**Prologue: The Hunt**
**Chapter Four**
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**Prologue: The Hunt**
There were many things to consider. The capabilities of Vampires. The reasons for still being stuck at a Lower rank. How to evade the stake-wielding King and the Eclipse Knight. And also, how to get closer to Senri…
Yet, my journey as End-BaロN/A lacked even a clear destination.
However, I understood what was necessary. I could only move forward, step by step.
On a night when even the moon did not rise, the alleyways devoid of streetlights were eerily silent. My senses picked up the presence of Humans scattered about, but each one held their breath as if making any sound was a sin, not daring to stir.
I felt countless gazes from nowhere, as if every movement of mine was under scrutiny. It felt like stepping into a den of wild beasts, and that realization was likely unsettling. If there was anything unique to note, it was that I was a far more fearsome monster than the inhabitants of this den.
The alley ahead was a dead end. The air was thick and sticky. Looking back, I saw several shadowy figures emerging along the path I had just traversed. They weren’t looking at me, but it was clear their attention was directed my way. If I attempted to retreat, they would surely block my path. Now, mere Humans posed no obstacle to me, but…
With a small sigh, I knocked on the unremarkable metal door to my left at the dead end.
Vampires, due to their curse, cannot enter a room unless invited. However, with my keen perception, I could sense multiple heat signatures inside, each holding their breath. I could smell it—strong fighting spirit, vigilance, quiet excitement, and a hint of fear. The metal peephole on the door opened, revealing two bloodshot eyes that scrutinized me. A low voice called out.
“…What do you want?”
“I wish to speak inside. If you don’t let me in, I’ll have to force the door open. It wouldn’t be much trouble, but I’d prefer not to.”
The straightforward words elicited hesitation from beyond the door. However, I soon heard the sound of the bolt being drawn, and the door opened.
This was within my expectations—like a test plate.
Humans are fundamentally weak. Especially in terms of physical ability, they are generally more fragile than magical objects. Among these Humans, there existed further disparities—namely, the difference in weaponry. Generally, spears are stronger than swords, bows and guns are stronger than spears, and magic surpasses them all. It seemed they believed I was a powerful Mage (by the way, the strongest among Humans is the Eclipse Knight, but that’s a rare exception, so let’s set that aside).
I smiled at the large man clad in a black suit who appeared before me.
“Check my weapons.”
They knew that allowing me to enter was a surefire way to close the distance in a fight against a Mage. If they didn’t let me in, they would have to be wary of powerful attack spells coming from a distance. Since I had nothing on me, the body search was quickly concluded, and I was allowed inside. Unlike the rough exterior of the building, the interior was clean and well-organized. The carpet beneath my feet and the furnishings were clearly of high quality, even to my untrained eye. Perhaps they were on par with a minor noble.
The black suit the man wore was no ordinary fabric. Made from elemental materials derived from magical objects, it could deflect arrows and simple spells, boasting a level of defensive capability that seemed far from ordinary. Such durable cloth armor could only be crafted from magically enhanced objects. If I could strip it off him, it would fetch a high price, but unfortunately, I had no such luxury. Moreover, wearing it would draw attention.
In the reception room, I found an elderly man dressed in a particularly splendid outfit, surrounded by more than ten others in black suits. His sharp, beast-like gaze and sallow skin were marked by old scars, and veins bulged on his bald head. The scent of expensive cigars wafted through the air. A large black sofa and a heavy wooden table occupied the center of the room, upon which were bottles of wine I didn’t recognize and glasses.
I was roughly pushed onto the sofa opposite the man. The atmosphere suggested that any sign of discomfort from me would lead to an immediate attack. The imposing man glared at me for a while before finally speaking slowly.
“Recently, is it you who has been dismantling organizations in various towns?”
I frowned. It seemed news of my activities had spread even here. I had thought I had crushed them so thoroughly that their information networks would be ineffective, but it appeared that the mafia had extended their reach beyond the towns they ruled.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“…What a foolish thing to do… What’s your purpose?”
His voice trembled slightly, barely concealing his agitation. I took my time to scan the men surrounding me. Everyone had drawn their guns or swords. The atmosphere was hardly conducive to negotiation, but the gleam of their blades was not silver, which I found troublesome. Bullets were likely not an issue either; in the towns I had visited, the mafia had never possessed silver bullets. It seemed silver bullets were not commonplace. The man in the corner appeared to be a Mage, but there was no need to elaborate on magic.
Purpose, huh… I had many. I returned my gaze to the man, a member of a family I barely recognized, and spoke.
“Money.”
“…What?”
His eyes widened in surprise. I sighed softly and continued.
“Living requires money. At first, I was hunting down mountain thieves who had their lairs outside the towns. But large-scale mountain thieves are not so common, and dealing with prisoners can be quite troublesome. I can’t just abandon them, after all.”
Dealing with the prisoners from when I dismantled the Rainer army had been quite a hassle. At that time, it was impossible to take them back, so Senri had cast a barrier to ensure temporary safety, and we had no choice but to return to town. After all, we had no idea what had happened to the prisoners of the Rainer army. If the fortress city of ロN/Aブルク had dispatched soldiers immediately, they might have been saved.
There are various types of those who make a living through combat. Some hunt magical objects, some participate in wars for pay, and others hunt bounties. However, none of these suited us. We were the hunted. It was best to avoid drawing attention. Hunting large objects would lead to rumors, and Senri was already conspicuous. No amount of glasses could hide her beauty.
In any case, I thought of a simpler and quicker way to acquire money.
“Crushing the mafia is a fast way to earn money and also benefits the people. Unlike mountain thieves, there’s at least one mafia in every town, and they hoard plenty of wealth. It’s easy to understand why criminals attack people.”
“…You’re a madman.”
Moreover, such underworld bosses are generally connected to the state, making it difficult for someone like me, a monster, to take action against them. This was like a purification rite. Dismantling the mafia would help the people and, on top of that, bring in money—a vocation well-suited for a Vampire. The Eclipse Knights typically do not engage with criminal organizations, but Senri would allow combat if the opponent was the mafia.
Dismantling the mafia, seizing valuables, and leaving town—that had been my recent life.
“Now then… which one of you leaked information about me?”
In a voice laced with menace, the man continued. Their hesitation to attack might stem from their confidence in their own superiority or perhaps their instincts sensed my true nature. It seemed pointless to ask such questions, but I had no need to hide, so I answered.
“The mafia from the town before this one. I interrogated them before dismantling their organization. Having wide-reaching influence can be both a blessing and a curse.”
“Ah!? Do you think you can live and return after this!?”
The man next to him, チN/Aピラ, widened his eyes and threatened me. Compared to Rainer’s roar, this was a trivial matter. It might be sufficient to intimidate an ordinary person, but having experienced this many times, I felt nothing but pity now.
“I wouldn’t recommend fighting. This may sound strange, but I’m a bit beyond normal Humans. Besides, if you have what I seek, I might let you off the hook.”
“What did you say!? You’re joking—”
“Silence! I’m in the middle of speaking!”
“…Understood… Boss.”
It seemed this man was the boss.
チN/Aピラ, who had aimed a bulkier gun than the one used by the Master Beast at me, was reprimanded by the boss.
For the mafia, maintaining an air of intimidation is crucial. Yet, despite the absurd negotiation I was presenting, the fact that they could still endure was impressive. Humans are indeed remarkable. Even if their bodies are weak, their courage is top-notch. Had they been prepared and aware of my true nature beforehand, I might have been in a precarious situation.
The boss silently urged me to continue with his gaze. I lifted the glass I had been holding and spoke.
“I want a gem known as the ‘Knight Crystal.’ It doesn’t have to be large, but it seems to be quite a rare item. I’ve traveled through various towns, but hardly anyone even knows of its existence. If you happen to have it, I’ll leave this town without causing you any trouble.”
The “Person Eater” has caused quite the nuisance. The precious crystal I received from Master Beast has burned to ashes, and now I find myself in a precarious position, always on the brink of being hunted by those fiends.
Where on earth did Master Beast and Lord acquire that crystal…?
The boss’s brow twitches slightly. It seems we are once again outside.
With a heavy sigh, I stood up, feeling utterly exasperated.
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Thank you for your patience! Starting today, I will begin updating the fourth volume! The frequency of updates is uncertain, but I hope to post about twice a week. I look forward to your continued support!
Additionally, I have posted an activity report featuring the “Twilight Palace News.” It includes a summary of information regarding the first volume of the book and a discussion about the massive advertisement that will be displayed at Akihabara Station starting today. (Also, last Friday, I posted an article about the prototype Senri.) Be sure to check it out!
— Tsukikage
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