100 Growing 2 (1/2)

For a vampire with a strong body, physical abilities, and five senses, climbing a steep cliff is no problem.

Even if the cliff is uneven or smooth, they can easily climb it by piercing it with their outstretched claws. Demise knights can fly, but they are no match for vampires in terms of stealth.

Neither darkness nor cold air nor fire can stop my progress. Only silver, garlic, and flowing water can stop the vampire's advance.

I climb the cliff with Senri on my back. The castle of the Demon Lord of the False Shadows, seen up close, was ridiculously huge compared to the Lord's mansion, and even compared to Lynel's castle, which was also built on a mountain.

It was much taller and much wider. Rainer's castle was built on a mountainside, but this Demon Lord's castle was built on a cliff.

My eyes widened in surprise. The castle walls seem to be made of stacked stones, but I can't imagine how long it would take to build such a huge structure. Some of the walls are crumbling, but that also adds to the charm.

There was not a single light around, and the place looked deserted. The nearest town, Descend, was said to be used for tourism, but it seems to have been mostly abandoned.

Negative vibes were approaching from all directions. It seemed that some of them had already entered the castle, and we could feel some of them inside. There were so many of them that I couldn't tell how many there were, but regardless of the quantity, the quality wasn't too bad. Even I and Senri can easily slaughter them.

A few skeletons appeared, clambering up a steep cliff. With Senri on my back, I quickly used ”Hiding Shadow” and jumped onto the stone wall surrounding the castle.

No sound came out. Pebbles rolled and fell to the ground, but the bones did not seem to notice. Their senses were not dull, but they could not compare to vampires.

A little disappointed, I put down my senri and lowered myself to look below. The bones did not discuss anything, but walked into the castle, their armor making a rustling sound.

The bones appeared from the other direction, also entering through the main gate with the same lean movements. It was as if I was watching the flow of water in a river.

I had only just been watching them, but now...

Senri answers my unspoken question.

There's a conductor. It's probably linked.

”A link to ......?

”A necromancer can create a link between the undead they create. Through them, the undead can communicate with each other.

I see. ...... Indeed, I thought it was a remarkable move. It wouldn't happen with a single command.

I don't remember feeling anything like that when I was an undead lord, but I was a special kind of undead, so I can't help you.

Then I realized something important.

”Wait a minute, ......, are you saying that maybe they found out that I beat it?

It's possible.

...... Tell me first.

What?　I can't share my vision, so they can't see my face.

Senri rolls his eyes and says in a strange voice.

It seems that the word ”wait and see” does not exist in the dictionary of the demise knights, or it has a much lower priority. As expected of an aggressive knight order. I'm sure they'd rather go in quickly and destroy everyone first than let them swim around.

Senri adds.

But perhaps they changed their behavior not because End defeated some of the troops,......, I think.

...... It's hard to tell.

Senri said earlier that the presence in the castle disappeared. It is certainly possible that this was the trigger.

Assuming that the individuals who entered the castle disappeared and that's why everyone who was waiting for them started to act - why did they disappear?　It could be that they died, or it could be that they found the Night Crystal inside the castle. If he could suppress the negative force released by the undead with that, it would seem as if they had disappeared from Senri who was searching for signs of them.

However, there are ways to search for them even after the negative power is suppressed. The only thing it can remove is the presence. My nose can't be fooled.

And there I was lost. Should I turn ...... into a dog?

”......

Vampires have a keen sense of smell, but when you turn into a dog, it's even better. If you want to be safe, you should become a dog.

But if you become a dog, you'll lose your clothes again. When you grow up, your clothes tear. I'd be naked in human form and it'd be too much trouble to get dressed every time.

Senri watched me in silence. I'm sure she'd like to go after the bones right now, but she's always waiting patiently for me to think.

The bones are invading the castle one after another even as I'm doing this. If only I could transform into a human form like Oliver. .......

And then an epiphany hit me. It's outlandish, but it's worth a try.

Senri, watch this.

What?

I pumped up my energy, channeled my blood, and used my cannibalism ability.

As usual, I could hear the creepy sound of the skeleton changing.

But only on my head. I know how to control the blood. If I can make it stronger or weaker, if I can increase the regenerative power of some by concentrating on them, then I can limit the range.

The change went smoothly as usual.

I look down. There's a hand, a leg. Your clothes are still on. No tears.

Check your face. The back of my head is bushy. My protruding nose catches the scent of the dead clearly. My vision is wider than usual.

I picked up my sunglasses from the ground. Unfortunately, I can't wear them because of the ears on my head, so I put them in my pocket.

It's done--it's done. I can change only a part of my body. It takes some skill, but once you've done it, you can do it again.

This way I can track you using my human traits while keeping my dog traits. I smiled at Senri with pride. The dog head caused my breath to come in gasps and my tongue to stick out.