The Paladin in the Abyss

"Wow, Bruto," Bruto was the first to break the silence, "What was that just now? It felt like a melting mound of gold..."

"That was a Kirin, its name is 'Ying', one of the earliest Protectors," Dong Quan said, gazing admiringly in the direction where the golden figure had disappeared. "Ying and Uncle Eskodel used to be good friends. When there was no need for battle, they often came to play with us, but later, Uncle Eskodel sacrificed himself to protect us. Ying was very heartbroken and since then, we've rarely seen it."

"It is said that Ying built its nest on the steep peaks to the south where there are always terrifying winds blowing, and only the most powerful Aira can fly up there," Lilu added from the side. "But Ying has always silently protected us, appearing in the most critical battles to bring strength and hope to the Protectors."

"Are you alright?" Koula asked worriedly, looking at the Succubus in front of him, who was lowering her head and wiping the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand.

"I'm fine," Elothysia replied, a choke in her voice, "Just now, it seemed to see right through me, feeling the pain and confusion I've been through..."

"I never thought I'd have the chance to see a Kirin," the Elf Priest said, his face full of devotion. "Legend has it that this noble creature is a symbol of good fortune. Today, something good is bound to happen."

"Let's hope so."

Lancelot nodded and led the group onward to the west. They unconsciously quickened their pace because after seeing such a noble and beautiful creature as the Kirin, the surrounding beautiful scenery seemed less attractive.

Lunch was settled under the shade of a small grove, consisting of freshly baked bread from the tavern landlady that morning, coupled with Koula's special 'fruit' jam (better not to ask what the ingredients really were), which tasted absolutely fantastic.

After a simple lunch, they set off on their journey again. As they gradually approached their destination, the pedestrians on the road became more numerous, mostly dust-coated, fully-armed warriors who cast astonished looks at Elothysia with her bat wings. But perhaps these passing warriors thought she was under control, given the large number of guards surrounding the Succubus, and none of them really stepped forward to stop this strange group.

At around four o'clock in the afternoon, the group finally arrived at Melanthan, the stronghold of the good side in this realm of conflict. The most remarkable feature of the town was its Grand Garden, filled with countless tall and short flowers of varying colors in an area even larger than Twin Bridges Town, and dotted with small thatched cottages that harmonized very well with the surroundings, inhabited by Aira children like Dong Quan and Lilu.

Next to this Grand Garden were many more 'normal' houses and tents, as well as a splendid castle with many spires. Undoubtedly, that was the army camp of the Protectors, and the guiding Red Flame Angels were leading them in that direction.

Clearly, the news of a Succubus heading to Melanthan had arrived before she did, and the roadside was already crowded with onlookers. Their gazes were curious, surprised, hostile, and puzzled, but not much good will was evident, clearly aside from their own group, no one here had spent last night at the Blessing of Edorton.

Lancelot had a premonition that what was to come might not be so smooth. He hoped Alamir's statements about the Kirin were true, given the attitudes of those around him, they really needed a bit of luck.

Eventually, the company reached the entrance of a castle adorned with many high towers. The guards had already cleared a path, and everyone dispersed from their magically summoned mounts, entering the castle gates in an eerie silence.

The interior structure of the castle was relatively simple—past the entrance lay the expansive Audience Hall. At this moment, the sides of the hall were packed with people, including Aira Celestials, Elves, Humans, and even some races Lancelot did not recognize. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire

He saw a humanoid creature with a lizard's head covered in dragon scales—Lancelot guessed this was what Kalalin had mentioned as a "Drakkind," meaning Dragon kin. Besides that, there was a giant standing sea turtle, a lion-headed muscular man, a black dog about the height of a Dwarf, flickering with intellectual brilliance in its eyes, and even a golden little elephant, no taller than two feet, fluttering around with its large, ear-like wings.

Deep within the hall, there was a raised platform where the Lord's throne, now empty, stood. Before the throne stood four figures of extraordinary presence, presumably the 'Generals' the Airas spoke of.

The one on the far left was unquestionably an Elf. Despite having many similarities to the Airas, Lancelot could tell from the relatively slender figure, non-glowing pupils, and an indescribable "aura" that he was from the same race as Alamir. This handsome male elf had golden hair, bronze skin, and black pupils, wearing a set of Scale Armor with a purple shield-shaped Emblem embroidered with a richly rooted oak tree on his chest.

Next to the elf on the right stood a Giant over ten feet tall. He, too, had bronze skin, and his half-bare upper body showcased perfect muscles. Razor-sharp long ears emerged from beneath his black hair, and behind him spread a pair of huge wings. He was unquestionably an Aira, exuding a terrifying aura that made even Lancelot shudder.

Beyond that was another elf-like, female humanoid. She also had long ears, a delicate face, and a slender figure, clad in Scale Armor heavily decorated with leaves. Her distinctive feature was that her entire body was the same color—whether hair, skin, eyes, or armor—they were all red, with only light and dark variations, making her resemble a blazing Flame.

On the far right stood a Human Knight, dressed much like Lancelot. He too wore shimmering Metal Full Body Armor, standing there like an iron man. However, unlike Lancelot, his slick forehead lacked any hair, and the wrinkles on his face were far more numerous.

The elf on the far left took a step forward and, in a resonant and steady voice, called out:

"Stop right there, Demons. Who are you, and why have you come here?"

"My name is Elothysia, a Succubus and also a Holy Warrior. I am here hoping to join the Protectors," Elothysia pressed her right hand to her chest in a salute, "May I ask how to address you?"