The Paladin in the Abyss

(Note: This chapter is titled "Chapter 126: Report Back")

"My ears are just fine, you dwarven brat," Tijana glanced at Bruto, "No need to hand it over, just have them set up a tent outside Twin Bridges Town. Where's the Cross Pickaxe?"

Lancelot took out the Cross Pickaxe from the Dimensional Bag and handed it to a Succubus Maid standing by.
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Tijana took the Cross Pickaxe from the maid and played with the ordinary-looking mining tool with a complex expression, while Lancelot took the opportunity to admire the beautiful profile of the Succubus Lord.

So beautiful, the very purpose of a creature like a succubus is to make one lose self-control.

The Dwarf Priest Witt was also staring at the Succubus Lord, but unlike Lancelot, his face was filled with tension, as if he feared she would accidentally smash the precious Holy Relic.

"Don't be nervous, old man," Tijana shot a glance at Witt, "This Cross Pickaxe can still smash these floors."

"I have no such intention," Witt quickly denied, "As you see, besides its healing effects, this Holy Relic does not possess any particular power, but as a Relic of Dain Frostbeard, it holds an extremely special meaning for us dwarves."

"I know," Tijana's tone was surprisingly gentle. She touched the Cross Pickaxe one more time and finally tossed it back to the Dwarf Priest.

"I permit you to keep this Holy Relic inside Twin Bridges Town, just put it in the great hall of the Craftsmen Committee," Tijana turned her head to Lancelot, "Well done, knight, those looks you stole just now are your reward. Besides this Cross Pickaxe, did you get those... stones you needed?"

"Thank you for the provided intelligence, the spoils from this trip have been quite substantial, but there is more urgent intelligence that you must know immediately," Lancelot turned to the silently standing Brezu Demon, "Iados, you tell her."

"Bartez's army suddenly appeared and attacked Oasis Fort," Iados stated succinctly.

"What?" Tijana stood up from her throne abruptly, her expression turning very serious, "When did this happen? What is the size and main force of the army? What's the outcome?"

"The attack began last night, the main forces were Barbazu, numbering around three thousand, with a few Spinna Demons as air support, and the logistics troops were Legion Demons, no inferior magic cannon fodder units," Iados calmly answered the Lord's questions, "The demons fashioned temporary siege weapons and put all their strength into the battle from the start.

The battle was still going on when we left."

"Is that so," Tijana looked sideways at Lancelot, "Seems you're quite lucky, managing to slip away before the siege started."

"We were still underground at the Succubus Palace when the siege began. Thanks to the secret tunnel controlled by old Reap, we were able to escape from inside Oasis Fort."

"That must be a truly exciting story, perhaps at another time, you can tell me all about it," Tijana's words were somewhat perfunctory, no longer bothering to use the seductive tone typical of a succubus. She also nodded to the werewolf, then faced the Brezu Demon again, "Can you determine which army the enemy belonged to?"

"Sir Lancelot and Phil, Reap, have all confirmed the presence of an Enreyes in the Demon army," Iados hesitated slightly, "This subordinate guesses that this is likely the amphibious corps of Bartez's Second Group Army."

"The Second Group Army?" Tijana sat back in her chair, pondering with her eyes closed, "That would indeed explain their sudden appearance, as this naval force is quite adept at navigating the Stygian River. But that means Twin Bridges Town will be the first to encounter this legion unless…"

"Among those Bartez, I saw someone carrying Wisk's axe."

"Did you see it clearly?" Tijana fixed her gaze on Iados, sharpened as if it were tangible.

"...This subordinate would not mistake it," the goat-headed Demon said after a moment of silence, still very certain.

"Heh, things are getting interesting now," Tijana's fingertips sprouted sharp claws, gently tapping on the armrest of the throne, "Why am I not surprised at all? Whether or not those cunning Bartez intentionally let you see this, the information is critical."

"Additionally, during their escape from Oasis Fort, they killed an Aosai Demon and its four Steel Demon Guards within the underground passageway."

"Those oversized skeletons? Aren't they Spellcasters? What are they doing underground instead of staying on the battlefield?" Tijana looked at Lancelot again, "Even though you had a considerable number, defeating an Aosai Demon is no simple feat."

"In fact, the Aosai Demon that Sir Lancelot killed might have been the most important move in reserve for the Demons," old Reap spoke up, this time obediently taking on a human's head. "Lady Tijana, do you remember the slave pens at Oasis Fort?"

"Of course, I remember; Molo proudly showed me the bottom of that shithole which made quite an impression on me." Tijana's expression darkened, but suddenly as if she realized something, "Are you suggesting that…"

"During the battle with that Bone Demon, its magic caused a mass of skeletons to rise again," old Reap divulged the conclusion they had come to after repeatedly discussing it on their way back, "This Bone Demon seemed to be quite proficient in Necromancy. We believe its purpose there was likely to initiate some sort of large-scale Ritual Spell to awaken all the skeletons in the pit."

"I knew that shithole in Oasis Fort would blow up sooner or later; Molo, that fool, even considered it a symbol of power, utterly ignorant." Tijana shook her head, "I quite like the idea, though. You have to admire the Demons' creativity in schemes and plots. Well done, Knight; I suppose you took quite a reward from Molo, didn't you?"

"To cover our retreat, Lancelot even clashed with that bird creature," Bruto couldn't help adding, "The one you call the Enreyes."

"Oh?" This time genuine surprise appeared on Tijana's face as she sized up Lancelot, "You didn't manage to kill an Enreyes on your own, did you?"

"Of course not, I barely escaped from the Succubus's grasp with the help of my companions," Lancelot, a bit overwhelmed by the Succubus Lord's gaze, quickly shook his head in denial, "Let me introduce Eckmond, a Mimir. You can see, he has a natural advantage when playing the role of a skeleton."

"Salutations to you, noble lady!" Eckmond rarefied his behavior to seriousness, "I am currently following Sir Lancelot, but if you have any commands, I would be most delighted to serve you!"

"We'll have to count him as well, don't forget to go see Sonam for the taxes later," Tijana merely glanced at Eckmond, then turned to Lancelot to inquire, "An Enreyes is not an easy opponent to dismiss, how did you escape?"