I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy
Chapter 442

Chapter 442

Crash!

Ian, with one arm wrapped around the back of Diana’s neck, was thrown across the ground like a skipping stone, bouncing over and over. Since he was heavier, it was almost always his back that took the brunt of the impact.

Shit...

Even as the world spun and time seemed to slow, Ian’s vision remained sharp. Through the swirling dust and magic, he clearly saw Inaskurgl—still gripping the hilt of its greatsword, which had just slammed into the earth.

Remarkably, Ian had managed to keep his composure—a product of both his own mental discipline and the lingering calm induced by Hyked’s psychic ability.

So, there was no mistaking what he’d just witnessed: Inaskurgl had charged without hesitation and brought its greatsword down with full, brutal force.

Krrrnnn—

The weapon had embedded itself in the ground, but its momentum hadn’t fully dissipated. Inaskurgl’s massive body lifted

As if the momentum hadn’t fully run its course, Inaskurgl’s massive body lifted slightly off the ground, carried by the sheer force of the blow—even as the weapon buried itself deep into the earth.

Ian caught a glimpse of three trails of blue-black flame streaking toward the beast from behind—Hyked and the Black Lions, mounted and charging in formation.

They better not go down as easily as last time, Ian thought, still tumbling.

And if they can buy some time, even better.

Clatter—

Inaskurgl twisted in midair with surprising agility for its size, landing like a tumbling beast. Its glowing red eyes, cutting a long crimson line through the dark, turned not toward Hyked—but toward Ian. No—toward Diana in Ian’s arms.

Wait a second... Could this work?

Ian’s eyes narrowed as he bumped into a tree, coming to an immediate stop. He’d just realized how deep Inaskurgl’s hatred ran. Even in its near-feral state, driven mostly by instinct, the creature hadn’t forgotten—its grudge against the fairy ran that deep.

Boom—

A thunderous explosion rang out from the far side of the field. Hyked, cloaked in pitch-black chaos, had launched himself like a meteor—driving straight into Inaskurgl. The monster’s body lurched sideways, thrown off-balance from the impact.

Krshhhh—

The warhorse struck just beneath Inaskurgl’s right collarbone. Blue-black flames erupted like wildfire around the point of impact. Ian could only assume the beast’s horn had buried itself deep into Inaskurgl’s flesh.

Kraahh—

Almost at the same time, from atop his saddle, Hyked twisted his body slightly and raised his right arm to shield the front of his helmet—then swung his sword, its blade surging with darkness.

The arc of the strike aimed straight for Inaskurgl’s exposed nape, revealed as the beast reeled off balance. But in that same instant, Inaskurgl’s warped eyes flared with light. With a sudden motion, it released its greatsword and raised its forearm directly into the path of the incoming strike.

Krrrk!

The falling arc struck directly against the chains coiled tightly around the creature’s forearm. As blazing darkness collided with the metal, a shockwave erupted in a dazzling burst of sparks. The force of it drove Inaskurgl’s already-reeling body down into the earth.

But even so, the blade—burning like dark fire—was not enough to sever the chains wrapped around its arm.

Rumble—

The moment after, Seren and Gwellrod charged past Inaskurgl, one to each side, skimming past its front and rear. Both slashed out as they passed, blades flashing in a wide, sweeping arc.

Crack.

Two dark slashes tore across Inaskurgl’s chest and back, carving deep, ragged lines into its flesh. Even crouched, the beast’s massive frame towered over the mounted Black Lions, making it impossible to aim for its neck, not that striking its throat would have made much difference.

The twin arcs split through its cuirass and leather straps—but the thick pelt beneath only suffered surface wounds, the kind that barely drew blood.

“Grrrrr!” Inaskurgl’s face twisted—not with pain, but with fury. Gray magic billowed from its mane like smoke from a fire. But Ian was no longer watching it.

They’re fighting better than I expected...

His gaze had drifted across the rolling fog, eyes scanning beyond the battlefield. Lucia, mounted on Moro, was locked in combat with the shadow beasts. Wielding a flail wreathed in holy flame, she struck down the charging creatures and hurled fireballs with unrelenting force.

Fwoosh—

Amid the bursts of flame and roars of impact, Moro charged and kicked with savage power, goring beasts with its horn, tearing through them like paper.

—To your left, Lucy. Again.

Thanks to Yog’s whisper, threading effortlessly into his thoughts, Ian was able to know how they were holding up. Though sounding drowsy and drained, Yog was clearly enjoying their side of the fight.

It seems they’ll be fine, Ian thought, finally lowering his gaze.

“Ugh...” Diana stirred faintly in his arms, letting out a low groan. The shock seemed to have jolted her back to her senses—focus returned to her eyes beneath the mask.

Dispelling the Platinum Barrier surrounding them, Ian asked, “Are you feeling any clearer?”

“Yeah... a little...”

“Then pull it together—fast.” He tilted his head to the side. “Looks like you’ll have to be the bait.”

“What?” Diana blinked up at him in disbelief, but Ian had already turned his attention ahead.

Boom!

Another deafening crash shook the ground. Inaskurgl’s left fist had driven deep into the side of a warhorse—Hyked’s mount. The beast’s frame twisted unnaturally, folding at the ribs. Armor and flesh burst apart, spraying entrails in all directions.

“----!” With a furious roar, Hyked charged toward Inaskurgl, leaping from the stirrups in a single bound. His eyes blazed with a searing light, fierce enough to pierce through the slits of his visor.

Kraaaahhh—

His sword—raised high—flared with black flame, cutting a blazing arc as it sped toward Inaskurgl’s head. The beast, arm still buried in the warhorse’s corpse, didn’t dodge.

Instead, it leaned in, lifting its head as if to meet the blow head-on. From its scalp and mane, a surge of gray magic burst outward.

Crackle!

The dark arc sliced through the storm of magic, tearing through the mane—and cutting a deep gash across Inaskurgl’s forehead.

Boom—

Inaskurgl’s skull hadn’t even split yet—the explosion of colliding chaos came first. Its head snapped back from the force, and Hyked, wreathed in darkness, was flung backward in the same instant.

“What exactly do you want me to do?” Diana muttered the words just as she looked up at Ian, her eyes blank with disbelief.

Still watching Inaskurgl steady itself through the blood dripping down its head, Ian moved his lips. “Bait.”

“You’re out of your damn—”

Diana’s eyes narrowed in disbelief, just as Inaskurgl grabbed a greatsword and pivoted—hurling a horse carcass straight at Seren, who was closing in from the flank. Seren barely veered aside at the last second.

Only then did Ian glance down at her again and add, “Honestly, it’ll probably be easier that way.”

“What the hell does that even mean—” Before she could finish, a violent rush of wind ripped across the battlefield.

Inaskurgl swung its greatsword in both hands toward Gwellrod, who was charging in next. A trail of black fog followed the blade like a thundercloud, and Gwellrod raised his shield in response.

Boom!

Darkness burst like ink all around him. But the blow was too much—the shield barely absorbed any of it. The blow sent Gwellrod flying backward like a cannonball.

The blade swept through a warhorse, shredding it like paper. Armor or not, there was no defending every angle. The beast collapsed, mangled beyond recognition.

“What do you mean that it’ll be easier?” Diana looked up, stammering, eyes still fixed on Inaskurgl as it crushed the corpse of the warhorse underfoot. “You’re saying throwing me into that monster’s fight will make things easier?”

“That’s right. Because he’s still got you marked.”

“What do you—” She stopped mid sentence, whipping her head to the side.

“Grrr...”

Her eyes went wide behind the mask.

Inaskurgl’s glowing red gaze had shifted back to her. Head tilted, greatsword loose in its hand, it focused intently on her.

Ian slid his left arm beneath her knees and pulled her close with his right, wrapping around her back.

“You’re not going to shake it. One way or another, it’ll come for you.”

She went silent as Ian lifted her off the ground in one swift motion—then bolted.

Woosh!

Behind them, Inaskurgl lunged forward from a low crouch, its leap like that of a freed beast. Seren’s follow-up strike sliced through the air a heartbeat too late, missing it by inches.

Without looking back, Ian sprinted. “So use it. Use the fact that it’s obsessed with you and turn it into something useful.”

If Diana cooperated, they could keep Inaskurgl’s attention long enough to shift the tide. And Hyked and the Black Lions had proven they could land meaningful hits—even if none were fatal yet. The warhorses were dropping, yes, but the knights weren’t out of the fight.

Even Gwellrod, who’d been sent flying a moment ago, was already pushing himself back to his feet in the distance.

Perhaps, if this continued, Ian could finish without ever having to fight.

“So pull yourself together.” As he ran, veering sharply away at an angle from Inaskurgl’s charge, Ian glanced down at Diana in his arms—meeting her stunned gaze.

“If you don’t want to stand by and watch everyone die off one by one while we keep running—”

“I... I can’t... I mean...” Diana’s voice trembled as she stammered, her swamp-colored eyes flickering with confusion and fear behind the mask.

Ian looked down at her, his gaze calm and unwavering. “Why are you acting like someone you’re not, Diana Erenos? Did seeing that thing drag up old memories?”

She couldn’t deny it.

Inaskurgl hadn’t always looked like this. It hadn’t been this massive, this monstrous. It hadn’t even seemed like a beast back then. But the moment their eyes met—those red pupils torn into a cross—the memory came flooding back.

Clear as day, she saw it again, tearing through her comrades, ripping them apart with that same gaze. Even now, the scene played on repeat in her mind—vivid, unrelenting. The fear she’d felt then still clung to her, coiled tight around her chest, refusing to let go.

Swoosh!

Inaskurgl, mid-charge, dragged the greatsword along the ground as it turned. Its red gaze never left Ian’s back, locked on like a predator with a scent.

Ian didn’t even glance his way. He veered again, sprinting harder.

“I’m not going to tell you to overcome your fear. That’s not realistic. Keep being afraid—as much as you need to, just not so much that it makes you give up on living.”

He looked down at her trembling eyes, voice steady. “Use it. Let it drive your survival instinct. Running’s your clan’s specialty, isn’t it?”

Just then, Seren rode past them in a blur, her black trail streaking like ink behind her. Diana turned her head, wide-eyed, watching the knight’s back as she charged fearlessly toward the demon.

Boom, boom, boom—

Darkness poured from Seren and her warhorse, so thick it almost obscured them.

“Get Sir Diana somewhere safe, Agent of the Saint!” Hyked called out as he passed, sword lowered, sprinting past them on foot.

Ian added, “This is your chance—to run and still take your revenge. So answer me. Can you do it or not?”

Diana’s eyes widened, snapping back at him.

Ian didn’t wait a beat before continuing. “If you say no, I’ll leave you here. I won’t let everyone else die for your sake.”

“I...” Her eyes trembled—then stilled.

She exhaled slowly, gathering herself, and finally whispered, “What do I have to do?”

“Start by standing on your own two feet.”

At last, Diana’s expression shifted—not just from fear, but something else. She realized she was still clinging to Ian like a child.

“Glorious—victory!” Gwellrod’s voice rang out behind them, hoarse and loud as he thundered past.

Ian slowed his pace. Not just to let Diana down—but because Inaskurgl had stopped.

It was bracing itself, lifting its greatsword for a diagonal strike. It aimed the blow at Seren. But her horse, anticipating the move, leaped high into the air—dodging the blade cleanly and barreling forward. And now, she was surging straight toward Inaskurgl’s exposed, blood-smeared head.

Crack—

The horned warhorse drove its blade-like horn into the side of Inaskurgl’s skull. As Inaskurgl’s head snapped backward from the impact, Seren brought both arms down hard, her weapon crashing toward it.

The jet-black arc of her blade tore through the dense ash-gray magic, cutting down into the mane beneath. A heartbeat later, the explosion triggered by Inaskurgl’s greatsword engulfed them in a violent blast.

“Se—ren—” Hyked’s shout rang out between the echoes of the blast as Diana finally planted both feet on solid ground.

“Damn it...” Staggering as the battlefield roared and churned with smoke and flame, she clenched her fists and steadied herself.

Just then, as Ian glanced briefly to the side, Diana drew a breath, focused, and spoke. “I have a favor to ask, Ian Hope.”

“What is it?” He didn’t turn toward her—his eyes were fixed on the other side of the field, where the fog had settled.

The fires and explosions from earlier had faded, leaving that side of the battlefield eerily dark. Through the thick mist, the silhouette of a warhorse was slowly making its way back toward them..

Then Diana’s voice came again. “Don’t let me die. Please... help me live.”

Ian paused for a fraction of a second. Then, a faint smirk pulled at the corner of his lips. “Fairies seem to ask me that a lot.”

“And what happened to the others?”

“Depends on the case.” He turned his gaze toward the back of her head. “But in Erenos’s case, she made it out. Returned home, safe and sound.”

Diana fell silent for a moment—then lowered her stance, as if steeling herself.

“Then do that for me, too.” With those words, she bolted forward.

Ian’s eyes followed her briefly, then shifted to the scene unfolding beyond her. As the dust and magic cleared, what lay beyond was revealed.

“----!” Inaskurgl was still standing where it had slammed its greatsword down, bellowing with rage.

Clutched in its outstretched left hand, a warhorse thrashed helplessly—its head gripped tightly. It seemed Inaskurgl had ripped the creature out from its face. Its bloodied face twisted with rage.

Crack—

Its fingers tightened—and the thrashing warhorse went limp. Seren was nowhere to be seen atop the saddle. But from the way the beast hung, it wasn’t hard to guess where she’d been thrown.

Crash!

Turning its head to the side, Inaskurgl hurled the corpse like a rag doll. Hyked, who had been charging toward it, immediately brought his sword down in response.

A string of black explosions burst to life in the wake of his blade’s arc. Inaskurgl, remarkably, didn’t counter. Instead, it raised its greatsword—blade forward—and took a defensive stance. It vanished momentarily in the blast of surging darkness.

Clip clop—

Hoofbeats rang out through the chaos and approached Ian. It was Moro, its whole body slick and gleaming with beast blood.

And Lucia sat atop it. “What happened, Sir Ian? Why is Diana running back in that direction?”

Ian barely moved his lips as he replied, “She agreed to draw aggro.”

“Aggro? What does that mean?” Lucia tilted her head, puzzled.

Ian gave a faint shake of his own. “Is it all clear on your side?”

“Yes. Honestly, I don’t think those things ever planned to come this way. Maybe they didn’t even have the nerve. Either way, they walked right into it, so it worked out.” She blinked as she spoke, her tone perfectly composed, as if she’d just done something routine.

“I see. Good work.” Ian gave a low chuckle, then turned his gaze back toward the battlefield. “From here on, keep your distance. Don’t go anywhere near that beast.”

Shhhk.

He drew a steel longsword from his hip and added, “It’s gotten pretty damn good at killing horses.”

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