**Chapter 22: Secret②**
It had likely emerged into the world only in the past few years.
Just as the Eclipse Knights move in packs, the ‘Vampire Hunters,’ who generally operate as individuals, also have a network. Compared to the Eclipse Knights, who can directly sense the negative energy emitted by the Adedoro, this network has a much broader reach.
It didn’t take long for the existence of the strange crystal that conceals the presence of the Adedoro to become the talk among the Vampire Hunters. The catalyst was when one of the Vampire Hunters defeated a high-ranking Adedoro that possessed such a crystal. The power revealed through analysis was extraordinary, overturning common sense, and immediately led to an investigation into its origin.
Rufuri frowned and spoke in a reproachful tone.
“Why didn’t you disclose this information to the Order of the Final Knights right away?”
“Ha ha… because there was no certainty. I couldn’t provide uncertain information to the esteemed Order of the Final Knights. We are… weaklings after all.”
“Hmph… that’s quite a thing to say.”
Nebira shot a glare filled with a dangerous glint at the Master Beast.
While the Order of the Final Knights and the Vampire Hunters are not openly hostile, they are not allies either. In fact, the Order of the Final Knights is skeptical about the existence of the Vampire Hunters. To them, ordinary citizens are to be protected, and the Vampire Hunters, who lack the talent to wield Blessing, are no different, regardless of the grievances they harbor against the Adedoro.
And this is crucial—since the Deceased cannot sense negative energy, the Vampire Hunters, who rely on knowledge, experience, and information to seek out their enemies, find the ‘Night Crystal’ meaningless. If they were to obtain a crystal that would provide a significant advantage against the Adedoro, it could serve as bait to lure enemies.
Considering all this, no Vampire Hunter would willingly provide information to the Order of the Final Knights, who were simply too formidable a competitor. That was all there was to it.
Nearby, Alba, who had lost her curse and significantly weakened, growled in a low voice, keeping Nebira and the others at bay. Whether it was due to her innate aptitude or the prolonged period of being cursed, Alba still harbored the fighting spirit of a fierce beast. Her movements were akin to that of a wild animal, and it wouldn’t be long before she could once again operate as a Vampire Hunter.
With a rhythmic tap of his staff, they walked through the city of Desendoro. Nebira, who had followed from behind, frowned at the waterways and the clean streets that existed everywhere.
“But what is this city? I’ve never seen a place so blatantly set up against Vampires.”
“I never expected them to stock up on silver… It seems the Shadow King of the Void was a Skeleton-type mage, but even a city that suffered great damage from Vampires shouldn’t have gone this far.”
Rufuri appeared to share a sense of discomfort, wearing a suspicious expression. The Master Beast chuckled softly at his companion.
“Well now… it was you who insisted on the need for such preparations, was it not?”
“There are limits. People are astonishingly oblivious to unseen threats. That’s why we have warned them time and again. Yet, even when faced with such a model answer… the discomfort is palpable.”
Countermeasures come at a cost. It must have taken a fortune to cover the city in waterways, dig deep moats outside the walls, and, of course, to adorn the place with silver everywhere. Desendoro is not a small town, but neither is it a large metropolis. For a city of this scale to implement such extensive countermeasures is unprecedented on a global scale. There is a strong sentiment that feels almost obsessive behind it.
At that moment, Rufuri asked the Master Beast, who continued to stride forward without hesitation while tapping his staff.
“Where are we headed? To the mayor’s office?”
Indeed, if they were to inquire about what was happening in the city, heading to the mayor’s office would be the most logical choice. The Order of the Final Knights is a renowned organization. Even if they harbored internal disdain, the likelihood of being dismissed outright was low.
However, the Master Beast raised the corners of his lips in a grin, revealing a smile on his rugged, bony face.
“No. To a friend of mine. Believe it or not, I have quite a few acquaintances.”
—
The profession of Vampire Hunter is not well-liked. They hunt Vampires in exchange for large sums of money. Their methods are not questioned, and at times, they may even cause collateral damage to buildings or civilian casualties to achieve their objectives. Some go too far and end up captured as criminals.
Of course, the existence of the overly heroic Order of the Final Knights is one reason for the general disdain, but to kill monsters, one must sometimes become a monster themselves. It’s a tragic irony.
Among the Deceased, Vampire Hunters assist one another. They possess a network of those who harbor deep resentment against Vampires and Adedoro.
The Master Beast led them to a discreet bar built underground. Its location was not ideal, but the calm and sophisticated interior exuded an air of elegance and luxury. The absence of guests was partly due to the time of day, but likely also because the prices for drinks and food were significantly higher than average.
However, the bar’s most notable feature was that there was no scent of blood wafting through the air.
The elderly proprietor, with a calm demeanor, looked up at the sudden guests and frowned upon seeing the Master Beast.
“Trouble again… to think you’ve become quite the figure, Master Beast, bringing an Eclipse Knight along.”
“Ha ha… don’t wear such a grim face. I want information. And perhaps some dishes that don’t contain blood. Blood is sufficient as a weapon.”
In a city where the scent of blood lingered everywhere, here was a place that served no blood dishes. Vampire Hunters are timid. Unlike the Order of the Final Knights, they do not act openly.
Rufuri’s eyes widened at their exchange. While it was common knowledge that the Vampire Hunters operated as an organization, it was unexpected to find them in a city that the Order of the Final Knights had shown no interest in.
“How long have you been in this city?”
The Master Beast sat down and replied.
“More than ten years, Eclipse Knight. We are… everywhere.”
—
What a formidable information network. Rufuri reevaluated the unique network of the Vampire Hunters based on the Master Beast’s interactions. Such a thing could not be achieved by the Order of the Final Knights. It was a matter of suitability.
The Order of the Final Knights holds authority but is also fair. Perhaps the reason the Vampire Hunters have not yet vanished is that a certain number of humans do not condone entrusting their fates to the whims of justice.
Vampire Hunters accept large sums of money to hunt Vampires. Clients invest significant amounts to entrust their revenge to the Vampire Hunters. Unlike when relying on the Order of the Final Knights, clients are never mere bystanders.
The bar’s proprietor, having been in this city for a long time, was well-informed about its affairs. He spoke of how an earthquake had exposed the ruins of the Shadow King’s castle and the underground prison, how the mayor had suddenly begun implementing countermeasures against Vampires, and how mercenaries had been hired to subjugate the Adedoro that had begun appearing at the castle ruins.
Nebira, having listened to the tale, spat out disdainfully.
“This stinks… Why go to such lengths without contacting the Order of the Final Knights?”
“The current mayor is an ordinary man. He possesses moderate desires and ambitions, but lacks the talent to fulfill them.”
Rufuri frowned at the proprietor’s words. It was necessary to investigate what was happening, but it didn’t bode well. Such individuals generally harbor aversion towards the Order of the Final Knights. That alone wouldn’t be a problem, but if the ‘Night Crystal’ was involved, it could not be overlooked.
The Master Beast twitched his right eyebrow slightly. His eyes still held the dark void of nothingness.
“Hmph… if we tighten the screws on the mayor, he might spill something…”
“Wait, we should first listen to him calmly.”
Vampire Hunters are unpredictable in their actions. Nebira’s expression suggested he found the situation amusing, likely because he considered it naive. His temperament was closer to that of a Vampire Hunter than an Eclipse Knight.
At Rufuri’s words, the Master Beast snorted once and smiled.
“Rufuri, it seems our opinions are… quite aligned. Let’s cooperate and tighten the screws gently.”
—
Suddenly, the sound of gears turning echoed through the air.
Before them loomed a metallic door, and the wall ahead began to move slowly. It appeared to be a concealed trap.
I endured the pain while confirming Senri’s usual calm demeanor.
It’s trivial, but Senri has been through too many harrowing situations. While I find him reliable, I can’t help but wish to see him a bit shaken; perhaps that’s just my selfishness.
The wall wasn’t moving particularly fast, but the ceiling was far too high. Even if I jumped now, I wouldn’t be able to escape in time. I called out to Lazar and the others above.
“Wait for me in the city! I’ll be back soon!”
“Yeah, got it—”
A heavy tremor shook the air, completely sealing off my escape route. The darkness that spread was nearly absolute.
What I first considered was not what lay ahead in this underground palace—but rather, my escape route. I looked up at the ceiling, calculating.
Can I escape? Normally, finding another exit would be the standard approach. However, I am a monster that transcends human knowledge.
I don’t know what will happen, but if I ignore the pain and use my impossible strength to transform into a large dog, I could break through the ceiling. I could slice through mere rock with my clawed paws.
No—Senri possesses the E-Pe’s direct technique, “Annihilation (Photo N/A-Delete).” With that terrifying power, which carries the force of Object-based Destruction, it can surely pierce the door with precision.
It’s fine. If it’s me, I can bring Senri back to the surface alive.
Even in the depths of true darkness, my eyes could see through everything. I turned to Senri and asked, “Senri, can you see?”
“Somehow… I can see, End.”
It seems that true darkness isn’t a problem for her. I can’t help but wonder what kind of training could produce such a Knight.
Senri pointed toward the Golem I had slain. I didn’t understand what she was indicating, but I lowered my gaze as she instructed. In a quiet voice, Senri said, “This Golem—it’s made from a mineral that absorbs Blessing.”
“What!? Such a material exists!?”
It seems that holy silver is known to transmit Blessing well. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were materials that could absorb it, but this was completely outside my expectations.
“It’s an extremely rare mineral. Even among necromancers, those who possess it are… scarce. Look, even this arrowhead—”
It was clearly intended to kill. I didn’t know what kind of power it possessed, but without Blessing, Senri was just a beautiful and kind girl. However, the arrowhead had no effect on me. My wounds had already healed. It seemed impossible to strategize against both the living and the dead at the same time—Eclipse Knight and Vampire.
I must focus and protect Senri. As I resolved to do so, Senri spoke with a serious expression.
“Moreover, this Golem—it’s not that ancient.”