I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain-Chapter 580

Even as the world spun, Ian didn’t lose consciousness.

Crash—

It made little difference. Swept up in the current, he spun wildly, pulled helplessly into the deep, dark abyss. It was likely the aftermath of the torrent Bukikia had created. Not only his cloak but also the rope wound tightly around him, making it impossible even to move his arms.

Damn it all!

He had held his breath through it all, but for now, his death had merely been postponed. He was still tumbling downward, spinning and sinking.

What happened to our ship?

That a rational question could even surface was likely thanks to his high Mental Fortitude. With great effort, Ian looked inward and faintly felt Moro’s consciousness. He couldn't tell if it was because of the distance or because they were in danger, but his companions were still alive. For now, that alone was enough.

Rumble… Rumble…

In truth, this was not the time to worry about others. The resonance of the essence bead echoed chaotically within him, and faint crimson lights flashed past his vision. He felt a distant yet strangely clear presence. The warning from his Intuition, so sharp it made his head ache, wasn’t just because he was drowning.

—Hiding its form while leaking its presence. Typical of a mad beast.

Yog’s whisper followed. The creature’s tone was still leisurely, but the lack of laughter was proof enough that the situation was bad.

Telling it we should just go our separate ways… yeah, that won’t work, will it?

Even in this situation, a faint, dry smile touched Ian’s lips. Just as Yanar Tash had in the past, Bukikia also regarded him as a fellow archdemon. It hadn't been hostile, but now that he had trespassed on its territory, things were different.

It was even in a state tainted by madness. It still seemed to crave freedom more than battle, but for that very reason, it would ruthlessly eliminate anything that stood in its way.

Rumble…

The current that had been pulling him down finally subsided. After a few more rotations, Ian went limp. It was the sensation of drifting through the cosmos, something he had only ever felt within the illusions of the void. But of course, this was the sea’s depths, and he was far more than just a lingering consciousness.

Hiss…

The red divinity that had nearly been extinguished seeped out around him once more. Even in this state, he could tell which way was up. The grappling hook dangling below was pulling him like an anchor into the deep darkness.

Swoosh!

Ian grabbed the rope with the Willful Grasp. Fortunately, pulling the rope was not difficult. As he moved his arm, the rope wrapped around him loosened. Ian briefly considered slicing them with the Platinum Claws, but instead, he opened his hands wide downward. His half-closed eyes swirled with ashen magic.

Bubble, bubble…

However, the Whirlwind spell didn't erupt with its usual force to propel him up. It merely created a weak spiral of bubbles that quickly dissipated.

So no use, then.

Clicking his tongue inwardly, Ian worked his left arm free from the rope and immediately cast his Platinum Barrier. He didn’t even consider blue magic. It would only trap him in ice or interfere with his movement.

Zing—

Light spread from his left hand, and a hexagonal shield rose. Having freed his right arm as well, Ian vigorously flailed both arms. His descent gradually slowed. It was a fact made clearer as the loosened rope slid past him and descended below.

Swoosh—

With his feet out, Ian forcefully extended his limbs and pushed against the current. Fortunately, his descent stopped completely, and he felt himself slowly rising. It was likely thanks to the large surface area of the Platinum Barrier and his strength, added by the Blessing of Battle.

I still have some air left. I should have checked my lung capacity beforehand.

Despite the thought, Ian continued to move his arms and legs in a steady rhythm. He was uncertain, but he believed he could hold out for at least a few more minutes.

—I don’t know if this will be a comfort, but Lucy is safe.

Yog’s whisper followed.

—The Pointy-Ear and Moro are too. At least, they were until a moment ago. They’re beyond the range of my spell now. We must have fallen quite far behind. So, let’s hurry it up a bit, my friend.

Do I seem like I'm taking my time?

Ian continued the repeated motions, his gaze fixed upward. He couldn't see the surface at all. It felt as if he might never escape this watery prison.

Swoosh—

Of course, that fact did not stir any newfound fear or sense of crisis. He was already feeling the same level of tension as when he had faced a dragon. The possibility that the Black Wave sinking was not even worth considering.

—Oh, dear…

Yog’s sigh echoed then.

—It seems we have company.

Pausing his movements, Ian looked down. There was only darkness ahead.

His eyes narrowed the moment he twisted around.

You really have to be kidding me.

Large and small crimson lights were shimmering in the darkness beyond. What caught his eye was a mass that was rapidly growing larger. He didn't need to think to know it was getting closer. The only reason he had not noticed earlier was that all his senses were already screaming warnings of danger.

Should I be glad it’s not that one? 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Bukikia was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't just because of the limited visibility. As Yog had said, the creature had hidden its form, leaving only its presence behind.

Looking around, Ian kicked his limbs harder, then turned back to the approaching crimson light. Its shape was now becoming visible.

—A familiar one.

Yog whispered as if it were none of its concern.

The creature was right. The approaching was a giant, horned sea serpent, the same one that had destroyed the ship Ian had stolen.

It must have really liked the taste of my chaos.

With that thought, Ian stopped swimming and reached for his waist. He was certain he would not reach the surface before confronting that beast. It wasn't the only one approaching, but to get to the surface, he had to deal with this serpent first.

Swoosh—

The Mantra circuit spread the moment the blade left its sheath, becoming a dazzling blade of light. Clutching the sword, slowly stretched out his limbs. His ascent had already stopped, but he was not sinking either.

As if reading his intent, the sea serpent, which had been approaching like an arrow, opened its maw.

A roar burst out in a sweeping arc of waves, battering him with a numbing tremor. Though likely designed to cause a status effect, it barely affected Ian. Instead, his brow furrowed for an entirely different reason.

Now that’s just ridiculous.

He had seen crimson sparks fly from the creature's horn. The effect didn't seem to have a wide range or long duration, but it was threatening all the same.

Within seconds, Ian curled himself tightly.

Woosh—

At the same time, the Barrier of Light spread before him like an aurora. And into it, the serpent’s head slammed. The Barrier of Light, of course, couldn't stop its charge.

Crackle—

However, it was enough to scatter the electricity it had unleashed. As the serpent, having shattered the barrier, let out a roar of pain and rage, Ian thrust his bent legs backward. At the same time, he slammed the Willful Grasp into the side of the serpent's face.

Crash!

The sea serpent’s massive head barely scraped past the raised Platinum Barrier. As the shattered remnants of the barrier scattered like sparks in all directions, Ian thrust his Light Sword into the side of the serpent.

The blade, condensed with dragon magic, cut through the crimson-glowing scales as if they were mud. The blade tore a long gash along the serpent's side—it was practically the creature cutting itself on his blade.

The current it created pushed Ian. His lower half turned first, thanks to the Light Sword lodged in it.

Of course, he couldn’t hold out until the end.

Fwoosh—

Before the serpent even fully brushed past, Ian was swept aside. The Light Sword’s exposed blade spun after him, tracing a dizzying spiral as he was carried away.

"----!"

From behind came another muffled, yet far sharper scream. The sea serpent, its side torn open, slowly sank, spewing a thick, crimson-tinged blood. However, Ian, kicking his limbs to right himself, didn't even look back at it.

Shit…

He had spotted the other crimson lights drawing closer in the distance. There were more than one this time, though their positions and speeds varied. On top of that, he could feel his breath catching. He had little time left and even less time to think.

What a real shitshow!

Cursing inwardly, Ian instinctively opened his skill window. Of course, there were no skills like Underwater Breathing or Breath Holding.

His eyes quickly scanned the blue and gray magic trees. There were a few that caught his eye, but they were all transcendent-tier magic—Absolute Zero, Frost Storm, Waterspout.

There was not a single one he could learn now. Giving up, Ian opened his status window and immediately put a few more points into Stamina to last a little longer before he suffocated.

—It seems…

Yog’s whisper came just as his gaze shifted to the Strength stat.

—That this is a situation that requires my help.

Ian, who had been about to use his points, paused. As if sensing his reaction, Yog continued.

—Of course, I can’t be sure either. But if you share your chaos, I might be able to do something…

Before the creature could finish, Ian nodded his head so hard it seemed it would fall off, closing the status window. Yog chuckled slowly and immediately bit his neck.

Rumble… Rumble…

As the bead of chaos essence spewed out chaos power, black smoke spread from Ian’s neck like ink. It was Yog, shimmering with a deep violet light.

—Don’t lose consciousness. Just wait.

With that laughter-tinged whisper, the creature shot into the darkness and disappeared. Ian’s eyes twitched slightly. It didn't seem to head toward the closest crimson light.

Why go further away?

Despite his confusion, Ian continued to move his arms and legs, resuming his ascent. There was nothing else he could do. Besides, the serpent's charge had pushed him down again.

It was about ten seconds later that the form of the fastest-approaching sea beast became clear.

Whoosh—

Ian’s eyes twisted instinctively. It was a hideous creature that could only be called an anglerfish. More ominous than its grotesque face was the luminous orb at the end of the antenna on its head.

A sickening wave of energy that made the essence bead convulse passed through him, leaving him tingling. It was a paralyzing wave. Even with his high resistance, he couldn't completely block a slight slowdown.

The anglerfish opened its long maw, closing the distance with a speed that was unexpected for its size. It was large enough to swallow him whole.

Swoosh!

Just as the approaching maw filled his vision, Ian felt a familiar presence approaching at an incredible speed.

Crack.

The anglerfish, which had almost reached him, suddenly plummeted downward. Following the violet arc that had slammed into the creature, Ian’s head also turned down.

What is that?

His eyes widened. The creature that had its head buried in the back of the falling anglerfish was an orca sea beast, shimmering with a violet light.

It was thrashing about, chewing and crushing the back of the anglerfish. As a muffled scream spread through the water, Ian smirked.

I didn’t know it could do something like that.

He was now certain that the sea beast was Yog. He had no idea how it had seized the whale. Perhaps it had simply devoured it. Just then, the thrashing anglerfish sank slowly.

—Hope you’ll forgive me for being a bit late.

With that whisper, Yog the orca’s violet eyes became visible through the crimson-tinged blood.

—No matter what, I didn’t want to be eaten by that ugly thing.

The creature added, its eyes meeting Ian’s. Below its hard, armor-like face, its long jaw opened slightly, as if in a grin.

—Now, I’m heading up, so hold on tight. I’m still not used to this body.

The moment the whisper ended, the creature thrashed violently and shot upward. As if in response, Ian deactivated the Platinum Claws and glanced down beneath his feet.

Thwack—

The grappling hook caught by the Willful Grasp flew into his left hand. At nearly the same instant, Yog twisted to turn its back to him.

So I’m supposed to grab onto that?

Ian’s gaze shifted to the dorsal fin protruding from the creature’s back. Gripping the rope at a moderate length, he thrust the grappling hook forward with the help of the Willful Grasp.

Crunch, whoosh—

The hook caught on Yog’s dorsal fin, and Ian was pulled along after it. Even as the surface neared, Yog did not slow. Instead, it kicked off the water even more powerfully and leaped into the air.

Swoosh!

Ian, who was thrown out of the water along with it, finally exhaled the breath he had been holding and took a deep gulp of air. It felt as if the blockage in his chest had been cleared. Of course, there was no time to celebrate the fact that he could breathe again.

Sploosh—

Having drawn an arc in the air, Yog was now falling back toward the surface. Ian gripped the handle of the grappling hook even tighter as the creature plunged diagonally into the water.

It didn't dive deep again. Shaking from side to side, the creature brought its back to the surface of the rolling waves.

—Don’t dawdle, friend. More of them are coming.

As the laughter-tinged whisper spread, Ian, who had been lying on the creature’s back, pushed himself up. He held his Truesilver Steel Sword out to the side and stood up on Yog’s back.

There’s plenty of room

With one corner of his mouth tugged up faintly, he pulled the rope and shifted to the side of the fin, driving the hook in deeper to secure it.

—In the end, it looks like I saved your life again, friend.

The curve of Ian’s lips deepened. "Looks like it. Thanks, Yog."

Yog paused for a moment before letting out a chuckling laugh.

Readjusting his grip on the hook, Ian asked, "So, can you change back?"

—Well, maybe? Let’s think about that later, Friend.

Yog quickened its pace over the waves, then leaped high once more.

—Right now, we’ve got more pressing matters.

Ian’s gaze shifted across the churning sea. Far in the distance, he could see the ship, a beacon in the darkness. It seemed to have been pushed sideways by the wave, tilted as if it would capsize at any moment. Yet somehow, it was barely regaining its balance and righting itself.

"You’re actually making sense for once."

Taking in the crimson shapes swarming toward the ship, Ian pushed his chaos power through the grappling hook in his left hand. "Let’s go. Before they wreck our ship again."

—With pleasure.

Yog kicked powerfully off the surface, leaving a long trail of mixed red and purple in its wake.