Chapter 618

I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Ian offered no reply to the voice echoing. He walked forward slowly, his gaze fixed on the massive stake clutched in the Heaven Defier’s forepaw.

How in the world did it pull that out?

This was a situation he had never encountered in the game. It meant that the dragon's most fatal weakness was gone. A conviction followed that the other stakes wouldn't be nearly as effective either. Of course, that didn't mean he was merely frozen in shock.

—Interfering in the affairs of your betters. Are you that worried about your master?

At the voice, Ian finally looked up at the dragon's massive head. The moment he met its blazing red eyes, his already strained nerves felt ready to snap. This meant his plan was working. He had thrown the sword and approached slowly precisely to draw the dragon's attention and buy time.

—How brave... and how pitiful.

The Heaven Defier's voice trickled into his mind. It felt no tension because it had no reason to. To the dragon, Ian was nothing more than an insect it could crush at any moment. Even now, it was likely paying more attention to the Platinum Dragon. Archeas’s lack of movement or reaction probably meant it knew this as well.

"If you know that, put the stake back and back off."

Even under a gaze that would make an ordinary person lose consciousness or all reason, Ian’s voice didn't tremble. This wasn't just due to his high Mental Fortitude and the artifacts he wore. He already had experience fighting a dragon, not to mention the countless horrific monsters he’d battled. The Heaven Defier was the strongest foe yet, but even that wasn't new.

—To speak so, standing before me. You are bold. Yes, I remember you.

The Heaven Defier’s blazing eyes seemed to curve with pleasure.

—I noticed you when you killed that slave I cherished. I understood why Archeas favored you. Did you know I decided to spare you because of that?

The image of the Black Knight wielding the dark sword flashed through Ian's mind, as did the vision that appeared after he killed the knight.

He slowly crossed the battlefield, now a barren wasteland after their melee.

Ian quirked a corner of his lip. "That's a shame. If you'd just left me, I could have killed all of your apostles."

The taunt was meant to fully divert attention, but he was also being sincere. He could have collected plenty of dragon artifacts imbued with its magic.

Yet, the Heaven Defier merely burst into laughter instead of rage.

—A pity my children are not here to listen. It would have been fine entertainment for them. However, I find even that arrogance pleasing. Therefore, I command you.

The Heaven Defier looked down at Ian for a moment and added.

—Serve me, Agent of the Gold.

—How dare you!

Archeas’s eyes widened.

Krrk, the chains around its mouth tightened. Simultaneously, Rakhmah pressed one forepaw into the center of the Platinum Dragon's chest and continued.

—Do so, and your master will not die. Instead, it will live on here as this tomb's keeper, a new prisoner.

Instead of answering, Ian glanced back at Archeas. Pinned beneath the larger dragon, its scales were torn away in patches, and it was covered in wounds large and small.

The Heaven Defier was also injured, but Archeas’s condition was clearly worse. Still, its eyes, glaring at the Heaven Defier, were full of fighting spirit.

—If you wish, I shall grant you the mercy of seeing your former master from time to time.

At the gentle-sounding voice, Ian looked back up at the Heaven Defier. The red eyes looking down on him shimmered lazily.

—I know that you harbor chaos power. I felt it clearly from the toy you threw. You do not truly follow those false gods, do you? Just like this Faded Gold here.

The Heaven Defier’s voice grew lower, softer.

—You know the Heavens will never forgive your master. Serve me, and you can destroy all of those abominations. You could even build your own empire on this land... a new empire that worships me.

"A very tempting offer," Ian finally said.

The Platinum Dragon’s gaze slowly turned toward him, but he didn't look back.

"If I had met you first, I might have accepted."

Zhiing!

A bright yellow hexagonal magic shield bloomed over his left hand.

Grasping the Truesilver Steel Sword at his hip, Ian added, "But I already promised to kill you, and I’ve even taken an advance payment."

The pure white blade of the Truesilver Steel Sword appeared. Bright yellow Mantras spread across its surface as the Heaven Defier let out a low chuckle.

—Loyal, too. The more I see, the more I like you. But for that very reason, if you will not serve me, I cannot let you live. I will promise you a painless death, however.

Red magic flared beneath its black scales. At almost the same instant, Ian gripped his Light Sword and sprinted. He had closed the distance sufficiently while they talked.

The dragon’s spell would form in an instant, but he could at least land a single blow. His gaze darted toward the Platinum Dragon’s wings, spread wide beneath the Heaven Defier’s crushing span.

That should give it an opening to escape, too.

Just then, the red Mantra being carved into the air crumbled and scattered. The Heaven Defier’s eyes twitched, and Archeas's low voice followed.

—So, we make contact like this, Rakhmah.

—What trickery is this?

Rakhmah’s eyes twisted as it glared down at the Platinum Dragon.

Golden magic now shimmered from the chains gagging Archeas’s mouth. It couldn't break the chains, but it had pushed magic into them to disrupt the Heaven Defier's spell. The Mantras etched on the chains instantly glowed yellow, as did the thick shackle around Rakhmah's neck.

—What insolence, Archeas! Was this your plan from the start?

Rakhmah roared, raising the stake in its forepaw. It now held the weapon with the sharp point facing down. Just then, its colossal body tilted.

Crunch!

Ian had sprinted up the Platinum Dragon’s outstretched wing and cleaved through the pointed bone at the edge of the Heaven Defier’s wing—the part that looked like a talon.

The resistance was so great it made his hand ache, but Ian gritted his teeth and swung his arm all the way through.

Tap, tap, tap!

As Ian kept running, sword extended, Archeas bit down on the chains and swatted away the forepaw pinning its chest.

—Now, let us fight like beasts again, Rakhmah!

—You dare!

Rakhmah lost its balance and staggered. Ian leaped down from beneath the wing membrane and shouted.

"Move!"

Before his shout even finished, Archeas thrust its wings upward. The sheer wind pressure was enough to shove Ian back. As Ian bent forward against the force, raising his Platinum Barrier, Yog’s whisper trickled in.

—Let's be careful not to get trampled, Friend.

Stop stating the obvious.

Ian rolled across the floor with his shield raised. Archeas clearly had the same idea as Yog. With its wings raised, it was hurling the Heaven Defier over.

Kaboom!

The Heaven Defier's massive body made the cave rumble and the ground heave. Archeas, now on top of it, kicked the stake embedded in its foe's abdomen with a hind leg.

The Heaven Defier unleashed a roar mixed with agony and fury. In that instant, Archeas yanked the chains binding its head and mouth.

Clank—

Pulling its head back to get enough slack, Archeas bit down hard on the chains again. Immediately after, its forepaw smashed into the Heaven Defier's head.

Boom!

As the deafening sound erupted, Ian turned and jammed the edge of his shield into the ground, sliding to a halt. Magic shimmered in his eyes as a fierce wind gathered around him.

Swoosh…

The dragon’s magic not only amplified spells but also quickened their casting speed. Perhaps this was a benefit from swallowing the Source of the Dragon long ago.

—As I thought, it's much more interesting to watch up close.

Letting Yog's whisper pass, Ian watched the two entangled dragons. Rakhmah, in turn, was swinging the stake like a sword at Archeas, which was pinning it down.

Crackle!

The sharp tip raked across Archeas's chest. Scales scattered, and a reddish line of blood appeared.

Roaring as if it hadn't felt a thing, the Platinum Dragon smashed its forepaw into the Heaven Defier’s head once more.

So, neither of them can use spells.

Ian’s eyes gleamed as he ran toward them again. Dragons had scales and bones as hard as diamonds. They possessed massive bodies, immense strength, unfitting intelligence, and near-immortal lifespans.

The species was full of strengths, but they were called transcendent largely because of their magic, defined by ocean-like reserves of magic and powerful Mantras. And now, with that magic sealed, the greatest danger was gone.

—Still skilled in your vile tricks, Archeas! You haven't changed a bit since you deceived me and gathered those worthless mortals!

Of course, only their mantra magic was sealed; their raw magical power remained. Lightning still crackled on the Platinum Dragon's claws. Embers flared from the Heaven Defier's body as it struggled to break free.

Tap, tap, tap—

Those sparks alone weren’t enough to threaten Ian. His armor would hold against them easily. What worried him more were the blind strikes of their claws and tails.

It pulled the stake out, but that spot must still be a weakness.

Ian calmly assessed the situation as the dragons clawed and battered one another. His mind focused on the hole in the center of the Heaven Defier’s chest, where the stake had been.

In human terms, it was near the pit of the stomach, just below the heart. If he could get inside, he could strike the heart directly. It was surely protected by bone, but he already knew Platinum Claws could pierce it.

—But to think you can overwhelm me in that state. How utterly arrogant.

In any case, this opportunity clearly wouldn't last long. The shackle around the Heaven Defier’s neck was already turning a dark, bloody red again. It was obviously overpowering the Platinum Dragon's magic even as they brawled. Of course, there was a clear way to buy more time.

—Friend. Be careful.

At Yog’s sudden whisper, Ian slid to a stop, slamming the Platinum Barrier down in front of him.

Boom!

Just as he crouched behind it, the Heaven Defier's unfurled wing slammed down, pinned by the tip of the Platinum Dragon's own. The impact sent a tremor through the ground, kicking up a gust of wind and embers.

Whoosh—

It failed to break the Platinum Barrier or harm Ian behind it. Ian lifted his head over the shield and looked up. He felt Archeas’s gaze on him.

Just as I thought, it knows what I’m thinking.

Ian gave a slight smile and started running again. The Heaven Defier's pinned wing twitched, but only once. Archeas had just smashed the Heaven Defier's head as it tried to bite its neck. A deafening roar and a shockwave exploded outward as Ian leaped onto the wing.

Tap, tap, tap!

The Heaven Defier didn't seem to feel Ian land on its wing. This wasn't surprising, given that it was busy brawling while pinned by the Platinum Dragon. Ian ran a few steps along the wing bone, then kicked off and leaped powerfully into the air.

Swoosh!

A golden, shimmering wind propelled him. As he soared, left arm raised, his gaze fixed on the stake protruding from the Heaven Defier’s wing joint up ahead.

It's bigger than I remember.

Even half-embedded in the joint, the stake was taller than he was. Ian stared at the rapidly approaching stake and the shimmering Mantra on it. He slammed his raised Platinum Barrier straight down onto it.

Crackle!

The edge of the Platinum Barrier embedded itself in the center of the Mantra. As the Mantra's light surged, Ian opened his clenched fist.

Boom!

A golden, shimmering shockwave erupted from the scale fixed to his palm—Vacuum Explosion.

The explosion, amplified by the dragon's magic, was enough to drive the stake deeper. The recoil sent Ian somersaulting up into the air.

The Heaven Defier shrieked. Immediately, Archeas slammed its forepaw down on the creature's head. The Heaven Defier convulsed, and Ian's gaze shot to another stake embedded in its shoulder.

It’s going to be a struggle to drive that in.

He was at a precarious height to reach the end of the stake. But it didn't matter. Ian thrust his left palm out behind him.

Fwoosh!

An amplified Whirlwind propelled him. Simultaneously, Ian thrust his Light Sword out diagonally.

Screech—

The bright yellow blade bit into the side of the approaching stake. Surprisingly, not even the blade, condensed with dragon's magic, could cut it completely; it only sank halfway in. This was actually for the best. Deactivating the Platinum Claws, Ian crouched and kicked off the side of the stake.

Thwack!

Ian shot off in a new direction as if he’d ricocheted. He saw the dark red forepaw fiercely raking Archeas’s forearm, trying to throw it off. Embers burst from its claws.

Ian merely raised the barrier in front of his face.

Slash!

Ian barely grazed past the thick, long arm. He was on a trajectory straight for the center of the Heaven Defier’s chest.

—To reach me this far in one leap, impressive, my friend.

As Yog's lazy whisper brushed past, Ian’s gaze swept over Archeas, splayed out above him.

You are in a total mess.

It was a far cry from its usual dignified appearance. It was growling like a beast, scales were missing all over, and blood streamed from its wounds. Of course, Archeas clearly didn't care about its state.

With the chains gripped in its teeth like a bit, it was focused on pinning the Heaven Defier's head with one foreleg while grappling the stake with the other. The Heaven Defier was in no better shape. On top of that, the shackle around its neck was glowing yellow again.

—You're heading for that, aren't you?

Ian’s gaze immediately snapped to the other side. Past the heavily claw-marked chest, he could see the hole, shimmering red with blood and magic.

Just as I thought. It can't even heal.

Ian landed in a roll on the Heaven Defier’s chest, barrier first. He immediately felt sticky blood, raw magic, and a searing heat. Without his artifacts, it would have felt like standing on lava.

The Heaven Defier roared as it was pinned by the Platinum Dragon’s forepaw. Ian broke into a run. Archeas seemed to sense his intention and raised its body higher.

—I have a bad feeling, Friend.

Yog suddenly whispered.

Ian frowned as he ran. In the next instant, the blood and magic pooled in the chest hole suddenly ignited with blue chaos.

Fwoosh!

Blue flames spread across its hide like veins. The scorching heat made Ian’s frown deepen as the blue-tinged blood boiled. Ian raised his Platinum Barrier purely on reflex.

The flames erupted from the hole in its chest like lava, and a shockwave of pure heat followed. The force was so immense that it didn't just stop Ian's charge—it sent him flying backward.

—Ian!

As Archeas’s horrified cry rang out, Ian’s face twisted in pain. Even behind the Platinum Barrier, he felt a searing agony, as if his lungs were being cooked.

Shit!

The taste of iron filled his mouth. His sense of dread peaked, and time seemed to slow to a crawl. He simultaneously perceived the blue flames spreading like veins over the Heaven Defier. He saw the Mantras on the chains turning blue, Archeas stirring, and the Heaven Defier's blazing blue eyes.

The Heaven Defier swung the stake, batting Archeas away. It turned, blue flames of chaos dripping from the hole in its chest.

—Indeed! The Agent of the Faded Gold! Bold and cunning!

Ian crashed into the clearing, tumbling helplessly backward.

Thud, thud, thud…

Having turned completely, the Heaven Defier planted its forepaws and rose. It gripped the stake like a staff. Its eyes, horns, wings, and even the stakes embedded in it now blazed with blue fire.

Skrrk—

Ian slammed his Platinum Barrier into the ground, barely stopping and catching his balance. He immediately vomited a mouthful of blood.

Grrr...

But this was no time to check his own condition. A blue light was surging from the maw of the Heaven Defier as it stared down at him.

"As promised... I shall grant you an end befitting your efforts!"

Before its grating voice finished, the Heaven Defier unleashed a torrent of blue flame. To Ian, it looked like a tidal wave of azure fire. There was no time to dodge. Ian cast Whirling Barrier and raised his shield just as the blue flames washed over him.

Whoosh—

The whirlwind dissipated before it could even form, but thankfully, the Platinum Barrier held. Its surface flickered, and the blocked flames billowed back. It could not, however, block the heat.

Fuck!

Ian gritted his teeth. He could only endure the heat for a moment. His entire body grew searing hot, as if he were being incinerated. He felt he would go blind or suffocate at any second. But before that happened, the flames shot up over his head.

Archeas’s furious roar followed. Ian finally realized it was pulling on the chains connected to the Heaven Defier’s shackle.

—Hmm?

Even as it unleashed its breath into the air, the Heaven Defier let out a curious sound. Ian could only slump to the ground, his left arm, still bearing the Platinum Barrier, dropping limply.

This is insane...

Acrid smoke rose from his body, and his vision blurred. It was a miracle that this was all. At least he wasn't dead or unconscious. He dropped his Truesilver Steel Sword and instinctively reached into his pocket dimension.

His hand, just about to grab an Elixir of Life, froze that moment.

A massive, violet aura was shimmering near the Heaven Defier, which looked like a blue inferno. He couldn't make out the shape clearly, but the sense of foreboding was sharp.

—So it comes, after all.

The Heaven Defier’s voice continued, turning his premonition into certainty.

—You’ve finally succumbed to chaos, Archeas.