I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 251

Ian tilted his head in confusion, then furrowed his brow.

"Just because we're heading to the central region doesn't necessarily mean we'll stop by the capital...."

"Oh, is that so? Well, in that case, you can make a stop in the capital too," Archeas replied casually.

I wasn't planning on setting foot there anytime soon.

As Ian brought his glass to his lips, he thought of the capital from the game—the heart of the Empire and the continent, home to the Imperial Palace and the Main Order. It was the largest city in this world, sprawling and thriving to the point that it had its own separate map in the game. Of course, the shadows cast over the city were equally deep.

Setting down his glass, Ian spoke. "You mentioned that the body is your youngest daughter, correct?"

"Yes. Elia Meyer. Isn't it a lovely name? I call her Elie. She'd be happy if you called her that too," Archeas replied with a smile.

Ian clicked his tongue briefly and continued, "I wasn't asking about her name. I've heard that the Dragon's Child spends their entire life in the nest. But instead of a firstborn, why send your youngest?"

"It's simple. The legends aren't entirely true," Archeas said with a shrug.

Philip, eyes wide with surprise, turned to look at it. "Are you saying the legends are wrong...?"

"How could I make my children spend their entire lives serving me when they have so much potential ahead of them?"

With a smile, Archeas spoke leisurely. "All my children leave the nest once they reach a certain age and are ready. They go out into the world to live their own lives, never revealing that they are my offspring. This has been going on for a very long time, though it's never been recorded or revealed."

It glanced at Philip as it added, "The known legends have been altered to hide this truth. If it were known that they were my children, they wouldn't be able to live freely, would they?"

"That... makes sense," Philip nodded absently.

"So, I never interfere with my children's lives after they've become independent, even if they make misguided choices. I just watch from afar or hear news about them from time to time—sometimes with joy, other times with sorrow...."

The golden light in Archeas's eyes flickered, as if sifting through countless memories. It gently stroked its arm.

"I wanted to keep this one by my side a little longer... but this is something that can't be helped. Moments like this, when all the conditions align, are rare and may never come again."

Its gaze returned to Ian.

"So, Ian, please escort this child safely to the capital."

At that moment, a quest window popped up in front of Ian.

[The Platinum Dragon's Youngest Daughter.]

It was a choice quest with simple completion criteria: safely escort Elia Meyer to the capital. There was no time limit. The rewards were experience points, one skill point, and a mystery reward marked by a question mark.

Ian closed the window and spoke in a dry tone.

"Even so, there are still many things I don't understand."

"Go ahead. You don't like tasks that come with too many uncertainties," Archeas said.

"Traveling with me is dangerous. We've already discussed enough reasons why, so there's no need to explain again. But why are you insisting on this request now, of all times?"

"It would be just as dangerous for her to stay with me. You know what I’m preparing for. Besides, you would protect her no matter what, wouldn’t you? Because that's the task at hand. Isn't that right?"

Archeas smiled gently.

"Moreover, I want her to experience a bit of what the world is truly like. Up until now, she’s only known it through books and stories, never realizing just how dangerous it really is. But even so...."

It leaned slightly toward Ian.

"This child won't be a burden. She'll likely insist on being your attendant. After all, she used to serve me, so you can trust in her abilities. And that's only a fraction of what she's capable of."

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"What other abilities does she have?"

"She’s naturally gifted in many areas. She’s very intelligent and well-read, with a particular love for books. You know how dwarves tend to be single-minded. She also has a knack for magical skills."

Ian's brow furrowed slightly. "You're saying she's a spellcaster?"

"She hasn't studied any particular type of magic. I didn’t allow it. But, instead, she’s mastered various Arcane skills."

Recalling the Arcane skills, Ian couldn’t help but click his tongue. A dwarf who couldn’t use a single offensive spell—it didn’t seem like a useful combination, despite Archeas’s reassurances.

"So, you're planning to send her to the capital to study at the Magic Tower?"

"She expressed interest in that. But I dissuaded her from it. The towers aren’t what they used to be."

Ian nodded calmly. He knew that almost all the Magic Towers he was aware of had become corrupted in their own ways.

Archeas continued, "Fortunately, she changed her mind. She’ll be enrolling at the university in the capital, where she’ll receive higher education and pursue the studies she’s passionate about. Do you know what subject she’s most interested in? The answer lies in the topics we discussed today."

"Could it be... the Black Wall?"

"Exactly. She intends to study the Black Wall—its origins and composition, its impact on the world, and the aftermath of its disappearance. She’s even looking into ways to erase the traces of madness left across the continent without causing further harm...."

Is that Archeas' intention, or is that truly what this youngest daughter desires?

Ian briefly pondered this before letting out a short laugh.

"Well, it's certainly better than studying magic."

"Yes. There are still concerns, of course, but curiosity and a thirst for knowledge aren't things you can easily suppress."

"No matter what, choosing this time to make such a decision seems risky. You have some idea of what’s in store for the Empire and the continent."

"That’s precisely why I’m sending her to the capital. The darker the world becomes, the brighter the capital will shine. The heart of the Empire will be the safest place in the world."

You do think things through.

Ian clicked his tongue briefly.

Of course, he had no intention of refusing the quest. This was merely a process to gather the information he wanted and to propose the conditions he desired. At least, it allowed him to understand Archeas's true intentions clearly.

Once Archeas had recovered, he would likely prepare to bring down the Black Wall on his own. Whatever the case, it wouldn't be a safe approach. That's probably why he intended to send his daughter to the safest place in advance, under the protection of the agent he trusted the most.

Perhaps Archeas even hoped Ian would stay in the capital as well.

Finally, Ian lifted his glass again, took a sip, and then began to speak. "We won’t head straight to the capital. Even putting aside the possibility of being tailed, things are going to be chaotic here for a while. I don’t plan on walking straight into that mess."

"That’s fine. In fact, it’s better that way. It’ll give her a chance to see more of the world and gain a variety of experiences. Who knows? After that, she might not want to leave the capital again." Archeas smiled.

Ian added with a serious expression, "If we do end up in the capital and things get complicated, you’ll need to step in and handle it personally."

"I don’t think it’ll come to that, but I promise I will."

"And as for my reward for this task, I’d like something that will help with my magic."

Archeas laughed aloud.

"Thorough as always... as expected of my agent. But I hope you understand I can’t offer a reward as grand as last time. I hope you’ll take that into account."

"I understand. You’ve already extended yourself quite a bit."

"Thank you for understanding. Is there anything else you want to ask?"

"No, nothing else."

"In that case... could you help me up?" Archeas extended its hand.

Ian sighed briefly before standing up. After accepting the quest, he leaned over to take its hand.

"The task is accepted."

"That’s good to hear."

Archeas shook Ian's hand lightly before letting go, adding, "Wait a moment."

Its hands began to glow with a golden light, and a Mantra appeared between them. Archeas reached into the center of the Mantra and pulled out a sealed parchment and a small talisman.

As the Mantra and light dispersed, it handed the items to Ian, saying, "This letter is a recommendation addressed to the university’s chancellor. Give it to Elie when you reach the capital. The moment you deliver it, your task will be complete. And as for this talisman, I’m sure you know what it’s for."

"How will you come next time? You're supposed to be resting."

"It might take longer for me to fall back into a deep sleep, but that's alright. If you encounter any trouble in the capital, burn the talisman immediately. Or, if not in the capital, you can burn it elsewhere. To be honest, I don’t particularly like setting foot in the capital myself. It’s too bustling."

With a slight chuckle, Ian tossed the parchment and talisman into his pocket dimension and spoke. "Now that the next destination is set..."

He glanced at Mev, who was seated next to Archeas, then turned his gaze beside her and added, "You’re coming along too, right? Philip?"

"Of course, my lord," Philip replied, nodding eagerly. Archeas, who had settled back into its seat, turned to look at him.

"With my agent and such a fine paladin accompanying her, I can rest easy. Thank you."

"I’m sure Lord Ian could handle it alone, but I’ll do my best as well. The lady will reach the capital safely," Philip spoke as if making a vow.

Archeas’s smile deepened as it raised its glass. "You two aren’t that far apart in age, so get along well. She’s never had a true friend."

"Is that so? I’ll take care of her like a younger sibling."

"The opposite, actually."

"... Oh, I see. Then, I’ll look after her like an elder sister," Philip corrected himself, smiling sheepishly. It wasn’t easy even for Ian to judge the ages of different races based on appearance alone.

As Ian took his seat again, he added, "So, what about the cloak?"

"Ah, right. To answer your question, I can’t remove that emblem."

Archeas, who had been savoring its drink, answered immediately. Seeing Ian’s expression, it smiled.

"Of course not. That cloak was blessed by the Grant Church, which is why it’s so durable. Removing the emblem would be a true blasphemy."

"Oh..."

"So, just wear it inside out."

"...?!"

Not just Ian, but the rest of the group stared at Archeas in disbelief.

It added nonchalantly, "The Mantra circuits are barely noticeable most of the time. It might actually draw less attention that way."

Such a simple solution.

Ian let out a small chuckle as he brought the glass to his lips. It was, quite literally, a solution that had slipped his mind. After all, it wasn’t armor. Flipping it inside out wouldn’t make much of a difference in appearance. And somehow, this hooded cloak didn’t even have visible seams.

"Anyway, Ian, with the way you fight, it won’t last long. It’s more fragile than it looks, and it can’t be repaired."

Archeas's additional comment made Ian glance up at it.

"Is there no self-repair enchantment?"

"I know something similar, but the Order rejected it. They claimed it went against the natural order. So, I've been making new ones twice a year. It’s a more tedious task than you’d think."

Those church folks, honestly.

Despite his thoughts, Ian could understand the reasoning of the higher-ups. They wouldn’t want the Platinum Dragon to appear as great as or even greater than the gods. Nor would they want their paladins to be equipped with indestructible gear. After all, even within them, there were different factions.

Not that it’s any of my concern.

Just as Ian shrugged, Archeas placed down its glass and turned to Charlotte. Suddenly finding herself under the dragon's gaze, Charlotte stiffened, but met its eyes with a serious look. She realized that the dragon’s advice had resumed.

"A warrior burdened with inner conflict—never stop questioning yourself. And remember to take pride in who you are. You don’t need to surrender to your wild nature to be a warrior. The God of Battle already recognizes you as such."

A ripple passed through Charlotte's amber eyes, almost as if receiving a divine revelation from the Platinum Dragon.

Of course, to Ian, it seemed more like the insight of a being who had lived a long life. It was advice likely drawn from a combination of what Archeas had seen in his memories and what it had sensed when directly facing Charlotte.

Archeas's gentle voice continued, "Your inner conflict, your reason, and your delicacy will be needed by your kin. If ever you feel the urge to surrender to your wild instincts again, think of these companions. The path of a great warrior is always lined with thorns."

"I will remember... Great Platinum Dragon." Charlotte bowed her head.

It was the first time she had shown such heartfelt gratitude to anyone other than Ian. It seemed that Archeas’s words had struck a chord with her.

While Ian silently sipped his drink with a slight smile, Archeas's gaze shifted to Nasser. The man, who had been frozen in a smile, quietly set down his glass.

"There’s no need for that. I have already forgiven you."

Nasser’s eyes twitched.

Archeas continued speaking, meeting his gaze, "You should be grateful to the Goddess. She cast you out before you were completely blinded. That has given you another chance, one you wouldn’t have had without a bit of luck. So, walk the path of atonement with humility. You have an excellent guide by your side; follow them well, and you won’t lose your way."

Mev, who had received Archeas's gaze, nodded in acknowledgment.

Nasser, who had been frozen for a moment, finally nodded and responded, "I will remember, and I am grateful."

Archeas turned back to Ian with a smile, as if asking if he was satisfied.

Ian let out a small laugh and replied, "Thank you. I’m sure this has been helpful to everyone."

"Yes... It’s not easy getting that one word from you. I must have chosen a very reserved agent."

Despite its words, the smile on Archeas’s face deepened. It placed its empty glass on the table.

"Thanks to you, I’ve had a very fulfilling time, Ian."

Are you leaving already?

Ian glanced at the bottle of liquor. There was still some left, but it seemed Archeas intended to leave it for the group.

"The same to you. Take care."

With a more pronounced smile, Archeas stepped down from its chair and moved to the side of the table.

"I’m sure we’ll meet again soon, so I won’t draw out the farewells. I trust you’ll do your best once more, and I hope we can meet again safely, Ian."

"I’ll try. See you next time."

Archeas paused to look at the group. "I have a feeling I might see some of you again someday. But whether or not we meet again, I wish you all safety and health. And if we meet again, I hope you’ll be more relaxed, like my agent here."

Mev was the first to rise, followed by the rest of the group, who kneeled on one knee, except for Ian.

Archeas looked at Ian, who was standing, and added, "As I leave, I’ll give you one last small gift. After I’m gone, make sure to give her a good hug."

"...? Alright." Ian, puzzled, agreed.

Archeas continued, "Now, everyone, raise your hands and cover your eyes."

There was no need to ask why. A white light began to form in Archeas’s eyes, quickly spreading across its entire body. Ian hastily covered his eyes, and a sharp pain shot through his head immediately after.

...?