I Became a Raid Boss-Chapter 114: The Ascension Ritual (5)

No matter how cold-hearted a person may be, it’s hard to remain indifferent to someone who has shown them kindness. Especially if it’s someone who has helped their most cherished child—unless you’re a mother with zero maternal instinct, there’s no way you could stay cold in such a situation.

‘That’s not the only reason, though.’

According to Atisha and Justina, the demons who crossed over to the Ardina continent did so simply to survive, not because of any major conflict with the other demons in Raxia. Though some friction likely arose as they left their familiar home to settle in a new place, it must have been minor since neither of them mentioned it. So, it makes sense that they would look favorably upon us for helping their kin in a foreign land.

“So then.”

Justina’s tone softened noticeably as she spoke.

“Why did you come all this way to cause such a ruckus? Surely you must have some request to make if you went to such lengths.”

“If I tell you, will you listen?”

“I’ll consider it as positively as I can.”

“I’m asking if you’ll do it, not just think about it positively.”

“Well, I did say I’d consider it as positively as I can.”

“You could just say, ‘If it’s within my power, I’ll gladly help you.’”

“Are you mimicking me? I didn’t know you had such a cute side.”

“...Don’t say unnecessary things.”

Now Daeun’s got her switch flipped because of you. I clamped my hand over Daeun’s mouth, ignoring her sparkling eyes.

“Did you know that the weight of words changes depending on the speaker? For someone like me, who stands above others, my words carry a weight greater than gold, so I cannot speak lightly.”

“Ah, right.”

It’s true, though.

For an ordinary person, they alone bear the consequences of their words, but a leader’s thoughtless words affect everyone who follows them. Back when I was a commander, I restrained myself even when I wanted to act on impulse.

If Aaron were here and heard me say this, he’d probably ask, “You call that restraint?”

But I’m proud of myself. Even when the king did something foolish, or the prince acted all smug, or a duke tried to pick a fight over nonsense... I endured it without causing an uproar. I think I behaved pretty rationally, all things considered.

With someone like me who understands this, Justina should consider herself lucky.

“And besides, I wasn’t causing a ruckus.”

“...Huh?”

Justina sounded baffled, as if I’d just said something outrageous.

“It was... a knock.”

If we’re assigning fault, it’s on you for not making a door in the first place.

I raised my head proudly, and Justina’s eyes momentarily flashed with annoyance.

“It’s only natural there was no door, given it wasn’t intended for entry. And if you wanted to knock, there were gentler ways to go about it...”

“But it was faster, wasn’t it?”

“Efficiency does not equate to the best solution. If you don’t understand that, I’ll gladly escort you back to the prison.”

“Uh, no thanks. I prefer locking others up over being locked up myself.”

So that’s why there was no entrance—it wasn’t designed for comings and goings?

How do they handle food supplies, then? What if someone wants to leave? How do people who fail the Ascension Rite get out—

“—Enough, enough.”

Justina waved her hand dismissively.

“When your business is concluded, I’ll assign someone to give you a tour of the village. For now, shouldn’t we return to the original topic? You seem relaxed for someone who knocked on the door because they were impatient.”

“Oh, right.”

It was amusing to see her bristle every time I poked at her with that old-fashioned tone, and I got carried away.

We’d wasted enough time, so I decided to get to the point.

“I came for the Ascension Rite.”

“...The Ascension Rite?”

“Yep.”

“Come to think of it, it’s strange that a human would know about the Ascension Rite. Even when I mentioned it, you didn’t seem surprised.”

...A slip on my part...

I shrugged at Justina’s muttering.

“Maybe it’s just proof of how much I care about Atisha?”

“...Ahem!”

Justina cleared her throat, clearly flustered, though she didn’t seem upset by my words.

“Did Atisha tell you about it?”

“No. I heard it from Edel, and a man we met recently.”

“A man? ...Ah, I see.”

Though I only mentioned a man, it seemed Justina understood whom I was referring to.

“Well, understood.”

“Oh, that was easier than I expected.”

“You already know the risks yet came all this way, so it’s not like you’d turn back even if I refused. And if Edel personally advised it, then there’s no ill intent, so I have no reason to refuse.”

“I thought I’d have to persuade you with a lengthy explanation, but it’s a relief that I don’t. Let’s start immediately, then.”

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

“No. That won’t be possible.”

“...Why not?”

Didn’t you just agree?

I gave Justina a dissatisfied look as she abruptly poured cold water on the conversation.

Unfazed, she calmly took a sip of tea.

“Even if you glare at me, the answer is still no.”

“I’m asking why it can’t be done. You’re not planning on asking me to hunt a dragon too, are you?”

“Not a bad idea. Would you be able to bring me one?”

“If that’s what you want, I could arrange it right now.”

I glanced briefly at Gracid’s blessing.

I was sure he could hear us, yet he pretended to be asleep, saying nothing, which was infuriating.

It’s times like these that he stays silent.

“You’re quite the braggart.”

Justina dismissed my genuine offer as boasting.

“You seem to misunderstand. When I said it wasn’t possible, I meant that it’s currently impossible. The Ascension Rite isn’t something that can be done whenever one wishes.”

“...It isn’t?”

“No, it’s not. If it were that easy, then everyone could simply burn their souls to elevate their essence in some crazy act of desperation.”

“Fair point.”

At least she’s aware it’s a reckless undertaking.

“As you know, the Ascension Rite involves forcefully infusing oneself with an overwhelming amount of miasma. In other words, it requires a sufficient concentration of miasma.”

“I understand. You mean you recently performed the rite, so there isn’t enough miasma built up yet?”

“Indeed. You have a quick grasp, even with your lack of manners.”

“Thanks for the compliment. But are you saying that even with this level of miasma, it’s still not enough?”

Even now, as we’re speaking, the miasma presses down on me heavily. Although it’s intense, for a place where all the corrupted mana gathers, it feels weaker than expected.

Was it the rite’s effect that made it feel less oppressive?

Justina shook her head.

“It’s far from enough.”

“Then how long will it take for the miasma to build up again?”

“Hm...”

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

“That much waiting should be enough.”

She waved her hand around thoughtfully before showing me her outstretched hand.

Five fingers, fully extended.

“Five days? That’s reasonable.”

“What are you talking about?”

“...Huh?”

“Of course, I meant five months.”

“...Huh?”

“I’m speaking of the minimum. Exchanging one life for another naturally requires that much.”

“...Huh?”

“...Are you broken?”

“Well, wouldn’t you be?!”

“Kana, people aren’t ‘broken.’ You say they’re ‘worn out’ or ‘exhausted.’”

“That doesn’t make sense either... Wait, that’s not the point.”

When she said “that much waiting,” I assumed she meant five days—not five months.

Staying in Raxia for months, even as a thought, seems impossible. Boredom aside, there’s a high chance I’d succumb to miasma poisoning.

When I asked if there were any alternatives, Justina didn’t budge.

Not that pressuring her would help...

“Well, this complicates things.”

...This is bad.

In theory, we could return to Ardina and come back in five months. But waiting for the miasma to accumulate isn’t a luxury we can afford right now.

Clap!

Lost in thought, I looked up as Justina clapped her hands.

“You must be tired from your journey. Why don’t you rest today, and we’ll discuss the rest tomorrow?”

“That sounds like a good idea, Kana. You haven’t slept properly in days. You may feel fine now, but this could affect your health.”

“Oh! Does that mean we can explore the village? I’ve been curious about it!”

“...Sigh.”

Selene and Daeun immediately supported Justina’s suggestion before she even finished.

I expected this from Daeun since she loves to have fun, but I didn’t anticipate Selene chiming in. And with her bringing up my health, I can’t even protest.

“All right. Let’s do that.”

In the end, I gave in to the majority and agreed to take a break.