Nazarick Great Tomb, lowest level.
A single sentence from the succubus stunned everyone present.
"Lord Einz, Shalltear Bledfren has been confirmed dead."
"Is that true?"
Seated upon the Throne was a massive skeleton clad in a magus's robe, dark red negative-energy light flickering within his pitch-black eye sockets.
"Yes. It has been confirmed that her name has disappeared from the roster."
The succubus nodded. Upon hearing her report, the others exchanged glances, each revealing a grave expression. Shalltear was a Vampire, one of the strongest combatants among them—yet she had actually been killed?
"What exactly happened? Can we confirm it?"
"My apologies. So far, we have received no useful intelligence."
The High-ranking Demon standing nearby, dressed in a suit, spoke in a low voice.
"I suggest we resurrect Shalltear immediately and obtain information."
"That was my thought as well."
Hearing the High-ranking Demon's reply, the Lich seated on the Throne nodded.
"Then make the preparations at once."
Before long, the gold coins needed for the resurrection had been prepared. The Lich rose to his feet and raised the Golden Staff at his side.
"Shalltear, return to life!"
With the Lich's roar, a radiant beam burst forth from the Golden Staff in his hand. At the same time, the mountain of gold coins began to melt, condense, and then...
"Nothing?"
Staring at the empty ground before him, the Lich could not conceal the panic in his voice.
"What is going on? The gold coins were clearly consumed, so why has Shalltear not been resurrected?!"
The others revealed shocked and uneasy expressions as well. To them, death had never meant the end. So long as their supreme beings remained, they could be resurrected. Yet Shalltear, who had been killed, had failed to return to life?
What on earth was happening?!
"Lord Einz,