**Epilogue: The Talent of Monsters**
**Chapter Three**
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**Epilogue: The Talent of Monsters**
The base of the Rainer Army was ablaze. The order that had been established under the absolute rule of the law of the jungle crumbled overnight.
Originally, the Demon King Army was built around the figure of the Demon King, an absolute powerhouse. No matter how large the army was, without that pillar, it could not be sustained.
The death of Demon King Rainer spread like wildfire. In the aftermath, chaos descended upon the Demon King Army.
The turmoil began with the lower-ranked combatants, who lacked any significant intelligence.
With Rainer, who had boasted absolute strength, dead and the feared yet despised man-eater Hebram gone, fear took hold. Some fled in terror, others plotted to seize power in the wake of the king’s death, while many rushed to plunder. The once orderly encampment was now ablaze, and the stench of blood and death swirled in the darkness.
To unite the various races, an undeniable force, a symbol, was necessary. Just yesterday, the army had been united as one, but now it splintered into factions based on race, with former comrades turned ‘bandits’ already raiding the treasure vault.
Oliver Albor, a werewolf once valued for his abilities and strength, quietly peeked out of his room in human form. The chaos had not yet spread to the residential areas near the castle, likely because it was a place too daunting for the lower-ranked soldiers to approach. However, tranquility would not last long. Even the intelligent beings once considered elite soldiers were now eyeing the remnants of the former Rainer Army with predatory intent.
The Demon King Rainer’s army was finished. Even if it were to recover, it could not conquer the fortress city of L/N/Aburg without a pillar, without order. Oliver had a fair amount of confidence in his own strength, but he did not believe he could become king.
He had to hurry. Shivering with urgency, Oliver hoisted Monica onto his shoulder and stepped outside.
Demon King Rainer had been strong and great. Yet, he was dead. Oliver had never thought Rainer would fall. Although he instinctively feared vampires, even Oliver could see that Lion Dragon Rainer had been overwhelming. But now, looking at the state of the Rainer Army, it was clear what had transpired.
The reason Oliver trembled was not because of the rampaging remnants of the Demon King Army. What he truly feared was the vampire.
Now, all Oliver could do was flee. To escape and hide.
Monica, who had been slowly drained of blood, remained unconscious with her eyes shut. Yet, she was alive. A burden, but he could not abandon her. They had fought together, and more importantly, Oliver had been tasked with watching over Monica from that terrifying End-Ba L/N/A.
Those blood-red, merciless eyes, and the prickling aura of death emanating from her slender form were not so different from the vampire that had once transformed Oliver. The chances of her returning were slim. The presence had already receded. Like the ancestor that had slain Oliver’s master, End-Ba L/N/A had chosen not to dominate him.
However, if there remained even a slight possibility of her return, Oliver had no choice but to pursue it.
The inhabitants of the fortress city of L/N/Aburg would soon learn of Demon King Rainer’s demise. And they would undoubtedly unleash their pent-up frustrations by hunting down the remnants.
Suddenly, countless glowing eyes approached from the foothills. They were lower-ranked soldiers of the former Rainer Army, now nothing more than a horde of magical beasts.
Upon confirming the presence of Oliver and Monica, who appeared human at first glance, they encircled them. Saliva dripped from their sharp-toothed jaws, excitement evident in their demeanor.
In the days when Demon King Rainer, the absolute powerhouse, was alive, such a scene would have been unthinkable. In this lawless state, they had completely lost their reason. The only time they would regain their composure would be under the leadership of a new charismatic Demon King.
It was a pitiful sight. In an instant, Oliver dismissed such thoughts; he had no time to waste on the weak.
He gazed up at the dawn sky and, with a roar, transformed.
§ § §
“…Senri-san… What happened to Ba L/N/A? Is any dog fine?”
“…W-well, that is…”
Senri wore a rare, strained expression as he looked into Katarina’s pure eyes.
A night had passed since the battle against Demon King Rainer, and we had returned to the fortress city of L/N/Aburg.
Entering the city at this time would be a poor choice. However, there was a compelling reason to do so: Del.
Del was half-dead. Bones were crushed under the rubble, and his blessings were nearly depleted, making it highly likely he would die if left unattended. Although my own injuries were far worse, Del was not an A/N/Ade N/ADoro.
Del was an enemy, but once, they had fought together. Oliver did not harbor hatred. It was only natural for him to suggest Del’s rescue to Senri. He knew Senri would want to save him anyway, so he made the suggestion not out of ulterior motives but simply because it was the right thing to do.
Infiltrating the city was not difficult. It seemed that during their stay, Senri had been healing the soldiers, and Del, who had gone alone to hunt down the Demon King Army, was already known. Even at night, they had built enough trust that they could be let in, even with an odd black dog in tow. Oliver had come to say a simple farewell.
Now, I was a black dog. While my size had changed, my color had not.
Unlike before, when I had been fluffy, my appearance was now sleek and sharp. My claws and fangs were sharp, and I looked quite impressive. While I had once embodied cuteness, I now embodied coolness. Just walking through the city was enough to attract offers from mercenaries to buy me.
With confidence, I barked, “Woof,” wagging my tail as I approached Katarina.
As I got closer to the trembling Katarina, I decided to show off my service spirit by sitting down. Katarina stared wide-eyed for a moment before cautiously reaching out to pat my head.
“…Good boy… Senri-san, where did you find him? What’s his name?”
“…W-well, he was outside. I haven’t decided on a name yet. He looks strong, but he’s very smart and a good boy.”
“And… his tail is white.”
“Yes… it turned white.”
So, my tail was the only thing that was white now. Unfortunately, it was difficult to see my own tail in dog form, and due to the traits of a lower-ranked vampire, I appeared semi-transparent in mirrors, making it hard to check. But that was not so bad. It was charming in its own way.
Katarina pulled a biscuit from her pocket and offered it to me. I gratefully accepted it and licked her hand. Katarina’s eyes narrowed with delight as she said, “And he’s very friendly… just like Ba L/N/A.”
Even in such a cool form, I could charm children; what a sinful vampire I was. I didn’t even need the charm of my magical eyes.
Pleased by the praise, I wagged my tail vigorously, but Senri looked at me with the cold eyes of someone who had just met me again and said, “Ba L/N/A. Will you be adopted by Katarina?”
“!?”
What…? I was devoted to Senri! Jealousy? Is this what jealousy feels like? Being a beloved one is tough.
I distanced myself from Katarina and leaned closer to Senri. At that moment, I noticed that the tips of my front paws had turned white.
How strange… they had definitely been pitch black just a moment ago.
§
Demon King Rainer was dead. His army still remained, but they had killed the strongest Demon King and the man-eater, so the aftermath could be dealt with. Del was still around.
It seemed that the Demon King Army would often crumble if the Demon King was killed. If Senri said so, it must be true.
The merchants who had given me food appeared to be mostly safe, which was a relief.
I thought I might die multiple times, but the battle with Rainer had brought me various things. I had a better grasp of how to use my power and had acquired the “Cursed Flame.” I never wanted to do it again, but fighting strong foes was a valuable experience.
There were many things I needed to consider regarding new vampires, but surely I could afford to rest a little.
Senri was truly wonderful. Being near him gave me a sense of peace.
In my opinion, what vampires lacked was someone who would trust them. That was what turned monsters back into humans.
I was hungry. I had received the bare minimum of blood right after our reunion and had recovered somewhat, but it was still not enough.
It seemed Senri had been worried about me even after we parted. He seemed to feel a negative presence. Could it be… would he give me blood? My expectations rose even higher. I felt like curling up in a fluffy coffin and relaxing with Senri someday.
With my tail wagging, Senri let out a small sigh and, with a barely noticeable smile that only someone who knew her well would catch, looked at me.
“BaロN/A, we need to leave the city immediately. Del’s companions are in a nearby town.”
“……”
I see. It’s not bragging when I say that Now’s I can grow significantly. I can carry Senri on my back without any trouble. As long as there’s no water flowing, I could go anywhere. My dog form is quite fast, so reaching the next town will be a breeze. While carrying Senri on my back is tempting…
The sky is painted with the hues of dusk, the perfect timing. I am always ready for an adventure. If I could get a little more Blood, that would be ideal, but I’ll save that for later enjoyment.
“When we reach the distant town, we’ll take some time to rest. You need to recuperate. Specifically, you should rest until your body turns completely white.”
It seems Senri prefers a fluffy white dog over a sleek black one. While I have my own fondness for this form, if Senri prefers otherwise, I have no objections. I couldn’t help but lean in closer, locking eyes with Senri.
“Will you give me Blood?”
“I will. But please, don’t speak. It sounds very suspicious.”
Indeed, a talking dog would raise eyebrows. I fell silent, wagging my tail as I followed Senri, who was completing the exit procedures.
§ § §
Blessing is the essence of life itself. The Eclipse Knight, skilled in its manipulation, boasts far superior Regeneration abilities and endurance compared to ordinary Humans. With focused power, they can heal fractures and fight tirelessly.
Del-ゴーDoroN/A was gravely injured, but compared to the usual wounds he bore, it wasn’t as severe.
The End was outside the room. Only Senri and Del were present in the hospital room. Del-ゴーDoroN/A lay motionless in the bed, glaring at Senri as he spoke.
“Cough, cough, do not treat me… Senri-シルヴィス. Once my wounds heal, I must pursue you all.”
Eclipse Knights have extensive connections. While they operate in groups led by First-Class Knights, Senri had previously encountered Del-ゴーDoroN/A. He was a member of the team led by the renowned ‘Tenkai,’ known for their stable mission success rate.
“I owe that Vampire a debt. It’s unbecoming of an Eclipse Knight. Moreover, in my current state, I have no chance of winning. So… regrettably, I must let this round go.”
Del’s expression was one of grim determination. It was not impossible. In fact, it was likely that Del-ゴーDoroN/A was not a victim of the tragedy caused by An/N/AデN/ADoro. Yet, there was hostility in his gaze.
However, that hostility was not directed at the End. It was aimed at Senri. In a voice that sounded like a groan, Del declared:
“But next time we meet, I swear on the pride of the Eclipse Knights, as a victim of past tragedies—Senri-シルヴィス, I will kill you. No matter the circumstances.”
“Understood.”
Senri’s expression remained unchanged.
Senri was already a traitor. To the Eclipse Knights, he was more detestable than the enemies of An/N/AデN/ADoro—a traitor who had turned against them. The Master had once let him go, but others would not be so forgiving.
Yet, everything was built on resolve. Senri did not decide to side with the End without consideration.
Seeing Senri’s unchanging expression, Del frowned. The anger he had shown moments ago was absent from his next words.
“Senri, this is a warning. Kill that man—End-BaロN/A. Before he becomes unmanageable, grant him mercy. You are a natural Eclipse Knight, but that man possesses the talent of a monster. It’s not just about having powerful abilities; End-BaロN/A will become a formidable King. Before long, he will be the greatest enemy to the Eclipse Knights.”
Del’s words were filled with strong emotion. He understood. End’s ability, Curse Absorption, held terrifying potential. They did not know what multiple curses would bring upon him.
Once, Senri had speculated that End’s transformed state reflected his emotions. Now, End had begun to transform into a pitch-black dog. This indicated that even that somewhat carefree young man was not unchanging.
Yet, Senri continued to stare at Del and said:
“…I won’t let that happen.”
“Kill him. If you still have any pride as an Eclipse Knight.”
Del turned away, closing his eyes.
Del’s concerns were valid. End’s escape would become increasingly difficult from here on. News of Senri’s departure would spread throughout the Order of the Final Knights, and the existence of End would be revealed to the powerful Vampire—the King of Stakes’ Familiar. Though he unleashed Annihilation, if even a single bat escaped, it would regenerate. It was likely that he had not been killed.
Perhaps Purification would offer a chance at salvation. However, End would surely not desire that. In that case, Senri would simply side with him.
Resolving his thoughts without showing any outward signs, Senri turned his back and exited the hospital room.
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Thank you for accompanying me this far. This is Tsukikage.
With this, the tale of the King of the Dead in the Dark Palace concludes in three parts. How did you find it?
Unlike Part Two, which focused on the escape with Senri, Part Three delves into the powers of the Vampire.
New monsters and information, such as the Beastmen and other Vampires, have emerged. I hope you enjoyed it.
Additionally, the release date for the book version has been set for November 30th.
I have already revealed the character designs for Ruu and Lord, but as a milestone for the conclusion of the three parts, I have also published the character designs for Senri and End in the activity report. Please check them out!
Now that I’ve wrapped up the summary of the Demon King’s army, there are many Demon Kings, and End’s journey is far from over.
While it feels like a good stopping point, there’s also the book version, so I’m considering taking a little break before writing Part Four.
I have a general idea of the content, so stay tuned!
For a while, I’ll be discussing the book in the activity report and writing a few light interludes.
Lastly, to those who have enjoyed this journey, those who think they might read Part Four, or those who still prefer the white dog,
I would appreciate your support through evaluations and bookmarks.
*You can evaluate from below the latest chapter.