I Became a Raid Boss-Chapter 128: Preparing for Subjugation (2)

“...Are you really going to be okay?”

The subordinate asked Eric, his tone skeptical.

“We’ve trapped that monster... no, that girl, but that doesn’t mean all the nearby threats are gone. What if a monster shows up? You’re in no condition to fight, not even a single goblin.”

“Hey! A goblin is...”

Eric’s indignant retort trailed off into silence, dissolving like a breeze.

Though some strength had returned, he was still far from being able to move properly.

Feeling the subordinate’s pitying gaze on him only added to the humiliation, but all Eric could do was tremble weakly in frustration.

Better to think positively.

Annoying as his words were, the man was ultimately expressing concern for Eric—however begrudgingly.

With that thought, the anger that had risen in Eric’s chest began to subside.

“The head of Ordo’s Guard, killed by a goblin. That’d be the most humiliating thing ever. If the captain dies like that, we couldn’t even call ourselves a guard unit anymore.”

“You little—!”

Concern, sure.

But the direction of that concern? Entirely different.

The subordinate wasn’t worried about Eric’s well-being; he was worried about the reputation of the guard.

Grinding his teeth, Eric couldn’t hold back his frustration.

“Just wait until I recover.”

“People who say ‘just wait’ rarely turn out to be as scary as they claim.”

“Oh, I’ll show you just how scary I can be.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to prevent any future problems by getting rid of them now.”

“Hey! Careful, or I really will hit you!”

Despite their words, the subordinate had no intention of committing mutiny, and Eric knew it.

He played along, not taking the banter seriously.

Still, there was a limit to how long they could keep trading jokes.

“Enough. Most of the monsters have probably fled after all the commotion earlier, so you don’t need to worry about my situation. Just go.”

“Funny how I’ve never heard of anyone coming back alive after saying things like that.”

Though still unconvinced, the subordinate rose to his feet.

“Don’t die.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Eric waved a hand dismissively, watching as the man disappeared into the forest.

“Damn brat. Saying ominous things right up to the end. Who’s dying here? I haven’t even gotten married yet.”

Eric had no intention of dying in a place like this.

His dream was to marry a kind woman, live a quiet, peaceful life, and eventually pass away surrounded by his grown children.

Of course, at present, the only woman in his life was the tavern owner he frequently saw.

Still, love could appear unexpectedly.

Eric had no doubt that someday he would have his dreamlike encounter.

“Maybe I should’ve asked him to introduce me to a nice girl while he was here.”

A light voice interrupted his muttering.

“Where have you been?”

“Negotiating with your superiors. So, do you need one?”

“...Need what?”

“A nice girl. If you want, I can introduce you to a few.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Talented people deserve a little help. Though capturing their hearts will be your responsibility. Even a mage can’t manipulate someone’s feelings without consequences.”

“I thought mages could do things like that?”

“Haha. It’s not impossible, but would you really be satisfied with love gained through trickery? A love built on shortcuts fades quickly.”

“Ah, wise words. I’ll cherish them forever.”

“You’re welcome. It’s always a pleasure to help promising young people.”

The man standing behind Eric held a staff so ornate it seemed more like a work of art than a practical tool.

Judging by their natural conversation, the man was someone Eric knew, yet...

‘...He’s insufferable.’

Eric wasn’t used to speaking so casually with him.

Just a few years ago, they had been mortal enemies. Acting like nothing had happened now felt painfully awkward.

Noticing Eric’s unease, the man smiled.

“Don’t be like that. You didn’t fight because you wanted to, right? Neither did I. We were just doing our jobs. No point in holding grudges.”

“We’re not exactly equals... but I’ll admit my side started it.”

“Exactly. The instigators are gone now, so why not get along? Humans fighting each other doesn’t do anyone any good.”

Eric suppressed a bitter laugh.

He couldn’t disagree, but hearing such naive, idealistic words from this man of all people was almost too much.

Still, he was proud of himself for not bursting into laughter.

“So why do you keep calling me a ‘promising talent’? Hearing that from the Sage of the Empire is making me feel ridiculously self-conscious.”

“You accomplished something remarkable. It’s only natural to show respect. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to succeed. Landing a blow on her? That was impressive.”

“...You saw that?”

Eric hadn’t even noticed he was being observed.

Then again, someone with enough skill to elude his senses wouldn’t be called the Sage of the Empire for nothing.

“It was just luck. I don’t even know how I managed it. And if the captain were in her right mind, it wouldn’t have worked.”

“Luck or not, a feat is a feat. Being overly modest can come across as rude, you know. Even she would’ve praised you for that strike.”

“Praise? She chased me down like she was ready to kill me.”

“You know how she is. She’s not great at expressing her feelings. That was probably her way of showing appreciation.”

“If she gets any more ‘appreciative,’ we’ll all be dead. Anyway, is that barrier safe?”

“It failed once before, but not this time. Last time, the setup wasn’t meant for containment. This one is. Don’t worry.”

“...Failed once?”

Eric mumbled, confused, but the man didn’t elaborate.

“Well, it won’t hold forever. We’ll need to resolve this quickly.”

The man gestured at the shimmering silver barrier.

From its base, a dark energy was slowly creeping upward.

“How long will it last?”

“At best, a week. At worst, until tomorrow.”

“A week or a day? That’s a huge difference!”

“In the worst-case scenario. As long as I don’t provoke her, it should last longer.”

A week.

Eric’s expression hardened.

“By the way, I haven’t explained my discussion with your superiors yet, have I?”

Leaning on his staff, the man began.

“As you know, miasma is more toxic than any poison to living creatures. Facing her means accepting death. Even if someone survives, there’s no guarantee they’ll be unscathed. Just look at you.”

“...So you knew.”

Eric gave a bitter smile.

As the man said, his body was far from fine.

The miasma from their clashes was slowly eating away at him.

“But we have a useful card to play—one immune to miasma and death alike.”

“You don’t mean... demons?”

“Demons? Don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t burn the house down to kill a flea.”

“Then who?”

The man’s lips curled into a sly smile.

“The ones Edel personally brought to this world. Those who cannot die, no matter what—her apostles.”

Eric stiffened at the mention.

If anyone could face Kana’s miasma, it was them.

But...

“I don’t think they can defeat her.”

Their strength was undeniable, but defeating Kana? Impossible.

“Don’t worry. Edel will watch over them.”

“...If you say so.”

“Of course. This is all part of her plan. And besides...”

“...?”

Before Eric could question the man’s cryptic words, he continued.

“Strength isn’t the only solution. Who knows? Maybe meeting the apostles will bring her back to her senses.”

A snake.

Now Eric understood why Kana called this man that.

He always acted like he knew everything but never revealed his full intentions.

“What if the week passes with no results?”

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“Then... the Empire will step in.”

The man shrugged.

The losses would be great, but the alternative was far worse.

Kana’s fate would be sealed.

After a pause, Eric asked his final question.

“When will the apostles arrive?”

The man’s response was cut short—

“...An extermination order?”

Daeun froze mid-step, her eyes fixed on a poster as though hypnotized.

The crude paper described the appearance of someone she knew all too well.