―24― What Went Wrong?
"What went wrong...?"
Upon returning from death, I reflected.
Yudith had said, "How uninteresting," and then killed me.
So, should I have said something more interesting? Even though I couldn't think of anything at all.
Anyway, should I go see Yudith again?
"So, what benefit would I gain from making you my disciple?"
The same question was posed once more.
"I have nothing to offer in terms of benefits. However, please consider making me your disciple."
Judging that offering benefits wouldn't work, this time I tried appealing with sincerity.
"Not worth discussing."
With that response, I was killed again.
---
From that point on, I repeatedly went to Yudith only to be killed.
At one point,
"So, what benefit would I gain from making you my disciple?"
When she asked, I replied,
"I'll take care of you. I can handle chores like shopping, cleaning, preparing meals—anything you need. Please, make me your disciple."
In return, she said,
"I don't particularly feel the need for that."
And I was killed.
Another time,
"So, what benefit would I gain from making you my disciple?"
In response to that question, I said,
"If you need physical labor, count on me! Though it may not seem like it, I'm confident in my strength as I've tilled fields."
"Strength? I surpass you in strength."
She replied, and I was killed.
Another time,
"I can be a conversation partner. Living here, you must lack opportunities to talk to others. You might be feeling lonely."
"I'm not lonely."
She said this, and I was killed.
From then on, I attempted many times, only to be killed. I had no clue what Yudith was seeking.
"So, what benefit would I gain from making you my disciple?"
"I can show you interesting things."
"Interesting things...?"
With that, Yudith took the bait.
"Yes, I have a purpose. Revenge."
"Revenge? A truly delightful concept."
I was amazed that this time, the interaction felt the most positive.
Secretly delighted, I explained my past: how I had been persecuted by villagers, how I lost my beloved, how I was unjustly expelled to this dungeon.
However, I kept my repeated deaths using the skill <Save & Reset> hidden. It's still too early to trust her that much.
"So, I desperately want to become stronger and make those villagers regret their actions. To achieve that, I wish to become a disciple of Lady Yudith and gain strength."
As I said this, I bowed my head.
"Kihihi, intriguing."
She laughed.
"So, what specific revenge are you considering?"
"Well..."
My mind was consumed with the idea of revenge, but I hadn't thought about the specifics of how to achieve it.
"I'll kill them all."
Considering what would likely please the vampire in front of me, I voiced the answer.
"How will you kill them?"
"After torturing them, I'll kill them. It will be the most gruesome way possible. Men, women, children—no exceptions. I'll make them deeply regret what they've done to me."
"That's quite appealing!"
She grinned.
"I've developed a desire to see what becomes of you."
"Then!"
"Don't celebrate just yet. If you pass the test, I'll consider making you my disciple."
"A test? Thank you!"
Finally, I had given an answer that satisfied her. I didn't know what kind of test awaited, but I couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. I steeled myself for whatever challenges lay ahead.
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