I remained calm in front of the purifying light that could destroy the undead far and wide.

Theyre strong. I suffered the damages one-sidedly during our first match. When I went to Epes inn to return the sword, they were shaken up so they werent in a perfect condition.

But this time theyre attacking head on. I dont know what kind of method they used, but they have perceived our existence and have come with a firm will to kill us.

Even if theyre third class, they can manipulate the blessing and are undoubtedly heroes.

Looking at the light bullets that were pouring down on me like rain and Neville, who charged at me from the other side, I was convinced.

Theyve become stronger than when we previously met.

Theyre planning on wounding me with Photon Rain and using that opportunity to continuously attack me.

In contrast to that, I didnt even have to worry, I only had one choice.

The light was hailing down evenly. I resolved myself, rebuked my hurting body and jumped sideways.

Lufry let out a small voice.

Wha-?!

Kh?!

The light burns my flesh. The pain as if being scorched by the hellfire, a different kind of pain from Sables curse, bursts forth like shock.

I continued protecting Senri, hugged her and rolled. I understand that the light is trying to return me to the corpse Im meant to be, my vision is blinking because of the pain and I cant even scream, yet my thoughts are calm.

Theyve become stronger. Maybe they started training from the day when Senri disappeared with me.

But nothing has changed. The sharpened killing intent in their attacks is splendid, but thats it.

Theyve become stronger, but thats it. They havent changed at all.

Kuh He was hit by Photon Rain but he took almost no damage! Be careful!

I know!

I feel a tingling fighting spirit from my back. I feel a strong power of light.

My old self had almost no combat experience of fighting with enemies stronger than me so I could only desperately run around. Right now I have an index to judge them by. An index called Senri.

Lufry and Neville have definitely become stronger. But Ive become even stronger.

I know that even if I take a direct hit from all bullets from Lufrys Photon Rain, it cant fill my abyss. A beast-like roar rises from my back. A holy silver weapon, thats handed to all Death Knights, is swung down.

Senri, who slipped out of my arms, intercepted it.

I rolled to the side, as if toppling over, and checked the progress of the battle.

Senris swordsmanship is elegant no matter how many times I see it. Her straight and quick continuous attacks are probably because force isnt needed to purify the undead. Her swift swordplay, so fast that it carved several flashes in a moment, is something that even I, with my superhuman abilities, can barely manage to match.

A violent sound resonates. Neville roars.

You! You still havent woken up?!

Youre barking up the wrong tree. Senris eyes have never been clouded.

Senris blow greatly repels the mace. Nevilles expression distorts. Senri and Neville have different physiques and gender, but for Death Knights, who can strengthen their bodies with blessing, thats irrelevant.

I wont let you kill him!

Do they think that Senris unwillingly accompanying me because shes being threatened? Theres no way that could happen. Senri isnt foolish enough to be manipulated by somebody of my level. Thats why Ive been doing everything possible to avoid betraying her.

Just how are Lufry and Neville planning to kill me, while Im being protected by Senri whos stronger than them, the very same Senri theyre trying to save?

Are you okay, End?

Some how.

It hurts. It hurts so much that if I were a human, Id definitely be dead, but Im already dead so its not a problem.

Right now Im probably stronger than these two. After all, I have vast combat experience. Ive learned the tricks of the Death Knights through Senri.

Perhaps instantly sensing the situation, Lufry shouted. Neville, hold her back! Photon Rain!

End!

How nave, way too nave. In that sense, Epes Soul Release from a very far distance was an excellent tactic.

Epe most likely has a precise understanding of us.

The Order of Death Knights is definitely not evil. Thats why, time will heal the tragedy. Even if Im killed, Senri will eventually come to terms with it. But Senris not the kind of person who will sit idly by and silently watch people whove come to kill me in front of her.

If I were in their position I would have planned an assassination. It would be impossible to persuade the stubborn Senri head-on.

I swung down Blood Ruler towards the rain of light that had become denser because its range was narrowed down to me.

My heart was groaning. The power of the vampire is the blood power and its source is the heart. The invasion of my natural enemy is making my vampire instincts roar with fighting will.

Senri said that Blood Ruler was also made with the metal that sucked in blessing. The jet-black blade produced the exact results I was anticipating. The light that touched the blade disappeared, as if sucked in. Some couldnt be erased and passed through, but if I resolve myself, I can endure it.

Good grief, the Lord really left something good.

He erased it?! Impossible, why didnt he do it the first-

Yeah, thats right. I could do the same thing to the first shot. But Lufry doesnt understand it. Im madly in love with Senri!

Thats why, its only natural that I would act in a way that made her stay with me. Im expressing that sentiment with my whole body, risking my life!

Head over heels in love with your natural enemy I could never imagine that this would have happened.

The Lord is lamenting for some reason. Immediately after, I strongly step forward. I pass by Neville, whos exchanging blows with Senri. My target is Lufry. His clean-cut face stiffens in astonishment for a second.

Did they believe that I was still on the pursued side? The fear, engraved from the time when I was left as just a head, had already disappeared. If they knew the path Ive walked since then, theyd surely be convinced.

I wont kill you! Senri would be sad if I did! Kuh!

Think carefully. I dont kill innocent humans. Ive received blood from Senri, but Im still chaste. Vampire, who doesnt do anything and the Death Knights that are trying to kill him. For the public, Death Knights are in the right, but its different for Senri.

How ironic it is that, the virtue, that was surely one of the reasons why Senri was valued, is protecting a pitiful vampire.

Lufry readied his sword. The light dwells in the sword thats slightly wider and longer than the one Senri has.

Its the sword that cut my head. The wound from when I was once decapitated aches.

I know it. The sword of the Death Knights is for evading and warding off. Ive fought against it many times.

Lufry are you confident that youre stronger than Senri?

The sharp pain is running through my brain. Its Sables curse. But I wont cut corners. I rebuke my knees that are about to shatter and slam Blood Ruler on the floor in front of Lufry whos standing ready.

Kh?!