The Paladin in the Abyss

Lancelot turned his head to look in the direction Letisha had pointed, his gaze not lingering on the succubus's retreating figure.

The approaching line of demons gave him an unusual feeling, and Lancelot quickly realized the problem: the group was quite orderly, its members all silent and serious, reminding him of seasoned soldiers, amongst whom he once counted himself.

The most eye-catching among the group were six demons enveloped in flames. Lancelot knew they were Fireburn Demons, creatures that had failed in their attempts to advance to the rank of Flame Demon. Their bodies were like emaciated humans, with ragged wings sprouting from their backs. Except for the parts near the spine, the wings were all bone.

Without the power of magic, such wings would likely be incapable of flight.

Following them were dozens of centaur-like demons, known as Iron Cavalry demons. These demons had a pair of huge, pointed horns on their heads and well-developed muscles. They wore a complex set of full-body heavy armor, covered with spikes suited for ramming, and they held aloft lances with flags bearing the emblem of a volcano.

They were the cavalry troops among the demons, whose longbows and flails on their backs indicated they were versatile on the battlefield. However, Lancelot knew that their lances posed the greatest threat. The collective charge of such demons would be one of the most destructive forces in the Abyss.

Next was a large group of Prime Demons and Coward Devils, led by ropes and iron chains. These pitiful creatures were undoubtedly the 'gladiators' about to enter the arena. They had clearly suffered considerable torment and abuse on their journey, and Lancelot wondered if they could survive the first round of combat.

But the leader at the forefront had an air that seemed out of place with the rest of the troop. He appeared to be a human with dark skin and handsome features, though the small horns on his head and the goat-like hooves betrayed his demonic nature. He was dressed in somewhat ostentatious formal attire, with a noble's rapier tied at his waist, and rode a majestic Nightmare steed with fiery hooves.

However, his scanning eyes revealed his nervousness. Lancelot noticed that the hand he used to grasp the reins seemed to have six fingers.

"Is that guy with the six fingers a male succubus?" Lancelot asked Kalalin, his tone containing a relaxedness he didn't realize himself.

"A male succubus? Definitely not, it must be an emissary from 'Destruction Flame' Visuvius, the Barlow Flame Demon particularly likes to send these failed Flame Demon wannabes," Kalalin replied subconsciously, then his expression changed suddenly. "What did you say, the guy walking up front has six fingers?"

"Yes, what's the issue?" Lancelot asked, puzzled. Considering the myriad appearances of demons, having an extra finger hardly counted as a noteworthy demonic trait.

"You really should brush up on your knowledge of the Abyssal Lords to avoid inviting trouble you shouldn't," Kalalin said with an expression of resignation. "The six fingers are a trait of 'Lord Wu'an' Grazzt, and many of his offspring inherit this feature. Lord Wu'an is one of the three titanic demons, ruling over three contiguous planes of the Abyss."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"The three titanic demons?" Lancelot found the title intriguing. "One of them is 'Demon Prince' Dimogorgen, right? Who's the other one?"

"'The Undying Overlord' Okus, a legendary demon who clawed his way up from an Abyssal worm to his current position," Kalalin spoke these names in a whisper as if speaking them louder would invoke something unwanted.

"There are many other Abyssal Lords not as well known, but their power is comparable to the titanic three, akin to that of the gods, not to mention the home advantage they have in the Abyss. I'll fill you in on the details when we have time. Our Black Cult specifically studies these topics."

At that moment, Tigana seemed to notice the peculiarity of the newcomers too. She flapped her wings, soaring into the sky, and called out loudly:

"Is the arrivant Prince Kailon?"

"Your beauty is precisely as the rumors describe, esteemed ruler of Twin Bridges Town," the dark-skinned demon bowed in greeting to Tigana. "The frontlines are intense, and my father has sent me to oversee the battle at Volcano Fortress."

"Welcome to Twin Bridges Town. You are the first to arrive, please come this way," Tigana stated as she returned to her throne, and two Succubus Maids came forward to lead the way for Kailon's troop, though they seemed more interested in Kailon himself.

"It seems the rumors are true, 'Destruction Flame' Visuvius is indeed a Legion Commander under 'Lord Wu'an'," Kalalin took out his notebook again, scribbling down his observations. "It has always seemed uninterested in expanding its territories, focusing instead on the blood war with the demons. There has been much speculation within the Cult about this abnormal behavior."

"The battlefield of the blood war is so close to Twin Bridges Town?" Lancelot was somewhat surprised, "Listening to what Prince Kailon said, the situation at Volcano Fortress is tense. If they are defeated, what will be the fate of a neutral town like Twin Bridges Town?"

"Whether Twin Bridges Town can maintain its neutral status depends on Tigana, if she can satisfy the big shots from the Demon side." Kalalin shrugged, "But most of us mortals probably won't end up well, of which I'm quite certain.

Fortunately, 'Destruction Flame' is one of the most battle-hardened Generals on the Demon side, and with 'Lord Wu'an' standing behind him, breaking through his defense lines won't be so simple."

"Tigana is in such a hurry to have dad and the others make cold iron weapons, mostly likely it's to sell to 'Destruction Flame'," Bruto realized.

Just then, two other groups of people came from two different directions.

One group was primarily composed of minotaurs, led by a bull Demon towering over 20 feet tall, resembling a small tower. Its skin was the dark brown of a water buffalo, and its massive horns bent forward from its head. It was clad only in the remnants of what might once have been a cape around its waist.

Following it were a group of minotaurs over 7 feet tall, carrying simple flails, their hooves deep red as if they had just traversed a swamp filled with fresh blood; hence, they were called Bloodhoof Demons.

The other group was made up of various types of spiders, these creatures over ten feet in length invoked a visceral disgust in everyone, and their leader was particularly memorable. Her lower half was that of a spider with a massive abdomen and eight sharp legs, while her upper body was that of a beautiful woman with dark skin and white hair.

Lancelot knew this creature was the notorious Arachne Elf, a creation of the fallen Dark Elf deity 'Spider Queen' Rose, who transformed those Dark Elves that angered her in this manner, to showcase her Divine Power and warn against defying her will.

On this occasion, Tigana did not rise to greet them, instead, a six-armed Serpent Demon stepped forward and rebuked them:

"Strangers, state your names!"

"I am Kavalan, representing 'Madam Web' Ilmaris, and I extend greetings to Madam Tigana of Twin Bridges Town," the Arachne Elf spoke first, voice filled with grace and head bowed in a respectful gesture.

"Pami represents 'Destruction Horn' Goel!" the bull Demon shouted roughly, "Tigana! Don't listen to the Spider's lies! They're worth nothing!"

"You stupid bull, a fool whose head is full of rocks, what do you know of the value of gemstones!"

"Ah! You dare call me stupid! I'll kill you!"

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The bull Demon Pami let out a roar of rage, charging headlong towards the Arachne Elf Kavalan with lowered head. The opponent was just as unrestrained, drawing her Longsword in readiness for battle, and their followers also drew weapons, ready to dive into the fray.

"Enough!"

A furious shout came, and the six-armed Serpent Demon made her move. Three of her arms, each wielding a sword, pressed against the bull Demon's horns and forehead, while the other three swords barred the Arachne Elf's Longsword and throat.

"See that big pit over there? If you want to fight, we provide the venue," she said.