Shiki, originally called Larva, is a lich who dwelled in the World of the Goddess long before meeting Makoto Misumi. His exact origins and true name remain unknown, though he was a renowned brilliant magic researcher before becoming undead. Whether he chose lichdom or was forced into it is unspecified. Larva first attacked Makoto and Mio while possessing a forest ogre, revealing knowledge of Ancient Language magic. Makoto's darkness element negated his spells, leading to defeat. Tomoe then negotiated Larva's servitude to Makoto. Makoto's overwhelming power and existing pacts with beings like Tomoe (a Greater Dragon) and Mio (the Black Calamity Spider) risked relegating Larva to a slave-level brown pact. Circumventing this, Tomoe devised a ritual using 13 Draupnir rings infused with Makoto's excess magic power, while Mio transferred additional magic to Larva. This established Larva as Makoto's third direct servant. Makoto gave him the name "Shiki," derived from Japanese terms for knowledge and common sense. Tomoe misinterpreted it as referencing "corpse" and "fierce god," while Mio associated it with "death" and "time period." Shiki shifts between two forms. His hyuman form presents a handsome young man with red hair in a ponytail, emerald-green eyes, and practical attire including a dark brown jacket and boots. He wields a staff that can morph its tip into a spear-like blade and conceal equipment statuses. His lich form is skeletal, draped in a magically embroidered black robe, wielding a rod that transforms into a giant scythe or the cursed sword Ascalon. Red light glows from his eye sockets. After contracting with Makoto, Shiki gained the ability to switch forms at will and regenerated a flesh body while retaining undead attributes. Intellectually driven and a workaholic, Shiki possesses intense curiosity and dedication to research, which historically led him to ethically ambiguous experiments. He displays fierce loyalty to Makoto, reacting with rare anger to any disparagement or harm directed at his master. He habitually taps the ground before spellcasting, and his eyes emit the same red glow as his lich form when enraged. He combats seasickness through levitation magic. As a high-ranking lich, Shiki commands mastery over nearly all magic types, specializing in earth and wind element-derived healing magic. His expertise spans theoretical and practical magic, relic identification, and biological experimentation. Post-pact, he gained the "13 Steps"—rings fused with Makoto's magic power that enhance his spells and physical attributes. Each ring grants a unique ability: "Wand" empowers magic, "Sword" enhances the body, "Fray" allows spirit possession (granting swordsmanship skills), alongside high-level abilities like "Ragnarok" and "Golgotha." Initially unable to fully utilize Makoto's stored power, converting it gradually amplified his strength. After defeating the Greater Dragon Lancer using these powers, Shiki ascended to Undead King. His primary equipment includes his adaptable staves and Ascalon, a malediction-coated claymore summoned with the 6th Step ring. Ascalon can debilitate even Greater Dragons and draws its name from a legendary dragon-slaying tale. The embedded 13 Steps rings remain central to his combat versatility. Within Makoto's inner circle, Shiki serves as the most prudent and trusted advisor, handling Kuzunoha Company logistics and research. Though intimidated by Mio, he collaborates with her on tasks like cooking. His interactions with Tomoe involve fewer tensions, though she disciplines him for neglected duties. He shares mutual respect with mages like Ema and adventurer Lime Latte. At Rotsgard Academy, where he assists Makoto (alias Raidou) as an instructor, he adopts a "good cop" teaching approach contrasting Makoto's stricter persona. He mentors students like Jin Rohan, recognizing his research potential for the company, while cautiously evaluating others such as Sif Rembrandt and Abelia Hopleys. Shiki's history includes prior connections to demon generals like Rona during his time as Larva. His ongoing development involves adapting to enhanced powers, supporting Makoto's societal reforms, and balancing research inclinations with responsibilities.