I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

A harsh gust of gray magic erupted from Inaskurgl’s mane, causing Diana to flee without looking back.

"Come on!" Ian shouted, bracing himself. He needed to draw Inaskurgl’s attention back to him, keep it from following Diana—though perhaps the madness radiating from the creature was also driving him on.

Thump, thump—

The bead of chaos essence throbbed like a heart, neutralizing the waves of madness. But ever since Ian had gotten close to Inaskurgl, a heat had been building inside him, along with an inexplicable thirst and an overwhelming urge.

"Grrr!"

Inaskurgl’s blazing single eye immediately snapped back to Ian. The creature’s snout twisted for a moment before it charged. It contorted its upper body as it raised its sword-wielding right arm. Just like before, it was a wild, haphazard attack, far from efficient or formal.

Boom, boom, boom!

But even that was devastatingly destructive.

The magic-infused blade, tearing through the air, became vivid in Ian’s vision. So did the other fang-like sword in its left hand, following a similar trajectory. It was swinging both arms in the same direction simultaneously.

Swoosh—

Ian didn’t dodge. He instead raised his Platinum Barrier next to his face and brought his Light Sword down hard toward the incoming trajectory.