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Suddenly, the water’s surface rippled, and a geometric magic circle—or was it just an array of magical symbols?—appeared, casting an intricate glowing pattern that spread across the bottom of the spring. In the next instant, the entire spring erupted violently towards the ceiling, as if it had exploded. Oh, and Bartholomew got thrown back by the force, slamming into the wall. Following that, a pillar of what could only be described as “black light” surged up from the depths, completely defying the laws of physics.

At first, it was just a sliver of light escaping from a small gap, but, like an egg cracking open from the inside, it rapidly expanded. Soon enough, the entire spring was emitting a thick pillar of light that pierced through the half-collapsed ceiling, rising higher and higher.

“What the hell, Clara! What did you do!?”

Coppelia turned her baseless accusation towards me, still standing there in shock.

“I-I didn’t do anything! You’re mistaken!”
“There is literally nobody else—!”

Before Coppelia could finish her accusation, Eren struck her on the back of the head with the metal shaft of her spear—not sure what it’s called in the Western world, but in Japan, that part would be called the tachiuchi.

“Lady Jill already said it wasn’t her!” Eren yelled at her.

Coppelia crouched down, clutching her head from the merciless blow. Honestly, I’m not sure if even mercenary training would allow for such extreme measures.

“B-but…” Coppelia, with teary eyes, tried to protest. But then, her jaw suddenly dropped open wide, and a silent scream escaped her throat.

“I-I-I-I-I-I-I—”
“ “?” ”
“—Igoronak?!?”

The horror in her voice was unmistakable, her wide-open eyes staring in shock at the center of the black pillar of light. Instinctively, I shifted my stance, gripping my magic staff and facing in the same direction.

As I strained my eyes, I saw it. Floating in mid-air, draped in a tattered black robe, was a shadowy figure—when had it appeared?

“—Guh!”

The overwhelming pressure from merely being looked at was so immense that I felt like half of my vitality had been sucked away. Instinctively, I channeled my mana through my body, focusing on my dantian to resist.

“—Oh?” A faint sense of admiration seemed to emanate from the figure. “You can endure this? Not bad, for a human.”

A wave of mocking amusement followed, as if the creature found my resistance amusing, like a bug struggling in vain.

“Though I am not at full strength, it seems I’ve stumbled upon quite the exceptional prey. Now then, I shall claim all of your life force and magic—”

Just as the No-Life King extended his right hand toward me, his movements suddenly froze as though time itself had stopped. A wave of shock and disbelief crashed down upon me from him.

“Why, you…!”

Though I was paralyzed like a frog before a snake due to the immense power gap, I used that brief moment to leap backward, positioning myself between Eren and the enemy, quickly erecting every barrier I could muster.

Glancing behind me, I saw Eren collapsed in a heap, her eyes rolled back as if her soul had left her body. Meanwhile, Coppelia, though unaffected by the aura or killing intent, had completely lost her composure and was mumbling in a panic, “Calm down, everyone. Keep your cool… what should I do in moments like these… 2…3, 5…7… just stay calm.”

Suddenly, from the body of the No-Life King, an uncontrollable wave of emotion surged forth—was it hatred? No… it was joy?—like a tempest of feelings.

“So there it is…! That’s where it is there all along!? I can sense it, the remnants of that woman’s power inside you!!”

He began to tremble, starting with his shoulders and soon his entire body, unable to contain himself.

“—But what’s with that appearance? So shabby, so pitiful. How disappointing.”

Excuse me!? Why am I suddenly being insulted by a monster that’s been sealed away for a hundred years!? Is it my fault I look this way?! I’ve been told I’m “pretty” or even “beautiful” quite a lot lately, but I guess that was just flattery, and across the ages, I’ve been unattractive. Got it. Fine. Understood!!

Though I was secretly sulking, the No-Life King continued spouting his nonsense.

“Hmm, an illusion spell to mask your appearance? How trivial.”

In an instant, the No-Life King moved right in front of me.

“Now then—”

With a simple motion, his hand tore through my magical barrier as if it were made of paper.

“「O seed of flame, be my projectile and explode swiftly」—「Napalm」”

I didn’t have the luxury of holding back. I unleashed my most powerful spell—magic hot enough to melt stone.

“Too weak.”

With ease, the No-Life King crushed the fireball in his palm.

As I stood there, stunned, his hand reached toward my chest, almost touching my skin—when suddenly, the necklace I had tucked under my clothes, my mother’s keepsake, released Regina’s stored magic. For just a moment, it pushed the No-Life King back.

“—Tch! But such a small burst of magic…”

“GRRRRR!!”

Before the No-Life King could regain his stance, a thunderous roar echoed as Vier lunged at him, sinking her teeth into his right arm, trying to pin him down.

“Gah! How dare a mere lowly familiar—!”

Though he flung Vier off with brute strength, his right arm was severed from the shoulder.

“…I see. As I thought, I lack enough life force and magic, having just been resurrected. No matter. I’ll replenish myself elsewhere. For now, the continuation of this battle will have to wait. Once I regain my strength, I shall spread death and destruction as usual. You’re welcome to pursue me… I’ll be waiting on the surface!”

Gliding through the air, he moved to the edge of the now-darkened spring. With those parting words, he looked up.

I followed his gaze. The “black light” had bored a vertical shaft through everything above us, extending all the way to the surface.

“—Wait!”

Before I could stop him, the undead king flew toward the surface and disappeared. Left behind, I struggled to support my trembling limbs with my wand, barely managing to stand like a newborn fawn, rooted to the spot.

Translator’s Note:

The following is the spoiler for the end of Vampire Princess. Then again, this entire novel is a spoiler of Vampire Princess. This is just a reminder from the author.

Author’s note:

For those unfamiliar, here’s a spoiler:
Saintess Snow = Scarlet Snow

Also known as “The Saint of Roses” and “The Wandering Beauty.” She is a saint who has wandered various countries for over 100 years, healing people and performing miracles.

Her true identity is the God-Emperor of the Cardinal Rose Super-Empire and the ruler of the Crimson Empire. Officially, it’s called the “Crimson Empire,” while “Cardinal Rose Super-Empire” is just a name used on the surface.

The “Crimson Empire” itself is a floating island about the size of a small country, usually hovering above the continent (shielded so that it’s invisible to the naked eye).

She is an eternally youthful and beautiful maiden and was the princess of the monsters who won the Divine-Demonic War (Finis Jihad) over a century ago (her rank is on par with God).

With long black hair, crimson eyes, snow-like skin, and unparalleled beauty (compared to Jill, she’s the ultimate beauty as an artistic figure, while Jill is the pinnacle of human beauty). Despite this, her personality is quite down-to-earth and approachable.

She occasionally descends to the surface but believes that earthly matters are for earthly people to handle, so she refrains from excessive interference.

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