I stared at the spot where Dracula died, the Diabolo Anathema in one hand with Angelica's hand intertwining with the other. I looked around to see Victor's monsters return to his lab, the Fallen Angels returning back to their home. I placed the Diabolo Anathema back in it's storage dimension, as well as taking back the Deum Fidem to do the same. When that was finished, I lifted Angelica bridal-style, much to her embarrassment, and flew back to the throne room. Once in the room, I placed Angelica back on her feet and sat on the throne. I summoned the grimoire and started to read, searching for a certain spell. During that time, I sensed everyone entering the castle, including an aura I didn't expect to be here. He appeared with the rest of the Paladins.

"Dark Lord Adelram Umbra!" I didn't look up. I wanted to find that spell as soon as I could. "The previous Dark Lord is now dead, but you still live! For the sake of peace in the world, I shall slay you!" I just ignored him, but I could sense that it was aggravating him. The other Paladins tried to convince him to stand down. Olrox was pinching the bridge of his nose again. Brauner was trying his hardest not to laugh out loud. Cornell was just staring at me, studying me. Medusa and Sharn just ignored all of the commotion, and nonchalantly walked toward my throne. Still, none of that was important to me.

"Found it." All commotion ceased when I said that. I started to whisper a spell, sounding it out carefully. When I finished, a orb of light and darkness formed in the palm of my hand. Trevor and Cornell prepared for a nonexistent fight. I just got up from my throne and walked toward the balcony. When I was outside, I threw the orb toward the sky. When it struck the sky, we saw what looked like glass shattering.

Olrox spoke first. "Lord Adelram, was that...?"

"The True Sky Spell. The spell that counters Eternal Night. Though, I'm wondering if it actually worked." The sky was still night, but I had my answer in the next second.

Over the horizon, past a mountain range, we saw the sun rise. The beautiful rays illuminated the Southern Plains. "It looks so beautiful." Angelica was right. The sun gave the Southern Plains such a majestic look. To see the trees and lake bathed in sunlight was a breathtaking sight.

Something just as amazing happened when the sun hit Cornell. He started to shine brightly. So much so, that he was completely engulfed in light. Out of the light emerged a handsome young man. He had pale blue eyes, skin as white as Olrox's, and short white hair. Brauner whistled at the sight. "So that's what you look like. I'm so used to seeing the wolfman that I forgot that they turn human in the sunlight." Cornell was amazed. He kept examining himself, as if he was making sure it was real. He then looked at me, tears forming in his eyes. He would then kneel before me. "My Lord, thank you." I raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Though our powers are great, they can be a great burden as well. To be human again... is quite refreshing. To no longer have blood-lust, or sensitive senses, or a beastial fury; it feels good to just rest. And for that, I thank you." I smiled at Cornell. I then vowed to him that his tribe would safe under my rule. As a sign, I gave him Avion as a form of safe travel back to his village. I also told him he could bring his people to my castle if he so wanted. Building a small village around here would be simple. He thanked me for both of the gifts.

Angelica seemed pleased by what I had done. "So Ram, what are you going to do now?" I told her that I had much to do. I needed to master all of my powers and spells, and also start reading all of the books in my library. I also told her that there were many areas in the Southern Plains left unexplored, and that I'd like to learn as much about my new home as I could. "Well, it seems we have quite a bit of work to do, huh?"

"We?"

"Of course. I'm going to stay." Her statement shocked everyone in the room. "Well, someone has to keep an eye on you, and I don't want to place the full burden on Sir Olrox. Even he needs a break every once in a while."

"I already approve of her staying here." He said that with such a straight face.

"And on that note, I'm actually glad Master Trevor is here." Everyone looked confused once again. She then turned toward the man, and started to concentrate. Her golden armor started to glow. Then, in a flash, it was back on Master Trevor. "I'm not going to be a Paladin anymore. How can I, when I'm going to spend the rest of my life with this trouble maker?"

Master Trevor looked astonished. "Not only do you plan on living in this forsaken land, but you plan on doing so unarmed?! You have no way of defending yourself against the darkness without this armor!"

"Actually, she does." All eyes then turned to me. They watched as I summoned the Deum Fidem, and gave it to her.

"Y-you're giving me your sword?"

"Actually, it's yours. You did wield it." Everyone was shocked to hear that. They had just learned that there were two chosen wielders of the legendary holy sword. "Besides, I have the Diabolo Anathema. It's a bit unfair for me to have two legends." She couldn't help but giggle at that. When she took the sword, it started to glow. She was then engulfed in light, and was now wearing armor. It was as white as the pure morning clouds in the sky, and radiated holy energy. It was official. The sword was now completely hers.

It took a while to convince Master Trevor to leave. A long while. The sun was nearly at it's highest before he was finally convinced to leave. All of the Paladins gave their goodbyes before heading back to the Three Plains.

"Now for one other dilemma." We all looked toward Olrox, wondering what he meant. "There are two, actually. There are two mortals among us." I then looked at Sharn and Angelica.

Angelica looked at me with confusion in her eyes. "Ram, you're immortal?"

"Yes. It was official the moment I awakened my Umbra blood. Now that I have the Dark Lord's power, I'm pretty much both ageless and deathless. This is it."

"B-but..." Angelica looked heart broken. "T-then how can I be with you?"

"I HAVE THE SOLUTION!" In a matter of seconds, Victor was in front of us, holding a vial filled with a strange looking liquid. "Adelram, if you would, fill your mouth with this liquid; but don't swallow." Confused, I complied with the request. "Now turn toward Angelica." I did so. "Brauner... please do the honors." Now I was really confused. Then, I felt a kick on the back of my head. The next thing I knew, I was kissing Angelica. She looked as shocked as I did. I could feel the liquid pouring down her throat. When my mouth was completely emptied of the fluid, I parted ways from a very red Angelica.

"SONOFA-! Adelram!" I looked at an angry Sharn. She grabbed the vial from Victor, and pointed it toward me. "Drink." I did so. When I felt that my mouth was full of the liquid, she grabbed me and stole a kiss. I could feel her sucking the drink out of my mouth. Her lips were so soft. It felt as good as kissing Angelica. When she parted from me, she licked her lips. "Hm, I don't know what was tastier: the drink or your lips." Now I was redder than Angelica.

"Well, if that's how we are going to play." Before I could react, Medusa grabbed my head and kissed me. Her lips were soft too, but they also felt cool to the touch. It felt soothing in a way. When she parted from me, she looked satisfied. "Mm, delicious."

I might as well be drunk. I couldn't think straight. Hell, I could barely stand straight. I kissed three of the most beautiful women I've ever met at once. Remembering that it was Victor's fault, I turned to him. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ABOUT?!"

"What? All I did was have you give Lady Angelica and Lady Sharn ambrosia."

"Ambro-? Your immortality elixir?" Angelica and Sharn looked surprised.

"Bingo! Now they are as immortal as the rest of us! Problem solved! Bye!" He then ran back to his lab. However, we all heard and felt an explosion that shook the castle. "THAT HURT!"

We were all confused by the event. Olrox cleared his throat to bring the attention back to him. "Well, as Victor stated, the problem is solved. On that note, I'm be going to my room. Like Adelram said, there is much work to be done. Because of Trevor, breakfast is long since past. However, according to the sun, lunch should be prepared in about thirty minutes. I shall meet you all in the dining room." He disappeared in a mist of darkness after that.

"Meh, I'm gonna go fight my robot. I'll see you guys at lunch." Brauner disappeared as well in the same manner.

That just left me and the women. I was about to sit on my throne and continue reading the grimoire, but Sharn grabbed my arm. "You know, we have thirty minutes." I looked at her, confused. "How about we make that kid?" She gave a shining smile when she said that. It made me go red with embarrassment.

Angelica ripped me out of her grasp, and hugged my head. Fortunately, she turned her armor back into clothes. Unfortunately... I was now buried in her cleavage. "M-m-m-m-make a kid? Do you honestly think I'd let you do that with Ram?"

Sharn looked angry. "Hey! I've been with him since the beginning of this journey of his! After all the crap we've been through together, I think I'm entitled to a child!"

"I've known Ram since we were kids! If any one should be the mother of his child, it should be me!" I surprised she wasn't burning from embarrassment. That was an extremely bold thing for her to say. "Besides, you are not fit to be a mother of his child!"

"Oh, you think you'd make a better mom than me, do you?"

"Of course! Orcs are notorious for being violent. A child needs tender love and care, not beatings and neglect!"

"Hey! We don't neglect our kids!"

"But you beat them?!"

"Builds character! Toughens them up!"

"That's not how a child should be raised!"

The two continued to argue about how a child should be properly brought up. During the debate, Angelica had released her hold on me. I was about to sit on my throne, until Medusa grabbed me. "Now then, My Lord, let us create an heir while the orc and human bicker." She gave me a seductive and beautiful look. I felt paralyzed. Those eyes made it impossible to say no to.

"LIKE WE'D LET THAT HAPPEN!" Sharn and Angelica kicked Medusa away from me.

"You brutes! How dare you kick me?!"

"How dare you try to steal Ram?!" She then grabbed my left arm.

"Like I'm gonna let Adelram fuck a damn snake!" Sharn grabbed my right arm.

"I will be the one to pleasure Lord Adelram." Medusa grabbed my waist.

The three women started a game of tug-o-war using my body. It continued like that for a while until Olrox showed up. He gave the three women a good punch on the head, and told all of us that lunch was almost ready. I was grateful to Olrox, but I knew that wouldn't be that last time that happened. Well, I suppose that's just going to have to be my life. That's the beginning of the life of the new ruler of the Southern Plains: Dark Lord Adelram Umbra.

A/N: Meh, endings were never really my forte, but at least I left an opening for various potential continuations. Now that Adelram's journey is over, I can make all kinds of stories set in the time during his reign. Let's see how they play out. And if any of you guys can think of stories set in this time, go for it. Just be sure to tell me about it so I can read it myself. Until the next story.

A/N: Rejoice, my fellow readers! For I have been given another ending! And I have to say, it's pretty awesome. It was written by dead. but. true., so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Here's his take on the ending of DLR.

Finally Count Dracula, the previous Dark Lord, had been defeated once and for all, and with him his loyal servants – the vampire Carmilla and the Grim Reaper himself – but it wasn't over yet. "I am still amazed that the person who controls who lives or dies died...", said Brauner contemplating. I nodded.

"I believe it's God who is responsible for the death of, well, Death himself.", I said. Sharn snickered.

"What is so funny?", asked Brauner.

"You all talk about Gods and good and evil...I believe in this.", said Sharn and patted the hilt of her daggers. "I slash, and something dies. The blade does not distinguish between gods, humans or demons. This is what I believe."

"Well, I don't really mind. You shouldn't force your religious beliefs on someone.", I sighed. Then I looked at the horizon. It was still endless night, and the dim light of stars obstructed the sight of most people.

"What now?", I heard someone beside me ask. I turned around to see Angelica.

"Hm...I am the new Dark Lord and apparently I now rule over the Southern Plains. I think first I'll fix Castle Umbra. Then I will talk to various people and visit some guys, and I think then I will relax.", I said.

"That's...not very helpful.", said Brauner.

"You have a lot of duties to attend, my lord.", said Olrox, and I nodded.

"I guess I have to make myself clear. I will visit the three tribes, as well as the Umbra clan, to inform them about my reign and the recent events – although I'm sure the Umbra witches already know everything. After this, I will retreat to the castle and start with my probably boring tasks; as the ruler of the Southern Plains I have to deal with a lot of things.", I explained.

"What about me?", asked Angelica. She was not only speaking for the Paladins, but also about herself as an individual. I sighed. I knew what I had to do, and I didn't like it.

"You can't stay. You represent the joint forces of the Three Plains, and as long as I don't establish a diplomatic relation with them, you shouldn't be here. Especially because the Paladins are a governmental unit. You risk a war if you stay here.", I said. It hurt me to say this to her, but it was my duty. All my decisions now decided the fate of thousands.

"I...I understand.", whispered Angelica and looked away. "We'll go now.", she said and turned around.

"Angelica...", I began, and she stopped in her tracks. "No matter what, you'll always be welcome here."

She laughed a little. "Thank you, but I guess your always doesn't match mine...when I lose this armor to my successor, I'll be an old woman. That is, if I survive until then." She raised her hand to her face and seemed to be wiping away a few tears. "Stay healthy.", she said and left.

‑

I looked around; the Six Paladins had left, but Trevor was still standing in my throne room. I looked at him. "What are you doing here?", I asked.

"I can't let a Dark Lord exist! Fight me!", he yelled.

"You're outta your mind. Leave before I have to kill you.", I said with a stern voice. This once so glorious warrior was broken.

Trevor looked at me with hate in his eyes. "One day...!", he yelled, but ultimately left.

"I fear you've made yourself quite a powerful enemy.", said Olrox.

"Oh please. He'll try some conspiracy stuff, maybe a war against our nation...nothing unusual.", I shrugged. "Now, let's attend my duties. Brauner will accompany me. Olrox, I trust you to handle this Castle..." A loud explosion occurred "...and its inhabitants well."

"Very well.", said Olrox, and we left.

‑

In a few minutes we had traveled to the nearest tribe, the Umbra witches. "If it isn't our only warlock and husband-to-be.", said a sultry voice as soon as we entered the village.

"Cereza!", I exclaimed. She and the other witches were welcoming us, dressed rather...interesting. I blushed and cleared my voice. "As you most likely already know, I'm the new Dark Lord and the village is on my property, so I am your king now.", I said.

"We don't accept a king, and you should know that.", said Cereza with a pout.

"Then landlord. Whatever. Anyway, I now have my own castle and stuff, you should come over from time to time.", I said and left.

"You really left in a hurry.", said Brauner.

"I'm...not good at dealing with them.", I admitted. "Now, the goblins."

‑

After a few minutes we arrived at the goblin village; it wasn't destroyed, though it had taken visible damage, most likely the work of Dracula's troops. "Anybody here?", I yelled. I felt a certain presence.

"Rammy?", whispered a voice, and a head popped up. "Rammy!"

In the blink of an eye, an overly happy Frokz was hugging me, and I was sure that he even shed a few tears. "You're-you're alive!", he said.

"That's right, I'm the new Dark Lord. But don't worry, I'm not going to go to war or oppress you.", I explained.

"I knew you would do it! Let's have a drink!", he said.

"Sorry, I still have to visit the other tribes.", I told him. "But come to my castle, and we will have a feast."

‑

Visiting the imps was a short trip, and just like the goblins, the imps didn't oppose my reign. From the imp village I had to go to the orcs...I hope the War Chief is alright.

As soon as we arrived, we saw that the village hadn't suffered any real damage. It was still noisy, and the gate was opened. Brauner and I entered, heading straight to the biggest tent. "War Chief!", I yelled and entered. Sharn's father was sitting on his throne and looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"What is it, human?", he asked in a slightly mocking voice.

"What is it, Dark Lord.", I corrected him. "Nothing much, except for the fact that the old Dark Lord had returned, was defeated by me, your daughter fought a great battle and survived, and I'm now pretty much the ruler of the Southern Plains. Oh, and I resurrected some of the Generals.", I said in an equally mocking voice.

"Hmm...", he let out a deep grumble. "You know, to become the king of the orcs you have to defeat the War Chief...but that should be child's play for you, right?"

"Knowing Sharn, I bet it will still be a challenge. So be it, I challenge you to a duel!"

‑

Of course I had won the duel, and every sentient being in the Southern Plains accepted me as ruler. Well, the great ancients didn't, but they are not that important anyway. Under the first years of my reign I had to pass many laws. I needed to provide education, peace and wealth; with the help of Victor it wasn't a problem, though. He created more conceptions, little mechanical wonders that could monitor everything. Together with some servants they kept peace.

We had to fight off many monsters, especially werewolves. Although Cornell was freed from Dracula, he didn't accept my reign, and so he and his pack attacked my Castle and the surrounding town frequently.

‑

Five years after I had seized power, someone entered my throne room nonchalantly. Golden hair, fair skin... "Angelica!", I said surprised.

"Adelram.", she greeted. "I am here to warn you. Trevor Belmont finally convinced the Three Plains to go to war with you."

I just raised an eyebrow. "War? With me? I have an army of abominations and mercenaries; Olrox, Sharn, Brauner and Medusa, my invincible and immortal Generals; and finally Viktor, a genius in creating weapons of mass destruction. Screw it, I could defeat your army alone.", I said a little bored.

"We will stop you.", said Angelica. "It's our duty as Paladins."

"It is your duty to go to war and die because some guy was beaten by me? That's not politics or revenge, this is madness!"

"No! This is reality!", exclaimed Angelica. I sighed.

"I don't want to fight you.", I said.

"Me neither.", she mumbled. "I wish I could also be immortal and stay at your side forever."

"You can. Just stop being a Paladin.", I stated.

"But who will challenge me?", asked Angelica.

"Don't worry. After spending days in the library I found out that Paladins can retire. They have to choose a successor, and then they'll retire. You lose the duel on purpose.", I explained. Angelica looked at me with wide eyes.

‑

Ten years. The war waged ten years, but with the Generals and Angelica on my side it was a one-sided massacre. Although it wasn't my intention, I used the war to further expand my kingdom – hence the ten years. I wasn't exactly excited for the next millenniums, but I think I'll pass down the reign to one of my children. There are a lot of other interesting things. I could work on the forbidden magic I found out about, or I could travel. Olrox seemed to be interested in his past, maybe we'll uncover it together...?