Reborn as an Extra Chapter 610: S-rank Dungeon, A Forgotten Nation. Part-5.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
"T-that’s... such an odd method for employing a sword technique... wait, does this qualify as a sword art at all?"
"You’re merely flailing the blade wildly without incorporating any elements or skills whatsoever? It’s purely raw power in action!"
James’s combat approach left Lia utterly perplexed; it resembled a martial artist suddenly given a sword and instructed to battle, leading him to merely wield it with sheer force!
’Perhaps he chose the incorrect class upon awakening... he’d fit better as a martial artist rather than a swordsman...’
Noticing Lia’s disappointed head shake, James offered an embarrassed grin and responded,
"I’m not relying solely on raw power, of course! If you’d like, I can demonstrate my accuracy right now!"
Lia simply dismissed it with a head shake and began moving ahead, disregarding him as she said,
"Never mind, I’ve witnessed plenty. Rio excels far more in sword techniques anyway; I’ll pick it up from him. Just guide me to the dungeon now..."
Upon hearing Lia’s statement, James wilted like a punctured balloon and proceeded onward, gripping his sword tightly with both hands while muttering,
"Sigh... am I truly so terrible with sword arts... sigh... The youth of today are ruthless; they’ve wounded my delicate heart deeply... sigh..."
Lia couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sight of that hulking, muscled fellow pouting childishly and acting all mistreated.
It struck her as particularly amusing how this massive, brawny guy insisted on being so sensitive.
As they traversed the plateau, the pair reached its brink, where James took to the skies and remarked.
"To reach that tunnel opposite, we must traverse this lava pool... Would you like me to transport you?"
In response to the inquiry, Lia gave a casual shrug.
"I’m capable of flight as well, you realize..."
Delicate fairy wings sprouted from Lia’s back, hoisting her aloft without delay.
The radiant glow emanating from the wings cleansed the surrounding atmosphere around Lia, causing the toxic fumes nearby to vanish instantly upon brushing against the wings!
In contrast to typical awakeners who required S-rank status to achieve flight ability, Lia could soar even prior to attaining A-rank!
Observing Lia airborne independently, James sighed and continued his sulking.
’Sigh... my girl despises me...’
By gliding over the enormous lava pool, the duo evaded the seething, scorching lava below, which bubbled relentlessly and hissed with intensity.
Hovering over the molten expanse, Lia observed a variety of beings thriving and navigating within the lava.
Certain ones leaped briefly like fish before plunging back immediately.
Others drifted atop the surface, while some lurked below, with merely portions of their scales peeking out.
Lava crocodiles and lava lizards abounded; the area formed a full-fledged ecosystem teeming with diverse life forms.
With mana permeating the entire world, numerous species have adapted to harsh conditions through its influence, and certain ones adapt so adeptly they forgo the need for respiration!
Such beings draw sustenance from ambient elementals combined with mana, eliminating any requirement for breathing or feeding!
Though uncommon, these entities persist in fair numbers across this enchanted realm.
Over her three years in academia, Lia had delved into studies of various monsters commonly encountered in the world and its dungeons; hence, the abundance of monster types in this lone lava pool didn’t astonish her.
Furthermore, given that Lia’s sword art emphasized exploiting monsters’ vulnerabilities, she stood as Team Astra’s foremost authority on monster anatomy.
Even without prior sightings of these lava beasts, Lia understood their flaws and traits, having researched them in advance.
Perhaps only Riya could rival Lia in knowledge of monster physiology, since her healing role demanded familiarity with bodily operations across worldly races.
Riya might come across as scatterbrained in most areas, yet she ranks as a premier specialist in medical expertise.
’Healing magic... in theory... I could employ some healing magic too, if I refine my spirit magic further...’
As a wielder of a divine spirit, Lia possesses the aptitude to harness her spirit’s energy for self and ally healing via spirit magic; she simply lacks full proficiency as of yet.
"See, there’s the checkpoint; once we pass it, we’ll access the tunnel straight to the dungeon..."
While Lia pondered her thoughts deeply, James’s words jolted her from reverie, revealing his gesture toward a stone gargoyle statue positioned by the tunnel’s opening.
Upon James and Lia touching down close to the entry, the gargoyle’s gaze ignited in emerald luminescence, scrutinizing James’s aura signatures!
[Scanning For Illegal Entrance... Scan Complete! Match found!]
[Welcome back, Master James!]
"I installed this gargoyle myself to safeguard the dungeon’s entry. The dungeon beyond stands as my claimed territory, belonging to the Silver Family and Silver Shadow Guild..."
"Therefore, access is restricted to Silver Family members or our guild’s elite personnel..."
As he spoke, James guided Lia into the spacious tunnel, evidently crafted by skilled hands with precision.
"During my youthful training travels around the globe, I discovered this dungeon!"
"It’s exceptionally distinctive; each entry reveals a fresh and distinct zone within!"
"I’ve deduced that the dungeon’s layout adapts completely to the challenger’s profile..."
With a proud tone, James grinned at Lia and explained,
"Put another way, it reshapes itself to present the ideal trial for the entrant..."
"It serves as the ultimate tailored training arena, adjusted to your individual traits..."
The path to the dungeon proved short, allowing them to traverse it swiftly in mere minutes amid their conversation.
Emerging from the tunnel, they entered a expansive clearing.
Within a colossal rounded subterranean chamber, an immense dungeon portal hovered suspended and rotated steadily.
Intense spatial waves erupted from its rotation, shaping the cavern into a perfect domed auditorium!
In a conceited voice, James beamed and ruffled Lia’s hair while declaring,
"As your dad, this represents the greatest advancement chance I can offer you, Lia... I assure you... emerging from this dungeon will render you exponentially mightier than presently!"
A smile crossed Lia’s face as her left hand instinctively reached for the sword hilt at her side, her gaze fixed on the enormous dungeon portal.
Echoing her thrill, James presented the dungeon.
"This is the S-rank dungeon known as ’A Forgotten Nation’!...."