Chapter 102.1, Night Crystal (5)
An acutely dark presence is approaching. It’s an indescribable feeling. If I must say it―― it’s as if darkness itself is closing in on us. For an undead like me, who’s exempted from the rules of death, that presence is something I’m very familiar with, but I think that the Order of Death Knights and the mercenaries, who confront this with living flesh are really amazing.
I escaped from the basement. Although they’re not visible yet, there are an unbelievable number of the undead surrounding the old castle.
To start with, Necromancers are good at suppressing with numbers. If there’s no mage who can launch wide range attacks, the difference in numbers can determine the tendency of the battle. And, that’s the reason why the Order of Death Knights, who can annihilate the undead on a wide scope, are considered their natural enemy.
I left Mister Lazar’s group in the basement. The difference in numbers can be somewhat mitigated inside the narrow underground passage. It’s pretty doubtful whether I can finish things without letting a single undead slip by, but their chances of survival aren’t that low. I thought for a while and decided to check the difference in our military strength. The undead neither run nor hide and since I’m the same kind as them, it’s not hard to read their presence, but when there are so many of them here, as expected, the processing ability of my brain can’t catch up. In that case, it’s better to act flashy and let them attack first. “That’s a dangerous plan.” Senri says with a rebuking expression, but this is not a plan for a human with limited stamina. And, this is the safest. It’ll be perfect if I leave Senri to guard the basement.
The undead are strengthened by gathering death energy. It’s only a tiny amount compared to the power vampires get by ‘Feeding’, but it’s better than nothing. There’s no meaning in actively hunting them because the amount of energy the undead release after their second death is insignificant compared to the living beings, but with so many of them here, they should be able to fill my stomach to some extent.
I confess to Senri before heading into the battle.
“Every drop of your blood is mine, Senri. I won’t give it to them.”
“… I see.”
I thought she’d be moved, but Senri’s reaction is extremely lukewarm. However, judging from her smell, she doesn’t seem to hate me, so I should retreat now. I know. Men, who keep pushing without thinking about the other person, are hated. It was written in a book.