"What went wrong...?"
Returning by Death gave me plenty of time for reflection.
Eudite had dismissed me as "boring" before cutting me down. Did that mean I just needed to say something more interesting? The problem was, I couldn't think of a single thing. Regardless, I decided to face her once more.
"And so, what benefit is there for me in taking you as an apprentice?"
The same question, once again.
"There is no benefit. But please, make me your apprentice regardless."
I'd decided I couldn't offer her anything tangible, so I tried appealing to her through pure sincerity.
"This isn't even worth discussing."
With those words, I was killed.
◆
After that, I went to the Vampire Eudite many times, only to be killed over and over again.
One time, she asked, "And so, what benefit is there for me in taking you as an apprentice?"
I replied, "I'll take care of your daily needs. Shopping, cleaning, cooking—I can do it all. So please, make me your apprentice."
"I have no need for such trivialities," she said, and killed me.
Another time, when asked the same question, I answered, "You can leave the heavy lifting to me! I know I might not look like much, but I've spent my life tilling fields. I'm confident in my strength!"
"In terms of strength, I am your superior," she countered, and killed me.
Yet another time, I tried, "I could be your conversation partner. I mean, living in a place like this, you don't get many chances to talk to people. I thought you might be lonely."
"I am not lonely in the slightest," she said, and killed me.
I challenged her again and again, but the result was always death. I had no idea what on earth she was looking for.
"And so, what benefit is there for me in taking you as an apprentice?"
"I can provide you with entertainment."
"Entertainment...?"
That finally got her attention.
"Yes. I have a certain goal. A matter of revenge."
"Revenge? What a sweet, melodic sound."
I was shocked. This was the best reaction I’d gotten so far.
Encouraged, I began to explain my past. The persecution at the hands of the villagers. The death of the person I loved most. My exile into this dungeon on false charges.
However, I kept the truth of my Save & Reset skill to myself. It was far too early to trust her with the fact that I was looping through time.
"That's why I need power. I have to show those villagers what for. That's why I'm begging you, Lady Eudite—make me your apprentice so I can become strong."
I bowed my head low.
"Kihishi! How very interesting."
She was actually laughing.
"And what, specifically, do you plan to do for this revenge?"
"Well..."
I'd been so consumed by the idea of revenge that I hadn't settled on the exact methods.
"I'll kill them. Every single one of them."
I offered the answer I thought a vampire would enjoy most.
"And how will you kill them?"
"I'll torture them first. I'll make it as gruesome as possible. Age and gender won't matter—man, woman, or child, I'll slaughter them all. I'll make them regret ever crossing me from the very depths of their souls."
"Exquisite!"
A cruel, twisted grin spread across her face.
"I find myself quite curious to see how you turn out."
"Then—!"
"Do not celebrate just yet. If you pass my test, then I shall take you as my apprentice."
"A test? Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Finally, I’d given her the answer she wanted.
I didn't know what kind of trial lay ahead, but I steeled my resolve. I couldn't afford to let this chance slip through my fingers.