I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 314

"It seems you've been waiting for a while. My apologies. Other matters briefly distracted me and didn't realize right away," Archeas replied gently.

Light flared behind it as the spell dissipated instantly, casting a bright glow throughout the room. For a moment, it illuminated Archeas’s flawlessly pale face, its finely chiseled features, and its shoulder-length, lustrous platinum hair. It looked just as Ian remembered.

"I also took longer to find this," Archeas added, raising one hand from behind its back. It held a bottle of liquor filled with a clear amber liquid, which swirled as it lifted it. A faint smile played on its lips as it met Ian's gaze.

"Without someone to tend to my nest, I have to take care of everything on my own these days."

"I’m just grateful you managed to come before too long," Ian replied with a slight smile, feeling a reflexive thirst at the sight of the bottle.

Archeas moved across the dimming room toward the table, setting down the bottle as it continued, "So, you made sure Elie got there safely, right?"

"She did. And as you wanted, I ensured she understands just how dangerous black magic and the Black Wall can be."

Archeas’s smile deepened as it placed the bottle on the desk. "You truly are my agent, Ian. To understand my intentions so well without a word from me. I was concerned when you summoned me earlier than expected, but now my mind is at ease."

"There were just a few urgent matters."

"So... you must be talking about the signs of the erosion," said Archeas.

Archeas casually continued, pulling a chair diagonally next to Ian. "That’s also why I was a bit late today. Waking up earlier than planned was due to the initial signs of the beginning of erosion."

Ah, so that’s when you woke up, Ian thought, nodding calmly, knowing it must have jolted Archeas awake.

"Well, that was one of the reasons I hurried my journey."

"Oh? Then I must have misjudged. I’m curious. What made you rush back to the capital? You were so keen on taking your time." Seated, Archeas crossed one leg over the other, looking at Ian with interest.

Ian simply shrugged. "A princess came to me... with a request."

"... Princess?" Archeas froze mid-reach for the bottle, turning its gaze to Ian. "Did she come bearing an imperial decree?"

"She escorted me to the capital. Then I received the decree—from the Emperor himself."

"The Emperor?"

Ian spoke nonchalantly, but Archeas’s smile stiffened. Lowering its hand from the bottle, it pressed on.

"Tell me in detail. What decree did the Emperor issue to you?"

Even the Platinum Dragon's face stiffens at the mention of the Emperor.

"He granted me the title of Free Baron of the capital and appointed me as Count of the Northern Territory, bestowing me the rank of Margrave. He asked that I lend my strength in securing the northern front."

As the conversation continued, the smile faded entirely from Archeas’s face. Its expression turned mask-like, staring intently at Ian as he responded, "The Northern front?"

"Yes, so now I’m heading North—" Ian’s voice trailed off abruptly.

A suffocating pressure filled the room in an instant, darkening it as the candle flames along the wall flickered, almost going out. Shadows fell across Archeas’s face, but its vivid yellow eyes burned brighter, like fire, with black pupils stretched vertically.

"They dared to send my agent to the Black Wall...?"

A low rumble underscored its voice, vibrating with an intensity that triggered an instinctual surge of fear. Yet, it wasn’t enough to overwhelm Ian. It's possible that his Mental Fortitude and Resistance played a role, but it was more likely that the anger wasn't directed at him.

Why is it so furious about this?

"It was a request, and it was an expected offer," Ian said in a restrained voice. Archeas’s fierce gaze, fixed in midair, slowly shifted back to Ian, its slit pupils widening slightly.

"I went voluntarily, knowing full well the risks. I was promised not only lawful authority but also fair compensation."Ian shrugged, meeting Archeas’s blazing yellow eyes. "The erosion is inevitable. I would’ve ended up on the front lines eventually. I can’t just sit back and watch the continent fall apart."

"... Indeed." The glow in Archeas’s eyes dimmed, its lids lowering as it exhaled. "I see."

The deep rumble vanished from Archeas’s voice, and the room’s lighting returned to normal. Archeas’s gaze, calm once more, met Ian’s as it gave an apologetic nod.

"I showed poor form. My apologies. Did I frighten you?"

"A little. It’s all right—you were just worried about me going near the Black Wall, weren’t you?"

"... Thank you for understanding. Yes. I found myself growing anxious, unable to control my emotions," Archeas admitted with a sheepish sigh, reaching for the bottle again.

"It must be because the erosion is imminent. I know all too well how dangerous the front line will become." Uncorking the bottle, it added, "We’re short on glasses. Let’s share it like comrades."

"Let’s do that. After all, we are comrades, aren’t we?" Ian replied with an easy nod.

A faintly embarrassed yet warm smile crept onto Archeas’s face as it picked up the bottle.

"Honestly, sometimes I can’t figure you out. You claim your life is your most precious possession, yet you always make the most selfless and dangerous choices. It’s one of the reasons I care for you..." With a sigh, it brought the bottle to his lips.

Ian scoffed lightly. "Selfless, you say..."

It’s just that this path gives me the best chance of survival.

Ian had no enjoyment in risking his life whatsoever. Although he felt an unusual calmness in those life-or-death moments, even a flicker of thrill, it was only a passing sensation. He made life-risking choices purely because they offered the highest rewards. A slightly brighter future than his days in the game was just a bonus.

Archeas took a few gulps before handing the bottle to Ian. "Try it. This one is different from the last."

Ian accepted the bottle with ease, bringing it to his lips. As Archeas had mentioned, it wasn’t wine this time. It was incredibly strong, yet rich in flavor, with a refreshing undertone.

"...Impressive," Ian murmured in admiration, lowering the bottle from his lips. "I had something similar recently, but this one feels much richer and deeper in flavor."

"Oh, really? You’ve had some fine drink, then. This one is quite costly, you know. Even a less aged version of this would fetch the same weight in gold for a single sip."

Ian smirked, taking another drink.

I’ll end up with a taste for the finest if this keeps up.

Watching him closely, Archeas added, "No matter how I think about it, I can’t let this go. I should have a word with the Emperor."

Ian’s eyebrow arched slightly as he swallowed his drink. It was rare for Archeas to speak of getting involved directly. It seemed Archeas was both concerned and a little outraged about Ian’s journey to the front line.

"With his crafty nature, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s laid some kind of trap. He’s always had a habit of scheming."

To the point of losing composure and narrowing focus like this.

"Planning to make your agent a tattletale?" Ian remarked casually.

Archeas blinked, looking at him in surprise, as Ian continued calmly, "Save your anger for when there’s an actual problem. Getting involved now won’t improve things; in fact, it would likely hand them the advantage."

Ian gestured at Archeas with the bottle. "It would look as if I were using you to put pressure on the royal family. Besides, I doubt the gods would look kindly on such interference."

Something you’re well aware of.

Ian brought the bottle to his lips again, inwardly appreciative of Archeas’s concern, though he knew all too well that an adult stepping into a childish squabble only made things messier.

Archeas watched him drink, then sighed, admitting with a soft smile, "Today, you’ve humbled me several times, Ian. And to think you’re even looking out for me."

Despite its words, Archeas’s expression softened with the gentlest smile Ian had seen all day.

"All right. For your sake, I’ll do nothing. However, Ian," Archeas leaned toward him slightly, "if the Emperor has any hidden motives that put you at risk, you must tell me. The Imperial family is not like the Order. Should anything happen, I have a right to protect my agent, don’t I?"

Ian nodded as he handed the bottle back to Archeas. "Understood. If it becomes necessary."

Archeas accepted the bottle, and a faint smile played on Ian’s lips. While it felt overprotective, it was also reassuring. And it became clear just how little Archeas thought of the Emperor. It was not surprising—the royal family and the Order alike showed no interest in managing the chaos plaguing the world or eliminating the Black Wall, the source of madness itself. Perhaps there were other hidden truths Ian wasn’t privy to.

Taking another sip, Archeas finally crossed one leg over the other, breaking the silence. "So, I take it you’re not heading to the front lines alone, are you?"

"I’m going to gather the barbarian warriors across the snowy region, arming them properly in Travelga before moving to Karlingion."

"Of all the fortresses, you plan to go to the one at the very front line? Was that also the Emperor’s command?"

"No, it was my choice. It’s the most critical stronghold on the Northern front. If I’m going to make the journey, I might as well head to the most strategic point."

"...And the most dangerous. But I suppose, no matter how I try to dissuade you, you won’t listen."

Ian tilted slightly and replied, "If you’re truly worried, you could always lend a hand. That would make things much easier."

Archeas sighed as if it wished it could. "Believe me, I’d like nothing more. But you know the rules—I can’t interfere with worldly matters as I please. Even if it involves the Black Wall, there are no exceptions."

Archeas then watched Ian take another drink, its gaze steady. "Lately, you have been the focus of the little freedom I had. If I were to intervene, it would have to be under the guidance of a divine oracle. And even then, there’s no guarantee that I’d be able to fight by your side."

Ian nodded calmly. He didn't feel disappointed; he’d never expected Archeas to join him on the front line, anyway.

Archeas placed the bottle on the table with a faint, bitter smile. "Forgive me for not being of more help. But let’s call it even this time, shall we? After all, you rarely follow my wishes, either."

"I take it you’d rather I not go to the front line."

"You’ve never experienced an invasion, have you?"

Archeas’s gaze drifted to the wall, where the candlelight flickered.

"The monsters that cross beyond the Black Wall are completely consumed by madness. By the time they gather in response to the Wall’s call, they’re already slaves to that madness. And the Black Wall grants them even greater power."

Archeas looked back at Ian, its voice low and serious. "You know all too well what madness can do to monsters."

Ian nodded. Both in the game and in this reality, he had ventured into the demonic realm enough times.

"Creatures you’d normally only encounter in the demonic realm will spill out into the world. To hold them back, we’ll need to throw in everything we’ve got. And sometimes, it won’t be enough to just defend; someone will have to venture out and take action."

Archeas’s gaze pierced through Ian as if searching for something.

"I worry that you’ll end up being the one to take on that role."

Archeas seemed to hope that Ian might change his mind—or at least take its words seriously. Ian couldn’t help but feel like a rebellious child, causing concern for a parent.

Ian shrugged. "If it comes to it, I’ll do what needs to be done."

He reached for the bottle and continued, "But I don’t plan on seeking it out. I’m not interested in reckless moves, nor do I have any intention of dying. I’m going to the front line to survive, just like when I faced Tahumrit."

Taking another sip, Ian handed the bottle back to Archeas. "I’ll keep your words in mind. If you’re that worried, perhaps you could offer a little more helpful compensation. We still have a bit of a tab, don’t we?"

Archeas chuckled as it took the bottle, lifting it to its lips. "Bringing that up now—truly merciless, Ian."

After a slow drink, it set the bottle down and looked at Ian, its yellow eyes more serious than ever.

"Just promise me one thing."

"Let me guess—you're going to tell me not to die?"

"Of course. But there’s something else I want you to promise."

Setting the bottle on the table, Archeas locked its gaze on Ian, its golden eyes steady and intense.

"The Black Wall is steadily expanding, slowly consuming the world. Though this advance may seem minor..."

It reached out and clasped Ian’s hand with a firm, steady grip, its voice low but full of weight. "Promise me you’ll never approach the Black Wall. Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to be drawn in. Make sure you never cross beyond it. Understand?"

I was wondering what you were going to say.

Ian chuckled. "Even if I were to cross the Black Wall, you’d just tear it down anyway, wouldn’t you?"

"You say some terrible things," Archeas replied, tightening its grip on Ian’s hand.

"But of course, I’d do everything in my power if it came to that. Still...," it hesitated, eyes narrowing as if the very thought repulsed it, "there’s no guarantee you’d still be alive by then. If the truth I uncover beyond the wall is your death... it’d be hard to bear."

Am I some sort of security blanket?

Ian inwardly chuckled, but Archeas’s expression remained deadly serious. Archeas had genuinely come to care for Ian.

To have lived through countless mortal deaths... and still feel like this.

Archeas’s words about dragons inevitably succumbing to madness surfaced in Ian’s mind. Perhaps Archeas had avoided that fate by not dulling its emotions over the ages.

Though, I can’t help but think it might also become a weakness.

Reflecting on this, Ian spoke up. "Don’t worry. It won’t come to that—I have no intention of crossing the Black Wall."

At least not for now, he added silently. He was sincere; crossing the wall would only be an option when he felt certain he could survive beyond it. Ideally, Archeas would bring the wall down before that was ever necessary.

"You promise, then?"

"I do."

"Good... hearing it directly puts me at ease." Finally, Archeas’s grip on Ian’s hand relaxed.

With a faint smile, Archeas patted Ian’s hand and added, "I suppose I’ve lectured you quite a bit. Forgive me; with age comes endless worry, it seems."

"It’s fine. Feels like I’m getting wise counsel from an elder."

"Oh, just come out and call me an old man, why don’t you?" Archeas chuckled. "Let’s leave this topic behind. There are other things to discuss—starting with the reward I promised you."

Releasing Ian’s hand, Archeas turned its palm upward with a slight flourish.

"Lend me a sword. One that’s the strongest you possess, untouched by the gods’ hands or the taint of Chaos."

Ian’s brow furrowed slightly as he glanced down at Archeas’s pale, outstretched palm.

"Don’t tell me I don’t have a choice again?"