I Became a Raid Boss

No matter how cold-hearted a person is, it’s hard to remain indifferent to someone who has shown you kindness.

Especially if it’s not directly to them, but to their child, whom they cherish dearly. Only a mother without a shred of maternal instinct could stay indifferent in such a situation.

‘That’s not all, though.’

According to what Artisha and Justina said, the Demonic Race members who moved to the Ardina Continent did so merely to survive, not because of any significant conflict with the others.

It seems like they left their cherished home to establish a new place, so while there might have been some friction, it wasn’t serious enough to be worth mentioning. Judging by how they don’t even bring it up, any conflicts were likely minor.

So, it’s only natural that they would look favorably upon us, who helped save their people living far away.

“So,”

Justina started again, her voice much softer than before.

“Why did you come all this way and cause such a disturbance? Surely you must have had some intention behind your actions.”

“I will try to think positively about it.”

“I asked if you would listen, not just think positively about it.”

“Yes, I said I would consider it positively, didn’t I?”

“You could just say, ‘If it’s within my power, I will gladly listen to your request.'”

“Are you mimicking my way of speaking? How amusing.”

“…Don’t say unnecessary things.”

Now Da-eun’s interest has been piqued because of what she said.

I ignored Da-eun, who was covering her mouth and staring at me with twinkling eyes.

“Did you know? The weight of words changes depending on who speaks them. Words from someone in a position of authority, like myself, carry a weight heavier than gold. How could I speak carelessly?”

“Ah, I see.”

It’s true.

Ordinary people can bear the consequences of their words alone, but for someone in a leadership role, their words can affect others as well. If they speak without thinking, how can others trust and follow them?

I, too, restrained myself when I was the commander, even if I wanted to act on my own accord.

If someone like Aeron, who knew me back then, heard what I just said, they might say, “Did you call that restraint?”

But I stand by my words.

Even when the king acted foolishly, the prince flirted, or the duke made unreasonable demands…

Even though many things irritated me, I didn’t cause a scene each time.

I acted quite rationally in those situations.

Considering that, Justina is fortunate to have someone like me who understands.

“And I didn’t cause a disturbance.”

“…What?”

Justina responded with a tone of disbelief, as if she had just heard something absurd.

“Well, I mean… it was just a knock.”

If we’re talking about right and wrong, it’s your fault for not having a door in the first place.

As I confidently lifted my head, a brief but fierce look flashed in Justina’s eyes.

“It’s only natural that there wouldn’t be a door, as it wasn’t meant for entry or exit in the first place. And if you intended to knock, there could have been a more polite way to do it…”

“But it was fast, wasn’t it?”

“Efficiency does not mean it was the best approach. If you do not understand that, I am willing to lock you back up in prison.”

“Uh, I’ll pass on that. I’m more accustomed to being the one doing the imprisoning than being imprisoned.”

More importantly, so the reason there wasn’t an entrance was that it wasn’t designed with that in mind?

“So, how do you get food supplies, and what if someone wants to go outside?

What happens to those who fail the Ascension Ritual—”

“Enough, enough.”

Justina waved her hand dismissively.

“When you’re done with your business, I’ll have someone guide you around the village, so could we return to the original topic now? For someone who knocked so impatiently, you seem quite leisurely now.”

“Oh, right.”

It was just too amusing how she got riled up every time I prodded her, using that old-fashioned tone.

We’ve wasted enough time, so let’s skip the small talk and get to the point.

“I came here for the Ascension Ritual.”

“…The Ascension Ritual, you say?”

“Yeah.”

“Now that I think about it, there’s no way a human would know about the Ascension Ritual, but you didn’t seem surprised when I talked about it earlier.”

She muttered to herself, “That was my mistake…”

I shrugged at Justina’s words.

“Doesn’t that just show how much you care about Artisha?”

“…Ahem!”

Justina cleared her throat, obviously flustered, but she didn’t seem displeased by my words.

“Did Artisha tell you about it?”

“No. I heard it from Edel and from a guy I met a few days ago.”

“A guy? …Ah, I see.”

Even though I just said “a guy,” it seemed like Justina had figured out who I was referring to.

Well, of course she would.

“Alright. I understand.”

“Oh, you’re agreeing more easily than I expected.”

“You traveled all this way despite knowing the risks, so you wouldn’t listen even if I told you to turn back, would you? And since Edel herself spoke of it, it’s not like there’s any ill intent. I have no reason to refuse.”

“I thought I’d have to convince you with a long speech, but I’m glad I don’t have to. Let’s start right now, then.”

“No. That’s not possible.”

“…Why not?”

Wasn’t she just giving her permission a moment ago?

I looked at Justina with annoyance, feeling like she had just ruined the good mood.

Unbothered, Justina calmly sipped her tea with a serene expression.

“No matter how you look at me, what’s impossible remains impossible.”

“I’m asking why it’s not possible. You’re not going to ask me to hunt a dragon for you too, are you?”

“That’s not a bad idea. Can you bring me one?”

“If that’s what you want, I could get one for you right now.”

—….

I glanced toward Grasid’s blessing.

I was sure he could hear our conversation, yet he pretended to be asleep, keeping silent, which was incredibly irritating.

He never says anything in moments like this.

“You’re quite the braggart, aren’t you?”

Justina dismissed my sincere words as mere bluffing.

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding, so let me clarify. When I said it’s not possible, I meant it’s literally impossible at the moment. Did you think the Ascension Ritual is something you can just do whenever you want?”

“…Isn’t it?”

“No, it isn’t. If it were that easy, would anyone be able to recklessly raise their rank and burn their soul like some lunatic?”

“Well, you’ve got a point there.”

So she is aware that it’s a reckless act.

“As you know, the Ascension Ritual involves forcibly infusing an overwhelming amount of Magi. In other words, you need a sufficient amount of Magi to perform it.”

“I get what you’re saying. You mean that since a ritual was performed a few days ago, the Magi hasn’t replenished yet?”

“Though your speech is far from polite, it’s convenient that you catch on quickly.”

“Thanks for the compliment. But, is the Magi we have now really not enough?”

Even now, while we’re talking, the weight of the Magi presses heavily on me.

The pressure here is much stronger than in other places, but considering it’s where all the polluted Mana gathers, it feels weaker than I expected.

Maybe that’s because the Magi was neutralized during the Ascension Ritual?

Justina shook her head.

“It’s woefully insufficient.”

“Then, how long do I have to wait for the Magi to gather again?”

“Hmm…”

After a moment’s thought, Justina spread her fingers wide.

“This much time should be enough.”

She kept one hand spread out while the other moved, opening and closing. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she showed me her open hand.

That is, a hand with all five fingers spread.

“Five days? That’s manageable.”

“What are you talking about?”

“…Huh?”

“Naturally, it’s five months.”

“…Huh?”

“This is already the minimum estimate. It’s a process that exchanges one life for another, so wouldn’t you expect it to take at least that long?”

“…Huh?”

“…Are you broken?”

“Wouldn’t you be broken after hearing that…?”

“Kana, you shouldn’t say ‘broken’ when talking about a person, but rather ‘worn out’.”

“That sounds strange too… No, that’s not the point right now.”

I thought she meant I had to wait just a little while, so I assumed it was five days. I never imagined it would take five months.

There’s no way I could last that long in Laxia.

It’s not just about the boredom; I could end up dying from gradually succumbing to Magi poisoning.

I asked if there was another way, but Justina didn’t nod in agreement.

Well, it’s not something that can be hurried just because I push her…

“Things just got complicated.”

…It’s troublesome.

If I think about it simply, I could go back to Ardina and return in five months.

But the situation isn’t so relaxed that I can leisurely wait for the Magi to accumulate.

Even if it’s not urgent, the sooner, the better.

Clap!

Justina, who had been quietly watching me struggle with my thoughts, suddenly clapped her hands.

“You must be tired from the long journey. How about resting today and continuing the discussion tomorrow?”

“I think we should do as Lady Justina says. You haven’t had a proper rest for days. Even if you seem fine now, it could affect your health.”

“Oh, then can I explore the village? I’ve been curious about it!”

“…Sigh.”

Before Justina’s words had even fully settled, Celine and Da-eun eagerly voiced their agreement.

I expected it from Da-eun, who’s always been fond of playing around, but I never thought Celine would join in too.

And she just had to bring up my health, so I couldn’t even argue.

“Alright, let’s do that.”

In the end, I reluctantly agreed, having lost to the majority vote.

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