Chapter 257 - Vampire Died Twice A black figure, as if crows were covering a dead corpse. The headless corpse of the man had shadow clinging on it, but if one looked closely one can understand that they weren’t crows but rather bats. Those bats were the servants created by the vampire Ludora lying on the ground. Although they were all called Servants, there were various ways to create them. One was to train monsters right after capturing them, other was to create golem from inorganic substances, and this bat servant was made from the use of one's own flesh, in short, it was something like clone of the main person. It was famous that bat Servants were created by vampires, even Ludora was no exception and was using them. It was these Servants work that allowed Ludora to know from before of Kurono and others approach to the mansion. The reason these loyal and superior bats were clinging on the headless corpse of their owner was neither for eating him nor mourning. Even the villagers with no knowledge regarding magic would understand what his order might have been if they saw the scene occurring here. Firstly, the Servants cancelled their bat form and returned to their true form. That form was blood. Just like ice melts the bats transformed into dark red liquid in a flash. Like that the puddle of blood moves like a slime, and enters through the severed veins from the cross-section of head. No, it was more like the body was absorbing its blood clone. Just like how a thirsty person drinks water, this body thirsty for blood sucks in all of its clones. Immediately after absorbing the last clone, the fingertips of headless corpse twitched. That was neither the prank of wind nor rigor mortis reaction, but rather something he did with his own will. Like that the will takes over control of whole body, as a result, the headless corpse stood up-straight at that spot as if normal. No, it wasn't a corpse anymore, but rather a headless person. The body moved while staggering somewhat, towards its lost head. The blue eyes had already captured the scene of the body coming near it. Like that, making a movement as if picking up a lost property, the head was held up and placed on the place it should be, like that, there stood Ludora who had a life and death struggle just before. 「Inexperienced, eh......」 The resurrected Ludora spoke those words at first. Those were not meant for Kurono who didn't deal a perfect final blow to a vampire like but, but it was meant for the defeated himself. 「For me to survive the second time using the Extra Magic of True Vampire」 Vampire have powerful magical energy and power both, but are in minority, however among them, there is a race, no, a blood relative that is even more scarce, has more powerful abilities and can also use a special Extra Magic. Those were called as True Vampire and are said to have the blood of the vampire's progenitor running in their veins. And Ludora was one of those special relatives. Several tens of years back, the time young Ludora was defeated first time, he was brought back to life with the help of the Extra Magic of True Vampires, the『Nos Ferat』 This was the second time he died, but this time he was not shocked,  but rather was able to keep his heart calm, due to that he was able to feel his growth since those days. 「This time too I barely escaped death」 Though the magic was named boldly as『Nos Ferat』 its effect was not absolute. The amount of times he could use it was only once and only for fatal wound, if he were to receive fatal strikes two times consecutively then he would not revive, even if his head and heart were to be destroyed. There are other exceptions too, if he were to take on attack from Light Magic or mithril, both which happen to be weaknesses of Undead, then the wound won't heal. In other words, if Kurono had stabbed Ludora in the heart after cutting his head, or cut his head with Mithril Sword, then Ludora's death was fixed. 「But this also can be said as fate」 Ludora muttered. He accepted the fact that he lost. It would be lie if he said he didn't feel vexed, but, like this he was able to survive, hence he got another chance to fight against the strong foe called Kurono. What else can this be said if not good luck, of course, the old him would not have been able to understand this. The young Ludora wouldn't understand anything as he was just being haughty because of the power of True Vampire and the Divine Protection powers. 「If I'm not meant to die currently, then I shall walk the sword way for some time more」 Muttering that, Ludora picked up his favourite katana lying beside him. The reasons why Kurono didn't take this katana with him may be because of victor's sympathy, or he valued time more, otherwise he would collect it after finishing the subjugation, or finally, he just forgot it. There was no definite answer for that, but anyhow the『Bloodsucking Princess「Scarlet Dye」』returned to Ludora. It was at the time he was about to store the katana in the scabbard. 「......Hm?」 He realized the change. The sword blade was bright red coloured, but the tip of sword strangely was darkened. At a glance it might seem like a bloodstain, but this katana as its name says is a 'bloodsucker', hence it absorbs any blood that sticks to it. And in truth looking more carefully he understood that there was no blood stuck on the blade but the blade itself had its colour changed. 「Don't tell me——」 The next moment, the black colour spread on the whole sword blade as if ink fell on it. The change was not only on the outside, but Ludora felt the katana pulsating and also felt the wild flow of magical energy in the sword. Since the change was too sudden, hence the end also came abruptly. Before he noticed it, the red bladed katana Ludora held in hand had changed into a jet black katana. From the sword with same hue as dark night, a red aura was rising as if the blood itself was being evaporated. 「It evolved......?」 Ludora remained calm even after escaping the grasps of death, but at this time even he had his eyes round with a surprised expression on his face. 「*giggle*, I see, looks like princess liked Kurono's taste just too much」 He immediately knew the reason, the last slash, no, last thrust, that attack certainly pierced through Kurono's armour and stabbed his abdomen. It was not enough to give a fatal wound, but apparently that amount of blood was enough to satisfy the appetite of this bloodsucking cursed katana. [1] 「Well then, I also need to train」 Ludora sheathed the katana this time with a satisfied smile on his face, and left the place without making any sort of sound. — AUTHOR’S NOTE: News Flash『Kurono again fails to deal the last blow』third time. TRANSLATOR'S NOTE: 1. Kurono is the man who has the ability of adding other's Cursed Weapons into his harem!! Yay~~ EDITOR’s NOTE: .....Kurono please, there’s a limit between what you can have in your harem, inanimate objects is beyond that

Chapter 258 - Bliss of Amnesia The new work of rising and energetic Rank 5 party『Wing Road』was the popular topic in the City of Spada. Their new work was that they captured the wirepuller behind the bandits who had been rioting in Fuaren recently before Chivalric Order or Law Guardians reached them. No one knew how they found out the identity of the wirepuller, but they entered the headquarters of that Slave Dealer which happened to be a mansion in Upper Class Area, fought, and splendidly rescued the girls that were captured there. There was even the information that among the girls abducted was the daughter of an influential noble in Fauren, if they had saved her a day later she might've been sold off to some distant foreign country. The swift rescue of Wing Road had various overbearing parts or so the Chivalric Order had complained, but against their big achievements it got stuffed somewhere and now there was no-one who would criticize them head-on. If it went bad then it might've given rise to diplomatic problems with Fauren, more than anything the girl they saved was a 'high-class item', meaning there was no injury of any sort on her, of course, chastity included. The bad Slave Dealer was captured, beautiful girls were rescued, happy ending. However, it wasn't like everyone who was involved in this matter had a happy conclusion. For instance take this one young man here. 「Shit......Damn it......」 His name was Eddie, a Second Year Knight Cadet commuting to Royal Spada Academy. His appearance and family both were totally normal, Eddie was just your any young man in Spada. However, he was the only person who succeeded in escaping after their party was attacked by those aforementioned bandits. 「Damn it, don't fucking kid with me——」 Eddie unintentionally punched the wall while walking on the street. That was because he heard a student he passed by before saying that the matter ended peacefully now that the wirepuller behind the bandits of Fauren was captured. No, the student wasn't the only one speaking in a carefree manner, but actually all the people in the city would just speak that the case ends happily now that the lady from Fauren was rescued and wirepuller got arrested. And the party which completed it, Wing Road, announced their accomplishment of their success in quest『Subjugation of Bandits of Fauren』. 「——It ain't damn over yet!」 Without caring for the puzzled gazes staring at him, Eddie shouted. For him this matter was still now over, there's no way it would end, unless he rescues his best friends——and his childhood friend Shenna from those bandits. The day they were attacked, the reason Eddie alone was a ble to run away wasn't because he abandoned his friends. Against people with more ability than them, they made a plan to let one run away and bring in reinforcements. In that live-or-die, no, die-or-be abused situation, no one objected the plan and let Eddie run away. The reason they chose Eddie was because of his ability, they thought he would be able to shake off the bandits and reach the Isckia Village. Like that, under the cover of his friends, Eddie stole one horse of the bandits and escaped from that place at full speed. Before that time he had never thought that taking the horse-riding classes would be so helpful. He was able to make the horse run faster, but also used Boost for using the Martial Skills and Cure Magic for exhaustion recovery. All the skills were on the level of being able to withstand a true fight, hence finally he was able to successfully escape. However, everything did not end with just that. Eddie returned to Isckia Village, intruded the Adventurers' Guild and petitioned for a rescue squad. Like that a rescue squad was made and they departed——however the bandits one step higher in taking fast actions. Eddie reached the campground site on that evening, but there were only three dead bodies of his best friends, comrades in arms, and nothing else was present. 「Damn it, Shit......what the fuck is Hero Party『Wing Road』, do damned shits. A hero is one who saves all people」 Eddie again started walking around the Spada City while muttering complaints towards the young heroes. The pain from punching the wall felt extremely vacant. 「I don't need anyone else......I will go and save you all alone......」 Eddie had been searching for help till this time of today. Aside from his party members, there was no corpse of Shenna nor her party, surely they were taken by bandits alive, so, he still had comrades he had to save, Eddie didn't had time to rest. The rescue squad formed in Isckia Village disbanded after bandits had ran off, the job after that was of Vigilante Corps or Chivalric Order. Eddie could only have prayed that they would find out the hideout of bandits. However he couldn't have hoped that they would use personnel for commencing a large scale search, as the girls were just normal adventurers. The Chivalric Order would only do their work normally, at the same time, Eddie understood that the matter won't be ending immediately. Hence without waiting for Chivalric Order to defeat the bandits, Eddie started to move for recruiting new adventurers for heading to rescue. However it took till today's time for Eddie to understand that it was an impossible plan. It wasn't that much problem in posting the rescue quest in Guild, even the reward amount was somehow made done by the help of the victim's families. However there was not a single adventurer who took on the quest. Fighting against bandits is more risky than fighting against monsters. Especially in case this time with a wirepuller with power and influence to some extent. If it went bad they would be in a bad state of getting avenged anytime. Hence, unless the bandit subjugation is an emergency quest the adventurers don't easily participate in it, even if they have enough power. Eddie had been frequently visiting the Guild, and also asked many adventurers even by bending down. The result of that wasn't favourable can be explained from the fact Eddie was still present in the Spada City. Moreover with Wing Road capturing the Slave Dealer the other day, others finally started to think of not getting involved in this 'already concluded case' anymore. The charm of bandit subjugation was that the number of bandits rampaging around equates to that much of victims appearing. That is why, upon finishing it, the fame one gets is quite high. Anyone can understand that if they see Wing Road getting words of admiration from anyone in the city. However, with their announcement that the matter is now settled, the charm of that quest swiftly disappeared l, to the extent that it was the lowest grade of quest now. 「Fuck! I will......I will......」 This situation definitely wasn't because someone was in the wrong. It is the legitimate right of Adventurers to refuse a quest, Wing Road just happened to complete it in their place. It's not like anyone had the bad intentions of making Eddie suffer, just that, there was no one appearing to save Eddie, no, the captured Shenna and others. And for something like that to occur as if normal is the true reality of the world. 「I will......save them」 However, although an adult, Eddie was too young to accept such harsh news. Eddie resolved to save them alone if no-one decided to help. However to others it would only seem like he doesn't assess the situation correctly and is trying to do suicide in a funny way. In the first place, where was the hideout of bandits who captured Shenna and others? Were they hiding somewhere around Isckia Village? Maybe they went to Fauren or they might've gone to some different country. Let's say if he were to luckily find out their hideout, but, how will he save the girls? 8 people including Eddie were one-sidedly defeated against three bodyguards, so there's no way he could win against them alone. Then sneak in without being spotted? That would've been possible if Eddie's class was Assassin and the target for rescue was just one. There was no way he would succeed, but, there was no one point that out for him, no even if someone pointed it out, it would be impossible to stop Eddie. He was a young Knight Cadet with promising future, so being an apprentice Knight, how could he abandon his comrades. However if Eddie was from Civil Course, even then he would've gone to say them alone. Thinking about his hard to please childhood friend facing hard times right now, Eddie just can't help but want to save her. 「I will go, even if it's just me——」 He hardened his resolve and in his brain appeared the figure of that girl who had been with him since childhood. 「I will save Shenna!」 「Eh......Eddie?」 At that moment he thought the words that reached his ears were a auditory hallucination. That was because the voice was just too similar to a certain girl's voice. 「......Huh?」 He turned back on reflex and this time a hallucination was reflected in Eddie's eyes. After all, the person he resolved to rescue just a moment ago was standing in front of him right now. 「W-Why did you suddenly shout out, don't scare me!」 Green coloured pigtails, an average girl without any standing out characteristic, the only characteristic, her glasses, were not there, it was the face that she used to have some years back, however with just that difference there was no way he would not recognize her. However, Eddie couldn't help but ask her. 「Are you......Shenna?」 These words were not for confirmation, but rather a prayer wishing that this illusion in front her were real. 「Geez, who else do I look like, don't tell you don't recognize me because I don't have my glasses?」 To the words clinging on the faint hope, she showed her affirmation. It was the same as when they were arguing some days before in the Academy over a foolish subject. 「A-Are you really Shenna......how......」 「Even if you ask me how. Well, I got saved after getting captured by bandits and just returned to Spada, err, seriously I don't feel any reality in this because I don't have my memories——」 Eddie wasn't able to understand the vague ending words of Shenna right now, but, 「Shenna it is truly you, right......you were saved right?」 「Uh-huh, that's how it is」 The next moment Eddie embraced Shenna tightly with his two hands. As if not wanting to let her go even if she were a dream or an illusion. 「Eh, Wait, Eddie!?」 「I'm so happy, Shenna, I, I——」 Shenna embraced him back with her face bright red, while Eddie was weeping so hard that his words didn't make any sense anymore.

Chapter 259 - Bandits of Daedalus Thieves, Bandits, Pirates—- they have many names, but there was a time period during which these『rebels』who attack innocent people and plunder life and money unceasingly appeared. That was right after wars. The changing of remnants of lost army change into rebels. That was something which occurs as if natural in both Pandora Continent and Arc Continent. The time goes back to 7th of Distant Thunder month, in the Goldran Hills where a big war took place. The army of humans called Crusaders that came from across the sea defeated the Daedalus army lead by the King of Black Dragons. And the remnants of destroyed Daedalus Army, 「Those annoying demon race, so they finally show their true evil personality」 Now had turned into bandits freely rampaging in the territory of Daedalus now controlled by humans from Syncrea Republic. 「That young man Liuchrome is too half-hearted, the soldiers and people who are demons are demons, because he didn't get rid of them that its now like this!」 The person whining while breathing heavily was Count Belgunt, the head of Crusaders' Noble faction and also the man with the responsibility of conquering Spada. His eyes were green due to the colour magical energy of wind, but right now it might have seemed red due to his anger. He was in the prime of life, but his tall body didn't show any signs of aging, rather, he was wearing a light armour covered with gorgeous silver ornaments, it also gave a high magic resistance, hence the armour has fused the beauty and bravery of a noble into one. On his waist a custom-made personal Mithril Rapier was hanging down, and on his back was a dark green longbow that could make the maximum use of wind attribute. The reason he was completely armed was not because he wanted to go on demon hunt to seethe his anger, but because he didn't had any choice other than subjugating the rebelling demons rioting. Thi s place was Alsace Village——no, now this place was a strong fort called Alsace Stronghold, it would be the frontline base point when attacking Spada, at the same time it would be the defence for protecting the Republic of Daedalus. It was only the other day when Count Belgunt heard about demons appearing in large numbers in this Alsace Stronghold, where soldiers were being trained and other war preparations were being done under the control of the Count. The group was mixed with beast people, Orc, Lizardmen, and other races, all wearing black armour. Moreover their movements weren't of a newbie, but of veterans from wars. Even normal peasants would understand that those rebels were the remnants of Daedalus Army. As a bonus recently, not after the fight in Goldran, but after the Platinum Month started, the movements of these former Daedalus soldiers have increased. There have also been rumours that the remnants of army might be scattered here and there in Deadalus territory and might be planning to recapture the capital city. Whatever the authenticity might be, it was the truth that bandits were being rampant, this was a grave problem for Crusaders, even more for Belgunt who was to start a war against Spada in the near future. If internal conflicts arose then they won't have room to attack other countries, even if it doesn't come to that, it would still break off the logistical support and danger would increase. If one looks back on the military history of Arc Continent, they could find numerous same sort of cases. He wanted to commence the attack by next month, but with bandits rampaging inside he couldn’t start the war even if we he wanted to, it would be better to first cut the source of anxiety. Hence he complains about the real commander of Crusaders and also the person responsible for Daedalus's public order maintenance. 「What about the situation?」 He got out of Alsace Stronghold, straddled over the already prepared dapple-gray coloured horse and asked his subordinate. 「There has been no new information, the rebels are believed to be remaining Kwarl Village」 A soldier wearing steel helmet and surcoat better than normal soldiers replied fluently. 「There was a wall in Kwarl Village, right. Argh, such a tiresome place......」 If he thought on the number of soldiers he owned, then it was easy to take control of the group of bandits. However he didn't want to exhaust his soldiers for some useless work, and more than anything else, there had been an abominable precedent on this land of Alsace he was standing on. 「No, that's why, although being lowly demons, they have intelligence......and there is also the rumour about recapturing the capital city, this might be one link of it」 In any case, he must attack the Kwarl Village and get rid of the bandits as soon as possible. After finishing the departure preparations Belgunt came in front of his best troops and started thinking over the plan to capture the village protected by a wall. Even if he departed right now it would be until the day after tomorrow before he reaches Kwarl Village. In the eyes of Belgunt gazing at the clear sky with sun nearly crossing the meridian, a figure of a person was reflected. 「Hmm, That is......」 Belgunt's eyes were enhanced by magic to always have sharp sight, hence he was able to notice that person's existence faster than others. However the person with sun as the background was flying at quite high speed without any hindrances, so soon enough his subordinates also noticed. And around the time the soldiers were getting noisy about that person flying towards them, Belgunt's eyes already confirmed who the person really was, 「7th Apostle......Lord Sariel!?」 A little time later, a young girl straddling on a pure-white Pegasus came down from the sky. He was a Count and the supreme commander of the soldiers gathered here, but they weren't able to stop the girl from appearing directly in front of him without any hesitation, There was room for doubt among who had the higher status among an Apostle who an existence most near to God or a just a Count which controlled humans. No in truth having this peerless beauty emitting a white aura before their eyes, all the soldiers could only gaze at her dumbfoundedly. 「Sorry for the sudden visit, Count Belgunt」 The 7th Apostle Sariel, calmly landed down on ground from her Pegasus and around the time she said those words, Count Belgunt was already down from his horse and was falling prostrate. 「No, we are sorry for not giving a proper welcome to you Lord Sariel, but currently we were about to depart for getting rid of demon bandits——」 The inspection of Alsace Stronghold was held just recently, so for what reason had she come here suddenly. Belgunt started thinking bad things about her visiting at such a time. However, as if telling that God doesn't take notice of a normal person's problems, Sariel replied in her usual flat voice. 「I have already set free the Kwarl Village」 She took out a bundle fastened on the Pegasus's saddle and gave it to Belgunt. This scene might look like a divine one where a beautiful girl gives the gift from God to a noble in splendorous armour, however the bottom part of the white cloth was stained with dark red colour as if violating the divineness of cloth. 「T-This is......」 Belgunt had already guessed what it was because of his instinct, but getting his guess hit the right spot, he unexpectedly let out a voice of surprise. 「The boss of bandits」 He unwrapped it and there was a face of an ogre with an expression of anger and eyes open wide. Belgunt had experienced lots of wars, but seeing the freshly severed head of the Orc seeming to become an Undead and move on its own, an unpleasant sweat arises. However he wasn't surprised to the extent of just staring in trance, Belgunt immediately understood the meaning this held. In short, 7th Apostle Sariel barged in the Kwarl Village solo, and annihilated them. Moreover it might have happened this morning. 「I beg your pardon for making Lord Sariel bother with this work」 「It wasn’t difficult」 Sariel replied without wavering her deep crimson eyes. As she said, Sariel truly might've not had any trouble taking on the bandits by herself. For her cutting the head of a brutal Orc and signing the documents are both the same, in other words, just one more boring work. Belgunt was also a person the Republic, he had heard the legends of Apostles since childhood, and, after becoming adult, he still hears about their new exploits. However after seeing a fragment of that overwhelming valour, he felt an indescribable awe along with a sense of emptiness. 「Thank you very much, we also didn't want to waste our soldiers before invading Spada. I want to thank Lord Sariel for her work——」 「Please don't worry about it」 There was nothing behind her words, but Sariel truly felt that there was no need for it. 「After all it is my mission to deal with all the spreading bandits in the territory of Daedalus as soon as possible」 Apparently Archbishop Liuchrome seemed to have been making use of Sariel's power rather than keeping her in one place as a fake commanding general. The person herself, as the 7th Apostle had been reputed, she was completing the mission quickly. As if to say he work was done, Sariel turned back and again straddled on the Pegasus. Like that many thought she would just fly away, but, 「I'm also wishing the Spada Invasion to happen fast, Count Belgent, let the divine protection of God be with you」 Unexpectedly, she gave out words of blessing. Count Belgunt rose up his head that he had bowed for sending her off. However, by that time, Sariel was nowhere to be seen. Count Belgunt told his subordinates who were looking towards the horizon just like himself. 「Everyone, did you hear the words before. Lord Sariel is expecting good things from us, so we need work harder for commencing the Spada Invasion as soon as possible!」 A second later, the Alsace Stronghold was filled with cheers as if trying to shatter the whole stronghold. Although they were also Crusaders, they were soldiers of nobles, compared to the soldiers of Church, their piety was low. However there was no man in the Republic who won't cheer up upon getting words of encouragement from a beautiful Apostle of God. That was the same for Belgunt too who was leading the army for various motives. Currently, he forgot all of his interests, and cheered up from the bottom of his heart with a strong sense of duty for completing the holy wish of God. — AUTHOR’S NOTE: Volume 15 ends with this chapter. It's been a while since Sariel's last turn. Looks like she is doing her work properly. 16th July 2012 The result of Dengeki Bunko was, I didn't had enough writing prowess and failed in the primary elections. I'm sorry for this sad notification. [1] Therefore I am thinking of posting this defeated work over 'Let's become a novelist'. The title is, 『Nightmare World』[2] I will post it in several turns starting from today. Though it failed, but I didn't slack down on it, and it is a work I wrote seriously. If you like it then please read it alongside with Kuro no Maou. Oh, and the heroine is a Yandere. Well then, please look forward to it. TRANSLATOR'S NOTE: 1. The books that fail in any of the three elections, basically elimination rounds, are not given the result fast but are again re-read lot of times for any other evaluations and hence the results come 4-5 months later from the day of entry. Novels which pass the top 20 get the result by next month. Just like I got. 2. This novel is already completed is not more than 40-50 chapters, probably. I never read it so don't know much about it.