The Paladin in the Abyss

"I'm sorry, I indeed acted too hastily," Cumberland didn't retort, but instead bowed deeply to the crowd again, "I truly appreciate that you saved these two children. After they went missing, everyone was desperate, unable to find them anywhere. We feared the worst had happened, and Miss Elothysia... "

"It's okay, you are not the first one who attacked me on sight," Elothysia said with a generous smile, "We came from the Great Abyss... "

"Ah!!!! Demons!!! Die!!!!"

Accompanied by the sudden shout, dozens of warriors emerged from the depths of the woods. They all had flame-colored hair, gleaming eyes, and were tightly holding javelins, ready to throw them at Lancelot and his companions.

"Stop, stop, stop! Cease fire!"

Cumberland hastily called out to stop them, but still, several javelins were thrown. Fortunately, the battle cries of the red-haired angels allowed everyone to be on guard and Lancelot easily deflected two, while another thudded into the Dwarf's shield.

The newcomers, known as Airas, looked at Cumberland with confusion. They quickly noticed Lilu and Dong Quan standing right next to him, and puzzled expressions appeared on everyone's faces.

"Cumberland, what's all this about?" a tall, muscular, bare-chested, red-haired angel with short hair asked. Scars covered his skin, clearly reflecting a warrior weathered by countless battles.

"Captain Colin, you've come as well?" Cumberland hurried forward, "What I'm about to say might seem unbelievable, in fact, I'm still in shock... "

Lancelot and his companions stood quietly to the side, listening as Cumberland recounted what they had previously told him. Once he finished, all the Airas' faces showed disbelief, and the muscular, scarred man, Colin, spoke uncertainly to the crowd,

"Is what he said... all true?"

"What else could it be? Do you want to use magic to check if those kids are shape-shifted monsters in disguise or something?" Bruto replied irritably.

"I am Lilu!" the red-haired Aira child protested unhappily, "Uncle Cumberland, I know where you hide the candy — on the highest shelf in the kitchen, in the owl-shaped jar, am I right?"

"And I know you've been secretly dating someone in The Grand Garden, Uncle Cumberland," Dong Quan also eagerly spoke, "with someone from... "

"It's them, no mistake," Cumberland quickly interrupted Dong Quan, his face flushing slightly, "These Outsiders really did rescue Lilu and Dong Quan and ensured their safe return here... "

"Then were warmly welcomed by javelins — sharp end first," Bruto said, his mood particularly foul. His shield now sported a thumb-sized hole which did nothing to improve his temperament.

"I'm very sorry, that was entirely due to a misunderstanding; we've never heard of a... Succubus Paladin like her," Colin, the red-haired angel, bowed apologetically to the group, and the rest of the Airas followed, which made Bruto's face look a little better.

"But, why have you come here?" Although they had temporarily set aside their hostility, the Airas clearly had many questions, "To join the ranks of these children's Protectors?"

"No, we are a group of mercenaries from Twin Bridges Town on the Plains of the Abyss, hired to escort this kind-hearted Succubus Paladin to this place," Lancelot explained, "Her name is Elothysia, and she wishes to join the ranks of the Protectors."

"What? Her?" The Airas' mouths that had barely closed, opened again in surprise, "But... why?"

"You... don't welcome me?" The expression of the Succubus Paladin looked somewhat dejected, "Give me a chance, and I'll prove that I can be a trustworthy companion..."

"No, it's just... hard to believe," Colin quickly explained, "But after all, you are a demon, could you explain your reasons for wanting to do this?"

"Let me explain," Lancelot spoke up, "As you can see, she is a demon who has been redeemed. As for the specific process of her redemption, it would be better for her to explain that herself at the appropriate time. After becoming a Paladin, she has remained in the material plane, aiding good people in their fight against demonic invasions."

"You can imagine how much the demons, especially her former masters, despise her. Despite avoiding numerous assassination attempts, the demons eventually triumphed. Tanari was able to resurrect in the Abyss after being killed on the material plane, and many who cared for her organized a rescue mission to save her from a fate of being offered as a sacrifice on a nefarious altar surrounded by the twelve trees."

"Since Elothysia resurrected in the Abyss, she cannot leave this plane for ninety-nine years. Additionally, with her identity as a Paladin, there is almost no place for her to stand in the Abyss. After discussion, we concluded that the best place for her would be Androlina, where she can continue to fight for goodness and against evil—and believe me, you will soon feel fortunate to have such an outstanding Paladin companion."

After Lancelot finished speaking, the scene turned exceptionally quiet, with only the occasional breeze reminding people that time was still passing.

"Any other questions?" the Human Knight asked again, his tone showing no sign of impatience.

"Your tale is indeed very inspiring, please allow me to apologize once again for our prior actions," Colin said earnestly, bowing once more. Lancelot found he was beginning to like this robust, polite race that was quick to correct its mistakes.

"If you want to join the ranks of the Protectors, you have to go to Melanthan, where the assembly of Protectors takes place, and the Generals there will decide whether to accept you," Colin said, his expression turning serious, "But I have to warn you, not everyone will easily accept a Succubus as a member of the Protectors, some might even show severe hostility..."

"It's okay, I am no stranger to such situations," Elothysia smiled, "At least our previous misunderstanding has been cleared up. Hopefully, the next time we meet, you will consider me a friend."

"Hopefully," Colin nodded, turning to his companions, "Bridge, Robin, Green, Gilbert, and Cumberland, you few go with them to Melanthan, explain the situation to the Generals, and while you're at it, escort these two little troublemakers back to their home gifted by Aidoton."