I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 327

Chapter 327

"Calling? What a ridiculous..." Ian trailed off, realizing abruptly that this wasn’t the time to refuse help. His lips curled into a slight smirk right after.

"I’m not saying I want to fight on the front lines," Lucia quickly added, watching him. "I’ll move between the back of the barrier and focus only on maintaining the sacred flame. Even that will probably be exhausting."

She must have thought Ian’s smile was a sign of gentle refusal.

Of course, that was a misunderstanding. It wasn’t Lucia’s words that made him smile.

Decide already. Stick to one thing.

It was a cynical smile directed at his own shallow, contradictory nature. Even now, part of him insisted he couldn’t bring this expressionless girl, whom he once protected, to that horrific battlefield.

Yet another part of him believed it was only natural to use any means necessary to survive. And the latter was gaining the upper hand.

In the end, he did not differ from the hypocrites of the royal house and the Order. He was both a liar, as deceitful as a fairy, and as selfish as a dwarf. He was as ruthless as a beastfolk and a master of self-justification, like any other mage.

Even now, he was convincing himself that taking Lucia to the battlefield was the fault of the Emperor and the Order.

However, of course, that wasn’t the only thing he was thinking.

"No," Ian spoke, and Lucia’s eyebrows dropped slightly in hesitation.

"But Sir Ian, I—"

"But Sir Ian—"

"You’ve got the order wrong. It’s not up to me; you need the temple’s permission first. You’re under their authority now. Besides, you left a letter and ran off to meet me. I can’t take you to the front lines without proper authorization."

Lucia blinked as if she hadn’t expected such a fundamental response.

Ian shrugged and continued. "Besides, there’s probably a more efficient way to handle this. The front line is long and dangerous. I don't know where or how you're planning to ignite the sacred fire, but going back and forth along the front lines is out of the question."

"That’s... true, but still," Lucia murmured as if contemplating, then nodded. "I’ll do that. By the time we return, someone should be waiting at the settlement. I’ve sent word to the temple through the mercenaries, so I’m sure of it. I’ll seek their approval and discuss potential methods. Maybe..."

She looked at Ian and added calmly. "The High Priestess might already have a plan. I’m sure she’ll have the same thoughts as me, and she’s far more experienced. If that’s the case, the Vice-Priest will wait for us at the settlement."

So, she’s determined to come along, no matter what.

Ian snorted briefly. Well, if she fully grasps the situation, the Saintess of the Brazier might even decide to send Lucia to the front lines herself.

"Thinking about running into that woman makes my breath catch. She’ll probably rain fire down on us."

Catching Ian’s gaze, Miguel shook his head. "She’s not just strict—she’s passionately strict. She’s nitpicky, and she’s especially fond of nagging."

"So, she’s a proper priest," Ian remarked.

"Well, that’s true. I wouldn’t be surprised if she receives a revelation one day. She can hold an insane amount of the sacred flame."

Unexpectedly laughing, Miguel nodded. "And the Goddess herself bestows her grace from time to time. Plus, she's exceptionally skilled in combat. I've faced her many times, but never once emerged victorious."

"Even against you?" Ian blinked.

While not a renowned fighter, Miguel was a seasoned mercenary with a vast amount of battle experience. He wasn’t someone a temple acolyte would easily defeat.

Ian came to his conclusion and muttered, "It seems all the priests from that temple are skilled fighters."

Lucia promptly nodded. "Of course. Did you know the Temple of the Brazier thrived during the age of war?"

"No."

"It was a time when the teachings of the Blazing Goddess were considered virtues. The priests who served her were treated no differently than paladins or crusaders. Their roles were similar as well."

"So, you're saying your priests are the most battle-skilled among them?"

Lucia's lips curled into a faint smile. The change in her expression was subtle, but it was enough to show her pride.

"Yes, we've made considerable progress in using the sacred fire in combat. Though, I have to admit, there were times when our passion went overboard. Those flaws only became apparent after the Black Wall emerged."

Before she could delve into a full history lesson, Ian cut her off. "So, the techniques developed back then are still being passed down?"

"All priests learn them. Miguel and I do as well, though we’re not exactly masters yet."

"Yes... we’ve come quite far."

Muttering under his breath, Ian fixed his gaze on a dark line that cut diagonally across the white expanse below—a wall, stark and imposing. It was far, but visible due to its height and the sharp contrast against the snowy landscape. This nameless fortress wall, with portions crumbling like missing teeth, had yet to be fully repaired.

If the front line were breached, that wall would become the last barrier, shielding the heart of their territory from the snowfields. What was once the most perilous area in the North could, paradoxically, become the safest haven.

Miguel’s voice broke the silence. "All that land you see now is yours. I saved telling you until now for a reason. Impressive, isn’t it?"

Facing forward again, Ian nodded. "Impressive enough."

"... That’s it?"

"What else were you expecting?"

"Come on... seriously?" Miguel clicked his tongue, his expression souring.

To Ian, it was the kind of look that begged for a playful jab.

"You’re too dry. Sure, it’s a cold, mostly barren place, but it’s still your land. If it were me, I’d kiss the ground and ask for its favor."

"I don’t think your kiss would bring any luck—maybe a curse, if anything."

"It’s just a saying, that’s all. And what’s wrong with me, anyway? I look plenty manly. Don’t you agree, Lucy?"

At Miguel’s pointed look, Lucia blinked rapidly. Then, tilting her head slightly, she stared at him intently, causing Miguel’s brow to furrow.

"Why are you just staring at me instead of answering?"

"Maybe because you’ve suddenly thrown her a challenge," Ian scoffed, nodding toward the map clenched in Miguel’s hand. "Just focus on finding the path and stop with the chatter."

"Don’t worry, we’re on track," Miguel replied, unfurling the map deftly with one hand. "Remember when I mentioned that the returning barbarians had built three new villages?"

"Yes." Ian nodded calmly.

It was already something he had heard from the Northern mercenaries who frequently traveled between Ninglosth and the snowfield region. The barbarians who left their settlements had scattered in three directions, forming alliances regardless of their tribes.

Their aim was not only to reclaim their homeland peacefully but also to absorb the remaining barbarian tribes. Many survivors had stayed in the snowfield, showing that there were still quite a few who had endured.

This made Ian realize that the undead army hadn’t swept through the entire snowfield. It made sense—Tahumrit’s motive was revenge, so anyone outside its southern path of invasion was simply irrelevant.

"The southernmost village is not far now. I hear it’s positioned to serve as a gateway to the autonomous region. That suggests they’re more open-minded than before...." Miguel’s rambling voice trailed off abruptly.

For an instant, the world flared with light, staining the snow with a crimson glow.

"... The Black Wall is having a seizure again," Lucia said, snapping her head to the right. The light’s source was to the east.

Yes. It’s starting again.

Rumble, crash!

Just as he turned to look, the sky rumbled with the deafening roar of thunder, as if it might collapse at any moment. The horses ridden by Lucia and Miguel instinctively slowed, their breaths ragged with fear. Though they hadn’t bolted in panic, it was clear they were frightened. Meanwhile, Nila, ever composed, merely snorted out a breath.

"Whoa, easy... easy...," Miguel whispered soothingly. "It’s alright... calm down..."

Their voices wove through the chaos as Ian’s gaze fixed on the eastern sky, where the crimson flashes were fading. The intervals between the pulses were becoming alarmingly short. Soon, when the true erosion began, that red glow would blaze all day.

The scarlet light flared anew, not from a single spot but casting its hue across the entire eastern horizon.

Ian’s eyes widened involuntarily as he saw crimson lightning pierce through the dark clouds, slicing outward like veins of blood. The jagged tendrils raced through the stormy sky, skimming directly above their heads.

I don't think it's been this bad so far...

The air reverberated with a thunderous boom, and the scarlet glow spread across the sky like ink spilling through water. The entire expanse flickered and churned, black clouds blending with veins of crimson, surging like waves.

"Damn it... Lu Entre, have mercy..." Miguel muttered, clutching his horse’s neck in a death grip.

Lucia, sensing the ominous shift, had lowered her posture, eyes raised to the sky. The next moment, a burst of red light flared behind them—an utterly unexpected direction.

Boom!

The lightning crackled almost simultaneously, sharper and closer than any previous strikes.