The Paladin in the Abyss

"I didn't expect the situation to have gotten this bad," Tijana frowned after hearing the briefing from the Fireburn Demon's strategist. "Why haven't you sought assistance from Zerata? Lord Wu'an surely would not ignore the perilous situation at the front."

Seeing Tijana's expression, Lancelot felt an urge to rush out and annihilate the demon army just to smooth the furrowed brows above her lovely eyes.

Truly befitting of a succubus—the mere furrowing of her brows was so tempting, Lancelot silently mused. Fortunately, these thoughts merely circulated in his mind without causing even a flutter in his heartbeat.

"Father certainly won't tolerate the fall of Volcano Fortress, at least not before the defense lines of other Abyssal Lords," Kailon interjected. "But Lord Visuvius is equally reluctant to be the first among peers to ask for help. Many are eyeing his position as Legion Commander, not to mention those coveting Azgralath..."

"Hmm-hmm," Felbank cleared his throat, interrupting Kailon's speech.

"Apologies, we have reached the purpose of our visit and shouldn't waste your precious time with these tedious political topics," Kailon bowed, only then noticing Lancelot, who had been standing silently to the side. "Ah, I have yet to ask for the distinguished name of this courageous warrior—your performance in the recent battle was splendid."

Lancelot did not hurry to answer, instead glancing at Tijana, who gestured indifferently to him.

"My name is Lancelot, a knight."

"Delighted to meet you, Sir Lancelot," said Kailon graciously. "Volcano Fortress has always had long-term mercenary contracts in Twin Bridges Town, and we are always generous to those who can offer help. The kind of gemstone you desire is also produced by the fortress, perhaps you should visit the Mercenary Hall when you have time."

"Thank you, I'll consider it if it is appropriate," Lancelot answered calmly, though inwardly he had already completely rejected the offer. Rushing to the battlefield willingly? Do such people really exist?

"He is still at the Black Iron Level, not yet qualified to take on your Silver-Level contracts," Tijana spoke up. "And compared with the fatality rate, you dare claim your reward is generous?"

"We recruit Low Rank Demon commandants; under normal circumstances, there shouldn't be a casualty rate as high as 50%," Kailon defended. "But most of the applicants are madmen thirstier for battle than demons, believing they can easily crush those low-level devils. I trust Sir Lancelot is not such a person."

"If one is not mad, they would not accept your contracts," Tijana countered. "Even demons are few and far between who would willingly step onto the bloody battlefields, let alone mortals."

"Indeed," Kailon nodded. "The 'Punisher' Wisk just died like that. Although nobody liked the wolf-serpent demon, it's undeniable that those zealous about recruiting soldiers for the bloodbath play a crucial role. Until a new wolf-serpent demon overseer takes charge of this area, all the demon legions will continue to face a shortage of troops."

"Wisk has just perished, and you have already been dispatched to Volcano Fortress by Lord Wu'an—it's hard not to wonder."

"My mission is to supervise the battle at the front and report the actual situation to Father, perhaps this way I can help Lord 'Destruction Flame' avoid some embarrassment," Kailon answered calmly. "From what I've seen today, a big battle between Twin Bridges Town and Oasis Fort is inevitable. If you need any assistance, feel free to ask."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Has Lord Wu'an not recovered from the blow of being rejected by the Queen of the Succubus?" Tijana laughed lightly. "If you ask me, there's no need for Lord Grazzt to be angry about it. Just look at the countenance of Dimogorgen—clearly it is Mekanshut who has the issue with aesthetic judgment."

```"As everyone knows, it was my father who rejected the Queen of the Succubus, causing her pride to be hurt and subsequently, a series of destructive actions.

The attack on Shendiravir by Azgralath was purely in retaliation for these acts of destruction," Kailon reiterated his party's consistent stance, "Moreover, we have just received some intelligence about Oasis Fort that you would certainly be interested in knowing."

"What intelligence, and you think I would certainly be interested?"

"You must have heard of the famous club at Oasis Fort, the Succubus Palace, haven't you?"

"That filthy location that imprisons a large number of mortal men, catering specifically to High Rank Succubi for 'entertainment'?" Tijana displayed a look of disdain, "What secrets could such a foul place hold that would interest me?"

"Molo has a magical Cross Pickaxe that possesses the incredible effect of restoring one's energy. For a long time, he kept this Cross Pickaxe in the treasury of the Succubus Palace to 'revitalize' a few especially 'favorable' male entertainers."

"Why are you telling me this? I have no use for that thing," Tijana replied coldly, and Lancelot silently agreed in his heart.

"You misunderstand," Kailon hurriedly explained, "We have information suggesting that the Cross Pickaxe is likely a Divine Artifact that once belonged to Muradin, the Platinum Guard of the Dwarven God who went missing in the Abyss a thousand years ago.

This object is of no use to us, but for you, who have a large number of Dwarven Artisans under your command, retrieving this Dwarven Holy Relic would surely benefit your rule substantially."

Tijana narrowed her eyes at him, not opening her mouth for a long time as Lancelot's Divine Sense flickered, sensing that Tijana might have harbored an intent to kill Kailon in an instant.

"Interesting," the Succubus Lord finally spoke, "Let me guess, the team you've dispatched to attack the Succubus Palace, is it already en route, and you plan to shift the blame to Twin Bridges Town afterwards, suggesting that only I would have a motive to steal that broken hoe?"

"You really have a way with jokes, I assure you that informing you is entirely out of goodwill." Kailon denied vehemently, "In fact, given our relationship with the Queen of the Succubus, if you could set aflame to the scene after your success and make it look like the work of a Fireburn Demon, we would be more than happy to come forward and claim responsibility."

"I see," Tijana said, as if suddenly losing interest, and waved them off, "The deal is done, you can leave."

"As you wish, my lady," Kailon said respectfully to Tijana, and also nodded to Lancelot, "I look forward to seeing you at Volcano Fortress, Sir Lancelot."

As Kailon and his entourage receded into the distance, the imposing aura around Tijana gradually dissipated.

"You all go back first," she instructed her Serpent Demon Guards and Succubus Maids, then beckoned to Lancelot, "Join me for a walk, Sir Lancelot."

Upon hearing this, Lancelot's heart uncontrollably filled with joy, but he immediately realized that things were not that simple. So, he stepped forward, following the Succubus Lord who had already turned to walk out, and answered:

"At your command, my lady."```