The Paladin in the Abyss

"Do you need me at the front line of battle?" Elothysia asked, "That's exactly what I'm hoping for..."

"No, there are still warriors who can't confidently turn their backs to you," Iltash glanced at the bald Human Knight again, "I have always believed that united Protectors can defeat any attack from the Mother of Demons, but I must admit that the enemy outnumbers us. The Demons could easily dispatch multiple feinting armies, while we can't afford the cost of dividing our forces."

"Then what do you need me to do?" Elothysia was somewhat confused, "I can't conjure up an army out of thin air..."

"No, the task we're entrusting to you is even more difficult," Aira the Giant pointed at the other three leaders, "Prince Acheron believes you can be directly accepted, while General Poping Jay over there is utterly opposed. The one on my left, Tun Thorn, is a Fairy Warrior General. She has suggested a middle-ground solution, one that can verify your reliability and is of great help for the upcoming war."

So that's a Fairy. Lancelot examined the red woman closely and thought he saw an almost imperceptible smile on her lips, a bad premonition suddenly welling up in his heart.

"We need you to infiltrate the Demon Capital Gaomendikolia and acquire the enemy's combat plans from that military fortress," despite some hesitation, Iltash continued, "Right now, we can only evenly distribute our forces along the Hoffenstan River, but if you succeed, we could find out where the main attack is coming from, and make proper arrangements."

"Don't think we'll blindly trust the information you bring back," the bald man on the high platform spoke sternly, "Only if afterward it is proven that you truly didn't conceal anything will I agree to accept you as a Protector. But I believe that day will never come; I know you all too well..."

"I know this task is incredibly difficult; you're absolutely entitled to refuse," Iltash's deep voice interrupted the bald Human Knight's incessant complaining, "What I said before still stands; think it over before..."

Think it over my ass, Lancelot silently cursed. In the current situation, the Succubus had no room to retreat.

"I accept," Elothysia answered without hesitation, "Tell me what to do; I'm ready to leave at any moment."

"Are you sure? This isn't a simple task. Many Protectors have previously failed, some even paying with their lives," Iltash appeared not to want to see the Succubus agree, "Although your race may offer you some aid, I don't believe it will be decisive."

"As long as it helps in the fight against evil, I'm willing to do it."

"I understand," Iltash nodded, "Later on, Prince Acheron will come to further instruct you. He was the last one to successfully steal combat plans from Gaomendikolia..."

"350 years ago. My experience is unlikely to be of much help to you," the Elf Prince added helplessly.

"It's still better than nothing," the towering Radiant Cloud Angel waved their hand, "Now, we have other issues to discuss; you may go rest in the town's only tavern for now..."

Elothysia bowed and turned to walk out of the castle.

Lancelot, Kalalin, and Alamir waited at the door for the Succubus. As soon as they saw her, Lancelot began,

"I think you didn't have to agree..."

"Of course she would agree; otherwise, she couldn't possibly become a Paladin," Alamir countered, the Priest looking at the Succubus with admiration, "Lady Fire Hair would be proud of your actions. Would you like to join me in praying to the Goddess? Perhaps She would be willing to grant you some strength..."

"Thank you for your kindness," Elothysia felt somewhat uneasy facing her companions' gaze, "You might think I acted impulsively or agreed under pressure. That's not the case; I'm glad to undertake such a mission, even if it costs my life."

"Even though Tijana only tasked us with delivering you to Androlina, we're not going to let you go on a suicide mission," Lancelot shrugged, "Otherwise, what would we tell Tijana after returning to Twin Bridges Town? The charming Succubus Paladin has safely arrived in Androlina, only to go steal intelligence in the Demon Capital alone, to win the trust of the Protectors. As for your success? Well, the last success story was over three hundred years ago..." Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

"Hahaha..." Elothysia was amused by Lancelot's words, but still shook her head, "No, not this time. I've already put you in danger countless times, I can't..."

"That's enough," Lancelot began to walk out, "We've traveled together for a while now, if I say we're friends, you wouldn't object, right?"

"All of you are important companions to me," the Succubus Paladin answered sincerely, keeping pace with the Human Knight, "But for that very reason, I don't want to involve you in this suicidal task."

"You may not have noticed, but we've all felt that you have a martyr complex," Lancelot's face grew serious, "I'm not a philosopher, nor do I have a psychologist's license, so my guess may be far from your true thoughts—please don't take offense. Perhaps the pressures from your demonic identity and past experiences, or vows made previously are driving you to seek out greater dangers. But heed my advice: not all sacrifices are meaningful. Evil can't be defeated overnight; it's by living that you can keep fighting for the truths you believe in."

"If you go on this mission alone, your chance of success is about as high as Bruto taking a bath right now," the Elf added drily.

"This guy Lancelot always flaunts his knightly status; do you think he'd let a lady face danger alone?" Kalalin also spoke up, "And I'm a Scholar from the Dark Cult; even if you hadn't received this mission, I'd have Lancelot take me for a stroll in the Demon Capital. The Mother of Demons is one of the most mysterious Abyssal Lords, and few have visited her domain, let alone an experienced professional like me..."

"Alright, let's join the Dwarf who is thoroughly enjoying his drink," Lancelot waved his hand, "If you ask me, Bruto has the right attitude towards life: with just a bit of frothy beer, you'll never see his spirits down."