**Chapter 15: Threat**
The army of the Demon King, Rainer, is a fine place indeed. What makes it so appealing is that if you win a battle, any whim can be indulged. The living conditions may leave much to be desired, but as they say, one can adapt to any environment.
It’s also a boon to gain combat experience against various subhumans. Since subhumans come in all shapes and sizes, their characteristics vary just as much. Some even possess swordsmanship, and best of all, they are not particularly lethal. If only Senri were here, it would be perfect.
The lid of my coffin creaks as I slowly rise, exerting effort to shift the heavy cover. Bathed in moonlight, the first thing I see is Monica’s face.
“Good morning, End-sama. Did you sleep well?”
“Ah, thank you, Monica. I feel quite refreshed.”
I sit up in the completely sealed black coffin, stretching my upper body widely.
The coffin was prepared by Monica. It seems that vampires are prone to sleeping in coffins, a fact I had known from the beginning. Though it may sound like a joke for someone who has died once, there seems to be a purpose behind it, as my condition feels better than ever. It’s incredibly calming. Although I’m not actually asleep this time since we’re in enemy territory, it might be the second-best feeling after feeding on blood. If only I had a portable coffin.
“Have the conditions improved?”
“Yes, well… Given the circumstances, it’s not perfect yet, but I’m working on it as you instructed…”
Monica lowers her gaze and speaks in a small voice. I had requested an improvement in the prison conditions. There’s no way delicious blood can thrive in an environment where they don’t even clean properly or provide decent food. While I doubt that even with improved conditions, the blood could match Senri’s quality, being kind to the prisoners might encourage Senri to let me feed on her blood in a more delightful manner later.
“However, there have been complaints regarding that matter… Fifteen individuals.”
“Understood. I’ll handle it.”
I nod without hesitation at Monica’s timid words. Improving the environment takes effort, and it’s the lower ranks of the Demon King’s army that are responsible for it. Just yesterday, there were others who opposed the changes, but I resolved everything with a show of strength.
It seems that demonstrating power is the best way to solidify my position within the Demon King’s army, as the number of challengers has decreased with each victory. Although I’ve only been here for three days, perhaps rumors have spread, as there’s an atmosphere of fear surrounding me now.
Today, Monica is dressed unusually in modest clothing that covers most of her skin. Yet, her figure is still hard to conceal. If I rise in rank, perhaps Monica will reconsider and offer me her blood. I’ll do my best today as well.
Today’s challenger is an ogre. This species has formed a significant faction within the Demon King’s army, and they have come to challenge me multiple times since I defeated their champion on the first day. With their impressive physique and tough skin, they truly embody the term “ogre,” yet their expression is tense the moment we lock eyes.
I can’t help but widen my eyes. Usually, they come with fists, but today’s challenger wields a single sword. It’s a darkened blade, clearly too small for their large frame. Though it’s tarnished, I instinctively recognize it. It’s a silver sword.
I had anticipated this moment. To deal a proper blow without exploiting weaknesses, one would need the strength of a silver sword wielder like Albatross.
Noticing the nature of that weapon, Monica opens her lips in alarm, but I stop her.
“It’s fine. Just make sure to help me if I’m about to die… Did you think I’d complain?”
The ogre’s expression contorts, and their massively developed arms tremble. Hot breath escapes from their fang-filled mouth.
My body has nearly no sense of pain. The absence of pain is truly remarkable. However, at the same time, pain is something one must not forget.
If I continue to win without any challenges, I’m sure I’ll become overconfident.
According to Senri, pain is a vampire’s weakness. Since I never feel pain, when I do experience it, my movements freeze. My survival thus far has been thanks to my previous life’s experiences, which allowed me to avoid such situations.
Moreover, what threat could a tarnished silver sword pose? I know the perfect silver sword that forms a flawless cross. I’m aware of the holy sword crafted from precious blessed silver. Those would surely kill me with ease. Therefore, before I encounter such weapons again, I must learn to overcome my weaknesses. Engaging in combat with a silver sword while my chances of dying are low is not a bad thing when considering that.
“Since it’s a hassle, feel free to send all your members at me.”
“Y-you mock me, vampire!”
Even so, it seems they only have one silver sword.
The ogre steps forward, closing the distance, and swings the sword with all their might. It’s a tremendous strike that seems to split the air. However, the sword is ill-suited for their body. I easily sidestep the descending blow and jab at their exposed side.
What I intended as a light attack causes the ogre’s face to twist in pain, their flesh creaking. The sword, still propelled by its momentum, is swung back.
It’s slow. Too slow. While the ogre is strong, their speed is lacking. My reflexes allow me to easily read their movements. This could serve as good training for evasion.
As I evade, I concentrate my mind and activate the ability of the “Dark Stalker,” “Shadow Veil.”
Sound fades away, and darkness spreads across my skin. The ogre’s expression shifts to one of confusion.
This ability is originally meant for hiding in shadows, but it seems effective even in combat. While the scent remains, most sounds vanish, which is a significant advantage. For me, who cannot yet utilize the full extent of my vampire powers, this is a powerful ally. I must learn to master it.
After landing three similar jabs, the ogre collapses to their knees. Despite their impressive physique, they’re a pitiful sight. However, I can’t help but wonder—if this ogre were to become a vampire, would they not surpass me in strength? Given that I was once frail but have become capable of fighting, it’s certainly a possibility.
Next, I’ll try to receive the sword with my claws. That’s something I would never attempt against a master beast. I shift my gaze from the ogre and observe the next challenger waiting.
Once this is over, I’ll use my fists. With a vampire’s strength, breaking a silver sword shouldn’t be out of the question. The higher-ups of the Rainer army should be much stronger than them, and I must close the gap.
—
Initially, there was hostility. That transformed into fear, and gradually shifted into respect. In this army of Rainer, those with great power are revered. Monica couldn’t help but turn pale at this change in circumstances.
End-Balon was quickly adapting to the Demon King’s army in just three days. I had sensed it from the beginning, but this vampire is quite peculiar. There’s something uncharacteristic about them. The ancestors of vampires were more arrogant and disdainful, beings that could not coexist with the living. They shouldn’t have been able to integrate into the Demon King’s army so easily.
Yet, End lacks that quality. They may be demanding, but the fact that Monica hasn’t been drained of blood yet shows that their nature diverges significantly from that of a typical vampire.
However, their power is genuine. They can utilize both Shiki’s abilities and the powers of the “Dark Stalker.” Though they haven’t fed in a while, there’s no sign of their strength waning.
Monica still couldn’t see through their true nature.
At this rate, they would likely rise to an executive position in a short time. Elevating a newcomer to such a rank is unheard of in a normal Demon King’s army, but it’s entirely possible in Rainer’s forces.
Today, Monica accompanied End, witnessing their sleep until dawn, feeling relieved as another day passed without incident.
Improvements to the prison conditions were being rapidly implemented. Food was provided, the cells were cleaned, and the right to use the restroom was granted. No one wants to manage the health of humans, but since End desires it and has defeated the challengers, there’s no choice but to comply. Currently, the prisoners are living better than many of the lower-ranked members.
The environment was changing significantly. End was attempting to monopolize the humans they had previously shared. It was impossible for discontent not to arise. While Monica herself did not partake, there were many within the Demon King’s army who had a fondness for human blood.
No matter how much of a vampire one is, it’s unlikely they would drain all that human blood. The majority of humans should be considered expendable, and once they’ve served their purpose, they would be discarded. Monica could only pray that a suitable human with satisfying blood would appear soon to quell this nuisance of a vampire.
Suddenly, a loud thud echoed as a large black shadow leaped into view, landing right in front of Monica, silhouetted against the morning sun.
Oliver-Albor, one of the most formidable werewolves in the Demon King’s army, stuck out his bright red tongue and, upon seeing Monica, spoke first.
“I’m back! How is it… End-sama?”
“End is satisfied for now. I’ve spoken with Rainer-sama as well. But you’ve found the nuisance, haven’t you?”
The man who had devoured countless seasoned warriors shrank back, his tail thickening like a frightened dog.
“D-Don’t you dare provoke me. If anyone challenges me to a duel, send them my way.”
“…Hah. It’s too late; a hundred have already fallen.”
“N/A… What did you say!?”
And not just any hundred. These were warriors brimming with confidence in their strength, capable of overwhelming even a group of Human mercenaries despite the odds. As a member of the Demon King’s army, this was a headache beyond measure, but I could only think that it was better than being killed.
“Crap, N/A, I’ll kill them, I’ll devour them. Give me their names, Monica. You’ve sullied my name. N-No, that’s not it, End-sama… I-I never meant it like that—”
Oliver’s eyes glinted with intensity. The sun was already up, yet there was no sign of him returning to his Human form. A degraded Werewolf could only transform on a Full Moon night, but the Third Rank Oliver was different. Regardless of his power, he could shift forms at will even during the day, retaining a semblance of reason.
However, within his eyes lay a potent mix of fear and madness. To instill such fear in this man, the Vampire who turned Oliver into a Werewolf must have been formidable indeed. I spoke in a calm voice, trying to soothe him.
“Calm down, Oliver. End-sama was merely enjoying himself.”
“Ah… Ah, I see. Then, that’s good. I’m glad.”
Oliver’s voice was thick with emotion.
But there was a pressing issue. As far as Monica could see, End-BaロN/A was measuring his own power. What began as brute force gradually evolved into a more refined movement, as if he were testing himself, now even facing off against the silver sword, which was a weakness in the light of day.
No matter how superior the opponent, the demon warriors were completely intimidated. End had said he had no intention of staying with this Demon King’s army for long, but at this rate, he would only become a poison to them.
As a loyal servant under the Demon King, Rainer, I had to take action.
“…Oliver, End-sama will be fighting the ‘Man-Eater.’ He’s wagering the life of that End Knight.”
Oliver perked up, his eyes widening. The ‘Man-Eater’ was one of the most powerful beings in this Demon King’s army, second only to Rainer-sama. Regardless of his personality, his combat prowess surpassed even Oliver’s. He was a creature of a different kind, distinct from a Vampire.
I had intended to observe him for a while, but it would be wise to initiate a strategy sooner rather than later.
Surprisingly, End was learning. Before he could gain further strength and become uncontrollable, he aimed to consume this army from within. A strange premonition stirred within me. If not, Rainer’s army would be devoured from the inside out, facing utter annihilation.