It was truly the best feeling I've ever had in my life.

　The first time I became a ghoul and ate the flesh of a magical beast, I felt euphoric, but the moment I sucked its blood, the feeling I experienced was beyond compare.
　Perhaps it was the fact that Senri's blood was of the highest quality, but it also made me understand why vampires would risk being attacked to sip the blood of a young woman.

　As the name suggests, vampires gain their power by sucking blood. It's the same for the Lesser, the chrysalis.
　Senri's blood has completely regenerated my body, including my heart. A dying body that would have perished a few minutes later.

　I see it. I see the powerful positive energy of the demise knights. But it's not as hopeless as the last time I felt it.

　My power is at its peak now, as it was before I was born.
　The lesser vampires are said to be in the preparatory stage of becoming vampires, and are particularly weak among the undead, but I don't care about that.

　His body was no longer the poor thing it had been in life. His arms and legs were well-muscled, and his abs were well-defined. And that's not to mention the power that lies within.
　The body of the undead, which is not supposed to grow, changes. I guess that's also what the necromancer intended - a sign that the curse has advanced.

　All the Knights of the End were in the room.
　Nevilla, the knight with the mace that had tortured me, took a step back with a shocked expression. He must have thought I was a senri.

"Oh, you--!

Why?

　It was completely unexpected. But the demise knight's reaction was out of character.
　The blonde-haired female knight, Thelma, who specializes in archery, took the silver bow that was propped up and shot out a silver arrow at a moment's notice. At about the same time, Nevilla swung her mace.

　But I kept my composure. If I wasn't sure that I could survive, I wouldn't be cowardly enough to come to the enemy's base.

　I could clearly see the mace coming at me at high speed, and the arrow aimed at my head, as I had become a subordinate vampire and had gained inhumanly good eyesight.
　It is true that the physical abilities of the third level knights are much higher than those of ordinary mercenaries, and their techniques are more sophisticated, but they are only human. They have the ability to enhance their physical abilities with positive energy, making them more human, but not as human as I am now, who has the full power of a true monster.
　I step forward and catch the mace with my left palm before it gains momentum. With his right hand, he grabs the arrow between his eyes.

　Pain rushes through your hand. But it is not as bad as the pain I felt when I was executed by the sun.

　The vampire's act of bloodsucking isn't just a way to replenish energy.
　He throws down his arrows. He grabs his mace and wrenches it from Nevilla's hand. The white smoke rising from his hands regenerates quickly and disappears.

I'm made mostly of Senri's blood, from the neck down. Thanks to you cleansing me from the neck down.

　The demise knights were stunned. The only one who remained calm was the Man in the Sun, Senri's mentor, Epe of Annihilation.

　Strong. Even looking at it again, it's overwhelming. Even Senri Sylvis, who has a remarkable talent for blessing as a demise knight, is separated from Epe's energy.

　I have heard the name Epe of Annihilation even in my lifetime. It is a name widely known among first-class knights.
　The story of how he single-handedly attacked the castle of the King of Vampires and "destroyed" an army of thousands of undead with a single blow has become one of the most popular plays.
　He is truly a living hero.

　I was surprised when I heard that the man in the sun was Epe the Annihilator, of whom I was a big fan, but that explains the enormous energy that could annihilate you just by getting close to him.

　The fact that it is still sitting on its haunches when I come to it is probably because it doesn't need to stand to annihilate me.
　Epe, the Annihilator, squinted and said in a calm voice.

So, what do you want? A lesser vampire -- an end, you say? Revenge?　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had it.　I'm not a fan.

　Of course, I have no intention of doing that. Even now, just looking at it makes my heart beat faster.
　Too strong. Too strong. This man is truly a monster in human skin.

　I regret coming to this room for a moment, but it was a necessary process.

　Don't be intimidated. There's a huge difference to begin with. If you lose your nerve, it's all over.

　He shrugged his shoulders and returned the mace in his hand to Nevilla, pressing it against her.

Of course, it's not revenge. No hard feelings. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm doing this. ...... I'm undead now, even though I still have my memories from before I was born, so I can't help it.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

I'm familiar with the Demise Knights. I'm a fan. I was bedridden for a long time before I died, and reading about your exploits was the only thing that kept me going. I'll let it slide that you almost killed me. Thanks to Nevilla's cruelty, Senri felt sorry for me. Thanks to the fact that I was dying, she offered me her neck.

What?　This is a great way to make sure that you get the most out of your time and money.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I'm talking about.



　It's not possible for a subordinate vampire to suck the blood of a demise knight who originally possesses a powerful positive energy. This is because the positive energy that the demise knight wears is a sword and armor for the undead.
　In order for a vampire to suck blood, it must be agreed upon by the vampire. In other words, Senri had taken off his armor and offered his neck for me at that time.

　Epe's eyes were warm, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

'Then what are you doing here?　Do you think I'm going to return the undead alive?

"Yes, Senri is alive. I took some of his blood as a favor, but I'm not cruel enough to kill someone who saved my life. I'm not the Knights of the End. I'm still human. ...... Of course, I'm still pure.

　The third level knights shuddered in surprise at my answer. I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to know what you think.

I'm sure you'll agree.　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

I'm not sure what to say. I forgot that I was about to disappear. I didn't know such pleasures existed in this world. ...... But I'm human and I don't let my urges get the better of me. The fact that I know your names is proof of that. In Epe of Desolation, Nevilla, Lefley, Thelma, that unassuming man over there-- Adrian. Senri told me. I thought you might need it to negotiate and defend yourself.

　He sighs hotly, thinking back to the time he sucked blood. It was a life-changing experience.
　But I couldn't become the undead. The undead have too many enemies. I want to survive at all costs.

"...... self-defense. Tell me your terms.

　Epe is thinking. My true intentions. Whether it's okay to kill me. What's the best way to save Senri, my apprentice and would-be first-class knight?

　Epe thinks. He thinks I'm going to take Senri hostage.

　But that's not true. I'm not going to take Senri hostage.
　The only reason I risked my life to come here was to settle a score. I didn't want to come, but I found it worth it.

　I put on the robe I'd found in the ruins of the Lord's house. From within it, he pulls out a sword in its scabbard.
　The faces of Nevilla and the others distorted. Angry, anxious, sad.

　I put Senri's sword down on the desk, and Epe smiles the same gentle smile he had just given me.

'Terms?　You've got it all wrong. I'm not holding Senri hostage. I've come to return the sword. Promise me Senri. ...... Senri has a message for you. I'm sorry, I'm resigning from the Order of the Fallen. Thank you for everything.


§§.

　The Lefties' eyes widened, and then quickly turned into frozen expressions.

　All my words, all my messages are true. There is no doubt that to some extent I arbitrarily induced sympathy and controlled her will, but the final decision was hers.
　Senri Sylvis is a demise knight, but there is a distinct difference from other demise knights.

　The Knights of the End, Nevira and the others, are on the side of justice and the enemies of the Dark Ones, but Senri is different. Senri is a friend of the weak.

　She's sweet to the core. That's why she feels sorry for the weak and pathetic undead like me. You could say she's kind, but that's not the right kind of demise knight.

"Senri said to me. "Senri told me that he would stay by my side and see to it that I was not consumed by my undead instincts. She said that attacking people was unacceptable, but that in exchange, she would give me the blood I needed to survive on a regular basis. You're a very nice girl, but you're not cut out to be a demise knight.

"You're right, .......

　Nevilla's face turned red with rage, and she tried to approach me. I quickly raised my voice.
　The Knights of the End are very scary. They don't need a reason to attack the Dark Ones.

"Whoa, wait. Don't attack me. If I die, Senri dies.

"What?

　Epe's expression turns grim. "Who's going to kill her?

Who's going to kill me?　Of course--suicide. I made a promise. If I'm killed in this negotiation, or if I never come back, Senri will cut his own throat. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have a guarantee!



"............ bullshit.

"Lefley!　You know better than I do whether or not Senri will actually do it, as you've been working with him for much longer than I have.　You'd better be careful, because Senri, unlike undead like me, can't live with his head separated from his body.

　Being stared at is a great feeling.
　I may be a harmless, pathetic undead, but that doesn't mean I'm so naive that I wouldn't feel anything if someone took me out from the neck down.

　I feel a ripping desire to kill. Of course, there's always a chance I could be killed here.

　But I see in Senri's words something worth risking my life for.

　The blood of a strong, beautiful, young, innocent maiden. The blood of a strong, beautiful, young, innocent maiden, a former member of the Knights of the End, could not be more favorable to a vampire.

　Just a little more than that and your body will regenerate and you will have this much power.
　If you let me suck your blood on a regular basis, it will dramatically increase my survival ability.

　Vampires have a terrible special ability to turn their victims into their dependents, the Lesser Vampires, by sucking their blood.
　As a lesser vampire, I don't have it, but even if I did, I wouldn't be able to make her my wife. If you make her a vampire, she won't be able to suck blood.

　Epe makes her first big move. She stands up and says in a calm voice.

"This is ridiculous. If you're going to spend your life like that, if you're going to spend your life being sucked dry by vampires, it would be a mercy to kill you. ......

Yeah, you're right. You're absolutely right.

　I'm a monster now. My black irises have turned blood-red, and my reflection in the mirror is translucent. Even crosses and garlic will eventually become weaknesses, and I won't be able to break into someone's room without being invited. I can't even walk on running water.
　But no matter how much of a monster I become, Senri will always be human.

　A whispered voice suggested.

"But think about it. But think about it, no matter how naive you are, you can't just sit there and let a monster suck your blood forever, can you?

"...... What the hell are you talking about?

Senri's a little lost right now. That's what I'm saying. It is you, Nevilla, who have made Senri Sylvis weak.

　Nevilla's face changes slightly at the mention of the name.
　Senri is sweet. I'm not sure what to make of that.

　This is the result of Nevilla's torture ...... and sun punishment. The sun torture made me even weaker than I already was. It also made Senri feel guilty for not being able to stop Nevilla and the others. As a result, she ended up offering her blood to me.

　It was never my intention to do this, but it was very convenient for me. In fact, I'm glad she almost killed me.

"Actually, Senri was going to return the sword himself at first. But I stopped her. I decided to risk my own life to return it for her. She has too much faith in people.

　If she did that, Senri would be restrained and come to her senses immediately.

　But even if she wasn't restrained, it wouldn't last forever. She's kind to the core, but she's also sensible and smart.
　She is justice. And I'm evil, no doubt about it. It's quite possible that there will be a conflict between them.
　My relationship with Senri is at stake.

　With a slightly more serious expression, I say to Epe.

Senri is strong. To put it bluntly, she's a monster. Even with a little bit of her blood in me, I'm no match for her. She's not a captive princess. If I ever become harmful, Senri won't hesitate to kill me.

So I'm supposed to let her get away with it because of ......?

If you kill me now, Senri will die without hesitation. She's very unstable right now. All she needs is a little time to cool down.

　But I won't let her calm down. All Senri has for me now is pity. That will go away when I'm no longer vulnerable.
　Before then, I have to give her some reason, some reason to stay by my side, some reason not to kill me.

　Well, I'm not worried. I'm just an undead who wants to survive, a king of the dead of a type perhaps the lord never intended.
　I can't be an enemy of justice. Not unless I'm attacked.

　Epe snickers. His eyes widen and he looks down at me.
　A sharp gaze you wouldn't expect from an old man. The intimidation I feel from his large body is very frightening to me, since I've already bet everything I can.
　My heart is trembling. But I don't show it on my face.

　Baring his teeth, Epe says quietly.

"The Knights of the End have been taken for a fool. Do you really think they're so naive as to overlook a mere bargaining chip like that? Mr. End, you're mistaken. Senri lost. Her death was her fault and she had no choice. Our mission is to kill the living dead, fearless as you are.



　I snicker at the word. Epee the Annihilator is no big deal.

　I will live. I'll survive by any means necessary, by force, by word, by luck.

Senri wouldn't have been so naive if he could have made that choice. I'm a fan of the Knights of the End, so I know them well. You're merciless to your enemies but soft on your friends. And you don't make bad choices. If I could kill you, I would've done it by now. Let me ask you one more time, ...... are you going to let your precious princess die in the arms of a single, harmless, lesser vampire like me?　Hahaha ...... die in vain. She said she would accompany me on my journey out of death if I were killed, but Senri and I are going to different places.

　Epe smiled and fell silent. Lefley and the others are looking at their master with grim expressions.

　They prepare to move. Epe's abilities are unknown, but it's midnight ...... undead time. Even if you are wrong and they attack you, you may be able to escape.
　One of the lower vampires, the Dark Stalker, is said to have the ability to hide in the dark.
　But I can't use that power because I jumped over the ranks by absorbing the Lord's soul. With practice, I may be able to do so, but at least for now, I cannot.

　But Epe doesn't know that.

　They're thinking. They're weighing my threat against Senri's value.
　The Knights of the End will not be wrong. The room was filled only with the faint sound of clock hands ticking.

　The silence ended abruptly. Epe frowns and slowly sits back down in his chair. His students breathe a sigh of relief.
　It's sweet of them to try to kill me in such a tragic way, but I guess Epe and Nevilla are human.

　They have the luxury of caring for others. I don't.

"Oh, yeah. I had one more thing to do. I want back the amulet of shadows and the cloak of shade you took from me. I need them to live in peace in the city, and they belong to Holos. They're mine. You can't ...... let the princess stay out in the open, can you?

"...... Lefley, go get it and ...... me, will you?

Yes.

　I didn't think I'd get it back, but it seems to be working.
　Lefley pulls out a familiar sunshade cloak and shadow amulet from a safe at the back of the room and hands them to Epe.

　Epe places the cloak on the desk and picks up the black jeweled amulet that hides the negative energy.
　She holds it out to me, looking at me with expectant eyes, and says in a quiet voice.

I'm going to let you off the hook this time, Mr. End ....... But that doesn't mean I believe you. It's Senri I believe in.

　The jewel cracked. And before I could speak, the black amulet shattered.
　Epe lightly brushes the shards away, smiles thinly, and says.

"Leave while I'm still just barely able to contain my anger. And tell Senri I'm coming for him. I will come for you.

"...... d*mn you, you monster.

　It's as if something is about to be born.
　If I don't leave now, I'm really going to be killed. Epe's words had the power to convince me of this.

　Perhaps I provoked him a little too much. But I've bought ...... time.

　I turn my back. At about the same time, a silver blade passed right by my cheek.
　There was no sign. There was no sound. I was on my toes. Shiro smoke rises from the wound in my cheek. There was a dull thud, and it was Senri's sword that had been returned that had pierced the door.

　Almost at the same time as he felt the pain, his heart thumped hard.




"Give it back to Senri, End-kun. That sword is not something that can be returned by proxy. ......



§§



　As soon as I left the building, I felt fear rising from my feet.
　I ran as fast as I could to avoid being swallowed by it. The legs of a lowly vampire turn me into the wind, and I'm out of the city of Engay in a flash.

　I'm a coward. I was scared of death all my life, and now I'm scared of being killed.
　But unlike in the past, there is something I can do now. I have the means, the power to fight back. I have a body that moves freely. I have a future.

　After a while in the forest, I finally stop running.

　In the moonlight, only a cool breeze caressed my cheeks. There were no pursuers. But that doesn't mean you're forgiven.



　I've already become the Unforgivable, the enemy of the world, the king of the dead.

　But that's okay.

　I'll use every means at my disposal. I'll sacrifice everything.
　We'll use kindness, compassion, anger, joy, anything and everything. If it brings you freedom and peace.

　--I'll indulge myself and become the most fearsome monster in the world.

　Senri will be waiting for you in the woods. We need to talk about how to escape.
　The important part is now. I calmed my breathing and hummed, happy to be alive, as I walked deeper into the forest.