Chapter 34: The Resistance - Finale
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 34: The Resistance - Finale
“Phew.”
I let the tension drain from my body and sighed.
I'm always reminded of how mind-reading is both incredibly useful and a pain in the ass. Every time I kill someone, I get way too invested in their final moments. A living being unleashes a torrent of violent emotions at the moment of death, so delivering the final blow feels like being swept away by a tidal wave.
It makes me feel like I’m something I’m not. I’m just a guy struggling to survive, pulling off all sorts of desperate shit just to kill one person at a time.
Still, mind-reading saved my life, so I can’t really complain.
Ugh. My whole body ached. Between running around like a madman and getting grabbed by the throat and slammed into a wall, there wasn't a single spot that didn't hurt. As I was taking a moment to pull myself together, a voice came from behind me.
“You have blood on your hands.”
A vampire? Did she smell the blood? Damn, she's like a ghost.
No, wait, she is a ghost. A vampire. A blood-sucking ghost.
Without turning my head, I said, “Hurry up and take the blood. It's fresh and still warm.”
“I am already partaking, whether you offer it or not.”
Right. The blood had been flowing past me without a single drop touching my body. What a pointless thing to say. Spilling blood in Tantalus was an open invitation for a vampire’s meal.
Oh, right. Since she’s here, maybe I can ask her for another favor.
“Hey, while you're eating, could you get rid of the body for me?”
“The corpse? I doubt it would appreciate becoming a part of me. Why not bury it?”
“No. This is the Abyss; there’s nowhere to bury anything. The ground is concrete, so the best burial I could manage would just be encasing him in it. He wouldn’t decompose, and he’d never return to the embrace of Mother Earth. He’d just be preserved forever, exactly as he is now. Compared to that, sleeping in a vampire’s coffin is a much better fate.”
“Without a funeral?”
“It’s fine. I closed his eyes myself.”
“I was not aware you were an undertaker.”
“Isn't a funeral an act of remembering the traces of a life gone by? In that sense, they've had a perfectly fine funeral.”
As if in understanding, the vampire waved her hand, and the pool of blood surged forward to swallow the corpse. A sound, like something being dissolved or crushed, echoed briefly. It was like the sound of a rock being worn down by thousands of waves, compressed into a few seconds.
It didn't take long. The corpse vanished along with the tide of blood, leaving behind only the discarded straitjacket, as if no one had ever been there.
Silence fell.
As I sat there without reacting, the vampire, who had been standing still, seemed to grow bored and began to walk through the darkness, her steps light and soundless.
‘So he knew it was me without even looking. This isn't what I expected… Then again, one with a sharp Qi sense should be able to distinguish presences.’
Presence? Well, if you count mind-reading as a type of Qi sense, then I guess that’s correct.
‘Still, he doesn't move. Is he brooding over the fact that he killed someone? How childish. Perhaps I should offer some comfort.’
Comfort? For what?
As I read her thoughts, dumbfounded, the vampire came to a stop right in front of me and spoke.
"Blood, too, flows onward, destined to one day reach the sea. Besides, were these men not your enemies? Though their strength may not have matched yours, they were warriors, same as you. They wagered their lives in a fair fight, so you have no need to be melancholic."
"I'm not particularly melancholic."
"You have been hanging your head this entire time. Lift it with pride. That is how you show respect for the power you have earned, and courtesy to the warrior who fell to you."
"No, really, I'm fine."
I was looking down because my neck hurt from being grabbed earlier. I was also exhausted from tearing through the building just a moment ago. I have the physique of an ordinary person; I need a break after going wild like that.
The vampire gazed down at the blood coiling around her wrist and spoke.
"According to this blood, the owner of the corpse I consumed was surely a renowned knight in life. To subdue and bind such a man without leaving a single wound… I see you are worthy of calling yourself the overseer of the Abyss."
Not a single wound? She has no idea since there was no external bleeding, but I was just slammed into a wall by one hand. I'm probably covered in bruises under my shirt.
How should I clear up this misunderstanding…
Huh? Do I really need to?
I cleared my throat and said, "It's not that I was brooding. I was merely closing my eyes for a moment to honor his martial valor."
"That is precisely what one calls brooding."
"You're splitting hairs."
"Be that as it may, you greet my presence yet do not even think to face me. How long do you intend to remain seated?"
"I was just about to get up."
Now that I’ve said a few words, I feel a bit more alive. I grunted as I pushed myself to my feet. The vampire was standing right before me, her red eyes gleaming.
What’s with the intense stare?
Our eyes met, and the vampire gave a slight nod, a superior smile gracing her lips.
"Well? Do you recognize me?"
Huh? What’s she talking about? Of course I do…
‘This should be the first time he beholds my true form. I do not show it to just anyone, but since I am already out and about, it would not be so bad to reveal my face.’
What's this now? Why is she making such a big deal about getting out of her wheelchair? Did she successfully complete physical therapy or something?
‘Let's see if he can still treat me like an old hag after seeing my true form.’
Eh?
I frowned and took another look at the vampire's face. A small face, snow-white skin, and red eyes. The black dress she wore looked like an antique you'd find in a museum. Behind her, a large coffin followed half a step behind, like an attendant.
She had a black parasol draped over her shoulder that seemed to be woven from darkness itself. For some reason, standing under it made her face clearly visible even in this pitch-black space, as if the parasol were absorbing the surrounding shadows.
I mean, she’s certainly striking, but what’s this about her "true form"? Did she really think I’d be so shocked I’d fall over?
Ah, wait. No way.
This is ridiculous. Might as well play along.
I feigned a gasp as I looked at her face.
“Oh? A woman? Wh-who? Don't tell me... are you Trainee Tyrkanzyaka?”
"Indeed. Who else could I be?"
A faint smile played on the vampire's lips as she spoke. Seemingly pleased, she twirled the parasol on her shoulder.
"You are a strange one. You were calling my name just moments ago, and now you pretend not to know me."
"No, it's just that your appearance changed so suddenly... I was a little... startled. When did you get out of your wheelchair—I mean, your coffin?"
"Just now. I revealed my true form for the first time in a long while to greet an unwelcome guest. I had intended to return immediately after my work was done, but the thick scent of blood outside drew me here."
As we exchanged a few more words, I deliberately avoided her gaze. I would glance up, and the moment our eyes met, I’d quickly lower my head.
Watching my obviously nervous act, the vampire narrowed her eyes and thought.
‘His demeanor is that of a virgin who's never even held a woman's hand. Tsk. To think a man who claims to have trained so hard could have his attitude change so easily just from seeing my face.’
She was blaming me in her thoughts, but she was clearly enjoying my reaction. The vampire let out a soft "hmm" and took a step closer.
"But tell me, why is it that even after standing, you cannot meet my gaze?"
"W-well, it's..."
"What is it? You, who are usually so glib and quick with your tongue. This is not like you."
‘It seems he has no experience with women, having focused on his training from a young age. I wonder if my prank is a bit too cruel for such an innocent boy, but…’
Thoroughly amused, the vampire stepped right up to me, leaned in, and looked into my eyes. Her shimmering silver hair and blood-red pupils filled my vision.
"Still, this is the first time we have met face-to-face. It is rather disappointing that you keep avoiding my eyes. Come now, say something."
‘This is entirely your fault. Had you not teased me so, I would not have resorted to such a childish method of revenge.’
As the vampire reveled in her superiority, I spoke in a voice that was barely a whisper.
"I-I'm... sorry."
"Sorry? For what?"
‘Do you think a simple 'sorry' will earn you forgiveness for all your past disrespect? Not a chance. I'll make you squirm as much as you've teased me.’
Oh, really now.
That's enough lip service, old hag. My expression hardened, and I replied coldly.
“Sorry for what? For not being able to flatter you any further.”
“Hm?”
“Whether you're in your coffin or out of it, you think the same and you talk the same. What's the difference? You're exactly the same as always.”
And why is she still leaning in like that? I scowled and leaned forward myself. As our faces were about to touch, the vampire gasped and recoiled.
I picked at my ear with a bored expression.
“A battle just took place here, what the hell do you think you're doing? If you're so aware that this is the first time I'm seeing your face, you should be trying to confirm my identity first. What am I supposed to do when you sneak up behind me asking if I recognize you?”
“W-what? That’s…”
"What did you want me to do? Gasp in awe and recite a poem praising your beauty? Or see your face and apologize for treating you so casually until now? Is that what you were expecting?"
‘I-I didn't exactly intend... I was just... feeling a bit playful...’
You absolutely intended it.
Countless tales have been passed down over a thousand years, but the legend of the vampire's beauty has been retold time and again. There's a reason people speculate that vampires possess bewitching powers, even if the churches do their damnedest to emphasize only their hideous aspects.
But maybe that's made her self-evaluation a little too high. I'd like to request she act her age.
Sigh. Honestly.
“Try acting your age.”
“A-act my age?!”
“I understand that wanting to be told you look young is a common trait among the elderly, but you need to pick your time and place. A fierce battle ended here less than ten minutes ago. Please conduct yourself properly.”
It seemed her age hadn't completely devoured her sense of shame. The vampire clutched her parasol with both hands in extreme mortification. She gripped it so tightly that what little color was in her hands drained away completely.
I considered teasing her a bit more, but the embarrassment radiating from her was beyond my expectations. I figured if I pushed any further, she might actually explode, so I stopped.
When dealing with a childish adult, the most important thing is an attitude of acceptance. Unlike children, they are my elders. They're the difficult type who assume they're superior from the start, so when they're embarrassed, they get angry instead of running away.
What can I do? The young and weak one has to be patient.
“Sigh. Well, you're not so bad, Trainee. If I didn't know any better and looked at you objectively, I'd say you're pretty. But still, please refrain from being so childish. You need to be mindful of the time and place.”
‘Wh-what is this? I am clearly displeased… but he is not wrong, so getting angry would make me seem petty… but staying silent feels like I am being ignored…’
“I’m done here, so I’m going to check the supply box. There’s a blood delivery over there for you, too, so shall we?”
“Ah, ah. Yes. Let’s.”
I walked away without a backward glance. The vampire, her face a mixture of shame and confusion, clutched her parasol with both hands and followed me.
The corpse by the supply box was still lying there. The vampire consumed that one as well. A human sewer… Whoops, better not say that out loud. She might actually get her feelings hurt.
Phew, this minor consideration of knowing what to say and what not to say. I'm so sweet.
Alright, let's check the supplies. I whistled as I opened the supply box.
Inside the box were countless cans of compressed beans.
“Huh.”
That's strange. As much as the Military State loves its canned goods, they aren't ignorant of the importance of nutrition. No bread or rice at all?
Puzzled, I soon spotted the miserable remains inside the supply depot. The traces of what used to be bread looked as if they had been gnawed away by rats.
Even the cheese bags were torn open, and the milk cartons were empty.
Ah. Right.
Five resistance members had hidden inside the supply box.
It was obvious what they had eaten to survive. They couldn't have opened and eaten the compressed cans, which required a lot of water and cooking, so they must have stuck to the simple bread and milk.
Haha. So. The only supplies left are the canned goods, is that it?
“Gyaaaaaah! Those sons of bitches!”
Enraged, I kicked the supply box. I was once again reminded of just how sturdy the State's supply boxes were. Dammit, now my foot hurts.
I let out a roar and turned to the vampire.
“Trainee Tyrkanzyaka, bring those corpses back right now! I'm going to show them what a posthumous desecration is!”
“What is it now?” the vampire asked, still sulking. She must have seen the bread crumbs, but since it wasn't her food, she didn't seem to care. I pointed inside the supply box and yelled.
“The bread! It's gone! These intruders ate it all! What are we supposed to eat?!”
“Is that food in those round tins not edible? It looks like quite a lot. If there is no bread, then…”
“Telling me to eat canned food is a trigger for revolution. Don't even let those words leave your mouth! Unlike a vampire like you who only consumes age and human blood, people need gourmet food!”
“Wh-what?! Consumes age?!”
Oops. In my haste, my true feelings slipped out. The hysteria, honed over centuries, was about to erupt from the vampire.
Just then, someone walked out from the prison entrance. It was the Regressor. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth, suggesting she was injured, but she looked quite satisfied for someone who'd been hurt.
Then again, compared to her opponent, she had every reason to be. In her other hand, she was dragging a headless corpse. The body of a large man clad in combat gear was being pulled along limply, blood spurting from the cross-section of its neck.
‘She can cut through combat gear even with her Qi sealed... I guess that means she's grown a little.’
How can she cut through steel without Qi? I just don't get it.
Seeing the Regressor, the vampire greeted her happily.
"Shei, do you happen to know who I am?"
“It's Tyrkanzyaka, right? You're out of your coffin. Here, there's blood, so drink up.”
The Regressor immediately handed the corpse to the vampire. Identified in an instant, the vampire looked slightly disappointed as she swallowed the corpse with her blood.
‘Do children these days carry around my portrait or something? No one is ever surprised. Back in the day, when I teased those who visited my manor, men and women, young and old, couldn't even meet my eyes when I revealed my form... Why are the men these days all like stone Buddhas?’
Look at her, touching her own face as if checking for wrinkles. How pathetic. A corpse that died and was preserved back then couldn't possibly get wrinkles.
More importantly, she's drinking her blood and still hasn't noticed she's a woman in disguise? This vampire really is useless.
As she consumed the corpse in a wave of blood, the vampire stared intently at the Regressor and said, “You seem to have made progress. I can feel that the blood within your body is completely under your control.”
“There’s nothing like a real fight to improve your skills.”
The Regressor grinned, wiping the blood from her mouth.
Even with the vampire right in front of her, her blood didn't fly toward her. It simply remained on her skin, glistening.
To not have the blood outside her body stolen away was proof that the Regressor had, at the very least, the ability to control her own blood.
Smiling with satisfaction, the Regressor looked around.
“Where are the others?”
“This child seems to have taken care of them all. By the time I arrived, only corpses remained.”
“Hmph.”
‘Tch. I was half-hoping he'd just die, but it looks like he's got some skill after all. I can't trust that man's character, but I suppose I can trust his abilities.’
Trust what? Just handle things yourself, please.
I didn't even have the energy to talk anymore. I just stood there blankly, staring at the mountain of canned food.
It can't be helped.
Azzy. You're going to eat all of that.