"No need.

　Only the stars shone in the sky. Today is the new moon, the day when the power of the night family is at its lowest.
　He hadn't seen anyone since, and his journey was going well. The path was becoming clearer and clearer, and they would probably reach the city in a few days.
　Once they reached the city, it would be difficult to conduct practical training. No way, she couldn't show off her vampire powers in the city.

　Near the oasis. I asked her to teach me the art of combat around the fire.
　I frowned, and Senri, perhaps in a panic, spoke a little too quickly.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't want to tell you ....... It's not that I don't want to teach you,......, it's just that me and End are too ...... different. A person's skills are only as good as the person. That doesn't mean it can't help you.

"The ...... and ............ bodies are the same. Isn't it the same to use?

For now, yes. But ...... soon, I'm sure, it won't be.

　He says with a somewhat sorrowful look in his eyes.
　The smile is nice, but the expression on your face is also very suggestive, if inappropriate.

We, the demise knights, will learn to move our feet and breathe. We, the Knights of the End, learn to walk and breathe. We learn to evade and pass attacks first. Because we can't take the blow of a powerful vampire.

　I see. ...... That makes sense.
　The more blood I suck and the more negative energy I store, the more powerful I become. There is a limit to the growth of the human body.
　Certainly, if there is a disparity in fundamental physical abilities, even if we have the same physical form, technology will be less of a priority, if not useless. If wounds can be regenerated in an instant, I would consider taking it.

Blessings can be used to enhance physical abilities, but they are consuming. A vampire's power is essentially indestructible. We're always at a disadvantage when it comes to endurance and physical ability.

"I don't think so. Nevilla and Lefley were both very strong.

............ So we're basically going for the short game. We're going to do the first damage, and as much as possible, we're not going to fight them head on.

　These words corresponded to the relationship I had imagined between vampires and demise knights.
　The story of the Demise Knight is always a story of hunting monsters. It's rarely a fair fight like a duel.

　I understood that Senri's fighting skills were not suited to me.
　But that's no reason why I shouldn't know what they're fighting about. 　

"A true vampire fights like a beast. They're not bound by human reason. I'm sure End will understand when he mutates into a ...... vampire.

　After saying that, Senri stood up, lightly brushing the dust from his clothes.

　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　He was not tall, nor did he have much meat on his body, but he had a graceful appearance that could not be hidden even when he was dirty from his long journey.

　He was so attractive that I wanted to nuzzle his neck right now.
　Senri drew his sword from his waist with a somewhat graceful motion. It was a beautiful sword made of holy silver. At first glance, it looks like a work of art, but I have seen her use it several times to slaughter magical beasts.

　I've seen her use it several times to slaughter demonic beasts. When she held the sword up to her eyes, Senri said from behind the blade.

But ...... I'll give you a little something to do. It is true that your concern is justified. The more you know about how the Knights of the End fight, the better chance you have of surviving.

　You're right. He knew what I meant.
　I stand up too. I wasn't a big person to begin with, but now that I've mutated and grown, I'm about two sizes bigger than Senri. I hesitate to pull the machete out of my waist. Seeing this, Senri smiled.

You can pull it out. You can come for real. The end won't hurt me now. This is ...... just training. I won't use any release techniques either.

　Apparently, there's still a clear power differential. I've seen you fight on my back, so you don't need to worry.

　I pulled out my Blood Ruler and held it up for all to see.

　A hint of battle burns at the back of my head.
　I think. My physical strength is strong. If I swing with all my might, I could cut a rock in half.
　I don't think it's something that a human being can withstand, but I think I can handle it ...... by braking in case of emergency. If you suddenly stop your arm with all your might, your arm might break, but don't worry, it will regenerate.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. She leveled her feet lightly and narrowed her eyes.

I'm coming.

Come on.

　First - a little test.

　He kicks the ground hard and swings his machete down with all his might from diagonally above.
　Senri said he'd evade and pass. Then all you have to do is deliver a blow with enough force that she can't catch it.



　She's strong. Stronger than I am, but I think you're underestimating her.
　The threat of the Demon Knight is his immense blessing. I haven't come up with a way to deal with the release attack, but without it, I should be able to hold my ground.
　Perhaps to avoid hurting me, Senri does not have the same blessed armor on his body as he did in the face-off.

　Senri took a step back to avoid being hit by the blade that sliced through the wind.
　This is a great way to make sure that you don't get caught in the middle. You don't need to take a hit like this.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I told you that you could go all out on the end .......

"Yeah ......, yeah.

I know your humanity. But it won't do you any good if you don't give it your all.

　I know you're a human being, but if you don't give it your all, it won't matter. ...... Senri isn't giving it his all, either.
　She's using a real weapon. If by some miracle I kill Senri, how am I supposed to live?

　You're right, that wasn't a full-on blow.
　I remember the first time I fought a hexenbiest under Lord's orders. If I wanted to, I could swing a machete while my body destroyed itself. It's a blow a vampire's strong body can't withstand. If it's just a sword, I could cut a man in two with the weapon.

　Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Senri sighed deeply.

　And then, right in front of my puzzled eyes, she lightly shifted her collar to expose her white neck and said.

"...... Okay. If you can defeat ...... me, you can bite my neck.

What?

　You can bite my neck if you can beat me.
　My heart, always beating faintly, is beating strongly. Before I knew it, my breathing became ragged and the heat in the back of my brain increased.

　Still, that was the first time I bit her neck and sucked her blood. Just one time.

　Getting blood from her fingers was also a pleasure. But burying my face in her neck and sucking her blood directly is incomparable. The feel of her hair on my cheek, her smooth skin on my lips, everything is imprinted in my mind.

　I was told not to hold back, but her blood is precious. The production rate won't be that fast. I couldn't ask for it so many times when I was so exhausted from the long trip.

"Don't be silly, .......

　This is just a training exercise. In response to my words, Senri traced her index finger down her neck. A somewhat seductive gesture.

"You want to bite me, right?　Vampires, young and old, male and female, all ...... like to bite necks. When they catch their prey, they restrain them tightly and take their time to suck the blood. .................. end, eyes bleeding.

　That's a nice suggestion. That's bloody. If I had to choose between wanting to bite and not wanting to bite, I'd say I really want to bite.
　There isn't a vampire who wouldn't be shaken by the lure of the most exquisite prey.

　He licks his tongue. I can feel the palm of my hand rolling me around, but my hand gripping the machete is also getting stronger.

　I wonder if Senri is licking me too much.
　I open my eyes and take a deep breath to calm myself down.

"Are you getting into the habit of getting your neck bitten?

　At my provocation, Senri didn't move an eyebrow, just gave a small smile.

"Maybe I am. Come on, End.

　Come on, End. I'll make you regret seducing a harmless girl like me.
　I'm going to put you down, and I'm going to put my fangs into a little nick on your neck, and I'm going to take a long time to taste your blood.

　I gave in to the urge and kicked the ground as hard as I could, and pounced on Senri with the speed of a cannonball.



§.


　Fast. No, not fast--good.
　The machete, which he swung with almost all his might, did not return any response. Senri was right in front of him. I can reach her and she's right in front of me, but all my blows fall flat.

It's been a long time since I've fought a vampire ...... with such strength.

　A whispered voice rang in my ears. The sweet scent of her hair tickled my nostrils. He's asking me to attack him.

　I swung the machete as I felt the urge, but it didn't hit me as if I was slashing at a phantom.
　Senri's footwork was minimal but fluid. For a moment, I felt as if I were dancing.

　It was just too different. So this is a second-rate "Knight of the End"? I had seen him fight the Lord from a distance, but now that I was actually facing him, I could feel the weight of his name.
　There was no despair. I just felt a burning in my head.

　Senri's gaze followed the movements of my machete, which I couldn't control even with the intensity of it.
　This should be my time. But I just can't reach it.



　Lord said that in order to fight the Demon Knight, you need to be at least a vampire. Vampires have a powerful special ability.
　They can transform into wolves, bats, and mists. I don't know exactly how much I can do, but I see, I'm certainly lacking in strength.

　I don't know if I really have the physical strength or endurance to do it, but I can't believe it when I'm at the mercy of it.

　Every once in a while, a cool sound would be heard. The sound of my machete clashing with Senri's sword.
　I have no response at all. The contact is really only momentary. Perhaps that's how she parried the blow. Terrible skill.

　The violent impulse is whispering to me to put more power into it. It's whispering to lay waste.
　I disobeyed it and took a step back. If I keep swinging the machete, I'll never hit her. She's still got room.

　Think about it. If there's one thing I have that most vampires don't, it's a modicum of control over my impulses.

　Senri's eyes widen. In a moment, I made a choice.
　I smiled and stomped on the ground with all my might.

　This is it. This is what only a vampire can do.
　The ground shook. Senri's posture shifted slightly. I seize the opportunity and swing down with my machete.

　A high-pitched metallic sound echoes through the air. For the first time, a strong response came back to me.
　And then I opened my eyes to an unexpected sight.

　Senri was blocking my machete blow with both swords in his hands. Even though she had swung with all of her vampiric abilities, the blades were locked against each other.
　Across the blade, our gazes met at close range. I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.

The end ...... you are ...... strong. I was a little surprised.

I thought vampires were supposed to be more powerful.

I'm using my blessing to enhance my abilities.

　You're ...... now?　So does that mean you weren't enhanced before?
　No, it doesn't matter. I never expected Senri to beat me in pure strength.

No, you didn't.

"You have one hand, I have two.

　Almost as a reflex, I grabbed Senri with my free left hand. The machete lost its resistance and went wide.
　The machete lost its resistance and the body swam wide. Senri stood there and watched without doing anything.

　Senri was still breathing. If this were a real fight, I'd be dead a hundred times over.
　It was a terrible humiliation. To relieve my anger, I must suck its blood at all costs. I'm not a vampire if I can't touch her when she asks me.

　Her eyes must have been glazed over.
　But Senri didn't look particularly horrified when I looked at him, sheathing his sword and nodding his head.

"Do you want to play chase?

"Yes!

　He threw out his machete and kicked the ground with all his might. You kick the ground with all your might, piercing the air with explosive force.

　But by that time, Senri was dozens of meters in front of me. It was a speed that even I, with my extraordinary leg strength, could not believe.

　If you look closely, you can feel a strong blessing from both of her legs. I see. ...... You can also strengthen one part of your body.
　By controlling it in this way, you may be conserving positive energy.

　But I'm sure I have better endurance than you. That's what Senri himself said.

　He waved his hands in the air and ran like a beast. Senri glided away from it.
　Around the oasis, he just chases after his prey like a madman.

　The wind caresses his cheeks. The beast that had come to drink screams. But no matter how much effort you put into it, you can't close the distance.

　If it weren't for the new moon, I'd be able to go faster.
　I've heard that Senri has trouble with endurance, but his speed shows no signs of slowing down. I looked at Senri as she ran, but she wasn't running. The smooth movement was accompanied by little movement of her feet.

　I'm not fatigued and I'm not breathing. I'm not fatigued, and I'm not out of breath because I'm not breathing, but Senri looks just as cool.
　I don't know how she does it, but I wonder if the blessing has something to do with it.

　I don't use the release technique, Senri said. How long does that technique last?
　I'm not fatigued, but I have a time limit. Dawn. There's a chance Senri's blood will run out.



　No. You'll never win if you do this the normal way.

　I jumped several meters. I landed, and almost unconsciously, I ran on all fours.

　I was surprised at my own behavior. But my vampire instincts were telling me to do it.

　Common sense dictated that I should be moving slower on all fours. But, unbelievably, the distance between her and Senri was closing. Senri turns his head back and stops, his eyes widening.

　She's given up. He kicked the ground with his hind leg and was about to push Senri down, when Senri flew.

"What about ......?

　It wasn't a metaphor, Senri was flying. She didn't jump like I did, but stayed in the sky, standing still.
　Blessings were gathering on her back, forming wings of light. ...... Anything's possible?

You can't do that!

I'm not sure what you mean by that. "Light Wings" is not an emission technique.

　How cowardly of ....... You're releasing it.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

"Real vampires can fly, too.

　d*mn it. Do you really want me to bite you that badly? If it makes you feel better, why not?

　But I'm not giving up yet. I can't turn into a bat so I can't fly no matter what.

　Half-heartedly, I take a big leap and kick the ground with all my might.
　My body floats in the air and reaches Senri's position. However, even with my high physical ability, I still can't move in the air.
　As I jumped up to the point where I could barely reach her, Senri held her mouth and said in a dumbfounded manner.

"I'm stunned. ...... Do you really want to suck blood so badly?

I'm not out of it yet, just a little!

　Senri plummets at an angle. He landed on the ground with tremendous speed and ripples spread.

　It seems that those wings of light are not just for floating in the sky.
　But they must have been severely depleted. The wings of light that I saw from close up were emitting energy as if they were on fire. If it hadn't been so intense, it would have flown all the way to the city in the first place. 　

　Gravity pulled her down, and she landed on the ground with her knees folded wide.
　Senri was one step away. One more step and I'll be able to reach him. I ran toward her on all fours...

"Oh, no!

　Suddenly, my body relaxed.
　Suddenly my body relaxed. That's when I first realized that Senri was standing on the surface of the oasis.

　I hurriedly stood up in the water. But she's wobbly like she was before she died, just before she became bedridden.
　Even if I put all my strength into it, I can barely move my arms and legs, and I can only walk.

　As I stood up, I could see Senri patting his chest in relief.

You need to calm down.

It's not fair." "Senri ......, that's not fair.

　Running water is a vampire's weakness. Running water is a vampire's weakness. I'm not asking you to exploit it.
　There's no way you can win. It's not fair. You should offer her your neck as a penalty.

　Don't worry, it's just a little smoke--

　I'm just going to suck on it..." Senri said ruthlessly, as I staggered and did my best to raise my voice in protest.

So. Demise knights are ...... sneaky.

No way .......

　I ran out of steam and fell into the water.

　You're right, it was a little hot. It might be a good idea to cool your head. .......
　As I sink into the water like a drowned corpse, Senri comes up to me and looks down at me.
　I want to stretch out my arms and catch her by the ankles and do something like, see, I got you, but I can't muster the strength.

　I wanted to reach out and grab her by the ankles and do something like, "See?

The training is over. End ......, I'll tell you one thing. If you run into a demise knight, don't even think about fighting, just run as fast as you can. If I'm caught, don't hesitate.