**Chapter 29: The King of Shadow④**
With the support of the Lord, I cautiously explore the underground labyrinth.
According to the Lord, a magic circle is a delicate and extremely dangerous ritual. Magic can only be wielded by those with talent, but a magic circle is used by skilled practitioners to invoke large-scale phenomena that are impossible for normal users to achieve.
The array composed of multiple magical symbols is a mass of magic, a crucible of power. This ritualistic magic can sometimes cause uncontrollable surges, even to the practitioner, due to interference from the Outside. It has long been abandoned by the Deceased.
The presence of a metal known as Demon Steel, which absorbs the nearly nonexistent Blessing in the Present, indicates that this underground labyrinth was undoubtedly created a long time ago.
“Behold, End. It is arranged so that the power of death from the upper layers gathers here.”
The Lord’s words are unwavering. What appears to me as merely a labyrinth seems to be something entirely different to the Lord. I have long suspected it, but the Lord may be a far more powerful practitioner than I had imagined.
If I had faltered and Holos Carmen had become the King of the Dead, it’s possible that a terrifying enemy would have emerged in this world by now. Shouldn’t the Order of the Final Knights be grateful to me and welcome me into their ranks? I would work hard! I would work incredibly hard! I have no sense of camaraderie with the necromancer.
Following the Lord’s instructions, I begin to damage the walls and floors in turn. Senri, who has been following closely while repelling the raiders from the darkness, said something rather harsh.
“End, are you perhaps doing something reckless?”
“I’m not! Have I ever done anything reckless?”
“…………”
Senri falls silent, looking apologetic.
The Lord is not an ally, but a part of him is being absorbed by me. Even if it is just a part, the fact that he can use Necromancy proves it. The Lord would not take the initiative to lead me to my death. While vigilance is necessary, I should be able to trust him for now.
Even in my weakened state, afflicted by the curse of Seーブル, I cannot defeat the Lord. The initiative lies with me.
As the Lord instructed, I strike a part of the floor with my axe. With each blow, I feel as if the swirling power of death stirs slightly.
However, it’s astonishing how such a vast underground labyrinth was created. Producing something of this scale underground must require a different kind of effort than building a castle above ground. I can hardly believe it could be accomplished through magic alone.
“Use Skeletons. They are tireless and loyal subordinates. I too once did the same.”
The Lord says this with a sense of nostalgia. Hearing that, I can’t help but think that, if we set aside the ethical concerns, Necromancy is indeed an excellent tool.
The only sound echoing through the corridor is the noise of me damaging the passage. Senri is currently allowing me my freedom, but the endlessness of it all is frightening.
“Fool! This is a delicate technique. While destruction is one thing, releasing it requires a procedure. It was once impossible to release it at all!”
“It seems it will take a little longer.”
I want to go home quickly… But how can I possibly release the magic circle created by the King of the Dead? The Lord, seemingly exasperated by my doubts, responds.
“It is an old-fashioned magic circle. It has defects and has fallen out of use. Magic has advanced; can one truly call themselves a transcendent of death if they cannot release something of this level?”
—
I continue to dismantle the magic circle while confirming with the Lord silently.
I still lack sufficient knowledge, but it seems that Vampires possess immense aptitude as Mages. This is likely why the Lord chose the Corpse Eater lineage as the transformation path to become the King of the Dead. Vampires have magical power, a physical body that is impervious to magic, and—apparently—special eyes.
When a Lower Rank Vampire, known as the *レN/Aサー-Vampire*, mutates into a Vampire, they gain many abilities. However, mutation is not the end of the process. A higher-ranking Vampire, having lived for a long time and accumulated the power of death, gains magical eyes. While the eyes of a Lower Rank Vampire cannot compare to those, even my eyes can perceive the flow of death’s power and the flow of magical energy.
Though I can’t fully grasp it, this is a power that any Mage would covet.
Perhaps if I study more and gain further power, I could live without conflict with humans? The reason humans despise *アN/AデN/ADoro* is that we pose a threat to them. With my human consciousness, I might have the potential to change that.
While I would prefer to avoid troublesome matters, for the sake of living peacefully with Senri, it might be worth considering.
As I ponder this, I destroy another section while masking my pain. The Lord, floating gently in the air, speaks.
“After three more locations, the chains binding the power will break, and the accumulated power of death will vanish into nothingness. Some of it will flow into you as well.”
I see… So that’s why he’s cooperating. It makes sense now.
The power of death is also the source of my strength. Power is never a burden. I’ll graciously accept it. If my own power grows stronger, perhaps the pain will fade as well—
Will I be able to return to the city before dawn?
Just as I begin to entertain such carefree thoughts, my instincts sense danger.
My sensory functions are acute. As an Immortal, I instinctively search for the living. I should have noticed sooner; the delay is undoubtedly due to the pain.
I force my aching legs to move and leap back, cradling Senri and rolling on the ground.
And then, directly above me—a beam of light streaked past.
“Damn it, it was evaded.”
The density of the light emitted by Senri pales in comparison, but it is undoubtedly a Blessing. A familiar voice sends a sharp pain through my head. The instincts of *アN/AデN/ADoro* sound the alarm at the appearance of a natural enemy.
Damn it, just three more locations. What on earth is this timing?
A voice that drips with disdain, reminiscent of a *チN/Aピラ*. Yet, I already know that voice possesses terrifying power.
It has been some time since I became *アN/AデN/ADoro*, but they are the only ones who have reduced me to just a head.
Senri, cradled in my arms, gazes at me with her amethyst-like eyes. There is no sign of turmoil on her face. However, having known her for so long, I can tell she is confused.
From the darkness, the Grim Reaper approaches. Cloaked in a faint light, their body shines even in the swirling negative energy of the underground labyrinth.
A man with a sword and another with sharp eyes wielding a mace.
“Senri, it’s been a while.”
“N/A… Rufuri, Liー…?”
Senri calls out that name. I evade the light mercilessly unleashed from another person while still holding Senri. The light bullets pierce through the underground labyrinth. The stone floor and walls remain unscathed, likely because the attack lacks physical force.
The light is meant to drain the power of death. It is a technique to efficiently purify me. It would likely leave no wounds even if it struck Senri.
“N/A… I knew it… Damn it! You’re still with that Crap Vampire!”
The man who unleashed the light glares at me, his eyes burning with murderous intent and rage.
I have never forgotten. There’s no way I could forget the man who nearly killed me once.
I steel my trembling body against the fear. Slowly, I rise while still holding Senri. As I move, I rapidly process the pain-dulled thoughts. The Lord looks down upon us.
What is happening? How did they trace us? What is their objective? How many enemies are there?
No, before that, is that man—the one who nearly killed me from a distance—the Light Hero, *《Annihilation》*—still here?
…….
Two people. There are no other presences. The vast energy emitted by that man is conspicuous. There are only two people in this underground space.
It’s fine; I can move. If I falter, I will lose Senri. I cannot afford to falter.
This time is different.
Now, I am a monster. I raise my voice, doing my utmost to ensure no tremor betrays my fear. The voice that escapes my lips is cold and heavy.
“It’s been a while, Rufuri and Nebira. Sorry, but I’m currently busy… Senri and I are quite occupied… Would you mind leaving?”
I must think. I need a way to navigate this situation. Conditions. I absolutely do not want to meet them. Senri’s soul remains as an Eclipse Knight. She is strong but delicate. If we meet, confusion will surely arise.
However, I cannot kill Senri’s former comrades. I can only sever the ties of fate.
I force a smile, impossible as it may be. At that moment, Rufuri, still wearing a grim expression, raised his right hand.
There was no sound or warning. I was momentarily stunned.
Countless light bullets materialized before Rufuri.
The number—hundreds. If they can’t evade, then they’ll simply unleash an unmanageable quantity.
I think I understand the Lord’s feelings just a little now.
“Looks like you two are… muscle-bound idiots.”
Del, who fought alongside me in the Rainer battle, was far more rational! Could it be that the *E-pe* squad is all like this!?
“‘White Rain (フォトN/A-レイN/A)’”
As I uttered those dry words, a torrential barrage of light bullets surged toward me.