translated_0091-特別編②:エンドの本気②

**Special Edition ②: End’s True Intentions ②**

**Interlude 2**

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**Special Edition ②: End’s True Intentions ②**

Vampires possess a terrifying Demonic Nature that makes them far from ordinary, even for an Eclipse Knight. With immense physical strength, regenerative abilities, and powerful Special Abilities, their most troubling aspect is that their N/A Doro retains a Human form and the heart of a magical Object.

Vampires are strong. And they are cunning. Despite harboring numerous fatal Weaknesses, they still lurk in various corners of the world. The corpses resurrected by necromancers, mutated into Vampires—known as ‘True Ancestors’—and the ‘Familiars’ created by these Vampires are already magical Objects in their own right. Unlike the N/A Doro born from corpses, those Vampires transformed by biting often retain memories of their Human past. However, their hearts have already been consumed by the instincts of monsters. They revel in their power, eagerly attacking people and drinking their Blood. At times, they even masquerade as victims to deceive Eclipse Knights.

Senri Sylvis once offered Blood to the headless End. At that time, End was on the brink of vanishing, and time was of the essence. Yet, it wasn’t merely a matter of being swept along by the situation; Senri had resolved to protect End and witness his fate. This included the hope that, should End be consumed by the instincts of a monster, he could at least be purified while still Human.

However, some time had passed since then, and although End had not mutated, he had grown stronger. Now, he was seated at a desk, sketching designs.

“I shall become a coffin craftsman! I will create the most comfortable coffin in the world!”

It seemed that due to his long period of immobility, End’s curiosity had flourished. Despite being a fearsome Vampire, albeit of a lower rank, he regarded himself as a Human with a slightly more convenient body. Senri had been anxious for a while now, worried that End, like a puppy, might wander off somewhere.

“I’ve realized… Vampires should lie in coffins.”

It appeared that he had taken quite a liking to the coffin he slept in while with the Rainer army. Senri felt he understood why coffins were often found in Vampire lairs. Just as cats prefer tight spaces, Vampires seem to favor the confines of a coffin. While it was said to enhance their abilities, End’s enthusiasm could not be explained by that alone.

End asked Senri to pull the coffin for him. Senri replied that it was impossible.

While Senri had left the Order of the Final Knights to support End, and his feelings had not changed, there were things that could and could not be done. Coffin materials were not sold, nor could they be custom-made. Even a dog-sized coffin would be difficult. Moreover, traveling while pulling a coffin would undoubtedly raise suspicions, as coffins were not meant to be used in such a manner. Yet, End did not understand.

The trials End had survived until now were nothing short of harrowing. Holos Carmen, the Master Beast, and Rainer were all formidable opponents. Having overcome countless fierce battles through trial and error, End was now determined to make it through this one as well.

“What if we added wheels? Or what if we made it a cabana style, so it could be carried on the back?” It sounded like a joke, but Senri understood that End was serious.

“Senri, coffins are wonderful. They provide unparalleled rest. The snugness feels just right… it feels like being in the place I belong.”

That was because End… you are dead. Senri wanted to say, but such a dampening remark was impossible to voice to the joy-filled End.

“I wish I had never known this feeling. Right now, I want to jump into any coffin I find lying around! If I set a trap inside, it would be instant death!”

“…………”

“Normal coffins won’t do. Inside, of course, it should be plush. And then… yes, let’s make it so it can be opened and closed from the inside. Modern coffins are truly lacking in freedom… they don’t consider the person inside. Comfort is not prioritized.”

“………… During the day, I can carry it, but what about at night?”

“Senri can get in, and I’ll carry you. Honestly, I think it would feel nice even for a Human.”

“…………”

“No, I’ll make it comfortable even for a Human. Since I possess Human sensibilities, I should be able to create a coffin suitable for both Humans and Vampires! No one else can do this but me!”

End declared with conviction. Perhaps… it wouldn’t matter if Senri were not around. Such thoughts flickered in the light of his enthusiasm.

With the iron will that defeated Rainer, End was determined to craft a coffin by hand. His eyes sparkled with a new goal.

“Fortunately, I am strong against magical Objects. I should be able to manage even the rare and powerful materials needed for the coffin.”

“…………”

“For now, I’ll focus on quality. Mass production can come later. Since you’re Human, Senri… I’d like you to handle the distribution side. Is that too much to ask?”

Having dreams is a good thing. It might help him forget his murderous instincts. A coffin craftsman shouldn’t cause trouble for others. However, Senri felt utterly drained.

“How about making it self-propelling? We could make it so the wheels can be moved from inside. It might be difficult at first, but I don’t need to sleep, so I have all the time in the world. My hands are itching. What if I become famous…?”

He was even worrying about such odd things. It was a rather carefree thought, but there was a terrifying possibility that End might actually pull it off. End was quick-witted and resilient. Even when Senri had bought him a book on magic, it was clear he excelled at studying. If he hadn’t died, he would surely have become a great figure.

“………… End. There’s just one problem.”

“It’s fine. I’ve already considered the needs of the living. I’ll make air holes in the double coffin, so it won’t be a problem if you sleep inside with me.”

Ignoring the nonsense presented with a serious face, Senri continued.

“No… coffin craftsmen have no future. They are becoming less and less used each year.”

The Order of the Final Knights was thorough. Their activities primarily focused on the extermination of darkness, but they also indirectly weakened it through enlightenment. In regions where burial was still practiced, the likelihood of being turned into N/A Doro was already low, and recently, cremation was often done without coffins.

End’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected this.

“Wha…? Why?”

“………… Because once you make a coffin, you all will lie in it.”

“…………”

If only all Vampires were like End, the world would surely be a more peaceful place. Senri sighed at End’s pitiful expression.