**Epilogue: The King of the Dead in the Dark Palace**
**Chapter One**
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**Epilogue: The King of the Dead in the Dark Palace**
It was, without a doubt, the best feeling I had ever experienced in my life.
The euphoria I felt when I first devoured the flesh of a magical beast as a Shiki (Ghoul) was nothing compared to the ecstasy I experienced the moment I tasted blood. Perhaps it was because Senri’s blood was of the highest quality, but I now understood why Vampires would go so far as to attack a Liスク to sip the blood of young women.
As the name suggests, Vampires gain strength through bloodsucking. This holds true even for Lower rank (レN/Aサー). Senri’s blood completely rejuvenated my body, including my heart. Had I been even a few minutes late, my dying body would have perished.
I could see it—the immense Sei energy radiating from the End Knights. However, this time, I felt no despair like I had before.
Now, my power was at its peak—surpassing even my previous life. Lower rank (レN/Aサー) Vampires are merely in the preparatory stages of becoming a Vampire, and they are said to be particularly weak among the ranks. But I didn’t care about that at all.
My body was no longer the frail one from my previous life. My limbs were well-muscled, and my abs were defined. And the power hidden within me was beyond words. Originally, an AdN/Aド’s body was not supposed to grow, yet mine had changed. This was likely the intention of the necromancer—evidence that the curse had progressed.
The room was filled with all the End Knights. The Knight who had tortured me, wielding a mace—Nebira—stepped back in shock, likely mistaking me for Senri.
“W-what are you—N/A!”
“Why N/A!”
It must have been completely unexpected for them. However, the End Knights’ reactions were inhuman. The blonde female Knight—Telma, skilled with a bow—grabbed a silver bow propped against the wall and, in an instant, aimed and shot a silver arrow. Almost simultaneously, Nebira swung his mace overhead.
But I remained calm. If I had not been confident in my survival, the cowardly me would never have come to the enemy’s stronghold.
I could clearly see the mace barreling towards my head and the arrow aimed at me, now a Lower rank Vampire, endowed with inhuman reflexes. Indeed, the physical abilities of the third-tier Knights were far superior to those of ordinary mercenaries, and their skills were refined. But they were still human. Though enhanced by Sei energy, their abilities could not compare to the full power I possessed now as a true monster.
I stepped forward, catching the swinging mace with the palm of my left hand before it could gain momentum. With my right hand, I snatched the arrow that was closing in on my forehead.
Pain shot through my hand, but it was nothing compared to what I had felt when I was subjected to the sun’s punishment.
The act of bloodsucking by a Vampire was not merely a means of replenishing energy. I discarded the arrow, gripping the mace tightly and forcibly wresting it from Nebira’s hands. The white smoke that had risen from my hands quickly regenerated and vanished.
“Most of my body below the neck is made up of Senri’s blood. Thanks to you purifying my lower half, of course.”
The End Knights stood in stunned silence. The only one who remained calm was the Sun’s man—Annihilation’s Epe, the master of Senri.
Strong. Even upon closer inspection, he was overwhelming. The energy possessed by Epe was on a different level than even Senri-Sylvis, who had an extraordinary talent for blessings as an End Knight.
I had heard the name of Annihilation’s Epe in my previous life. It was a name well-known even among First-Class Knights. The tale of him single-handedly storming the Vampire King’s castle and annihilating thousands of AdN/Aド soldiers in a single strike had become a popular play.
Truly, he was a living hero.
I was shocked to learn that the Sun’s man was the Annihilation’s Epe I had been a huge fan of. It made sense that he radiated such immense energy that could obliterate anything merely by approaching.
The reason he remained seated even upon my arrival was likely because he felt no need to stand to eliminate someone like me. Epe narrowed his eyes and spoke in a calm voice.
“So, what brings you here, Lower rank (レN/Aサー) Vampire—was it End? Revenge? Do you think you can face a group of End Knights just because your lower half has returned? How foolish.”
Of course, I had no such intention. Even now, my heart raced like a drum at the sight of him. He was strong—too strong. This man was truly a monster wearing the skin of a human.
I regretted coming to this room just a little, but this was a necessary process.
Do not be overwhelmed. There was already an insurmountable gap between us. If I let my guard down, everything would be over.
I shrugged and returned the mace to Nebira, pressing it into his hands.
“Of course, it’s not revenge. I hold no grudge. Sure, I thought I might actually be obliterated by the sun’s punishment, and I wondered why I had to go through this… But now, even though I retain memories of my previous life, I am an AdN/Aド, so it can’t be helped.”
I gazed at the third-tier End Knights, each of them brandishing their weapons, and put on a brave front.
“I know all about the Order of the Final Knights. I’m a fan. In my previous life, I was bedridden, and reading about your exploits in books was my source of strength. I’ll let bygones be bygones regarding the attempt on my life. Thanks to Nebira’s cruelty, Senri took pity on me. Because I was on the brink of death, she offered me her neck.”
“N/A!? I thought that girl was soft, but what a foolish thing to do… N/A!”
Nebira, finally grasping the situation, glared at me with a furious expression.
Originally, it was impossible for a Lower rank Vampire to suck the blood of an End Knight, who possessed immense Sei energy. This was because the Sei energy surrounding an End Knight served as both sword and armor to an AdN/Aド. For one to allow their blood to be sucked, their consent was essential. This meant that at that moment, Senri had removed her armor for me and offered her neck.
Epe’s gaze was warm, but I could not discern what he was thinking.
“Then, what have you come to do? Do you think I would let an AdN/Aド return alive?”
“Ah, Senri is alive. I took a little blood out of gratitude, but I’m not cruel enough to kill my savior. I’m not part of the Order of the Final Knights. I’m still human… and of course, still pure.”
At my words, the third-tier Knights gasped and trembled. Even Epe’s previously calm demeanor flickered slightly.
“N/A!? You managed to suppress the bloodsucking impulse…?”
“Ah, I almost thought I was going to heaven. I even forgot I was on the verge of obliteration. I never knew such pleasure existed in this world… But I’m human, so I won’t be swept away by impulses. Knowing your names is proof of that. Annihilation’s Epe, Nebira, Rufuri, Telma, and that plain man over there—EidLiA. I heard them from Senri. I thought it necessary for negotiation and self-defense.”
I recalled the experience of drinking blood and let out a heated sigh. It was an experience that could change one’s outlook on life. However, I had not fully become an AdN/Aド. There were too many enemies as an AdN/Aド. I wanted to survive at all costs.
“N/A… self-defense, huh? State your conditions.”
Epe was contemplating. He was weighing my true intentions. Whether it was permissible to kill me. The means to save Senri, who was supposed to be his disciple and a First-Class Knight.
He must have thought I intended to take Senri hostage.
But that was not the case. I had come here, risking my life, to settle matters. I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for the value I found in it.
I pulled out a sword sheathed in a scabbard I had found in the ruins of the Lord’s mansion, draped in a robe. The expressions of Nebira and the others twisted in anger, anxiety, and sorrow.
I placed Senri’s sword on the table and, with a smile that mirrored the calm one Epe had worn just moments ago, I spoke.
“Conditions? You’re misunderstanding. I haven’t taken Senri hostage. I came to return this sword. I promised Senri… She has a message for you. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m leaving the Order of the Final Knights. Thank you for everything up until now.'”
§
Rufuri and the others widened their eyes, and then their expressions quickly froze.
My words, the message, were all the truth. I had certainly manipulated their sympathy and controlled their will to some extent, but the final decision had been hers. Senri-Sylvis was an End Knight, but she clearly differed from the others.
The End Knights, including Nebira, were allies of Sei義 and enemies of the dark minions, but Senri was different. Senri was an ally of the Weaklings.
She was excessively sweet. That’s why she felt pity for a pitiful and weak AdN/Aド like me. One could also say she was kind, but that was not suitable for an End Knight.
“Senri told me she would stay by my side, watching over me so that I wouldn’t be consumed by the instincts of an AdN/Aド. She cannot allow me to attack people, but in return, she would regularly provide the blood essential for my survival. Truly, Senri is such a good girl, but she’s not suited to be an End Knight.”
“You… N/A…”
Nebira’s face turned crimson with rage as he tried to approach. I quickly raised my voice.
The Order of the Final Knights is truly terrifying. They don’t need a reason to attack the dark denizens.
“Wait a moment. Don’t attack I. If I dies, Senri dies.”
“N/A!?”
Epe’s expression turns grim. Fueled by the euphoria and invincibility from the blood he has consumed, I declares loudly, “Who would kill me? Well, of course—it’s suicide. I promised that if I were killed in this negotiation or if I never returned, Senri would take her own life. I wouldn’t come to a place like this without guarantees, N/A!”
“That’s… nonsense.”
“Rufuri! You know better than anyone, having spent much longer with her than I have, whether Senri would actually go through with that. Be careful; unlike I, who is just a mere N/A, once her head and body are separated, she won’t be able to survive.”
Being glared at feels exhilarating. I may be a harmless and pitiable N/A, but I am not so enlightened that I wouldn’t feel anything if my head were to vanish.
I can sense a prickling intent to kill. Of course, there is a possibility I could be killed here.
However, I have found value in Senri’s words that makes it worth risking my life.
Strong, beautiful, young, the blood of a pure maiden. And if I can regularly drink the blood of someone who was once a member of the Order of the Final Knights, there could be no better conditions for a Vampire.
Just a little more blood would allow my body to regenerate, granting me this level of power. If I could regularly feed, it would dramatically enhance my survival capabilities.
Vampires possess a terrifying special ability to turn their victims into thralls—Lower rank Vampires—by drinking their blood. While I, as a Lower rank, do not have this ability, even if I were to obtain it, I could never turn her into a thrall. If I did, I would lose the ability to drink her blood.
Epe finally makes a significant move. He stands up and speaks in a calm voice.
“That’s a ridiculous story. If that’s the kind of life you intend to lead, then it would be merciful to kill you outright…”
“Ah, that’s right. Exactly right.”
I has already become a mere object. My once black irises have turned blood-red, reflecting in the mirror like a translucent shadow. Crosses and garlic will eventually become weaknesses, and without an invitation, I cannot invade another’s room. I cannot even cross flowing water.
Yet, no matter how much of an object I become, Senri remains human.
In a whispering tone, I tempt, “But think carefully. No matter how sweet Senri may be, it’s hard to believe she would willingly submit to being drained of blood by an object forever, wouldn’t you agree?”
“…What are you saying?”
“Senri is currently a bit confused. That’s the truth. The one who weakened Senri-Sylvis is undoubtedly you, Nebira.”
Upon being named, Nebira’s expression shifts slightly. Senri is sweet, undeniably so, and while she may side with the weak, it is unthinkable for her to offer her neck to a Vampire she has fought against for so long.
What led to this was Nebira’s torture… the Sun Punishment. The Sun Punishment made I, who was already a pitiable weakling, even weaker. And for Senri, it became a negative reflection of her inability to stop Nebira and the others. As a result, she ended up offering her blood to I.
None of this was I’s intention, but it has become quite convenient for me. I even feel grateful to have almost been killed.
“Actually, Senri initially intended to return the sword herself. But I stopped her. I decided to risk my life and go in her stead. Truly, she trusts people too much.”
If she were to do that, Senri would be captured and quickly come to her senses.
However, even if she were not captured, it wouldn’t last forever. She is endlessly kind, but she also possesses common sense and intelligence. She is righteous. And I am undoubtedly an evil being. It is entirely possible that a conflict could arise between us. The relationship between I and Senri is precarious.
I put on a slightly serious expression and say to Epe, “Senri is strong. To put it plainly, she is an object. Even with just a little of her blood, I wouldn’t stand a chance against her. She is not a captive princess. If I were to become a harmful presence, Senri would not hesitate to kill me.”
“…So, you want me to let you go?”
“Now, if you kill me, Senri will die without hesitation. She is currently very unstable. All she needs is a little time to regain her composure.”
However, I will not allow Senri to regain her composure. Right now, what Senri feels for I is sympathy. Once she stops being a weakling, that sympathy will vanish.
Before that happens, I must engrave into her mind the reasons for being by my side, the reasons she cannot kill me.
Well, I’m not worried. I am merely an N/A who wishes to survive, likely a type of undead that the Lord did not intend to create.
I cannot become the enemy of righteousness. Not unless I am attacked.
Epe snorts derisively, his eyes wide as he looks down at I.
The sharp gaze emanating from the elder is unexpected. The intimidation felt from his large frame is terrifying for I, who has already wagered everything.
My heart trembles, but I do not show it.
With bared teeth, Epe quietly says, “The Order of the Final Knights is not to be underestimated. If you think we would let you go over something as trivial as negotiation materials, you are mistaken. End-kun, you are mistaken. Senri is a negative. Her death is her responsibility, and it is unavoidable. Our mission is to eliminate abominable living dead like you.”
I laugh at those words. Even Annihilation Epe is not that impressive.
I will survive. By any means necessary, using force, words, and luck, I will endure.
“If Senri could make such a choice, she wouldn’t be so sweet. I know well, as a member of the Order of the Final Knights, that you are merciless to enemies but soft on your allies. And you do not make mistakes in your choices. If you could kill me, you would have done so long ago. Just to confirm once more… are you really willing to let your precious princess share a fate with a single, harmless Lower rank Vampire like me? Hahaha… that would be a wasted death. She said that if I were killed, she would accompany me on my journey to the afterlife, but Senri and I are headed to entirely different destinations.”
Epe falls silent, still wearing a smile. Rufuri and the others glance at their master with tense expressions.
They begin to prepare for action. Epe’s abilities are unknown, but it is currently night… the hour of the N/A. If by chance they miss and attack, I might be able to escape.
The Lower rank Vampire, known as the “Dark Stalker,” is said to possess the ability to hide in the shadows.
However, due to absorbing the Lord’s soul, I have surpassed that rank and cannot use that power. I might be able to learn it with practice, but at least for now, it is impossible.
Yet, Epe does not know this.
They are weighing I’s threat against Senri’s value.
The Order of the Final Knights does not make mistakes. The faint sound of the clock ticking is the only thing that echoes in the room.
The silence abruptly ends. Epe frowns and slowly returns to his chair. His disciples let out a sigh of relief.
It seems unlikely they would genuinely attempt to kill I in such a brutal manner, but it seems Epe and Nebira are still human.
They have the luxury to care for others. I do not.
“Ah, yes. There was one more thing. I want the shadow amulet and sunshade cloak that you took from me returned. I need those to live peacefully in the city, and they are a keepsake from Holos. They are my possessions. You wouldn’t want to leave the princess to sleep outdoors, would you?”
“…Rufuri, could you fetch them for me?”
“Yes.”
I hadn’t expected to get them back, but it seems to be going well.
Rufuri retrieves the familiar sunshade cloak and shadow amulet from the safe at the back of the room and hands them to Epe.
Epe places the cloak on the table and picks up the amulet, adorned with a black gem that conceals negative energy.
He presents it to I, looking at me with hopeful eyes, and speaks in a quiet voice.
“End-kun… this time, I will let you go, having fallen for your sweet words. But that does not mean I trust you. What I believe in is—Senri.”
The gem cracks with a sharp sound. Before I can raise my voice, the black amulet shatters into countless pieces.
Epe lightly brushes away the fragments, a thin smile on his face as he says, “Leave now, while I am still barely able to suppress my anger. And tell Senri that I will definitely come for her.”
“…Damn you, monster.”
A surge of exhilaration rises, as if something is about to be born.
If I don’t leave quickly, I will truly be killed. Epe’s words carry enough weight to convince me of that.
Perhaps I provoked him a bit too much. But… I bought some time.
Turning my back, at almost the same moment, a silver blade whizzes past just beside my cheek.
There was no presence. No sound. I was not careless. A wound erupts on my cheek, releasing white smoke. With a dull thud, the sword that was returned to Senri is embedded in the door.
The moment I felt the pain, my heart thudded strongly in my chest.
“That sword—return it to Senri, End. It is not a mere object that can be returned on someone else’s behalf…”
§
As I stepped out of the constructed object, a wave of fear surged up from my feet. To avoid being consumed by it, I sprinted forward with all my might. The legs of a lower-rank vampire transformed my fear into wind, and in the blink of an eye, I burst out of the city of Enage.
I am a coward. In my previous life, I lived in constant fear of death, and now I tremble at the thought of being killed. However, unlike once upon a time, the present me has the means to fight back. I possess the strength to resist. My body moves freely. I have a future.
After entering the forest and running for a while, I finally came to a halt.
Under the moonlight, only the cold wind caressed my cheeks. There were no pursuers. Yet, that did not mean I was forgiven.
I had already become an unforgivable being, the enemy of the world, the king of the dead.
But that was fine.
I would use every means at my disposal. I would sacrifice every object. I would exploit kindness, affection, anger, joy—everything. If it meant achieving freedom and peace.
—I would willingly become the most terrifying monster in the world.
Senri should be waiting in the forest. I needed to discuss an escape plan. What mattered was what lay ahead. I took a moment to steady my breathing, feeling a surge of joy at having survived, and began to hum a tune as I ventured deeper into the woods.