I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy
Chapter 433

Chapter 433

No way. Seriously?

As Diana reeled in quiet shock, every gaze turned to Ian and Lucia like a volley of arrows. Several pairs of eyes—especially those of the Black Lions beside the warhorses—were burning like flickering flames. What Ian and Lucia had just done wasn't merely a refusal to kneel; it was practically a declaration that they stood on equal footing with Hyked.

But Ian didn't flinch. Wearing his usual unreadable expression, he met Hyked's dark blue gaze head-on. Lucia, by contrast, had her fists clenched tight, a hint of tension betraying her resolve. Ian, though, looked completely at ease—and it wasn't just because of his strong Mental Fortitude.

He's not the kind to throw the whole plan away over hurt pride, especially in a situation like this.

Even if only half the stories Ian had heard were true, there was no way Hyked would react impulsively. Just then, the glow in Hyked's eyes curved faintly—almost like a smile. He reached out and placed a hand on Seren's shoulder in front of him.

Seren, frozen like a statue until that moment, flinched sharply. Unlike the others, she hadn't been frozen by fear—only by sheer confusion.

"T-The one before you is the vanguard of the holy war and the most exalted star of the battlefield!" she blurted as Hyked drew his hand back.

Knew it, Ian thought, swallowing a smile.

Seren cleared her throat hurriedly and continued, "The Conqueror of the Eastern Continent, the Ender of two archdemons and nine demons. The Purifier of Chaos and the Pioneer of the Black Lands! The rightful ruler of the outpost, and the one who stands above all others!"

Her voice grew stronger with each title, no longer shaken but infused with genuine pride and reverence.

"Protector of the Forsaken, the Savior in Shadow, and the true sovereign of the Empire—His Highness Hyked Astrea!"

As her final words rang out, everyone slammed their weapons against the ground in perfect unison. The echo rippled like a crashing wave, making Ian and Lucia's cloaks flutter in its wake.

As Moro snorted softly beside him, Lucia stepped forward—just one pace ahead of Ian. She removed her hood, letting her crimson hair fall freely, and placed her left hand over the breastplate beneath her cloak.

"I, Lucifer Ash Riurel, the Ember of the Burning Goddess, formally present him as his appointed representative."

Every gaze shifted to her. Even Hyked watched with interest. Lucia slowly swept her eyes across the crowd, calm and deliberate, before locking eyes with Hyked.

"A holy crusader of the Stern Goddess, blessed by both the Goddess of Prosperity and the Goddess of Flame. The Chosen who defied the goddesses' revelations of his own will. The Savior of the Borderlands, the Last Judicator of the Giant Kingdom, and the Dragon Slayer who pierced the heart of the evil dragon. The Purifier of Corruption and Plague, and the Executor of the West—"

She really memorized all that, huh?

Listening to her steady, unwavering voice, Ian clicked his tongue inwardly. At least she wasn't listing every petty achievement—he supposed that was something to be thankful for.

"The True Great Warrior of the North, Ruler of the Snowfields who commands ten thousand barbarians. The sole and official Agent blessed by the Great Platinum Dragon. Guardian of the North, and the God Slayer who vanquished the avatar of chaos!"

That sounds a little exaggerated.

Even Ian couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly at that last part. He didn't even command ten thousand barbarians, and calling him a God Slayer was generous, to say the least.

Sure enough, a few eyes went wide with surprise. Even Hyked was staring at him with a look of mild amusement.

As Ian struggled to keep a straight face, Lucia raised one arm to the side. "The official Savior of Drag Velga, the Superhuman who defeated the wanderers of the Black Lands and the cannibalistic bandits, has arrived here—Sir Ian Hope!"

It was clear that this part had been intentionally placed at the very end. It was a reminder—not that he had come to submit to Hyked, but that he had come as someone who had offered help.

She's got guts, I'll give her that.

Ian finally let out a silent laugh through his nose. Of course, that didn't stop the flush of embarrassment rising within him. He only just realized now that his fists were clenched tightly. However, it was clear that he was the only one feeling that way.

Even as she caught her breath, likely from the effort of projecting her voice, Lucia stood with her shoulders squared, chin lifted high as she looked out over the crowd.

A different kind of silence settled over the room. Then, slowly, Hyked raised both hands to either side of his helmet.

Clink...

He began to lift the helmet upward. His face, hidden behind the visor, was slowly revealed.

As Lucia drew in a sharp breath, Ian took in Hyked's face. Like most of royal blood, he was strikingly handsome. The scars across his features didn't take away from it—in fact, they gave his otherwise gentle expression a quiet weight.

There's no way he's past his early thirties.

Even if time really did move slower here beyond the Wall, that face was far too young to belong to the Emperor's older brother. Honestly, he looked more like one of the princes. The only real difference was that his hair, long enough to reach his shoulders, was pure white. It seemed it likely hadn't been that color from the start.

As Hyked tucked the removed helmet beneath his left arm, the deep blue light in his eyes faded away. His crimson eyes met Ian's for a moment.

"You've helped me more than once in ways I cannot easily repay, Agent of the Saint," Hyked finally spoke. His voice, though polite, rang with clarity. "If not for you, many precious lives would have been lost. I offer my sincerest gratitude, here and now."

Ian blinked in surprise. Hyked had placed his right hand over his breastplate, stepped back with one foot, and lowered himself into a slight kneel, bowing his head.

Startled, the Wolves and Lions beside him turned to look—then immediately followed suit, bowing their heads in unison.

Without lifting his gaze, Hyked continued, "Though you were told of the situation here, you came despite the danger. For that as well, I thank you. I will not forget what you've done for us."

"I'll accept your thanks. Please, raise your head."

Now you're making me act all formal too.

He'd expected Hyked to be friendly—but this level of formality was something else. Of course, it could very well be a politically calculated move, but the man was still of royal blood. Even Seras, who had been neck-deep in the succession struggle, hadn't acted like this from the start.

"Please wait a moment. I'll come to you," Hyked added as he lifted his head a beat later as if completing the act of gratitude.

When Ian nodded, Hyked turned and gestured with his hand. The Lions straightened their posture and promptly mounted their warhorses.

Then, turning to Seren, Hyked said, "You've done well. Head inside, unload your gear and rest. That's an order."

She bowed in response, and the lined-up Wolves turned and began heading toward the garrison.

"I think it's safe to get up now, Diana." Lucia, now back at Ian's side, whispered.

Diana, still crouched on the ground, awkwardly rose to her feet.

"You could've... at least given me a heads up," she muttered under her breath.

Lucia blinked innocently. "But you knew we weren't going to serve His Highness, didn't you?"

"I mean... yeah, I knew, but still..." Diana trailed off as she subtly shifted her gaze.

Hyked was striding toward them with long, purposeful steps—almost as if he meant to break into a run. Everyone else had dispersed, heading for the ruined tower, save for his warhorse, which remained behind.

"I've been counting the days since I first heard the news. And now, finally, we meet—Agent of the Saint." With eyes locked on Ian, Hyked spoke with a wide, bright smile—so bright, in fact, it made him seem oblivious to the fact they were standing in the heart of archdemon's territory.

"I appreciate the warm welcome—" Ian began, then faltered.

Hyked hadn't stopped. He reached out and clasped Ian's right hand in a firm grip. The sound of metal meeting metal echoed through the space, and only then did he stop.

"It's a pleasure beyond words, Agent of the Saint. I worried, truthfully, that you might not come, but it seems my fears were unfounded."

Isn't this a bit too casual?

Ian blinked, thrown for a moment. But it wasn't just the sudden handshake that caught him off guard. The instant their hands met, the bead of chaos essence stirred faintly within him.

Ian glanced at Hyked, who was still shaking his hand as if he had sensed nothing, then finally responded, "I'm glad to see you too, Your Highness."

Hyked's smile deepened. Despite the network of scars across his face, it still held a boyish charm.

"This feels like a first meeting that'll be remembered for a long time. In a good way, of course," With that, Hyked finally released Ian's hand. Though technically, the handshake wasn't quite over.

"That was a magnificent introduction, Priestess. I can see why the Burning Goddess chose you, even at such a young age." He turned to Lucia with an outstretched hand.

For a moment, Lucia blinked as if caught off guard, then smiled and took his hand. "Thank you, Your Highness. Now that I've met you in person, I can see why so many follow you with such devotion."

"Really?" Hyked smiled as he shook her hand. Unlike with Ian, the gesture was warm and polite.

"That's strange. Most people just scold me to act more properly." He added with a laugh, then turned his gaze past them. "And you—who might you be? From the looks of it, I'd say you're one of my people."

Diana, who had stepped back and was half-turning away, trying to avoid attention, straightened up in a flash. "I-I'm Diana Erenos, the Owl of Drag Velga, Your Highness!"

"Diana... Ah, yes. We've met before, haven't we? Back when the world hadn't gone to ruin. We fought side by side on the battlefield."

Diana's eyes widened. Facing him, she finally said, "You remember me?"

"Of course. With a mask like that, how could I forget? Truth be told, I recognized you right away. I just asked your name because I couldn't quite recall it immediately." He smiled and extended his hand.

Diana reached out with both hands to accept it respectfully, bowing her head. "It's an honor... Your Highness..."

She'd probably offer her life too, at this rate.

Ian, noticing the flicker in Diana's eyes behind her mask, held back a smile.

Still holding her hands, Hyked asked, "So tell me—what brings you all the way out here?"

"I came as a witness, Your Highness. Accompanying Count Albiro Graham's report. I was asked to testify to the Agent of the Saint's achievements."

"Hand the report to Sir Gwellrod. As for the testimony—I don't think it'll be necessary."

Diana blinked. "Pardon?"

"He came all this way into danger—what point is there in debating the details of his accomplishments? The proper thing to do is to repay that with the utmost courtesy."

"Wait... then... What about me?"

"But I'm glad you came. Truly. I remember how you fought—quick as lightning and sharp as a blade." He gave her hands another firm shake, smiling. "Be our eyes and ears in the Shadowed Forest. With you there, I won't have to worry about ambushes."

The awe and emotion that had welled up in Diana's eyes vanished in an instant. She had already planned to accompany them—but now, it was clear she no longer had any way out.

Hyked, clearly unaware of this, cheerfully added, "I'll be counting on you, Sir Diana."

"I shall do my utmost, Your Highness," she replied, her voice stiff and clipped.

Lucia turned slightly toward Ian, her eyes gleaming with suppressed laughter. Ian gave a subtle shrug. It seemed Diana was fated to stay with them for a while longer.

"Then, shall we go, Agent of the Saint?" Hyked looked back at Ian, releasing Diana's hands with satisfaction.

He adjusted the helmet under his arm and added, "You must be tired. Let me show you to your quarters first—we can speak afterward."

"There's no need to wait. I'm not that tired," Ian said with a shrug.

Hyked's smile widened. "Is that so? All the better. There's so much I'd like to discuss."

"Let's take it one step at a time."

"Of course. There's an order to everything." Hyked nodded, then looked at Ian more intently. "But I'd like us to speak freely—candidly, about everything. Would that be all right?"

So he wants to lay all the cards on the table, huh?

Ian smirked faintly, then tilted his head slightly toward Lucia, who was practically beaming at him. "Let's do that. If Priestess Lucifer can join us as well."

He'd planned to explain everything to her later anyway—it was better to have her with him now than go through the hassle of repeating it all.

"Of course. Let's go," Hyked said with a bright smile. "I'll show you my favorite place in the whole outpost."

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