The Paladin in the Abyss

"I guess the minions of the Mother of Demons have shown some special signs, signs that have deeply unsettled you, and despite your reluctance to admit it, the fear of the unknown has struck a blow to your confidence. Being already at a disadvantage in terms of power, any slight mishap could lead to catastrophic consequences, hence, even though you are aware of Elothysia's character, you still wish for her to undertake this perilous mission."

The Elf Prince gaped at the Human Knight, speechless for a long moment.

"Judging by your expression, I think I've hit the mark," Lancelot leaned back on the sofa, lifting his wine glass to his lips.

"You speak the truth, Sir," the Elf's forehead broke out in fine sweat, the blue eyes staring at him through the glass exerted an inexplicable pressure, "But Elothysia truly is the best choice, our last hope to discern the enemy's reality. We have already lost several excellent spies in a row, and if she, as a Tanari, cannot succeed, we will have no choice but go blindly into battle."

"It's understandable that you would think that way," Lancelot nodded, "But you should have been more sincere throughout all this. I believe if you had simply asked, seeking help rather than forcing her to prove her innocence, Elothysia would have accepted your request just the same."

"You're right, we did err in this matter," the Elf Prince conceded frankly, then turned to the Succubus Paladin, "My deepest apologies, Miss Elothysia. I assure you that, once we successfully repel the enemy's attack, you will be treated just like any of the Protectors, as a hero."

"Once you truly get to know me, you'll understand that what I care about is only the struggle against evil," the Succubus Paladin replied with a sincere smile, "Let's return to the details of the mission plan. Did you just say you're going with us?"

"Exactly," the Elf Prince nodded, "I have spent decades wandering north of the Hoffenstan River, I am one of the Protectors who knows that area best. I wish to accompany you, partly to increase the likelihood of the mission's success—we do need to figure out what tricks the enemy is up to—and partly to show you that on the path of pursuing virtue, you are not alone."

"I appreciate your goodwill," the Succubus Paladin smiled, glancing at her companions, "Of this, I have no doubt."

"Didn't Iltash mention today that it was you who successfully stole the Demon's battle plans last time?" Kalalin asked with curiosity on his face.

"Correct, I was not even of age then, my body filled with the courage that stems from ignorance," Acheron humbled slightly, "Actually, it isn't something to boast about, because before that, the Demons had never noticed their plans being stolen, and my clumsy infiltration caused such a ruckus that since then, no one has been able to get hold of those plans drawn up by the Demon strategists again."

"What surprises me even more, actually, is the way the Demon army operates," only those very familiar with him could detect a flicker of fervor in Kalalin's eyes, that was the passion of a Scholar for his field of study, "What I want to ask is, do the Demons... also formulate battle plans?"

"I'm not sure about other places," Acheron glanced at the Succubus beside him, "But in Androlina, these Demons have learned enough lessons and understood the many benefits of setting battle plans in advance, something we unexpectedly learned from some captives. Yet, they must write down their plans completely, and record the rationale behind every step; otherwise, their fickle nature would become the biggest obstacle in executing their very own plans."

"Interesting," Kalalin briefly commented before he turned his head to Elothysia. "Did you ever witness such a phenomenon in the Demon Legion you once served?"

"No, at least not in the conflicts I've been through," the Succubus Paladin shook her head. "The Demon Lords would only bury the plans deep in their hearts if such things truly existed. However, the situation might be different for the Abyssal Lords; they often have enormous staff teams, and those forces that participate in the blood wars are certainly different."

"Before coming to the Abyss, I thought I had a very good understanding of demon habits," Kalalin sighed. "I was truly a fool."

"Anything is possible in the Abyss," Elothysia shrugged. "That's also a proverb shared among the demons."

"What is Gaomendikolia like?" Kalalin continued to ask.

"This Demon Capital is located at the foot of the Howling Mountains, without any walls. The town center has a square for conducting various evil rituals, from which dilapidated streets extend, making the city look like a shattered spider's web from above. Along the roads stand twisted towers built by chaotic magic, stuffed with evil creatures craving the favor of the Mother of Demons."
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"It sounds terrible, but I think we can handle it," Lancelot shrugged. "And where is the fortress with the battle plans?"

"The fortress is situated on a small hill on the northeast side of the town, overlooking Gaomendikolia's town square," the Elf Prince's finger moved slightly on the map. "That place is both the command center of the demon armies and their officer academy. According to the intelligence, the office we're infiltrating is on the third floor of the fortress, belonging to General Ulgog, the Succubus."

"The commander of the demon army is just a Succubus?" Kalalin blinked in disbelief. "I would at least expect a Serpent Demon with six arms or something..."

"Don't underestimate this Ulgog; it's said to be a war vet of the blood wars, having learned quite a few tricks from the demons," the Elf Prince's face showed a wry smile. "The Mother of Demons found this talent from who knows where. Since its appointment these past few years, we haven't gotten much of an advantage over it."

"In other words, its brain is more dangerous than its pincers," Lancelot nodded. "So, this so-called battle plan is hidden in the office of this veteran of the blood wars?"

"In the desk drawer, or perhaps a inconspicuous secret compartment. The most probable form is a map marked with the directions of attack and troop deployment; the one I got my hands on before was just hanging there, large as life, on the wall." The Elf Prince's hands made a gesture in the air with a smile. "It would be best to create a magical duplicate, but taking the original isn't too much of a problem either. Even if the demons realize it's been stolen and make changes to their plans, we already know what cards they hold."