I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy-Chapter 636

They charged through the flames, as if the fire eating away at their flesh meant nothing to them.

"------!"

"----!"

Shrill screams tore through the air, scraping at her eardrums. Waves of purple flame rolled outward, scattering the fire clinging to the swamp fairies and beasts.

That was when Mev finally understood the source of the unpleasant echo that had been ringing in her ears. Her eyes, visible through her visor, narrowed at the unpleasant power carried within the cries.

Growl!

Moro charged forward, its hooves tearing at the ground. Despite its fervor, it didn't burst into a full sprint as Ian was still running toward them from a distance. Gripping the reins with one hand, Mev nervously watched the purple tide pouring through the flames.

"----!"

The swamp fairies shrieked, clutching crude bows and daggers. Their burned, ashen skin and wild, tangled hair were fully exposed. Every last one was far more gruesome than the rumors described. Their appearance was more befitting of monsters than fairies.

And in truth, there was likely little difference between them. The same could be said of the pitch-black demonic beasts mixed in with the horde.

"Ian, faster!"

They were closing the distance bit by bit. Just as Mev shouted, the fading wall of fire collapsed completely. The purple tide scattered the smoke as it flooded forward, now clearly visible.

"By Lu Entre..." Mev let out a low gasp.

It was impossible to tell their exact numbers through the swirling smoke, the fog, and the roiling purple haze—but it was obvious there were well over a thousand of them.

"-----!"

They must have been trapped in the jungle for ages, breeding like beasts. Of course, that also implied just how vast the jungle truly was.

The purple-tinged darkness of the forest writhed as if it were alive. To Mev, it looked as if the trees themselves were crawling out of the woods.

Fwoosh—

Before she could look closer, brilliant flames flared in midair, searing her vision. More flames flared up in succession around the sprinting Ian. He then flung his right arm, sending the dancing flames shooting out wildly behind him.

Boom, boom, boom!

A series of bright explosions followed. The swamp fairies and demonic beasts caught in the blast were thrown backward. They tumbled and crashed, tangling with the horde surging up from behind. It didn't look like the blast had killed them, but it was enough to widen Ian's lead.

Grrr...

Moro’s breath rumbled behind her. Even while sprinting, it turned its head to glance at her, eyes gleaming. It wasn't difficult to guess the meaning in its gaze.

"Don’t worry," Mev said, letting go of the reins.

She took both feet out of the stirrups and turned as if dismounting. Of course, she didn't actually get off. She placed her left foot in the right stirrup and gripped a ring on the back of the saddle with her left hand.

The position left her standing with her back against Moro's flank. It was nothing short of mounted acrobatics, but Mev balanced perfectly as she looked behind them.

Thud, thud, thud...

Ian's form grew clearer as he sprinted away from the purple wave. He looked like he had been through hell, but his face was the same expressionless mask Mev remembered. The only difference was the taut muscles standing out on his jaw from clenching his teeth.

Swoosh—

Purple projectiles flew past from behind, grazing him, but Ian didn't even turn his head.

Kaboom!

He simply tilted his head slightly to dodge or raised his Platinum barrier to block. Purple explosions burst against the shield's surface, only to be swept away by the wind swirling around him. All the while, his eyes locked on Mev, a brilliant blue magic raging within them.

Whoosh—

The next moment, Ian twisted his upper body and swung his right hand. A bright blue ripple spread out at his gesture.

Crack!

The surrounding fog was instantly sucked in as a barrier of ashen ice rose from the ground. The swamp fairies and demonic beasts at the front leaped over it, but the monsters following them were not so lucky.

"----!"

Piercing screams echoed from beyond the barrier. There was no way to push through; they’d have to go around.

As Ian immediately cast another swirl of flames, Mev shouted, "Moro! Slow down more!"

Moro snorted and obediently slowed its pace at Mev’s command. After throwing another blast of flames behind him, Ian turned forward again. Mev gripped the ring on the saddle, leaned back as if to lie down, and stretched her arm out with all her strength.

Boom—

Monsters caught in the explosion tumbled, and Ian gritted his teeth, pushing for more speed. Mev could finally feel the wind raging around him.

"Just a little more!" Mev shouted, reaching out. Purple projectiles were now streaking past her as well, but she paid them no mind. Her gaze remained locked on Ian as he closed the distance.

Having dismissed his Platinum Barrier, Ian finally launched himself forward with all his strength. He thrust his left hand out amidst the swirling wind.

Thud!

Mev caught his wrist in a firm cross-grip. Gritting her teeth, she yanked him toward her. Ian was pulled along, catching himself on Moro's saddle with his right arm as he landed.

Grrrr—

Moro threw its head back and roared, finally speeding up. It didn't falter in the slightest, even with two humans dangling from its right flank. Not that Mev paid it any attention.

"Phew... Phew..."

Her gaze was fixed straight ahead, locked onto Ian’s face as he panted heavily. He was a complete mess, covered in a mixture of sweat, blood, ash, and grime. However, that just made the reality that he had returned alive sink in even deeper. It was a sight she’d grown familiar with throughout their time together.

Ian’s rough, uneven breathing met her own, his eyes fixed on hers through the slit of his visor.

"I didn’t expect to see you here again like this..." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "It’s been a while."

"... Yes. It has been, Ian." Mev blinked quickly and averted her gaze, releasing his wrist.

Ian, who had looked about to say something more, whipped his head to the side. He choked out a cough, spitting up blood.

Mev's eyes snapped wide, quickly wrapping her arm around his waist to support him. "Ian?"

"I'm fine. It's just... a side effect from using too many spells," Ian answered, his voice strained as he suppressed another cough.

He gripped her forearm lightly. "The essence’s effects are still active, so I'll be fine soon."

"The essence?" Mev asked, tilting her head.

Ian smiled, his lips stained with blood. "For now, I think getting on the saddle should be our priority."

"Oh, r-right! You go first."

Only then did Mev realize she was still hanging off Moro’s side. She quickly hoisted Ian up onto the saddle, and once he was seated, he reached down to offer her his hand. Mev took it and swung herself up behind him. Moro’s back was broad enough to carry three adults with room to spare.

"Did you follow this beast all the way here?" Ian asked, patting the back of Moro's neck where it fused with its armor. His breathing was still ragged.

Mev nodded, carefully wrapping one arm around his waist. "Yeah. I just hitched a ride."

"Then are the others proceeding as—" Ian abruptly turned his head.

At the same moment, a small explosion went off near Moro’s rear. Mev spun halfway around, catching sight of a purple flare bursting in the distance. It had to be one of those cursed arrows. However, the explosion didn't make Moro falter, nor did it penetrate its armor-fused hide.

"------!" A shrill screech followed.

Mev glared back, catching glimpses of purple trails streaking through the air.

Far in the distance, the surging purple wave was clearly visible. The monsters that had leaped over the Glacier Wall before it fully formed were following close behind. They were the ones firing the arrows.

"I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this. But of course," said Ian.

When Mev turned, he tilted his head slightly. "They’re leaving the jungle."

Mev finally looked around. The ominously mutated trees were already becoming sparse. The fog blanketing the ground was also thinning.

Swoosh—

Purple trails streaked past them as Mev twisted around in the saddle, frowning. "Is the jungle's curse gone?"

"Because I destroyed its source. And as a bonus, I burned down the cursed ancient Tree of Life," answered Ian.

"The ancient Tree of Life?" she repeated, turning back to Ian. "Is that why you came here? To purify the swamp and the jungle?"

Ian, looking somewhat puzzled as he met her eyes, finally let out a low, hollow laugh. "So you came all this way without knowing a thing."

"What does that—" Mev's reply was cut short as she winced. A dull impact struck her back, followed by an explosion that rattled her.

Boom—

Fortunately, the plate armor once worn by a Purifier of the Order held firm, leaving Mev unscathed. Her body only ached from the impact.

"Let's talk after we escape this place. Yog, guide us. Make sure we don't enter a demonic realm," said Ian.

The bracelet coiled around his right arm slithered down, dropping onto the saddle in front of him. Mev already knew what it was. It was Ian's old familiar, now a fragment of an ancient god and a friend to Lucia. An unwelcome friend certainly, but a friend nonetheless.

"Moro. Follow Yog's directions. Run until we're out of the swamp."

Hearing Ian’s command, Mev sat up straight. She had to protect him from the arrows. Aside from a pair of cracked chain boots and the plate gauntlet on his left hand, he was dressed in little more than tattered rags.

Whatever he’d gone through in there, it hadn’t been easy. Which meant every arrow fired from behind was hers to block.

As if to make her thoughts pointless, Ian leaned past her forearm to look behind them.

While Mev silently fumed, he narrowed his eyes and said, "Did you, by any chance, ride here without resting?"

"Yes. I had to," Mev replied quietly.

She even had to sleep clinging to Moro's neck, certain it would abandon her if she dismounted. Her only comfort was that it slowed to a walk while she slept instead of running.

Still, she had never actually seen Moro sleep. She had just assumed it was possible because it was a demonic beast.

"So that's why it's so exhausted."

Judging by Ian's reaction, the beast had clearly been pushing its limits. As more purple projectiles streaked past, Mev looked back again.

"----!"

"-----!"

Fairies and beasts were pursuing closely behind. Even farther back, the rolling waves of purple light weren’t far apart either. Mev frowned and turned to face forward again.

Swoosh—

Ian placed a hand on Moro's nape. An ominous energy pulsed from his palm, and a violet light flickered between the plates of Moro's armor.

Growl!

Moro roared, its eyes blazing with light. Its sprint quickened slightly.

As Mev gave a brief nod, Ian glanced back at her and added, "It's a temporary fix. We'll have to fight them eventually."

Mev nodded again, unsurprised. Not only did they have to cross the winding mounds of the swamp, but monsters were bound to block their way. Moro had already torn apart several just on their way here. Besides, the stench of the swamp was already thick in the air, and Moro was heading up a gentle incline.

"Don't worry. Just rest. I'll protect you from now on," Mev said, her gaze fixed on the fog-shrouded swamp ahead.

"Let’s just fight together. I doubt I can pull off any great spells, but it’ll be easier that way," Ian replied, looking at Mev with a playful smile. "Brings back old memories, doesn’t it?"