"Holy Corpse Rising" is a dark fantasy manga series set in a world where humanity faces extinction due to the emergence of monstrous beings known as Wurdulacs. These creatures, born from the corpses of the dead, spread a deadly plague that threatens to annihilate all life. The story centers on a young man named Nicola, who becomes entangled in a desperate struggle for survival after encountering a mysterious girl named Seventh. Seventh is a "Holy Corpse," a being with immense power capable of combating the Wurdulacs. However, her abilities come at a cost: she requires human blood to sustain herself.

Nicola, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to protect what remains of humanity, forms a pact with Seventh. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to confront the Wurdulacs and uncover the truth behind their origins. Along the way, they encounter other Holy Corpses, each with unique abilities and tragic pasts. These encounters reveal a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas, as various factions vie for control over the Holy Corpses and their powers.

The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, morality, and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity. Nicola’s relationship with Seventh evolves as they face increasingly dire threats, raising questions about trust, dependency, and the cost of survival in a world teetering on the brink of collapse. The series is marked by its intense action sequences, intricate world-building, and a tone that balances grim despair with moments of hope and resilience. The characters’ struggles against both external enemies and internal conflicts drive the story forward, creating a compelling and emotionally charged narrative.