Reborn as an Extra Chapter 626: To The Temple Of Nature! Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
Although Lia was unable to alter the events of the past, she was determined to protect these two small creatures at least until she managed to escape this dungeon.
'Fairies gather and interact with one another at this place known as the 'Temple of Nature'... Perhaps I can search for hints there and discover a method to conquer this dungeon...'
[Dungeons truly are strange and captivating phenomena... Entering them allows one to glimpse into eras long vanished...]
[The past comes alive before your eyes in the present moment... Should I ever encounter the architect of this cosmos... I would inquire, 'What exactly are Dungeons?'...]
[And what role do they play in this realm?...]
Without the presence of dungeons, the regular dungeon outbreaks wouldn't lead to the demise of countless individuals across the globe.
Without dungeons, humanity wouldn't live in terror of beasts emerging from them to slaughter indiscriminately.
Without dungeons, there would be no worry over abrupt rises in miasma levels, since no tainted dungeon would be releasing huge quantities of miasma into the atmosphere.
Without dungeons, the shadowy crimes occurring beyond the world's gaze within those hidden spaces would simply vanish.
The inquiry 'Why do dungeons exist, and what is their true nature?' dates back to the dawn of mana and miasma, yet it remains unanswered by all.
'This marks the first occasion I've witnessed you displaying such doubt regarding a matter... It seems even divine spirits harbor uncertainties about certain aspects of the world...'
[Haha, naturally.... Even the most powerful and formidable demi-gods tremble before the vast 'Unknown'...]
[This enchanted realm brims with unpredictability; surprises can strike at any moment, on any given day...]
Kai shifted into his lion shape while perched on the verdant meadow, gazing up at the endless azure heavens as though peering into the cosmos beyond.
[I ponder... whether a time will come when every secret of the universe stands revealed...]
[Though the universe holds mysteries that bewilder... its immensity and capricious essence render it equally enchanting...]
'Indeed, numerous SS-rankers venture into the boundless cosmos to savor that very excitement of exploring uncharted territories...'
SS-rankers possess extraordinarily long lives; a millennium means little to them, and barring death in battle, many endure for tens of thousands of years effortlessly.
Given such extended existence, the constraints of civilization and the woes of ordinary life begin to fade in significance.
Consequently, seeking fresh avenues for excitement and delight remains hugely appealing to beings with prolonged lifespans.
Certain ones derive pleasure from safeguarding their dear ones, whereas others pursue bliss in delving into the mysterious.
The notion of journeying across the stars captivates every SS-ranker profoundly.
'Once Rio and I attain SS rank... someday... we'll embark on an extended expedition to behold the myriad marvels the universe conceals...'
Worlds eternally bound to their sun's path, star clusters featuring multiple suns and voids swirling in mutual orbits, realms where gemstones fall from the skies, and uncharted nebulae stretching across millions of light-years!
Innumerable spectacles fill the universe, eagerly awaiting discovery by bold explorers!
[That's an excellent notion; I myself once roamed extensively through the spirit realm during an era when corruption hadn't yet tainted every corner...]
[Those were pleasant days...]
...
As Lia and Kai discussed prospects ahead and the intriguing aspects of this cosmos, the trio of tiny beings bounced about, frolicking joyfully together.
Lyria and Miria crafted crowns from blossoms and set one upon Lia's crown, with even Kai in his leonine guise receiving one.
The formidable silver lion now sported a floral circlet upon his mane, enhancing his aura as the 'Divine Spirit General'!
'Typically, spirits flee in fear upon spotting me, and mortals keep their distance...'
'Only the fairy folk remain utterly unafraid of my form... This held true even in ancient times...'
On this occasion, Kai forwent telepathy and voiced his words aloud, startling even Lia.
'Um... cease staring at me with that astonished expression. Obviously, I possess the ability to speak; after all, I'm a divine spirit, not an actual lion... With my spirit magic, I can shape my voice however I desire...'
Lia could practically envision Kai rolling his eyes, as if deeming her the odd one for overlooking his vocal capabilities all this while.
'Yet you always relied on telepathy before... I genuinely believed you couldn't vocalize...'
'You ought to have mentioned you were capable of it...'
In response to her remark, Kai responded with a cocky inflection,
'You never inquired...'
Lia pursed her lips slightly before declaring,
'For misleading your mistress... you merit some discipline... Ah, perfect! We'll all mount your back en route to the Temple of Nature right away!'
Noticing Kai's imminent refusal, Lia prodded playfully,
'Don't claim that the mighty divine spirit general lacks the strength to bear a young human lass and a pair of petite fairies upon his frame?'
Provoked by Lia's intentional jibe, Kai eyed the diminutive golem and remarked,
'Observe... she omitted you from the count. You'll stand with me and oppose this unjust penalty, won't you?'
Upon hearing Kai's suggestion, the small golem merely rubbed its rounded head, seemingly baffled by such intricate feelings and actions.
'Um, flower for you?'
Failing to grasp the situation, the tiny golem extended its wee palm offering a bloom, leaving Kai feeling embarrassed.
'Ugh... why did I undermine myself by speaking so recklessly... sigh...'
Left with no alternative, Kai reluctantly expanded his form.
He grew to several meters in height, his broad back transforming into a roomy platform where Lia and the others could sit or recline with ease!
'I'll count only to three; if you're not aboard by then, I'm calling this off...'
Grinning triumphantly, Lia scooped up the little golem and leaped onto Kai's back alongside the two fairies!
'Ahoy! Full speed ahead!!'