The city of Engay. In a room of an inn, the members of the Knights of the End are gathered.

　The Knights of the End is a fighting group formed to fight the darkness. Despite its name, the Knights of the End do not belong to any country, but travel around the world in order to destroy the enemies that avenge humans.
　Its members are known to be elite, and even the lowest-ranking member of the three levels of ability is as powerful as a first-rate mercenary.
　It is too much for a mere mortal to deal with the dark spires. The Knights of the End are the last bastion of humanity, and that's why their names are often mentioned as heroes in fairy tales.

　The center of the room. In the center of the room, an old man sits deep in a comfortable easy chair.
　His face was deeply wrinkled and his hair was dyed white, but the body that he had trained over the years was still intact, and those who looked at him would feel as if they were dreaming of the immense power that resided in his body.

　In fact, the old man was a first-class knight, one of only a handful in the Knights of the End - the leader of those who had come to Engay this time.
　He is a key figure of light who boasts absolute authority and power among the Knights, and has protected humanity from calamity many times before.

　Epe of Annihilation.

　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

I'm sure ...... you haven't found him yet. Holos Kamen.

"Second class indeed. I'm sure he's in the woods,......, but the art of the "fujin meido" is strong. There are no flaws.

It'll take time to do it the right way. We can't do it.

　One of his students, Lefley, who always leads the group with a cheerful mood, cowers at his master's words, and Nevilla, who has a bad temper, clicks his tongue.

　A good sorcerer will be able to cover techniques in fields other than his specialty. In particular, forbidden sorcerers tended to be skilled in the art of concealment.
　The Knights of the Apocalypse are no strangers to magic, but they are certainly a step behind the mages who are skilled enough to break the taboos.

　The "Pallbearer's Maze" is an advanced warding spell of the illusion type that conjures up those who enter a specific area and causes them to wander in a natural way.
　It is difficult to break through from the front. On the other hand, the wards have a weakness in that they do not work if they are guided by someone who knows the way.

　At the report of his disciples, Epe narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice.

"Horos is dangerous. He's slipped through our hands many times before. We must destroy him before he reaches the first level.

　Just as the members of the Knights of the End were divided into three ranks, the Knights of the End divided their natural enemies, the necromancers, into three ranks.
　Horus Karmen is classified as second class, while the first class is a kind of evil god beyond humanity. The second level was an extremely dangerous level of magician.

　Of course, there was no way they could be defeated, but depending on how they did it, there was a possibility that a few third level knights would be killed.

　But Epe smiled warmly, as if to change the atmosphere up to that point. There was a glimpse of absolute confidence.
　First-class knights, who are few in number, have other important duties in addition to conquering the darkness.

　To pass on their power and experience to the next generation.

　He looked at the youngest girl, who had been listening to him without saying a word.

"Senri, you're in charge, as planned. You will join Lefley and the others in defeating Horus. Can you do that?

"...... Yes. Master.

　A second level sorcerer is a pretty big deal. They're better than first level, of course, but you don't see them very often.
　Senri's voice was unfazed as he accepted the nomination. Her violet eyes were unclouded as she looked back at Epe.

　Epe nodded his head in satisfaction.

"It's okay, Senri. You're still young, but your power is close to first-rate even at this stage. In particular, the strength of your blessing is among the best of all the knights of the past.

　An honorable soul. Sword Princess of Light. Blessed by the god of all things from birth. Senri Sylvis.

　A talent that stands out even among the elite Knights of the End.
　In particular, his blessing, which is directly related to his ability to exorcise darkness, or as necromancers call it, positive energy, is stronger than any apprentice Epe has ever had.

　The end knight increases the power of the blessing through rigorous training and mental unification, but Senri had an impossibly strong blessing when Epe recruited him. And the power of light has reached a higher level as he has grown.
　He was truly born to be a Knight of the End. With experience, he will undoubtedly become a knight who surpasses even Epe, a first-class knight.

　The difference in talent is so great that I can't help but feel jealous.

The opponent is quite powerful even among second class knights, but if you challenge him with your friends, you will surely defeat him. I'm going to recommend Senri to ...... be a first class knight for his efforts in defeating Horus.

What?　It's not a problem that I'm still ......

It doesn't matter if you're weak. I've been a first-class knight for thirty years, so there's no point in comparing me to you, and you'll catch up soon enough. I see a natural talent in your swordsmanship, and I don't need to argue about the strength of your blessing. The only thing I'm worried about is - listen up. Senri's ...... naivety. The necromancer is cunning.

　Senri nodded at Epe's words with a serious expression. The other members of the group are also looking at their respected mentor with serious expressions.
　Looking straight ahead, Senri asserts in a cold voice.

There is no problem. I have seen many tragic scenes in my life. They are the ones who will avenge humanity. The blessing imposed on me is to put them to death and give redemption to the souls tainted by them.



"...... Senri's kindness and righteousness is both a strength and a weakness. But it's a path we all take. You cannot be a first class knight without hardship and struggle.

"Leave it to me, Master. Senri may still be a bit naive at times, but we've got your back. We may not be as strong as the Blessing, but we have more experience fighting the darkness. We can make up for what we lack.

　Lefley, who was standing next to Senri, stepped forward and clapped him on the chest.
　The other members all nodded their heads in agreement.

　Seeing this, Epe nodded in satisfaction. He crossed his long legs and looked at Senri intently.

Even a necromancer can't live alone. Powerful magic requires a valuable catalyst. There's no doubt Horus has help in this city. This is Senri. This is your ............ job. I will advise you if you ask, but I will not interfere directly.

"Yes, Master.

But you're not first class yet. I'll be right behind you. It will take time to gather the power of death to become first class. ...... In the unlikely event that Horus has reached that point, report it to me.

　With Epe's and his master's words deeply etched in his mind, Senri left the room with his companions to resume their investigation.


§§


　While Senri was checking his equipment at the base, Nevira called out to him.
　He is a long-haired man with a mace as his primary weapon, and is in charge of the vanguard of the group who look up to Epe as their teacher.

"Senri, we should blow the wards off the forest. With your blessing, you can do that. The Fugitive's Maze is a powerful but delicate ward, and the slightest disruption to its composition can destroy it.

I've told you many times, it's a ...... last resort. If you make a ruckus in the forest, the hexenbiest that escaped might attack the city.

That's what I'm saying, Master is naive. It's true that there will be damage, but it's much better than a second-rate necromancer.

　Nevira snapped her teeth and looked down at Senri.
　Senri and Nevira are not on the same page. But she does have a point, Senri thinks.

　The role of the Knights of the End is to eradicate darkness, and everything else is secondary to that. Sometimes, in the process of defeating them, many civilians are killed.
　And that's what the Knights of the End have always done.
　Necromancers, who manipulate the dead, are a fearsome opponent. That dark sorcerer, who plays with souls and even death, does not hesitate to commit all kinds of despicable acts. So you must be prepared to fight it.

　Senri understands why his master called him naive. But Senri became a Knight of the End to protect the weak.
　Once, Senri was bedridden for a long time. The blessings were too strong and the growing positive energy was taking its toll on her body.

　But now that she had grown and trained herself physically and mentally, she could use her power to the fullest. Now Senri has the strength to fight.

I'm the leader this time. The investigation will continue. As long as we're in Engay, the necromancer can't make any major moves. We go in carefully.

　The Knights of the End have a huge advantage over the necromancer. If we fight them head on, we'll win as a matter of course.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.

...... Tsk. You're the leader of the pack this time. But ...... at least give it a deadline. I'm sure you can find someone who knows about the base if you give it some time, but we don't have time to keep looking. Horos isn't the only necromancer. Do you understand?

"............ I know. I'll have it done in a month.

A month is a long time. The more time they have, the more power they have. The more time they have, the stronger they get. You may be unharmed, but Horos is a powerful warlock. Your friends will die.

　In the event that you're looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, you'll want to take a look at this website.

"............ one week. If the key is not found in that time, the forest will be destroyed. Preparations will be made in parallel with the investigation. Prepare for the cleanup after the destruction and calculate the location of the destruction.

Understood.

　Nevilla's lips twisted into a cruel smile, and he patted her slender back hard.



§ § § §



　Preparations were steadily being made. Following the Lord's orders, he and Ru visited the city of Engay again.
　The whole town was enveloped in a tense atmosphere. If you listen carefully, you can hear the gossip of the Knights of the End, which was almost inaudible last time.



　Fed up with the sunlight pouring down from the sky, I did my job.
　Perhaps the reason why the errand is run during the day is because the undead are more vigilant at night, when they are more active.

　Huck handed me a package similar to the one I had received on my last errand.
　When I received the package and was about to leave the room, Huck stopped me and gave me instructions.

　The aloof look on his face showed a little more fatigue than usual.

Tell Master Horos that I look forward to seeing him again. They're looking for us. I don't mean to betray you, but they've got a nose. Any more 'procuring' is too risky.

Yeah, I get it.

...... Really, you're an intelligent guy. What a horrible thing to be able to move in the sunlight. ............ Master Horos, your master is without a doubt the most powerful user.

　Huck said, smiling bitterly and shaking himself to try and make a point.

　The deal was done, and he walked out. I have a little free time on my hands.

　Now the real work begins. Into a deserted alleyway. Lu, who'd been so disapproving of my rash behavior, followed me quietly.

　There's only so long I can go without Lord's guards near me. The crypt where I'm always kept is guarded, and I'm not allowed to go outside.
　Errands are one of the few times I'm not under surveillance. With the Knights of the End keeping a close eye on me, I can't keep an eye on the errand boy.

　I cover the small shrinking Lu with my body and look into his black eyes and ask.

"Did you get what you wanted?

"Uh, yeah. But, what are you doing with it?

That's great. Thanks, really.

　I'm running out of time. Lord is spending more and more time in the lab every day.
　He's probably preparing for some kind of ritual. The only time we see each other is when he gives the order for me to go hunting.

　The Lord's face was deeply fatigued, but his eyes were glittering and eerie.
　He is about to touch something new, something forbidden. It may not be something I can say, now that I've become unforgivable, but it's a fearsome thing.

　I'm no match for a Lord or a Knight of the End. If they make the first move, my chances of winning are slim to none.

　With a look of fear and doubt on his face, Luu pulls out the item I requested from his pocket.
　I took it as if to snatch it, checked it, and smiled for the first time in a long time.

　I might be able to get it by asking the Lord, but it would cause unnecessary alarm. I wanted it in secret.
　It might not be much to Luu, but to me it was the key to survival.

　There's no pain rushing through Lou's body. It's Luu herself who decides when a slave violates her orders.
　That means she doesn't see my cooperation as an indirect attack on the Lord.

　Luu looks around and whispers in a shaky voice.

"So, ...... that story--

"Yes, of course. You'll have to trust me on that one, but I'll keep my word.

　Luu breathed an obvious sigh of relief at my words, as if he didn't trust me yet.
　Her expression relaxed and her shoulders seemed to relax a little.

　I'm weak, but Luu is even weaker. She's not even trying to fight. That's the difference between me and the man I was before I was born, the man who fought to the death.
　Truly, I'm a helpless, pathetic person.

　But there's no time to play around. I need to prepare.

"Lu. I'll be right back. I've got a few things to do, so wait for me at the exit.

"Uh-oh.

　Without hearing a reply, grab your things and run out of the alleyway.
　You just have to be careful not to run into the Knights of the End.

　I'm as desperate as I am on the verge of death, but I have a body that can move.
　I didn't want to bet against the Lord or the Knights of the End.