I Became a Raid Boss

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Fighting with Yuki isn’t particularly difficult for me.

Though it’s called a fight, it feels more like a sparring session or a lesson.

Even back in Silia, I could easily overpower her, and considering she’s weaker now, it goes without saying.

However, saying it’s not difficult doesn’t mean it’s not bothersome.

“Hmm.”

I intentionally poked at Yuki’s pride.

“I can fight you.”

“…! Then—”

“Hold on.”

Just as I finished speaking, the chair I sat on jolted unexpectedly.

It seemed like it had settled down, but here we go again.

I released my mana and pressed down gently.

“What kind of mass…?”

An expression as if she were seeing something mysterious.

“Are you a pig, Master?”

“Do I look like one?”

“Yes! Even though our Kana snacks a lot, she always stays soft! Please refrain from such impolite remarks.”

“…What do you mean by ‘soft’?”

Are you hinting that I’m chubby?

Knowing I hadn’t gained any weight, I still felt a surge of irritation and shot a glare at Da-eun, who quickly waved her hands in denial.

That’s not what she meant.

Putting Da-eun’s offense aside, I continued what I was saying.

“Anyway, would you be satisfied with a fight?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re weak.”

“…”

“So weak that you can’t even escape being pinned down like this.”

While it’s likely that not many could slip out if I truly pressed down, there’s no need to mention that fact in this context.

I said with a hint of smugness.

“Is it fun to lose so overwhelmingly? Does it excite you? Unfortunately, that’s not my taste, but if that’s the case, I might humor you just a little.”

“Ugh… Kana’s insult…!”

“…Do you want to keep interrupting?”

After I finally set the mood, Da-eun couldn’t hold back and interrupted again.

If she interrupts one more time, I might just stitch her mouth shut.

With my determination, I glared at her until she covered her mouth and shook her head.

Anyway.

I rambled on, but the main point is simple.

‘Why do you keep acting tough when you’re weak?’

That’s what it boils down to.

From what I’ve seen, the person called ‘Yuki’ has quite the pride.

And it’s likely that self-confidence comes from her skills.

Yuki seems to know her own talents.

Having scratched that pride without mercy, she must be feeling pretty hurt right now.

‘But that’s reality.’

Yuki must also realize that she doesn’t stand a chance against me.

But if she insists on being stubborn, I don’t need to accommodate her, do I?

“…”

Yuki remained silent for quite a while.

Her face was buried in the ground, so there was no way to tell what expression she was making.

I briefly thought whether she was shocked, but I didn’t feel particularly sorry.

Anyway, it was necessary to assert my dominance at least once.

Sitting on top of Yuki, I waited, and finally, a small voice slipped from her lips.

“That’s not my taste.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

Even while teasing her, I stood up from the chair and moved to the sofa.

Of course, the chair referred to Yuki.

It’s adequately sturdy and somewhat soft, so it isn’t too bad…

Still, I’d much prefer a sofa.

I remembered a noble who enjoyed using others as chairs and tried it out, but it just made less sense.

Yuki, who had effectively declared her defeat, stood up, shaking herself off.

“I thought I could fight…”

Yuki didn’t hide her disappointment.

She didn’t immediately jump into another fight as soon as she stood, and I didn’t plan on criticizing her for lightly complaining.

“You called me ‘Master.’”

It’s not like I didn’t teach her anything, but I didn’t exactly teach enough to be called ‘Master’ either.

“If you learned even a little, then I’d be a Master.”

“Well, that’s up to you.”

Titles don’t really matter to me.

Even if it were an insulting title, I would have knocked her out, but ‘Master’ isn’t like that.

Besides, what I’m about to say is related to that.

“Stop calling me ‘Master’ casually and think about whether you want to learn properly from me?”

“…What?”

“What?!”

An intensely dramatic reaction came back.

Yuki, who had a look as if she couldn’t believe her ears, and Da-eun, who looked flabbergasted beside her.

…Yuki I can understand, but why is Da-eun surprised?

Then Da-eun shouted.

“Of course, I didn’t expect you to say that! How could you make such a proposal without consulting me first!”

“…Is this something I need to consult you about?”

“Of course! I have the right to know since I’m Kana’s first disciple!”

“But Da-eun you don’t even call me Master.”

“…Gah.”

Always treating her like a child or a younger sibling.

With a look like she just got smacked, Da-eun spoke with a trembling voice.

“…Should I call you Master now?”

“No.”

“Why? Are you embarrassed?”

“Because Da-eun is a novice.”

“…Gah!”

“I don’t want a novice as a disciple.”

“Th-that’s enough…!”

Her sharp retort based on harsh reality made Da-eun cough violently.

“Seriously, that’s too much…”

Then she made a face as if she were about to cry.

“Um…”

I know most of what Da-eun says is nonsense, but seeing her like that doesn’t feel great.

I hesitated before speaking up.

“…Teaching doesn’t have to happen only in a formal master-student relationship. If you call me Master, it might feel rigid.”

Da-eun’s sulking expression shifted.

What kind of expression is that?

It doesn’t seem like a negative one.

Suddenly—

“Ugh.”

While I was contemplating Da-eun’s expression, she rushed into my embrace.

“Hehe, of course, our Kana wouldn’t do that!”

“…How annoying. Let go.”

“Were you worried that we might drift apart? Aw man…! In any case, you’re just too cute!”

“Who said I was worried? More importantly, I said to let go quickly.”

Not only did she tightly hug me, but she also messed up my hair in the process.

With her hands rampaging atop my head, I sighed heavily.

Yuki quietly approached and began fiddling with the tips of my hair.

What is she doing now?

‘Ugh.’

Fine. Go ahead, touch it.

I could use my strength to stop Da-eun’s antics, but if it’s not something worth being serious about, it’s easier to just let it go until Da-eun calms down.

Realizing that early on, I relaxed my strength and leaned into Da-eun’s embrace.

“Hey! What are you doing messing with another woman’s hair?!”

Da-eun, who was distracted by disheveling my hair, finally noticed Yuki’s touch and glared at her with burning eyes.

Yuki replied in a tone as flat as Da-eun’s was outraged.

“It’s not like it’s going to wear out.”

“That’s not allowed. Kana hates being touched by others.”

“…Me?”

Well, I don’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say I enjoy it either.

Is there anyone who likes physical contact from someone they aren’t close with?

“Anyway, if you want to become Kana’s disciple, you need to show a little sincerity!”

“That was your suggestion first, though?”

“Hey! You’re not a disciple yet! The title of Master is temporarily confiscated.”

“Well… then what should I call you?”

“Uh… good question?”

“…What are you doing?”

I had a strong feeling that Yuki might catch Da-eun’s bug, so I quickly interrupted the conversation between them.

If Yuki, who already belongs to the oddball category, contracts Da-eun-itis, she would surely become an uncontrollable weirdo…

That future must be avoided.

“Why is Da-eun deciding that?”

“Because I’m Kana’s guardian.”

With Da-eun proudly reverting back to being the first disciple, she boldly said.

“If you want to serve as my Master, you need to bow down first.”

“Bow down?”

She tilted her head at me, as if asking what that meant, and I responded with a slight shake of my head.

It’s not like I understand everything Da-eun says.

“…You don’t know?”

“I don’t know.”

“How can that be?”

“Just filter it as you go along.”

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

Already realizing how to converse with Da-eun.

Truly, she has a talent.

“That has nothing to do with talent…”

I think someone muttered something, but no one paid any attention.

“First, let’s explain why I want to teach you.”

Even without explanation, Yuki would probably readily accept my proposal, but I chose to explain because I wanted her agreement.

If something happens, the condition is that she fights in front of me before anyone else and gives her implicit consent.

There wasn’t any over-the-top reaction, but Yuki occasionally nodded and murmured as she listened to me.

When I finished explaining everything, Yuki’s expression remained calm.

“I see.”

“…You weren’t surprised?”

When Da-eun inquired about her utterly dry response, Yuki shook her head quietly.

“I was surprised.”

“That doesn’t look like a surprised face.”

“Anyone would agree that the Demoninus is a suspicious company if you asked around the world.”

So, it was actually easier to comprehend, according to Yuki.

Yuki turned her gaze from Da-eun, who looked aghast.

“So can I call you Master now?”

“Just call me Kana.”

“Okay, Kana.”

I believed I had explained the risks sufficiently, yet Yuki’s demeanor didn’t change.

With that, Yuki was officially welcomed as my disciple.

‘…This feels a bit weird to say.’

A disciple, a Master.

Never had I cared about such distinctions, nor did I intend to in the future.

I’m just teaching her how to fight; I have no intention of taking on a role of a strict Master.

Anyway, I figured if Yuki’s talent is as remarkable as I think, nurturing her would surely be beneficial.

Looking at her sparkling dark eyes, I contemplated.

“By the way, Yuki, what was your original name?”

“Ah.”

Only after hearing Da-eun’s words did I recall I still didn’t know Yuki’s real name.

I hadn’t even been curious in the first place, but since I decided to teach her, it’s probably best to know her real name.

With that in mind, I watched over Da-eun without stopping her, and Yuki slowly opened her mouth.