**Special Edition 1: End’s Seriousness**
**Interlude 2**
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**Special Edition 1: End’s Seriousness**
It feels like a considerable amount of time has passed since I was reborn as An/A Doro.
Of course, I understand that the actual time elapsed isn’t that long. However, for me, who had been bedridden in my previous life, that time was comparable to everything I had experienced before.
At first, I was a Corpse Eater (Freshman). Then, I gathered the power of death and became a Shiki (Ghoul), eventually consuming the remnants of the Lord to transform into a Lower rank Vampire. With the understanding of Senri, I grew stronger by sharing her Blood. I learned combat techniques and even gained a slight ability to use magic. After a fierce battle with Albatos, I stole the ability to transform into a dog, discovered how to utilize the powers of the ‘Dark Stalker,’ and awakened my latent ability—’Curse Absorption.’
And now, through a fierce battle with the Demon King, I have gained even more power.
I learned how to harness the power of Blood and seized the ‘Cursed Flame’—though I have yet to mutate to the next tier, my current abilities far surpass those of a Lower rank Vampire.
Standing confidently in the center of the room in my human form, I crossed my arms, and Senri frowned at me.
“Well… What do you want to say, End?”
Even with her frown, Senri is beautiful. Even without the enchanting aroma of her porcelain-like skin and the exquisite Blood it exudes, if I were in my dog form, I would be wagging my tail uncontrollably. Every time I wagged my tail, Senri would look at me in exasperation, but I couldn’t help it; it was an irresistible fate of being a dog.
Senri Silvis is my emotional support. As long as she is on my side, I have the confidence to face the entire world as my enemy and remain calm. However, if she were to disappear, I wouldn’t have the confidence to avoid becoming a monster.
To this incredibly important person, I spoke earnestly.
“It’s about the Blood, Senri…”
I concentrated the power of Blood into my limbs. By focusing the energy that usually flows sluggishly, my already extraordinary physical abilities would reach an even higher stage.
“Blood…?”
Senri’s expression stiffened, as if she could see the flow of Blood power. However, it was too late for me to realize my blunder now.
I pointed decisively and declared.
“Senri, I will win! Just like before, when you toyed with my pure heart using that underhanded trick—now, I challenge you once again!”
“What?!”
“If I can catch you, just as you said last time, I’ll let you do whatever you want with me!”
Back then, I was inexperienced. I didn’t understand how to use my powers, nor did I grasp the strengths and weaknesses of a Vampire. But now, I am different.
Regardless of the outcome, I survived that deadly battle with the Demon King Rainer. Even if I can’t defeat Senri, I should at least be able to catch her. No, I will definitely catch her. And I will finally end this long wait.
As I boldly declared war, Senri wore an expression of disbelief. She even said, “I’m amazed.”
But I was serious. Senri had been far too cruel back then. No matter how much it was for training, to toy with the pure heart of a Vampire is far more demonic than Monica, the Demon.
We faced each other in a room at the inn. Although it was a twin room, the space was not particularly large. Of course, unlike last time, there was no oasis. While I could evaporate some water with magic, Senri, given her nature, would likely avoid hurting me, making this confined space incredibly advantageous for me.
I was keenly observing for the right moment. It had been over a week since I last received Blood from Senri, so I didn’t have an abundance of power, but I chose this timing because Blood given when one is parched is the most delicious—an entirely reasonable judgment.
I would receive the best Blood at the perfect moment, in the best way.
Senri let out a small sigh.
“…I regret being surprised.”
“You can only say that now, Senri. I have grown while being away from you.”
Of course, I wouldn’t use the Cursed Flame. I wouldn’t extend my Claws or Fangs either. My goal was not to harm Senri, naturally. But even without that, I was confident in my ability to catch her.
I touched the finger Senri pointed at and lowered it.
“I don’t recall saying you could do as you please.”
“Are you scared now, Senri? That’s unfair!”
“I didn’t say that. If you want Blood, I’ll give it to you. It’s a bit early, but I thought you’d be coming soon.”
Senri slightly tucked her hair behind her ear. I swallowed hard, but with a will of steel, I shook my head.
No. What I wanted wasn’t just Blood. I wanted the sweet taste of victory. I knew how to make Senri’s exquisite Blood even more delicious.
“Senri, this is… the instinct of a Vampire. I want to catch you and drink your Blood!”
“……”
“If I catch you, the first thing we’ll do is take a shower together. After cleansing ourselves, we’ll dry off thoroughly, and then we’ll enter the bath naked. And over the course of the night, I’ll slowly savor your Blood! I want to pin down your soft, delicate body and drink your Blood! This is the instinct of a Vampire! I swore to the gods that one day, I would have my fill of your Blood after that day when I was toyed with in that Oni game! And that day is now!”
At my soul’s cry, Senri’s cheeks twitched slightly, a rare occurrence. Her neck flushed a light red, and the intoxicating aroma of her exquisite Blood wafted through the air. However, the scent of Senri’s Blood, twisted in the ecstasy of Vampirism, was incomparable. It’s fine. I had practiced with Monica, so I could control myself to some extent.
“…End, a Vampire has no such instinct.”
“Then what are these feelings I have! …Could it be that this is love?”
Without needing to think, I knew from the start that I loved Senri, who had always been on my side. That’s why I wanted to drink her Blood. For me, Vampirism is also a form of expressing affection. So, being rejected so vehemently makes me a little sad. Since she has been giving me Blood regularly, can’t she just give it to me in any way she likes?
“Stop it, End. While I welcome you getting paler, it’s hard to maintain the tension, so please stop…”
“I’m going to play the Oni game! If I catch you—while I drink your Blood, you’ll have to say, ‘End, I love you.’ Not just once, but many times!”
I was starving for love. After all, I had suffered quite a bit in my previous life. If I could drink Blood in such a situation, I could probably survive a month on just a single drop.
Senri was trembling unusually. Her core wobbled slightly, and her footing was somewhat unstable. This was part of my strategy. Senri was a seasoned warrior, always calm and collected, but if I could make her lose that composure, my chances of winning would increase.
This was resolve. I would cast aside all my pride and give my all to fulfill this long-held wish. With a resolve that rivaled my battle against Rainer, I spoke to Senri.
“So, Senri, if you think it’s okay to let me drink your Blood while saying ‘End, I love you,’ then I want you to surrender to me.”
“N/A…”
I didn’t want to show off the results of my training. I didn’t want to defeat Senri. I wanted to drink her Blood. I wanted to drink her Blood while hearing her say she loves me. My Fangs ached. This was undoubtedly the instinct of a Vampire.
Senri swayed as if she were about to faint but managed to regain her balance. Then, she raised her head.
Her amethyst eyes glared at me quietly. I met her gaze defiantly, refusing to back down. As expected of a former Eclipse Knight. The aura of a hero was still present. My body trembled at the presence of a natural enemy, but I couldn’t let that fear deter me from victory.
Senri was not at her best. Senri was kind. My words were affecting her. This was the perfect opportunity. And it was the final chance.
Senri… is it true that Eclipse Knights and Vampires are destined to clash?
In a trembling voice, Senri spoke.
“…I understand. If you insist that much, I’ll play the Oni game with you. But… this is the last time.”
“I understand.”
Though I didn’t fully grasp it, I said I understood for now. I wouldn’t think about the future. What mattered was the present. Life is short. I had a strange premonition. If I didn’t give it my all now, I would surely regret it for the rest of my life.
“Let’s make the conditions fair. I won’t hold back, but if I lose… you can do whatever you want with me.”
“……”
Unfortunately, it seemed Senri had no intention of losing to me. I could see the vast Blessing surging through her delicate limbs.
It was likely the same principle as the power of Blood. Of course, her skill was beyond mine.
But I was confident I could win. While Senri was superior in how she used her power, my physical abilities were far greater. Even considering the enhancement from her Blessing, an Eclipse Knight’s physical abilities were inferior to a Vampire’s.
The Vampire I encountered at Rainer’s, Seーブル, had provided me with a wealth of information. Though I was still a Lower rank, my physical abilities were surely higher than those of an average Vampire.
Senri touched the hilt of the sword at her waist instantly but quickly withdrew her hand. As expected, Senri was kind.
I could see the flow of her power. The mighty Blessing surged through her, filling her entire being, but particularly concentrating in her legs.
“End, you’re losing your composure. You should cool your head a bit.”
“I am calm. Today, I will defeat Senri and move even further ahead!”
I was calm. Senri was planning to escape.
I’s only advantage lies in physical abilities. In a town filled with numerous constructs and three-dimensional movement, it’s difficult to keep up. Moreover, in such an environment, I must hold back my strength to avoid destroying the constructs, which means I can’t unleash my full power. I do not want to destroy the constructs, nor do I want to be disliked by Senri.
On top of that, she possesses the ability to fly.
I must catch her before she leaves the inn. Inside the cramped space, my advantage remains unchallenged. I swallow hard and trace Senri’s thoughts.
However, a seasoned warrior like Senri would anticipate my line of thinking. If she predicts my thoughts, how will she escape?
In a fleeting moment, I read Senri’s intentions.
—The window.
A brave Senri would seek to thrive in adversity. While the window is my escape route, she would likely attempt to flee through the window in my vicinity rather than the door leading to the hallway. Seizing the opportunity created by my surprise at her sudden charge, she would shatter the window and escape.
It’s a terrifying strategy, considering that I understand her desire not to destroy the constructs.
Yet, this plan is a double-edged sword. For the strategy to succeed, she must slip past me. The assumption is that I am unaware of her plan.
This is a negative victory; I have won. If Senri tries to slip past me, I will catch her. And even if she attempts to escape through the door, I should be able to reach her before she can exit the inn.
Senri was circulating her Blessing within her body, but it did not envelop her like armor. It’s fair. She was as equitable as one could be at this point. And it is precisely because of this that I, having cast aside all pride, can challenge her.
Senri’s weakness has always been her “kindness,” from the moment we first met until now.
“Senri, there’s no need to be embarrassed. When I drink blood, I say, ‘I love Senri’ as I do it.”
“……Don’t talk nonsense. You might think you’ve won, but I know a lot about vampires.”
I felt no lie in Senri’s words. Could it be that she has some kind of strategy up her sleeve? Flowing water can counter strategies, and there’s no water in this room. There’s no silver or garlic, and even if there were, Senri wouldn’t use anything that could harm me.
It’s a bluff. Stay calm, End-BaロN/A. If I remain composed, I have no weaknesses to exploit. I carefully manipulate the power of blood, gathering my strength.
“Senri, no signals are needed. The moment you move, I will too.”
“……Understood.”
I lower my stance, focusing all my energy on observing Senri’s every move. My extreme concentration fragments time, making even a single breath appear slow.
And then, at the peak of my focus—Senri moved.
Her movement was breathtakingly beautiful. In a fleeting moment, she pivoted, leaving only a trail of light in her wake. Senri chose the door leading to her side rather than the window near me. It was unexpected, but perhaps she anticipated that I would read her thoughts.
But it was a waste. I surged forward with all my might, careful not to break the floor beneath me. If Senri is the wind, then I am the beast. In an instant, I closed the distance to her back and reached out my hand.
Just as my fingertips were about to touch her back—Senri vanished like smoke, leaving behind a soft sound.
I quickly grasped the situation.
She hadn’t disappeared. Senri had turned. My eyes widened in surprise. The escape route she chose was not the door to the hallway, but the door to the bathroom. I halted, taken aback by a choice I hadn’t considered.
The bathroom door was outside my consciousness. Why hadn’t I thought of it? Because this room’s bathroom has no window. Even if I were to break through the wall, I would only end up in the next room, not outside.
Could it be water? Is she planning to use water again to trap me like last time?
What a desperate ploy. I now possess a drying spell. It’s a simple spell that even an average person with a bit of magical power can use, but with the vast magical energy of a vampire, I could evaporate the water instantly. While I may not be able to dry up a river, eliminating the water in the bathroom should be no problem. Besides, while I cannot walk on flowing water, falling water from above poses no issue for me. Well, water will generally fall due to gravity unless there’s a compelling reason otherwise, so it remains a nuisance.
I’ve won. A smile crept onto my face as I opened the door to capture Senri, who had hidden in the bathroom—
—only to stop my hand.
I couldn’t enter. I simply couldn’t bring myself to move. I didn’t want to touch the doorknob.
This was a peculiar weakness among the countless weaknesses vampires possess.
Vampires cannot enter a house unless invited.
Understanding the situation, I hurriedly knocked on the door, protesting to the barricaded Senri.
“Senri, that’s unfair! That’s cowardly! This is too much! This isn’t a game of Oni!”
“……Be quiet. End……reflect on this.”
I’ve never been told to be quiet before. Her voice was low, almost sulky, as if she were suppressing her irritation. Even when I pushed against the door with all my strength, it wouldn’t budge. I resisted my instincts and grasped the doorknob, but it wouldn’t turn; perhaps it was locked.
All I could do was raise a voice that sounded like a scream, pleading for Senri’s mercy.
“It’s not so bad to say you love me! That’s cruel!”
“End, because I love you, behave yourself.”
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Thank you for your patience! Here’s the Interlude!
In the activity report, we’ve revealed the cover illustration for the first volume of the book. It’s a splendid piece featuring all the characters, so please do check it out!
The release date is November 30th. I’ve written quite a bit, so I believe even those who have read the web version will enjoy it. Thank you for your continued support of both the web version and the book! ( ´ー｀)
As for the main story, I plan to start posting the fourth part after a few more Interludes. I hope to begin sometime this month, so please wait a little longer.
—Tsukikage
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