I Became a Raid Boss-Chapter 112: The Ascension Ritual (3)

We left behind the unexpected encounter and began our journey toward the center, hastily comforting a whining Daeun along the way.

As usual, we dispatched any monsters that crossed our path, explored the abandoned homes of the demon inhabitants, and set up camp as dusk fell, lighting a fire to prepare for the night.

Two days passed like this.

Eventually, we arrived at a place that seemed to be our destination.

"Hmm."

I scratched my cheek as I looked at the black barrier blocking our path.

It resembled the sacred barriers that protected the Sedeth Holy Nation and those cast by Selene, yet the swirling black color of this barrier evoked an unsettling sense of unease.

...This could be a bit tricky.

"Do you think we can break through it?"

"We can, if we have to."

It’s just that I’d rather not.

The purpose of a barrier is to separate the inside from the outside. Putting one up means there’s a reason for that separation, and breaching it could lead to unintended consequences.

For instance, something overwhelmingly powerful might escape if we tamper with it...

Well, I doubt that would happen, but still, this is a demon’s stronghold, and I’d rather not cause any misunderstandings.

As I explained, Daeun looked at me with a strange expression.

“...Why are you looking at me like that?"

“It’s just... it’s surprising to see Kana thinking so responsibly... Ow!”

...Anyway.

Considering how thick this miasma is, even if I carve a hole big enough for three people to pass through, it should close up quickly.

Still, avoiding unnecessary trouble is probably best.

But even so...

I glanced over at Daeun, who was clutching her shin, wincing in pain.

Her complexion wasn’t looking great.

If she heard me, she’d probably say, "It’s because you kicked my shin, Kana!" But honestly, she wasn’t looking well even before that.

When we first stepped into Raxia, she was fine, but as the miasma thickened around us, her face gradually lost color and was now a sickly shade of gray.

She’s held on this long.

Daeun’s level is Expert.

Even I, who am far stronger, find Raxia’s miasma oppressive, so it must be overwhelming for Daeun.

The fact that she’s endured this long is remarkable for someone at her level—probably thanks to her magical artifact—but it seems even that is reaching its limit.

"Selene, could you cast a sacred spell on Journey?"

“Yes, understood.”

“W-What? There’s really no need....”

“Sweating like that, and you say it’s unnecessary?”

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“...Haha, guess you noticed? But we don’t know what might happen, so I should conserve my strength. It’s not that painful... I can still manage. If it gets unbearable, I’ll let you know...”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

I cut her murmuring off firmly.

“I told Selene to conserve her strength precisely for this reason.”

Why did she think I’d asked her to conserve power in the first place?

With Edel’s blessing, it might not hurt that much, but that doesn’t mean you’re fine.

If you keep putting on a brave face while clearly struggling, am I supposed to just nod and accept it?

“...Haha...”

“Sorry for the trouble, Selene.”

“Leave it to me. It’s my duty, after all.”

As Selene’s holy power enveloped her, Daeun’s complexion noticeably improved.

“Phew... the damage over time is gone. I thought I’d need to use a potion, but thankfully, I don’t have to. What? Saving potion money to make a quick buck? No way! You cheeky...”

If she’s that relieved, why was she so stubborn about not accepting the sacred spell?

I shook my head at her puzzling behavior and turned my attention back to the barrier.

Unlike the simple barricades built around the demon settlement on the Ardina continent, this barrier didn’t have anything that resembled an entrance.

“No choice, then.”

I muttered, drawing my sword.

Daeun, watching me, looked apprehensive.

“...Didn’t you say you wouldn’t break it? I’m pretty sure you wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Then why’d you draw your sword? Huh, are you planning to slice me instead...?!”

“You sound lively enough to joke now, huh?”

Now that I think about it, something felt off yesterday and today—maybe because Daeun’s nonsense was unusually minimal.

She was also less clingy than usual.

If I were to say something, she’d probably respond with, “Oh, Kana, are you lonely without your big sis? Come on, let me give you a hug!” so I kept the thought to myself.

“If I take an action that demands a response, there should be one.”

If someone heard explosions in their yard, could they just ignore it?

I filled my sword with mana.

Wooooong-!

The mana-charged sword vibrated violently, emitting a fierce hum.

This weapon held together only because a skilled blacksmith crafted it; any lesser weapon would’ve shattered into metal dust by now.

It’s a brute force move with no finesse whatsoever...

Crack.

Looks like even this sword has reached its limit.

It was a faint sound that could’ve been lost on the wind, but my heightened hearing caught it.

That sound was the desperate cry of a sword pushed to its breaking point.

If I continued forcing mana into it, it would shatter.

I already gathered enough mana to create a commotion, so there’s no need to waste a perfectly good weapon.

I stopped infusing it with mana.

In my hand was a massive, pink-colored greatsword.

I swung the distorted blade toward the sky.

A pink arc surged forth.

There were no obstacles to cleave, nor any enemies to slice through.

Krrrrack—!

“Ugh...!”

“...!”

Both Daeun and Selene, watching my actions, covered their ears along with me.

The arc of energy I unleashed resonated with a harsh, grinding noise.

It sounded less like slicing and more like grinding or pulverizing.

And soon, I saw what my attack had cut.

“I didn’t expect this result.”

In the path left by the arc, clear blue sky was visible.

I gazed at the surreal sight of the blue sky framed by the black miasma with interest.

Right, the miasma.

The arc of energy I unleashed had cut through the miasma that veiled the sky.

Had I used less mana, it would have been swallowed up by the miasma, but brute force allowed it to pierce the dark fog and reach the sky.

‘I just meant to create a minor shock.’

The piercing noise and the clear, refreshing view weren’t what I intended.

All I’d planned was to gather enough mana to make our presence known.

Firing an arc skyward was simply to make our location known, not to flaunt my power or—

“...She split the sky...”

—not, as Daeun just said, to spout something that cringeworthy.

Still, seeing the blue sky after so many days wasn’t a bad feeling.

Even if it wouldn’t last long.

“It’s my gift to you.”

I think this is a sufficient housewarming present.

Turning my body halfway around, I asked.

Several demons had gathered behind me by then.

“Well, do you like it?”

Clang!

And then I found myself behind bars... meaning, in a prison cell.

“...Huh?”

...Why?

And didn’t this just happen recently?

Fortunately, I regained my freedom not long after.

My testimony that I’d only been trying to call the demons inside without damaging the barrier, combined with Selene’s divine persuasion skills with a 100% success rate, secured my release.

Although, if I had to admit, Selene probably did most of the work, but I didn’t come out entirely empty-handed either, right?

“I won’t apologize since it was my duty as leader.”

The woman who released me spoke.

The man we met a few days prior looked young, but the woman before me seemed even younger.

In human terms, she’d be in her early twenties.

She was a striking beauty with eyes that drooped softly.

“Why are they all so... well-endowed...”

I jabbed Daeun’s side with my elbow as she made a strange comment, her eyes tinged with envy.

They’re just lumps of fat—why would anyone be jealous?

Not that I’m saying this out of insecurity.

Besides, I don’t even want that.

It’d only get in the way of swinging a sword.

“A leader? Are you the chief of the demons?”

“...Don’t you think your manner of speaking is a bit short?”

“It’s just a habit.”

“Bad habits should be corrected. Once ingrained, they’re hard to change, but if you put effort into it, you could start right now.”

“I never said it was a bad habit, did I? I even talk this way to Edel. Or are you saying you’re higher than her? If that’s the case, I’ll use formal language for you.”

“...It’s impossible that the esteemed Edel would deign to converse with someone like you. If you think you can deceive me with such a ridiculous lie—”

“Kana speaks the truth.”

“....”

If it had been a lie, the first to object would’ve been the nun of Edel’s church.

Instead of protesting, Selene defended me, causing the woman’s mouth to shut.

She looked back and forth between Selene and me with a conflicted expression before reluctantly sitting back down.

“...The world’s truly coming to an end.”

Her reaction sparked an impulse within me.

If I revealed Edel’s true nature, I wondered how she’d respond.

Would she deny it, or would she accept it?

I was curious, but Selene, ever perceptive, picked up on my thoughts and silently advised against it.

“Don’t trouble her too much.”

“I haven’t even said anything.”

I was just being a little mischievous since they put me in a cell.

But something about her seemed familiar.

As I tapped my sheath in thought, I snapped my fingers.

“You, what’s your relationship with Atisha?”

“...You know Atisha?”

“She’s the one who brought me here, so of course.”

“I see... Is she doing well?”

“Not sure. Didn’t get a good look, but she seemed to be getting by.”

“Thank goodness.”

The woman’s eyes softened with a nostalgic glow.

“So, what’s your answer?”

“She’s my daughter.”

“Ah, I figured.”

It wasn’t a surprising revelation, though Daeun’s wide-eyed reaction suggested she was more taken aback.