Looks like the mage whos been sending Skeletons over has lost their patience. Are they telling us to come out or are they planning to forcefully bury the underpass?

We ask for the permission from Mister Lazar and the guys, who havent noticed anything, and go upstairs together. They would only be a hindrance since they had troubles even with Black Bone. Their presence wouldnt make much difference, so it would be better if they stayed where they had less likelihood of dying.

The closer we get to the surface, the greater the shaking becomes. Senri says.

Its most likely a Skeleton Giant.

Do Black Bones get bigger when they evolve?

Wrong. Its made from the bones of the giants. Its stronger than Black Bone.

Giants, as their name implies, are a minority race that look like humans, but are said to be several times larger. Because of their size, they have their unique culture and rarely appear in human towns. Of course, Ive never met them, but from what Ive heard, all of them are excellent warriors. Theyre much bigger than humans so they must be strong.

However, I see things like them exist too

Its a race known for their herculean strength. I dont intend to compare strengths upfront, but Im slightly interested in which ones stronger, them or the Lesser Vampires.

We run through the dungeon and go outside. At that moment, the ground shakes extremely violently.

Kh?! My eyes open wide. I didnt have to look for it. It was just huge. It looked like Skeleton with golden bones. But each of its bones were much thicker than my torso and shone with dull light in darkness. I couldnt see it fully with a single glance, as its eye sockets, from where sinister red light was spilling, kept looking down at me from above the partially-destroyed ceiling. Demon King Rainel was huge, but he was always walking on four legs and he pretty much never stood up on his hind legs so this thing here should have advantage in pure height.

In addition my opponent wasnt alone. There was only a single big one, but I could feel the presence of multiple Skeletons around. It was not just ten or twenty.

A Black Bone is here too.

Its an all-out war, huh?

Maybe they havent charged in despite having gathered so many troops because they have great discipline. But even so, this amount of fighting power is too much no matter how I think about it. Mister Lazar and the guys wouldnt be able to hold off even the 10th of them.

No, did they gather this big of an army because I repelled Black Bones prior? If so, I did something horrendous to these guys.

The Skeleton Giant doesnt roar. Its just quietly looking down on us. Its the first time Ive seen a giant, but as its name suggested, its awfully huge. Its very intimidating even with a hollow bone body. I gave up on comparing my strength with it. No matter what, our physiques are too different. How are you supposed to fight with Skeleton this big? If Skeleton of this size had an appropriate size sword and swung it generously, this half-destroyed castle wouldnt stand a chance. No, it looks like it could destroy the castle wall with a single punch.

But its fine. The enemy is huge, so it doesnt have maneuverability. And, with my jumping power, I should easily reach its head. Its armored but because of its size, its full of openings. Ill cut its neck bones. I just have to break it first before it breaks anything.

Its a good opportunity to show my power to Senri.

I lick my lips at the sign of a strong enemy I havent faced in a long while and say to Senri.

Senri, Ill take on the big guy.

Photon Delete.

I wanted to fight

Im sorry, but that was the best solution.

Senri replies somewhat apologetically to my words. And her expression makes my heart bleed even more.

It has a terrific power no matter how many times I see it. The beam of light that Senri released blew off the Skeleton Giant without letting it do anything. It wasnt even a battle anymore. If that light was directed at me, even I, having gotten stronger as a Lesser Vampire, would be vanquished in a single blow. Even I could probably, maybe, definitely defeat Skeleton Giant but it would most likely be impossible to defeat it in one hit. In the battle against the undead, Senri is the closest to being invincible.

The most terrifying thing is that Photon Delete isnt Senris original creation, but rather Epes specialty. Even though Ill have no chances of winning against Epe, as expected, Im doomed for the fate of always running away.

Contrary to my dejected self, the mercenary bunch were in high spirits for some reason. Maybe theyre happy that we annihilated all the undead. Theyre sure easygoing despite the fact that theyd be killed if we werent here.

Cheer up, Baron. If youre so narrow-minded, your wife will leave you.

Even I have my own pride

Well, I knew that Senri could defeat Skeleton Giant, but even so, this is just too much. Just where should I put down my raised fist?

Well, cheer up. You defeated a big-shot. If we report it, well get extra money. We lucked out, so Ill treat you to a drink.

Why, thank you

Please choose a place that doesnt serve garlic. Ill empty out your wallet, dont you underestimate a vampires power.

Just as my thoughts went this far, a sudden question appeared in my mind.

Mister Lazar and the others cant be called strong mercenaries even as flattery. They can defeat Skeletons, but they lose to Black Bone and would most likely flee without being able to do anything against Skeleton Giant.

But theyre definitely not weak mercenaries either. They have enough skills to defeat monsters that appear on the highway and they have spent way longer than me fighting with their swords. Dessend is a peaceful town. There hasnt been a war in a long time, so the level of visiting mercenaries mustve naturally fallen. Mister Lazar, when mercenaries here exterminate the undead does anybody end up dead?

Dead? Nah, nobody seems to have died on the mercenary side. To start with, usually only weak undead appear. Usually we are just unlucky.

Mister Lazar says while frowning.

As expected huh. Mister Lazar and the co are mercenaries, and because they dont have much ability, they must have carefully selected their job. It would be good if being unlucky was enough to wrap up this situation

Senri also seems as though shes not convinced. Somethings strange. Everythings strange. We cant withdraw. I know we can handle it. The power of crystal is too alluring for us to go without confirming anything.