Dark Makai Knight

In the realm beyond the Shinmetsu Jyushin lies the forbidden realm, and within it emerges the **Dark Makai Knight** (暗黒魔戒騎士, , *Ankoku Makai Kishi*?, lit. "Dark Demon World Knight"). Born from the Madou Book of Darkness, a cursed tome created by the progenitor of Horrors Mesia, the Dark Makai Knight follows secret arts inscribed within, allowing knights with formidable mental strength, whether driven by ambition or desire, to overcome the armor that seeks to consume them. As the knight triumphs over the armor's self-devouring nature, the metallic composition shifts from Soul Metal to the corrupted Death Metal, giving birth to the Dark Knight, fallen into darkness (at this point, lineage is erased, and the title unifies as the Dark Knight regardless of predecessors).

The Dark Knight retains the strength of the Shinmetsu Jyushin form, effortlessly controlling overwhelming power, with no time limit on armor usage due to having overcome the constraints. Moreover, by devouring Horrors, a usual plight banishable only to the Makai, the Dark Knight can convert them into personal strength, a process known as "**Inga Kyushu**" (陰我吸囚, , *Inga Kyūshū*?).

The more Horrors consumed, the boundless strength escalates. Rumor has it that upon absorbing a thousand Horrors and merging with Mesia, the Dark Knight reaches the pinnacle of existence. However, this is the blatant lie spun by Mesia. The "**Dark Path**" (暗黒の道, , *Ankoku no Michi*?) inscribed in the Madou Book of Darkness is nothing more than a procedure to efficiently gather the sacrifices of a thousand Horrors required for Mesia's resurrection through the Dark Knight. In essence, the Dark Knight is nothing but a lackey for Mesia. Upon performing the ritual for the Mesia's descent, in the end, the Dark Knight, along with the sacrifices of a thousand Horrors, is devoured by Mesia and meets its demise.

Throughout the extensive history of Makai Knights, many are said to have fallen into darkness. Yet, none have succeeded in escaping the pursuit of the enforcers tasked with purging them from the Watchdogs (later known as the "**Hunters of Darkness**" (闇の狩師, , *Yami no Shushi*?) or Dark Slayers). Additionally, the case of Dark Knight Zex in *Honoo no Kokuin* takes a different origin from a regular Dark Knight, involving the fallen Makai Priest Mendoza casting a spell on Makai Knight Bernardo Dion, who had exposed vulnerabilities within his heart, leading to a unique resurrection.

In *Vanishing Line*, the Knight, Christopher Harden, driven by the pursuit of greater power, delves into the forbidden Madou Book, paralleling Barago's narrative. However, this tome is not of Mesia's origin but a trap set by a high-ranking Horror King to subjugate convenient servants. Consequently, Knight gains strength but loses freedom under the King's control.

Regardless, the Makai Knight in this state becomes akin to a Horror, irreversibly detached from their human origins. Upon death, the Death Metal-infused sword and armor vanish entirely, severing the lineage permanently. However, in a surprising turn, the Armor of Kiba, who detached from Barago in *GARO*, remained hidden in the depths of the Makai, occasionally resurfacing for a vengeful resurgence.