**Chapter Ten: The Dark King**
“Night’s King—Ancestor, you say?”
“Indeed. Oliver has a keen nose for Vampires, Deceased. There’s no doubt about it.”
There exists a being known as the Dark King. It is a title bestowed by Humans—the weakest and most numerous race in this world—upon their natural enemy, the one who rules over them.
By definition, the species of the Dark King is varied. It can be a wise beast, a dragon, or even another Human. Many magical beasts live in a world governed by the law of the jungle. As long as one possesses strength, it is not difficult to subjugate those Humans who oppose them.
Monica’s master—Raineal—was also a being who created a significant power solely through strength, eventually earning the title of Dark King.
His hoarse voice held a power that made one feel as though they might shrink back in fear. Even without seeing him, the overwhelming pressure felt by Monica was likely due to her instincts recognizing the dread of his presence.
Rumor has it that his very being is mixed with the blood of the legendary strongest phantom beast—a dragon.
As Monica bowed deeply, her forehead nearly touching the floor, the Dark King Raineal let out a small grunt and spoke with an air of exasperation.
“That Oliver… He may be strong, but he lacks any sense of pride.”
“A Vampire is the very embodiment of fear for Werewolves. The ancient Night’s King—’King of Beasts’—is a Third Rank powerhouse, so it is to be expected.”
While a Vampire can turn those they drain into allies, this ability is not fully inherited. The curse weakens over time. Generally, a Familiar is weaker than its master. The term “Third Rank” indicates that it has crossed three generations from its Ancestor—the Zero Rank. However, the target that Oliver transformed was a Familiar of a Familiar of a Familiar of the ‘King of Beasts.’ Even at three degrees of separation, if the source is the renowned ‘King of Beasts,’ its power is unfathomable.
At Monica’s words, Raineal snorted, showing little interest.
“So, is that man… strong?”
“Raineal-sama, if I may be so bold—there are no weak Vampires. He may be… a bit peculiar, but now would not be the best time to oppose him. If we could recruit him, we could make progress in our assault on RoNabulk.”
“They have many weaknesses.”
“Those weaknesses are a reflection of the strength of their curse. They are abominably defying the laws of life. You are aware of Oliver’s power.”
At Monica’s inquiry, Raineal laughed for the first time. His low voice echoed quietly through the dimly lit castle.
“Ha ha… Even if I were to tear him apart, he wouldn’t die. As expected, I will change my Claw.”
Vampires—the strength of AnAdero. Their most significant advantage over other living beings is their Regeneration ability. They are already dead. To kill them completely by force is no ordinary feat. Oliver possesses only a portion of that ability. What would happen if he faced a true Vampire, one with immense power and numerous supernatural abilities?
A warm breath brushed against Monica’s head.
“If he is strong, then he is welcome. However—surely you know the rules of my army. I understand your intentions, but even if he is the Night’s King, I have no intention of bending them. My subordinates would not accept it, nor would I.”
“…Understood.”
One must adhere to the King’s will. However, how would the law of the jungle work against a Vampire, where strength reigns supreme? Monica Ultsubia couldn’t help but feel anxious.
—
Vampires do not sleep. If one were to categorize it as possible or impossible, it is indeed possible, but it is not necessary. In fact, I remained awake the entire time I was being transported by Senri in a carriage. Perhaps if I continued in a state of sleeplessness, I would eventually reach my limit, but for now, I had not felt that.
I had no intention of sleeping in enemy territory. Naturally, I did not plan to sneak out on the first day. I closed my eyes, waiting patiently for Monica to return.
Monica’s home was near the castle. Unlike most houses, which were makeshift like tents, hers was a proper brick structure. The rooms were divided into a bedroom and a living area, and while there were no glass windows, closing the doors tightly kept the sunlight at bay.
Compared to the inns in the town, it was simple but not inconvenient. Perhaps there was a hierarchy within this Dark King’s army. The closer one got to the castle, the more impressive the buildings became, and the more artificial structures appeared. By that trend, it could be said that Monica held a relatively high position within this Dark King’s army.
As night fell once more, I waited with my eyes closed, and soon, the familiar scent of Monica approached the house. The sound of the door opening. A presence entered the home.
Without hesitation, Monica slipped under the bed and, after a moment of stillness, quietly placed the object she had brought on the floor.
It seemed she had no intention of attacking. Well, if she were planning to kill me, she would undoubtedly do so at dawn, so I had thought it unlikely, but I felt a slight sense of relief.
Rubbing my eyes, I sat up.
“Are you awake, End-sama?”
“Yes. It was a pleasant awakening.”
If only I could have had some of Senri’s blood upon waking, it would have been perfect. Monica pointed to the object she had brought and spoke in a businesslike tone.
“I have prepared some simple clothing for you. I couldn’t determine the size for armor or helmets—”
“Ah, that’s fine. I have no particular preference for clothing, and my body is sturdy. Besides, it would just come off when I transform anyway.”
Having been naked in dog form for so long, I was starting to get used to it, but the thought of losing something so precious as a human was still a bit frightening. The clothing she had prepared was made of fine material that felt good against the skin. After putting on a well-fitting black shirt and pants, I finally felt like I had returned to being Human.
A simple question arose in my mind, and I asked Monica.
“…Are there people in this army who wear clothes?”
“Almost none. Those garments were taken from human towns. Protective armor is popular, but very few fit. Clothing is the most mundane item, so there is an abundance of it. We use it for fuel, but firewood lasts longer—”
Well, beasts don’t wear clothes. The members of Raineal’s army I had seen while being carried by Monica were mostly just beasts. There were some bipedal ones, but even they couldn’t wear human clothes.
“Fashion is not an option, then.”
“They are humanoid monsters.”
Monica smiled slightly but quickly resumed a serious expression.
“I conveyed your intention to visit Raineal-sama and obtained permission to roam outside. However… there are very few humanoid beings in this army. And our army’s absolute rule is—survival of the fittest. Everyone is quite bloodthirsty, so you might get into trouble.”
Indeed, I did not appear particularly strong from an outsider’s perspective. When I became a Lower Rank Vampire, my physique became somewhat sturdier, but compared to the wild beasts, I was still much more subdued. However, in dog form, I became incredibly adorable, so that was an improvement.
I wanted to avoid trouble… Honestly, I considered myself somewhat strong, but I didn’t always want to fight. Moreover, the Dark King’s army likely consisted of elite members.
“Is there any way to manage this?”
“It is… difficult to get all members to listen. If you wish to gain something in this army… you must earn it. The higher-ups are all chosen for their strength, except for exceptions like myself.”
What a terrifying place this is. It hardly feels like a human society… Ah, but it isn’t a human society, is it? I would be satisfied with just a little blood to share, a peaceful Vampire.
Seeing my frown, Monica spoke as if she had made a decision.
“That said… I feel embarrassed to ask this, but… I would appreciate it if you could avoid killing those who attack you as much as possible.”
“…Huh?”
“They do not come at you with the intent to kill. Please, I ask for your understanding.”
Monica bowed her head deeply once more, leaving me wide-eyed.
—
The fortress city of RoNabulk was filled with the unique excitement and tension of wartime. Originally, RoNabulk was built to repel invaders from the north. Many of its residents were mercenaries or military personnel engaged in combat.
After entering with the caravan that had successfully defended itself and sharing information for a full day and night, Senri was finally freed.
As a fortress city, RoNabulk’s defensive capabilities were unparalleled. The city itself was surrounded by sturdy walls, and flowing water for Vampire countermeasures was laid out in various places.
“I was worried about the journey, but—thank you very much for this time. If possible, I would like to ask for your assistance again in the future…”
Laurel, the leader of the merchant caravan, bowed deeply. His face was exhausted, as if he had aged several years since we first met. However, having successfully delivered the goods, his expression was somewhat brighter now.
“Sorry, but I have things to do.”
I needed to find a way to reunite with End.
After all, until the very end, there had been no suspicion cast upon Senri.
A dog that can transform into a human is undoubtedly not Normal, and bringing it into the Caravan was a blunder. However, it’s also true that it saved us. If we are to assign blame, we must first hold accountable the trading company that allowed the Werewolf to infiltrate.
The fact that there were Zero victims from the BaロN/A incident likely played a role in this. Many believe it was because Senri had been keeping a close watch. Nevertheless, the causes of all the victims that arose during this Caravan have been made clear.
Senri had tried to interject several times, but after all, the discussion regarding BaロN/A ended without any further information being shared.
Generally, dark Familiars are adversaries of humanity, and that perception is accurate. Senri had slain countless Vampires up until now, all of whom were true enemies of humanity, delighting in their attacks.
End is a miraculous exception. It would be unwise to mention how End had obediently followed Senri, as that could lead to an increase in future victims. While it is indeed sad that End fled, it was the right choice.
Katerina, who had cared for BaロN/A, timidly approached Senri. She was a merchant girl a few years younger than Senri.
“Senri-san… Are you planning to search for BaロN/A?”
“…I will search.”
“Are you going to kill it?”
Katerina’s eyes were glistening with tears. It seemed she had grown quite fond of BaロN/A, and her emotions were surfacing.
She might not fully grasp the terror of a Vampire. Senri met her gaze firmly and replied.
“For now, I’ll only restrain it. Vampires don’t transform into white dogs, and despite the long journey, no one has been drained of blood. There’s a chance that the Werewolf might be mistaken—BaロN/A could be a relatively friendly magical object rather than a Vampire.”
“But…” Senri added, speaking with a serious expression, as if to counsel her.
Surely, End would understand.
“Originally, Vampires are terrifying beings—enemies of humanity. The End Knight may have a good synergy with them, but a Normal human, even a hundred of them, would stand no chance. Do not forget that.”
End is strong. It would likely not falter against a Werewolf.
Though it has not yet mutated, it has already taken on an object-like form. Its physical abilities are already on par with those of a Vampire, and it possesses strengths that original Vampires do not have.
There is compatibility in objects. Until now, it has always been unfavorable.
End will come to understand just how terrifying a Vampire can be when it is not vulnerable to weaknesses.