The Paladin in the Abyss

"Miss Elothysia, it is a pleasure to see you again," the Elf Prince said bowing politely, "I apologize for the wait. After you left, several debates arose. Given the war at hand, there is just too much to discuss."

"Greetings, Prince Mingyan," the Succubus stood up from her chair to return the greeting to the Elf, then she extended her hand to introduce her companions, "This is Sir Lancelot, the actual leader of our team. This fellow here, one of your kin, is Alamir, and the Priest here is Shuni, while that Dwarf over there is named Bruto..."

"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen," Acheron greeted everyone in turn, a puzzled expression on his face, "I apologize, I was under the impression you were merely mercenaries hired to escort Miss Elothysia to this realm."

"That is indeed the case," Lancelot admitted with a nod, "but through our travels together, we have seen the noble qualities she possesses. We will help her complete this mission and ensure that she is fully accepted here before leaving."

"What? Do you understand the danger involved?" incredulity coated the Elf Prince's face, "It requires traversing territories controlled by evil forces, going to a city teeming with Demons, and you are just mere mortals..."

"We are Blood War Mercenaries, not unfamiliar with brushing shoulders with Demons in the streets," Lancelot said, pushing a full cup across the table and motioning to sit down, "We hail from a Neutral Town on the Plains of the Abyss called Twin Bridges Town. Have you heard of it?"

"I have some recollection of that name," the Elf Prince sat down amicably, "It's known for producing fine weapons and armor, correct?"

"Indeed, and Mogrondale, I presume that is also not unfamiliar to you?"

"Of course, many Protectors journey through that city to come here," Acheron brought the cup to his lips, "If the Portal to the Great Abyss happens to be on the south side of the river, we also send caravans seeking trade and resupply. This honey wine is indeed one of the most sought-after goods..."

"I acquired the title of the Lord of Withering just over ten days ago," he said.

The Elf's gestures suddenly stiffened, his black eyes gaping wide as the wine went down the wrong pipe, setting off a fit of violent coughing.

Alamir hurried forward, patting his kin on the back, then shot Lancelot a reproachful look.

"You know, all it took was to finish off the previous Lord of Withering," Lancelot shrugged with a mischievous smile, "But rest easy, we left the next day and left that title behind us. What I'm saying is, we have plenty of experience dealing with some of the fiercest races in the world, and there's no one more suitable than us as helpers."

"Cough... cough!" Acheron finally calmed down, his face revealing a pained smile, "Sir, you do know how to jest."

"Just call me Lancelot," the Human Knight toasted to the apology. "Now, tell us the details of the mission, we've been waiting quite a while already."

"Alright."

The Elf Prince replied succinctly, then pulled a parchment scroll from the small bag he carried, unfolded it on the table, and held it down with a few half-empty cups.

Everyone leaned in to look and discovered it was a map of Androlina, marked with the positions of mountains, rivers, forests, and towns. A river virtually divided the map into two halves of considerable size, which was the Hoffenstan River. To the south lay the territory controlled by the Aira Celestials and their Protectors, while to the north belonged to the Mother of Demons and her minions. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

The side of the map belonging to the Demons was densely packed with various symbols and marks, representing the types and scales of enemy forces, whereas the southern side was very clean, meaning that even if the map fell into Demon hands, it wouldn't reveal the Protectors' deployments.

Clearly, the map's creator was cautious, even of Elothysia and the company of Succubi currently regarding the map.

"My original idea was for you to cross the river at Pascaler Town," the Elf Prince said, pointing to a spot in the middle of the map, "This fortress town lies to the north of the gifts from Eidoton you passed before. The Hoffenstan River has several sharp turns there, and at its narrowest, it's less than a hundred feet wide, which is a very suitable crossing point for those who can fly."

"After crossing the river, continue northwest. You may encounter an enemy scout team on your right from the 'Soul Wail' army, commanded by a Crafty Demon named Sniel," Acheron's finger moved across the map, "The distance won't be too long; after about fifty miles, you'll reach Lamborado Lake. Across the lake is Mother Mountain, the palace of the Mother of Demons, Cang Ye, is on the peak. It is said that within the palace lies a large portal that leads directly to her infamous Bone Castle in the six hundredth layer of the Great Abyss. If you follow the lakeshore for about another hundred miles, you will be able to see the sinister towers of Gaomendikolia on the horizon."

"Won't this route be too dangerous?" Koula asked apprehensively, eyeing the skull symbolizing the Abyssal Lord on the map, "It looks like we're almost slipping right under her nose..."

"Demons also subconsciously stay away from that place, which makes the narrow strip of land along the lake relatively safe. Moreover, the Mother of Demons only looks down from the mountain in times of war, and even then, only large troop movements would likely attract her attention," Acheron said confidently, "I'm quite certain of this because I will be going with you."

"What?" Elothysia showed a genuinely surprised expression upon hearing this, "But isn't this mission about earning your trust?"

"Earning the trust of those who refuse to accept you," the bronze-skinned Elf said with a smile, "I know you encountered challenges on the way here. Our noble Guardian possesses the ability to discern good from evil, and since it did not attack you, it means it has recognized you, and I trust its judgment."

At this point, the Prince's expression turned stern and solemn, "I, as well as Iltash, understand how unfair the treatment you've faced has been. I assure you, Captain Poping Jay is not a bad person, but his personal grudge against another Succubus has blinded him, preventing him from seeing how meaningful it would be to help you."

"I don't blame him," Elothysia replied immediately, "Actually, I am glad he gave me the opportunity to earn trust."

"So, you're saying that you know what the Succubus says is all true, yet you still agreed to the plan of her stealing the enemy's battle plans," Lancelot sat up straight and spoke, his tone far from enthusiastic.