**Special Edition: Senri-sensei’s Exciting A-N/A-Doro Course**
**Interlude**
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**Special Edition: Senri-sensei’s Exciting A-N/A-Doro Course**
*Note: This is a special edition. It is not part of the main story.*
—
“It’s very good to know about oneself…”
In a room at the inn, Senri spoke while flipping through the A-N/A-Doro Encyclopedia, a textbook brought from Lord’s estate.
The collection at Holos Carmen was filled with many difficult texts, and there were more books that I couldn’t read than those I could. The A-N/A-Doro Encyclopedia, with its many illustrations, was one of the few books that I could enjoy reading.
“However, this only contains the necessary minimum of information. There’s a lack of descriptions regarding the Necromancer.”
After all, it was just an encyclopedia. The author was likely neither a Necromancer nor a End Knight or a Vampire Hunter. Senri closed the encyclopedia with a snap and took out a slim pair of stylish glasses from its case, putting them on with a practiced motion.
“I will teach you the basics of A-N/A-Doro properly.”
I didn’t dislike studying. I had never been to school. In the dimly lit room illuminated only by the lamp, our study session with Senri began.
—
§ § §
**■ Zombie**
“Zombies are the most basic type of A-N/A-Doro. They are moving corpses that target living humans, often seen in graveyards. They move slowly but possess great strength, and unless they are dismembered, they won’t stop—a troublesome opponent for non-combatants. However, since their movements are monotonous and they lack intelligence, they aren’t much of a challenge if you have even a little combat experience. The most notable feature is that Zombies can spontaneously arise as A-N/A-Doro. It is generally said that those who die with strong resentment become Zombies. In times when cremation was not widespread, there were instances of mass Zombie outbreaks.”
“They’re not my base, right?”
“Correct. Corpse Eaters and Zombies are different. However, it is said that the Necromancer conceived Necromancy based on spontaneously generated Zombies, so they share a common root.”
It could be considered fortunate that Lord revived me before my body began to decay. I was surprisingly calm about the fact that my body was decomposing.
“Those killed by a Zombie have a low chance of becoming a Zombie themselves. This Infection ability has been enhanced and is also inherited by Vampires. While the danger level is the lowest among A-N/A-Doro, if a Necromancer produces them in large numbers, an entire village could be wiped out. Their weaknesses are holy water, silver, and fire. Sunlight doesn’t affect them, but they become active at night. The reason for this is unknown. Be cautious of corpses on the battlefield as well.”
—
**■ Skeleton**
“Skeletons are a basic type of A-N/A-Doro, just like Zombies. To put it simply, they are animated human bones. Compared to Zombies, they move faster but are weaker. Since they are just bones, their durability isn’t very high either.”
“Weaker than Zombies?”
“Not significantly. However, the point to note is that Skeletons rarely arise spontaneously. When that A-N/A-Doro appears in large numbers, there’s usually a Necromancer behind it eight or nine times out of ten.”
“If they’re weaker than Zombies, why do Necromancers create Skeletons? They could just make Zombies instead.”
In response to my question, Senri replied without a hint of displeasure.
“Because they don’t emit a foul odor. Also, Skeletons are easier to enhance with magic, and they can be created from corpses that have completely rotted away. While using the bones of mercenaries may result in a deterioration compared to their previous life, it is still possible to create Skeletons with combat skills.”
That does sound convenient.
“Skeletons that undergo repeated rank mutations can sometimes become stronger than they were in their previous life. Caution is necessary. Their weaknesses are blunt weapons and holy water. Fire doesn’t affect them as much as it does Zombies.”
—
**■ Corpse Eater**
“This is the first type of me.”
“Correct. Corpse Eaters are a basic type of A-N/A-Doro, just like Zombies and Skeletons. To put it simply, they are animated corpses that have not yet decomposed. Their characteristics include faster movement compared to Zombies, similar strength, and slightly lower durability. However, the most well-known trait is that Corpse Eaters serve as the base for Vampires.”
It felt like a long time had passed since I was revived. Hearing that made me realize I had grown.
Senri spoke in a serious tone.
“Corpse Eaters do not arise spontaneously. Therefore, when a Corpse Eater appears, there is undoubtedly a Necromancer behind it. Their strength does not differ greatly from the other two types. Normally, they lack intelligence and cannot speak, so the likelihood of them blending into human society is almost nonexistent. Destroying them is not particularly difficult. Their weaknesses are holy water and silver, but they can also be killed by crushing their heads. That’s a difference from Skeletons and Zombies.”
“Are there many of them?”
“The creation of a Corpse Eater requires a fresh corpse, making them significantly rarer compared to Skeletons and Zombies… but they do exist. A third-tier Necromancer might create them for practice in Necromancy. The Order of the Final Knights views the existence of Corpse Eaters as a trace of Necromancers.”
I see… They aren’t stronger than Zombies or Skeletons, but they are a necessary presence that requires nurturing. Reflecting on it now, it was quite reasonable for Lord to have nurtured me so thoroughly.
Then, I widened my eyes and asked.
“What’s the difference between a third-tier Necromancer and a second-tier one? You mentioned that a first-tier Necromancer is defined as one who has transformed themselves into an A-N/A-Doro… but is Lord a second-tier?”
“A third-tier Necromancer can only use basic Necromancy and can only create low-tier A-N/A-Doro. They can create Skeletons, Zombies, and Corpse Eaters, but the A-N/A-Doro produced by a third-tier Necromancer… do not have the ‘Mutation’ curse inscribed upon them, so even if they accumulate the energy of death, they do not undergo rank mutations.”
That means… it was fortunate that Lord was a second-tier Mage.
An existence that would never change from a Corpse Eater, huh? Back when I was a Corpse Eater, I had no appetite, no desire for sleep, and no sexual desire. While that wasn’t a problem for living, it was sadly true that I also lacked regenerative abilities. If I had remained in such a state forever, I would have decayed before long. Without the sense of pain, if I had continued to live like that, my mind would have likely transformed as well.
—
§ § §
Having listened for a long time, I began to feel tired. Senri’s voice seemed to be slightly hoarse as well. It was about time to sleep. I stretched widely and expressed my gratitude.
“Thank you, that was very informative. Morning is approaching, so I think I’ll ask for the continuation next time.”
“…I’m glad. For A-N/A-Doro, A-N/A-Doro are enemies. The Necromancers are in a state of mutual hostility. Accumulating knowledge about A-N/A-Doro will surely become a strength for your survival.”
“Thank you. That helps… I wish there was something I could do in return.”
I felt that I could never express enough gratitude. I wondered if there was anything I could teach Senri. While I couldn’t match him in knowledge, Senri was not a Vampire. Even though he was still of a lower rank, there were surely things I could understand as a Vampire.
Then, I had a good idea.
How about a gourmet report? I am a Vampire. I can identify blood that is easy for Vampires to attack, and conversely, I could advise on blood that I wouldn’t want to drink now. It would be troublesome if Senri became such blood, but it would surely be valuable knowledge. Plus, it would feel good, and I could get a little blood from Senri, killing two birds with one stone.
I licked my lips and decided to propose this to Senri, who was looking at me with expectant eyes.