Chapter 14: Captive
The End Knight. It is synonymous with the Strongest in this world. The name is equivalent to that of a Hero, and the power to manipulate a special energy known as Blessing surpasses the might of countless formidable beings.
Many tales of Heroes are written in their own language, and the Order of the Final Knights, composed of these End Knights, has established numerous legends throughout history. Their typical targets are generally necromancer Mages and aberrant creatures, but depending on the situation, they may also find themselves battling mere demon Kings.
End Knights are originally those who purge darkness. While the energy of Blessing is powerful, its reverse side means that purification can only be achieved on aberrant creatures; beings such as demi-humans and dragons are not included. Therefore, it is reasonable to understand that defeat is a possibility depending on the rank of the Knight, yet even after hearing Monica’s story, I found it hard to believe.
As evident from Senri, End Knights are incredibly strong. There’s no way I could be captured by beings I could easily handle. I haven’t even had a mock battle with Senri recently, and I still haven’t managed to catch her. Well, considering she can fly when it matters, perhaps it’s understandable, but given the physical abilities of a Vampire, this is no ordinary situation.
Thinking about Senri made me miss her. It might be a bit early, but perhaps I should head back…
However, I am dealing with a captive of the End Knights. If this is truly the case, there’s a possibility that she could be a friend of Senri’s, and rescuing her would surely bring joy to Senri. Perhaps she might even say, “End, you did well,” and offer me her blood. At that moment, she would surely forgive me for any slight indiscretion. My fangs throbbed.
Moreover, there’s a chance that this captive possesses blood as exceptional as Senri’s. If I help her, there’s a slim possibility she might allow me a taste. Though the odds are exceedingly low.
Following Monica, I moved toward the iron door that had piqued my curiosity upon arrival. Beyond the door lay a staircase leading underground. It seemed that living captives were being held further down. Although I couldn’t see any captives yet, the murky, stagnant air carried a strong scent of death.
“I didn’t expect End-sama to be interested in the End Knights,” Monica remarked.
“They are my enemies. I’ve fought them before.”
Well, it was more of a one-sided beating, to be honest… I had faced Nebira and, needless to say, the E-pe. Senri wouldn’t let herself be captured, nor would she allow me to drain her blood to my heart’s content.
However, perhaps misunderstanding my words, Monica responded with a tone of admiration. It seemed she hadn’t considered the possibility that I might be Senri’s pet.
As we descended the stairs, we came upon a row of grimy cells. Nearby, fully armed demi-human soldiers stood guard. The air was thick with the scent of death and despair. I could hear no voices from the dungeons; perhaps the screams had long since faded. The captives, dressed in tattered rags and emaciated, were treated far worse than Ruu.
The prison was divided into several types: women and children, men, and the elderly. They might have been separated by species, but the treatment seemed largely the same. Among them was a girl of similar age to Senri, but knowing the taste of exquisite blood, I felt no urge to indulge. It would be better to free all the captives and receive blood from Senri instead.
It was a tragic sight, yet my emotions remained largely unaffected. The captives didn’t even react to my presence. Perhaps they mistook me for a magical object of humanoid form.
I lightly touched the collar adorned with the “Crystal of Night.” While searching for a cute girl who could still yield decent blood if nourished, I muttered, “What a terrible state.”
“They keep increasing, and apparently, the taste doesn’t change much,” Monica replied.
Indeed, this is why these barbaric magical beings are so intolerable. Besides, if they’re this thin, it would be awkward to embrace them. Their skin lacks luster, and they need to be properly bathed… I’ve grown accustomed to Senri’s blood. Even Alba’s was sufficiently delicious, and now I can’t bear to drink blood that isn’t as tasty.
“Soft-fleshed women and children are more appealing. The freshest catch is usually the best, but there’s no top-quality here.”
“Monica, make sure they’re well-nourished and placed in cleaner cells.”
As I spoke with conviction and determination, Monica’s eyes widened.
“Eh?”
“I’m a connoisseur; I can’t drink blood of this caliber. They need moderate exercise; they’re far too malnourished.”
“Um, well…”
“For us, vampirism isn’t just a meal. You said you wanted to apologize, so I came here. Did you deceive me? Or will you offer me Monica’s blood? Hmm? Who do I need to defeat to get you to comply?”
It’s not just about anything. I want to enjoy drinking blood in a delicious and pleasurable manner. It’s a time of ecstatic indulgence. I hadn’t expected much, but this was beyond disappointing. Even when fighting those who devour humans, I still want to savor blood first.
…If it were Monica, I might be able to understand, but would Senri be angry if I drank the blood of a captive? However, it’s Senri’s fault for disappearing after promising to provide me with blood regularly.
“Y-Yes, I understand, End-sama. I’ll think of something, somehow. Please forgive me.”
Monica paled and stepped back. Yet, my gaze was fixated on her exposed, soft neck. The act of vampirism is said to accompany intense pleasure that drives one mad. It’s the reason why Vampires are feared, and sometimes, humans willingly ally with them. Once I bite, I can surely manage something. There are cases like Senri and Alba who remain unaffected, but it’s clear they are not average humans.
Noticing my gaze, Monica covered her neck with her hand, trying to hide her prominently exposed chest, but that action only heightened my bloodlust. If she thinks she can shake me off by labeling me a demon, she’s sorely mistaken.
Then, I shook my head vigorously. No, this won’t do. I am a peaceful Vampire. I cannot stoop to the disgraceful act of attacking a girl who is clearly reluctant, and if I were to develop a habit, Senri might purify me in response.
What if I transformed into a dog and licked her before biting? …No, no, that won’t do. I can’t perform vampirism in dog form.
Despite being clearly wary of my fixation on vampirism, Monica guided me to the innermost cell.
It was a particularly large cell. Perhaps for security, three fully armed demon soldiers loitered in a position where they could see inside clearly, looking bored. Just approaching, I could tell that the radiant energy of this captive set them apart from the others.
My instincts urged me to stay away. My head felt hot. This is—maybe, fighting spirit. Darkness is the enemy of Light, and conversely, Light is the enemy of darkness. Senri rarely wielded the power of Light when she was with me, and perhaps because she was an ally, I had never felt this kind of emotion when she did. This was a first.
Monica warned me in a hushed voice, “Thirty soldiers have been slain. They are completely restrained, but they still have some strength left, so be careful.”
At her words, I suppressed my expression and sighed in relief, responding, “It’s fine… They’re weaker than Nebira.”
Indeed, their energy was powerful, but weaker than any End Knight I had encountered. They were likely weakened from being imprisoned, but they were considerably below my expectations. It seems that neither Senri nor Nebira or Rufuri were at such a low level. Of course, they were subordinates of the Annihilation E-pe.
And then, I faced the captive End Knight.
The End Knight was suspended by metal rings binding both arms. His legs were shackled, and several massive metal balls rolled around the spacious cell, clanging loudly. His well-toned body was covered in wounds, as if he had endured torture, blood seeping from various injuries. Yet, the slight movements indicated he was still alive. No, he was likely gathering his strength. Manipulating Blessing requires a high level of concentration. If he were physically weakened, it would be even more critical. His face, previously turned away, lifted slightly, and his murky eyes locked onto me. Even now, I could clearly see the smoldering flame of fighting spirit behind those eyes that seemed on the brink of death.
I instinctively stepped back, my eyes widening as I exclaimed, “He’s… not a man.”
“Eh? Y-Yes, I believe he is a man,” Monica replied, sounding puzzled. She hadn’t heard me, hadn’t heard me at all.
I don’t want to drink a man’s blood. It’s not that I can’t; I absolutely do not want to. Of course, if death were imminent, I would have no choice but to drink, but that would be a last resort.
Perhaps a Vampire would understand this feeling. If I were to lick up spilled blood, that might be one thing, but biting into the neck must be done on someone of the opposite sex. And if that person has feelings for me, all the better. Surely, this relates to my previous realization that a Vampire’s appetite and sexual desire are intertwined.
Chained within the confines of the cell was a robust young man. His abundant black hair stood on end, and his sculpted physique radiated a functional beauty reminiscent of a masterfully crafted statue. His features were well-defined, brimming with life energy. Yet, he was a man.
If I were a female Vampire, I would have eagerly gone to feast upon his blood, but alas, I am not. Even if I were to rescue him, it would feel like a wasted effort. The terrifying presence of the End Knight made me reluctant to intervene without a solid plan.
At this moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to turn on my heel and seek out a more delectable girl with Elemental qualities from another cell. After all, if Monica went out of her way to inform me, I had assumed she was talking about a girl. This revelation was a bitter disappointment.
“I’ve been deceived… How cruel.”
“!? N-no, I didn’t deceive you—p-please, calm your anger, End-sama!”
I had expected more, given that we were both End Knights… I had imagined a girl as cute as Senri, though considering the odds among End Knights, I should have known better. Still, this treatment felt excessive. Monica was trembling excessively, but the army of the Demon King, Raineal, was truly the worst. It seems that for me, there is only Senri.
Now, how could I obtain a delightful taste of blood from Senri? I gazed at the beastly Knight, filled with negativity, and began to contemplate my next move seriously.