A Bitter Reunion
She was surprisingly romantic. She had been close before, but now she was even closer. Before I knew it, my face was cradled gently in Rosesha's hands.
"I'm completely head over heels. How did you do it? Hmm? Won't you tell me?"
"..."
"I'm not usually such an easy woman, you know. You're my first. If you knew how much I suffered because of this, you'd understand. You really saved my life, darling."
Rosesha pressed her entire body against mine and began to slowly push me back. Yielding without resistance, I soon found myself pinned flat against the wall.
"Do you like it when I'm forceful like this? Or do you prefer the opposite?"
Even though Rosesha was the one looking up at me, I was the one feeling intimidated. I'll say it again: thank goodness I'm undead. If I gave in to temptation right now, things would get incredibly messy. Before I could get swept up in her pace, I gently pushed her away.
"Calm down for a moment."
"Calm down? Why should I? You're the one who got me all worked up."
"I did not come here for such matters."
"But you said you needed my help. Isn't marriage the most surefire way to secure an alliance? Even if not, a roll in the sheets would solve everything."
Flirting at every turn was classic Rosesha. If I let her keep talking, she would completely seize the initiative. Without listening to another word, I cut her off.
"What I desire is a temporary alliance."
"...Temporary? Not a permanent alliance?"
"We have not known each other long. It would be a hasty decision. What would the other Dungeon Lords think if they heard of our alliance at the upcoming 72 Dungeon Meeting?"
I didn't know the exact power dynamics among the 72 Dungeons. But imagine a newly emerged Lord of the 7 Abyssal Palaces suddenly declaring an absolute alliance with the Rank 6 Lord. Doing that out of nowhere would not only disrupt the balance of power, but the surrounding Lords would undoubtedly glare at us, accusing us of being troublemakers muddying the waters. If the other Lords of the 7 Abyssal Palaces started targeting me, I wouldn't even have bones left to bury. I was terrified of drawing unwanted attention, yet I desperately needed help. Thus, my compromise was a "temporary" alliance.
"I don't mind. I've never cared about what others think."
"No. It would put me in a difficult position."
"Well, fine. If it makes you uncomfortable, we'll do it that way for now. For now."
Seeing how she emphasized those last words, she must really like me. Her level indicator, glowing a deep pink of affection, had made that obvious long ago. But I'm sorry, I'm an undead who lacks the necessary physical parts.
Afterward, I explained the current situation of my dungeon to Rosesha. The story involving Valmonk, and Wilhelm's awakening of the Holy Sword. Rosesha listened quietly, a sly smile spreading across her face.
"And since your dungeon is a single-entity type, you're bound to be full of blind spots. Since you're a newcomer too, I suppose I'll have to help you for the time being."
"I would appreciate it."
"Mmm, it's no trouble for me... but I have a condition."
Rosesha gestured toward the bed with her chin, her hands beginning to wander all over my body.
"Let's have some sticky, messy fun."
"..."
"Hehe. Just kidding. Well, maybe a little serious. You're a tough nut to crack, aren't you, darling? I like men like that."
"And your answer?"
"A temporary alliance? Sure. I'll provide support, of course. I have to repay you for what you did. Hmm, but this feels like a steal considering you saved my life. Darling, is there nothing else you want?"
"There is one thing. The Necronomicon."
I had planned to test the waters carefully regarding the Necronomicon, but given the atmosphere, there was no need to beat around the bush.
"The Necronomicon? Necromancy? But you're not a Lich. Why do you want that?"
"My lieutenant is a witch. With that, our forces will be sufficiently reinforced."
"A woman?"
Only after seeing Rosesha's expression turn chillingly cold did I realize my slip of the tongue. ...What could I say to put out this fire?
"Darling. Don't go rolling around in bed with your lieutenant just because you're close. If you do, that witch dies by my hand. Got it?"
"I have no such intentions."
I managed to hide my trembling inner thoughts and spoke as if it were nothing. Rosesha smiled in satisfaction and began to hum a tune. Then, with a coquettish expression, she resumed tracing her sensual fingers all over my body.
"The Necronomicon, huh. I've already mastered it all, so I don't need it anyway. Fine. I hate the thought of giving it to that witch, but I'll gift it to you as a favor to my darling."
"I am in your debt."
"Is there nothing else?"
I thought this would be more than enough, but Rosesha asked with a perfectly natural look on her face. She really was a giving succubus. While it was great for me as the recipient, I couldn't think of anything else at the moment.
"Just this won't satisfy me. I like to keep my debts clear, just like you. Tell me, hmm?"
"I have nothing else for now."
"Mmm, I see. If you really can't think of anything, how about my first time? I might not look it, but I'm a virgin."
I already knew that, but hearing it straight from her mouth was incredibly awkward. Honestly, it was a headache. Flatly rejecting her here would wound her pride. I had to reject her subtly, in a way that showed respect, to maintain our friendly relations. I wasn't confident in my social skills, but the answer lay in my race.
"I am undead."
Even if you want to do something with me, it's physically impossible.
At that, Rosesha covered her mouth and giggled. At first glance, she looked like a refined lady laughing. Only at first glance.
"There are always ways. What do you say? If you want, why don't you leave your body to me? We can ravish each other in bed until the sun rises."
"...The sun does not rise here."
"Exactly. Never. And I'll stay here with you forever."
This woman's flirting was no joke. If I stayed any longer, I felt like I'd lose my mind. I stopped Rosesha's wandering hands and spoke firmly.
"When can the reinforcements be ready?"
"Hmm~ If I start preparing today, in two days? I won't send mere fodder; I'll send only my best."
This was the answer I had been waiting for. The elite forces of the 7 Abyssal Palaces would easily be able to fend off the Hero's subjugation force. Rosesha tapped her index finger against her lips, humming thoughtfully.
"Did you happen to see him on your way in? Karleon. He's the strongest in this castle after me. Just so you know, he's not my personal knight. I wouldn't mind if it were you, but him? Not a chance. Speaking of which, would you like to be my personal knight?"
"I decline."
"Hehe. So cool. It's no fun if my man is easy. Anyway, I'll support you with the entire 9th Legion, including Commander Karleon. How's that? Is it enough?"
Karleon was that Dullahan. If he came to my dungeon, he would undoubtedly pester me to spar with him until I was sick of it. But setting aside that headache, his strength was undeniable. He wasn't a mid-boss of a dungeon for nothing. Above all, with Wilhelm—who had awakened the Holy Sword—potentially on his way, I was in no position to be picky.
"Could you give him one warning?"
"What's that?"
"Tell him not to bother me."
"Ahaha. I get what you mean. Fine, I'll make sure to tell him. Oh, by the way, I don't even know your name yet, do I?"
"...Bargore."
"Bargore. Even your name is so handsome."
I got the feeling she would find absolutely anything I did handsome. The deep pink level indicator hovering above her head was proof enough.
"My business here is concluded."
If I stayed any longer, it wouldn't be surprising if she devoured me right then and there. But Rosesha suddenly grabbed my wrist tightly, her face falling with obvious disappointment.
"Are you leaving already? Why? Stay a bit longer."
"We shall meet again when the opportunity arises."
"Tsk... Fine. I'll tell my lieutenant to get the book and see you out."
With that, Rosesha finally withdrew her wandering hands. Seriously, being around her made me feel like my non-existent life force was being drained dry. Just as I grabbed the doorknob, pretending to be completely unfazed, she called out.
"Darling."
I turned only my head. Rosesha waved her hand gently with a foxy smile.
"Can I come visit you later?"
"...Send word beforehand."
"Okay. Safe travels, darling."
Please don't come. In a different way, dealing with you is harder than dealing with Calandas.
"Sigh, what a shame. I really wanted to jump him."
Left alone in her bedroom after Bargore's departure, Rosesha licked her lips, staring blankly at the door he had walked through.
"Maybe I should have just pounced on him."
Now that her seal was broken, she wondered if she could have used force to take him. But knowing his dungeon was a single-entity type, she kept it as a mere thought. Though now that he was gone, she regretted not even trying.
Honestly, her feelings toward him at first had been nothing more than a passing curiosity. He was a new Lord of the 7 Abyssal Palaces, which piqued her interest, and she figured seducing him into her faction would be an easy way to bolster her own power. But as they talked, she found herself falling for him, and the moment he shattered her sealing stone, she had fallen completely.
"He's my husband, and he is just so sexy."
In her mind, he was already her husband. A problem that no one had been able to solve for fifty years, he had resolved without even lifting a finger. The way he spoke of it as if it were nothing would be engraved in her memory forever.
"..."
Rosesha caressed her chest, relishing the memory. The cold gemstone that used to rest there was gone, replaced by the steady, thumping beat of her heart. How could she not fall for him after witnessing such a feat? Moreover, his complete immunity to her advances only fueled her desire to possess him. Today was a shame, but she had been too hasty. They had all the time in the world, so there was no need to rush. Both a Succubus Queen and a Death Knight were immortal beings, after all.
"Ah, I can't take it anymore."
Her face flushed, Rosesha writhed on her bed, trying to steady her ragged breathing. Once she calmed her mind, she gathered mana in both hands and began moving them in the air as if sculpting. Visualizing his form in vivid detail, she poured her heart into every single stitch, guided by the tactile memory of her fingertips. She had been feeling up his body from the very beginning just to make this.
About an hour later, a doll modeled after the Death Knight, Bargore, stood before her. Rosesha examined it from head to toe and smiled happily. It was a masterpiece, an exact replica.
"Lie down next to me."
"I shall obey your command."
"No, no. That's not his tone."
The appearance was perfect, but she needed to adjust the speech pattern. Rosesha carefully tweaked the doll with threads of mana.
"I am undead. Do not bother me."
"...Perfect."
She never imagined she would make a doll for such a wicked purpose... but if she didn't do this, she would go mad with longing.
"Bargore."
Rosesha lay down on the bed and stared intently at the Bargore doll. Then, she opened her arms wide.
"Hold me."
"Very well."
The moment the doll opened its arms, Rosesha snuggled right in. Looking up blankly at its face from such close proximity, she felt a sudden impulse to add one more... detail between its legs. But it remained a mere impulse.
"Not you. I'm saving my first time for the real deal."
"I decline as well."
She couldn't give the purity she had guarded for a thousand years to a mere imitation. And for now, this was satisfying enough.
"I wish he would hold me like this for real."
Even though she was a Succubus Queen, Rosesha quite enjoyed romantic atmospheres. Using the doll as a rehearsal, she thought it would be wonderful if Bargore treated her romantically. If he refuses to couple with me, I'll have to ask him for at least this much. Thinking only of him, Rosesha spent the endless night.
The Holy Sword. Another name for it was the Floating Sword. This was because the hero chosen by the Holy Sword could either wield it in hand or control it in the air like magic. In the subjugation of the newly emerged 7 Abyssal Palaces, it was not a human leading the way, but the Holy Sword. As if guiding lost sheep, the knights followed the path illuminated by the sacred blade.
"No matter how many times I see it, your Holy Sword is truly versatile, Commander."
"Need you even ask?"
"Shh."
Wilhelm's gesture silenced the chatter. This was the newly emerged 7 Abyssal Palaces. Idle chatter here could easily lead to death. With the floating Holy Sword leading the way, Wilhelm advanced, keeping a solemn and vigilant eye on his surroundings. The knights also fell silent, focusing entirely on guarding their perimeter and maintaining their positions. As highly trained holy knights, their formation remained flawless.
Halt.
Starting with Wilhelm, the holy knights came to a stop. To holy knights who had spent their entire lives hunting the undead, this energy was sickeningly familiar. Wilhelm flicked his finger downward. The floating Holy Sword plunged toward the ground at terrifying speed.
Thud!
Screeech!
"Pathetic tricks!"
Despite the ear-piercing shriek, the knights didn't even blink. Enveloped in solar aura, the tips of the knights' swords slammed into the ground in unison. Screams and death rattles echoed through the cavern. Hands reaching up to grab their ankles were sliced away like paper. It all happened in less than ten seconds. Before they could even emerge from the earth, the undead were reduced to scattered chunks of flesh.
Groan...
"Commander, what is that?"
It was then that a staggering figure appeared in the distance. Trudging weakly, the figure gradually drew closer until its form was revealed. Wilhelm's pupils dilated abnormally as his gaze locked onto it.
"...Valmonk?"
Groan...
It would have been better if he hadn't recognized it, but Wilhelm knew the identity of the undead instantly. His comrade-in-arms to whom he owed his life, his irreplaceable best friend. The Hero of Faith, Valmonk.
Wil... helm...?
"Yes, it is I, my friend."
Wil... helm...
The undead Valmonk walked toward Wilhelm. With an overwhelmed expression, Wilhelm opened his arms wide to welcome their reunion.
Slash!
Suddenly, the Holy Sword lunged forward, skewering Valmonk's chest. The razor-sharp undead claws Valmonk had hidden behind his back went limp before they could even touch him.
Groan... Wilhelm...
Without a change in expression, Wilhelm stepped toward the fallen Valmonk. The vacant, milky pupils glared at Wilhelm with murderous intent, and the undead's hands clawed uselessly at the empty air. Wilhelm endured it all. Staring straight into his old friend's eyes, he silently gripped the Holy Sword.
Squelch!
The Holy Sword pierced through the skull, its brilliant light undiminished by the pus-like blood. Instead, it shared its radiance, as if breathing life back into the corpse.
Wil... Wilhelm...
"Rest in peace. My eternal friend."
The rotting flesh regained its vitality under the solar holy power. Once it resembled a normal human corpse, Wilhelm slowly knelt on one knee. Supporting himself with his left hand on the pommel, he used his other hand to close Valmonk's eyes. The knights bowed their heads in silent tribute, honoring Valmonk's noble spirit. After offering a silent prayer, Wilhelm stood up.
"Retrieve Valmonk's body. Ensure it is preserved as intact as possible."
Wilhelm took a deep breath and declared,
"If you find the necromancer, do not kill them. Bring them to me. I will end that bastard's life with my own hands."