The Paladin in the Abyss

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Under the effect of magic, the small square with the statue of Tijana expanded more than a hundred times in size, while the ground sank down step by step, forming an arena-like structure.

Many demons had already arrived early, seizing the innermost and frontmost positions, ready to thoroughly enjoy the spectacle of slaughter.

Lancelot and his companions had no intention to squeeze into such inner spots. They sat down on the edge of the depression, near a group of Dwarven Artisans, observing the audience that had already gathered.

The most common sight was the Berserk Demon, a human-shaped toad known for its simple mind and rare loyalty to its superiors among demons. If the cannon fodder is not counted, they were the most common in the armies of the Demon Lords,

Next were a type of lean demons with the heads of goats and the tails of long snakes protruding from their behinds. Lancelot often saw these demons, formally known as Brezu Demons, but Bruto preferred to call them Goat-Headed Demons. These demons, wielding huge tridents, were skilled martial artists. However, they were mostly solitary creatures unless they were on a mission.

Then there were the muscular human-shaped demons with two pairs of arms—known to Lancelot as Arrow Demons, they made up the archers of the demon armies. This rare type of demon understood teamwork, making them incredibly dangerous on the battlefield of The Abyss. Besides those sitting in the stands, the high points of the venue were also filled with these demons.

The above three types constituted the main forces of Tigana's army. To Lancelot's regret, there was no cavalry. This might be related to the traditional defensive stance of the Twin Bridges Town's army.

The rest of the audience consisted of civilians from Twin Bridges Town, most numerous being the Devilspawn and their descendants. They worked in the town's shops, bars, and inns, striving to survive in this society that did not ostracize them.

There was also a considerable number of Succubi mingling in the crowd, flirting with all sorts of strangely shaped creatures. Although they were the product of mortal desires, their definition of male charm did not adhere to mortal aesthetics.

Additionally, there were many Blood War Mercenaries like Lancelot. This crazy group of adventurers feared neither heaven nor earth, and for wealth and treasure, they actively (mostly of their own accord) came to The Abyss, ready to face any challenge, for the right price.

The rest of the demons were mostly unnameable by Lancelot due to their bizarre appearances. However, their appearances did show some humanoid traits. According to Kalalin, these were all members of the Tanali Demon Race, created from the souls of fallen mortals in The Abyss.

In the wilderness, Lancelot had encountered some highly deformed native demons of The Abyss; some resembled giant mouths with seven or eight legs, others were fleshy orbs covered in mouths and eyes, and still others were immense heads floating just above the ground, a mere glance of which made Lancelot feel his sanity was being tainted.

Fortunately, these demons didn't get along with the Tanali, leaving no trace of their kind in Twin Bridges Town.

To some extent, the creatures reflect the state of their creator. If the Abyss's will proclaimed by the Black Cult truly existed, then Its madness and chaos might taint even the deities, perhaps explaining why the True Gods almost never showed themselves in The Abyss.

On one side of the large pit, near the castle, there was a dais like a VIP section, where Tijana sat restlessly, surrounded by her personal guard: four six-armed Serpent Demons and twelve Succubus Maids. Lancelot recognized Sonam, the receptionist from the Mercenary Hall, among them.

Tijana also spotted Lancelot and instructed something to one of the Succubus Maids beside her, who then flew toward Lancelot and her companions.

"Good morning, Sir Lancelot," said Letisha, the Succubus who usually handled transactions in the Mercenary Service Area. Lancelot occasionally visited there and had interacted with her a few times.

"Good morning, Miss Letisha," greeted Lancelot politely, "Does Madam Tigana have any instructions for us?"

"She came to ask whether the weapons you were preparing for Sonam are ready," replied Letisha.

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"Everything is right here," Lancelot patted the storage bag at his waist, "Does she need it now?"

"No need for now, but may I have a look first?"

"Of course." Lancelot untied the opening of the storage bag and took out six swords one after another.

Letisha, who had worked for many years in the mercenary service area, had a discerning eye. She instantly recognized the superior quality of these weapons. After a brief inspection, she handed the weapons back to Lancelot, then turned her head and nodded towards Tijana.

"These are excellent works." The succubus smiled at Lancelot, "Later, you might need to showcase the cold iron weapons to those demons, no problem, right?"

"Uh, why me?" Lancelot asked in surprise, "The dwarven artisans who actually made them would obviously be more appropriate."

"Lady Tijana does not want those who made them to be exposed to those fellows," Letisha explained, "But I guess the real reason is that she wants you to be seen, to keep a certain annoying suitor from bothering her."

"Wow." Kalalin and Bruto exclaimed in unison, each placing a hand on Lancelot's shoulder and giving it a shake.

"I see." Lancelot felt his face grow warm, "I am honored."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Letisha said with a light laugh, covering her mouth, "Lady Tijana always finds a male creature for this job, don't get the wrong idea."

"Serving a lady is an important part of the knightly spirit," Lancelot said earnestly, "This... suitor, what's his deal?"

"You really don't know?" Letisha looked at him in surprise, "Are you familiar with the power dynamics around Twin Bridges Town?"

"I know a bit." Kalalin raised his hand to answer, "To the south is the Shattered Mountain Range, which currently has no dominant power; to the west, there is a region belonging to the Barlow Flame Demon, who claims to be the 'Destruction Flame'; to the east was 'Punisher' Wisk, a lord of the Serpent Demon.

To the north, there's another Neutral Town called 'Oasis Fort,' with a leader known as 'Seducer' Molo, a male succubus... wait, could it be this Molo?"

"Your information is out of date. Wisk was murdered by its pet and lover last month; its territory and forces have been split, and now there are two opposing forces to the east: 'Destruction Horn' Goel, a Giant Bull Demon, and 'Spider Lady' Ilmaris, an Arachne Elf," Letisha glanced at Kalalin, "But you guessed right, it is that self-important, annoying worm Molo.

If it wasn't for the caravans that pass through that area to Twin Bridges Town, Oasis Fort would have no chance of thriving, and Molo would be nothing but a sad gigolo under Mekanshut."

"The 'Seducer' Molo is backed by the Queen of the Succubus?" Kalalin's face was filled with shock.

"Who is Mekanshut?" Lancelot asked with surprise. He was not familiar with the name, but the title of Queen of the Succubus was no trifling matter.

"She's one of the earliest born succubi. After defeating all the original succubi like her, she received the title of Queen of the Succubus and currently rules the 570th layer of The Abyss, Shendiravir," Kalalin explained to Lancelot, "She's also the current lover of the strongest devil, known as the 'Demon Prince' Dimogorgen.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

And Dimogorgen's former lover, also one of the original succubi, Sami-Amor, fell out of favor due to Mekanshut's instigation."

"For some reason, Lady Tijana doesn't get along with this self-proclaimed Queen of the Succubus, but I'm not clear on the specifics either," Letisha shrugged, suddenly pointing, "Look over there, guests from Twin Bridges Town have arrived, I should get back. Goodbye, Sir."

The succubus flashed a charming smile, flapped her wings, and flew away.