kscans

Chapter 43 - Who's Digging Their Own Grave Now…

It happened in an instant. The soldiers of the allied army were swallowed by the suddenly collapsing ground. Knights, priests, even the undead themselves tumbled into the chasm. The sight of the vast landscape caving in was, in a way, spectacular.

"A simultaneous collapse of the makeshift dungeon… how terrifying."

Yes, this collapse was caused by the simple dungeon we had created for our daytime evacuation.

"Our makeshift dungeon was discovered in the last battle. Since it was already exposed, it was more efficient to reuse it."

Reusing it sounds more like re-destroying it.

"We dug it out wide and deep, like an anthill, making the ground extremely unstable. We then shored it up just enough with lumber and magic. And when the enemy army reached the center, we destroyed all the supports at once."

"Then the already weakened ground could no longer bear the weight of the allied army. Add to that the vibrations from their simultaneous movement and magic casting. There was no way it wouldn't collapse."

I was supposed to use my magic to deliver the final blow to the ground if needed, but it wasn't necessary. And so, the allied army was brilliantly caught in the collapse. Some died buried in the landslide, others from the impact of the fall, and still others were crushed by falling debris. A variety of fates.

"U-ugh… Gwah?!"

There were survivors, but they were finished off by the undead who had fallen with them. The undead feel no pain, which allows them to continue culling the survivors in such a dangerous collapse zone.

"But there are still a few soldiers alive in the rear."

"We'll have our daytime team and the Animal Undead take care of them."

Soon, the only things moving on the battlefield were corpses. The few remaining survivors were being hunted down, and the battle was about to end in our complete victory… or so I thought.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Something burst from the ground, sending earth flying.

"What now?!"

"So there were survivors after all!"

Knights burst forth. Knights from the allied army, Holy Knights, and even a few priests.

"How are they still alive after that?!"

"They must have pushed their defensive magic to the limit and endured. Highly skilled soldiers are truly dangerous."

Are you serious? The knights in this world are insane! To survive a massive collapse like that, they're like something out of a manga.

"What do we do about them?"

"We have no choice but to fight them normally. Ghouls and Animal Undead are no match for that level of opponent. The Dark Elves could handle them if they fought in teams, but the ground is too unstable to deploy them."

"Which means…"

"Yes, it is your turn, Sister!"

Of course it is! Because in this group, I'm the strongest (even though it doesn't quite feel real).

"Sigh, fine. I'm heading out."

"Yes, take care, Sister! I await your report of victory!"

Shouldn't that be 'I pray for your success'? And stop looking at me with those sparkling eyes full of expectation. No matter how strong I've become, I'm still just a regular person on the inside. I have no idea how well I'll fare against crazy-strong knights from another world.

"Kwi kwi."

Then, Mummy Ichigo-kun came up beside me and slapped the pommel of the magic sword at his hip.

"You're saying you'll fight with me, so I shouldn't worry?"

"Nod."

Mummy Ichigo-kun nodded in affirmation. Aww, he's such a good guy! As expected of my very first kin! So reliable!

"All right, let's go then!"

"Nod."

We flew into the air and landed at the town's entrance, a safe distance away so as not to endanger Adolnel, and waited for the knights to approach. I didn't go to them directly because I remembered a lesson from my Master back at the castle.

"A noble race such as ours need not go to the challengers. Make them come to you."

Apparently, it was a performance to enhance the brand of my Vampire lineage. And so, the surviving knights gathered and approached me.

"Welcome to my domain. I bid you welcome."

"…You are the White Serpent Duchess!"

…Yeah, it's a really weird feeling to be called by a title like that. It's like being called 'Iron Pipe Whatever' of 'So-and-so Middle School' in real life. Whoops, getting sidetracked. I need to respond properly. A noble vampire's first impression is everything. Master said so.

"I am not familiar with the name White Serpent Duchess, but I am Merlille Chromshell, daughter of the Great Duke of the Cursed Sea, Voylard Chromshell."

""""!""""

The surviving knights tensed at the mention of my father's name.

"Courageous challengers, in respect for having made it this far, we shall grant you the honor of facing us directly."

As I put on the vampiric airs my Master had taught me, Mummy Ichigo-kun smoothly drew his magic sword and stood beside me.

"What can you do with a single Ghoul at your side!"

A Holy Knight among the survivors shot forward with the speed of a bullet. Whoa, he's so fast even in that heavy-looking armor!

"Perish before this holy sword, blessed by the gods!"

The Holy Knight swung his sword, which glowed with the brilliance of the sun, and charged at Mummy Ichigo-kun. Was it out of anger that the enemy greeting them was a mere Ghoul? But that was precisely why he should have been more careful.

"Wait! Something's not right about a lone Ghoul!"

But he ignored his comrade's warning and brought his sword down on Mummy Ichigo-kun. In that instant, Mummy Ichigo-kun twisted his body just slightly, and the sword missed, shattering the ground.

"Wha—?! H-huh?!"

The first 'wha' was shock at his sword being dodged. The second 'huh' was shock at his vision tilting sideways.

Thud.

And so, the first Holy Knight to charge in was, at some point, sliced diagonally by Mummy Ichigo-kun's sword and died, cut in two in a matter of seconds. Wait, my kin is way too strong! This mummy's a completely different character when he's holding a sword!