigh... who would've thought a day would come when I feel this sluggish and helpless...’
Within Team Astra, Link, Riya, Rio, and Liam all boasted SS+ rank talents, each excelling as authorities in their domains.
Every one of them had unlocked a legendary skill, highlighting their profound command over their chosen paths.
Lia alone lagged behind.
Even Riya, the feeblest in sheer power among them, had demonstrated her value and prowess during the Spire of Ascension!
Absent her intervention, neither Ashtel nor Jin could have endured, nor would Alverto have been compelled to surrender a fragment of his soul for a desperate teleportation escape!
Riya had cornered even Alverto, whereas Lia could only observe from the edges as events unfolded.
She failed to deliver a solid strike against Alverto or pose any real danger to him.
Beside Link, Rio, and Riya, she emerged utterly ineffective in that crucial battle.
’My own weakness fills me with shame...’
Lia gripped her tiny fist firmly while gazing at the passing landscape, her head resting on the car window.
’I crave a power that's truly mine... a capability exclusive to me...’
Much like Rio and the others, Lia yearned for a ’Legendary Skill’; being a swordsman, sword intent topped her list, though she realized it was virtually unattainable for her.
Lia lacked strong connection to the ’Law’ of ’Swords,’ and she wasn't foolish enough to chase an impossible dream.
She wasn't devoid of talent; merely, next to her companions, she stood as the weakest in that regard.
In the original storyline, miasmic corruption was set to eternally suppress Lia's latent talent, forcing her to ascend to rank S via miasma alone.
Even within the source novel, Lia trailed the other antagonists in ability, surviving to the finale thanks only to her shrewd demeanor.
Today's Lia lacks the sly cunning she was fated to embody, as such traits hold no necessity for her anymore.
With her potent talent ’Absolute Precognition’ and formidable skill ’Spiritual Ascension’ at her disposal, which bestows vast abilities.
Nevertheless, much of her talents' and skills' might remains sealed away owing to her current lowly rank.
Absolute Precognition harbors greater powers, yet Lia's frailty renders them inaccessible.
Lia understood well that attaining rank S could unlock that concealed might within her.
’I wonder how much time it'll take to hit rank S given my S-rank sword aptitude...’
Lia shook her head in frustration, a touch of worry creeping in, but as melancholy threatened to take hold, the locket from Rio pulsed with a comforting glow, instantly easing her mind!
’Um... Are you urging me to push on and stay determined?... Yes, you're correct... I won't surrender so easily...’
’Even if my talent falls short of theirs, I can bridge the divide through sheer effort!’
Sensing her surging resolve, the sword laid flat across her thighs quivered excitedly!
[Oho, I detect a fresh spark of determination igniting in your mind's depths. Are you set to grow mighty and surpass that smug, emotionless boy now!]
[I'm prepared! Let's charge ahead! We'll train relentlessly and return far more powerful!]
[Rank-S marks a pivotal milestone for every awakener! For a divine spirit wielder such as yourself, hitting rank S will trigger a profound transformation!]
[Your power will surge exponentially!]
’Heh, I truly hope that's the case... Oh, and stop labeling him emotionless, alright! He has plenty of expressions, you know!’
’You just need to perceive them! Look with the heart's vision!’
[Ahem, Never mind... considering how intensely his sword intent is intensifying... I-I'd prefer to avoid facing him altogether...]
Amid her lively exchange with Kai, Lia Silver embarked on one of the pivotal journeys of her existence!