The Paladin in the Abyss

"How could this happen..." Bruto clenched his fists tightly, "Do you wish us to seek revenge for her, Madam? Tell us who her killer is, we must make those people pay!"

"I admire your sense of justice, but things are not as you think. Elothysia, after all, was a Tanari born in the Abyss, and when she was killed on the Prime Material Plane, her body was immediately reborn in the Abyss." Disfavored shook her head gently at Bruto, "When he realized what had happened, that Angel immediately came to Mark City to find me, hoping I could help rescue his beloved."

"Why would that Angel come to you?" Lancelot asked puzzled, "What will happen to this Succubus Paladin after she is reborn in the Abyss?"

"It's not surprising that the Angel would come to me. As one of the few Succubi who publicly renounced the ways of the Tanari, I have had the fortune to gain the respect of certain groups." Disfavored's face was very calm, showing not a hint of conceit, "As for Elothysia... according to my sources, she has been captured once again.

Without intervention, her fate will be only one, to be sacrificed on the cursed stone altar in the Grove of the Twelve."

"What is the Grove of the Twelve?" Lancelot was forced to ask again, "Is that a place in the Abyss?"

"Correct, it is the name of the twelfth layer of the Abyss." Kalalin answered his query, "It is said to be a holy land for demons, named after the twelve towering great trees. Under the shade of these giant trees lies a large stone altar, where any evil spell cast upon it has its effect greatly amplified."

"Your vast knowledge surprises me." Disfavored flashed a smile at Kalalin, "In ancient times, the Tanari invited twelve divine servants of benevolent deities to the Abyss under the guise of a peace meeting.

Through a series of conspiracies and betrayals, the demons eventually bound these servants to the twelve trees and sacrificed them through an evil ritual, filling that plane with a perpetual energy of evil. Since then, this plane has become a holy land for the Tanari, and that altar is meant to commemorate this... 'great' deed."

"I see." Lancelot nodded, "What do you need us to do?"

"My source confirms that she has not yet been taken to the Grove of the Twelve; her former master is there preparing a grand Sacrifice Ceremony.

Although we don't know her current location, there aren't many portals to the twelfth layer, and after eliminating other possibilities, we've pinpointed her next destination: The Instant Fortress, the only portal to the Grove of the Twelve on the Plains of the Abyss."

"What kind of place is this Instant Fortress? And how do we get there?"

"The Instant Fortress is a bastion of the Doomsday Guard, a mortal faction dedicated to bringing about the ultimate destruction sooner.

They believe that demons are the best tool to achieve this goal, and the demons, in turn, are happy to employ these mortals to build warships that can navigate the Stygian River." Disfavored's tone indicated she had no fondness whatsoever for this faction, "The fortress is over 2000 miles from here, and passes through the territories of many Demon Lords, so going directly is clearly unrealistic.

Fortunately, my source has already sent someone who will summon you directly through a Summoning Ritual."

As she spoke, the golden-haired Succubus took out a ring from a small bag beside her, and Lancelot realized it appeared to be made of pure gold.

"There's still a little time before the scheduled summoning, and when that time comes, merely holding this ring will transport you to the Instant Fortress. Your mission is to rescue Elothysia before everything becomes irredeemable." Disfavored's blue eyes stared straight at Lancelot, as if peering directly into his soul, "So, do you accept this commission, Captain Lancelot?"

The Human Knight didn't rush to answer but instead turned to look at his companions. Some nodded subtly, while others returned a resolute gaze.

Having confirmed that everyone was determined to proceed, he announced the already decided answer:

"We accept this commission."

"Thank you, your courage and kindness fill me with the utmost respect." Having bowed again to the group, he then took out a small pendant and handed it over to Lancelot.

Lancelot examined the ornament closely, finding that the pendant bore the half-portrait of a succubus. This was a succubus with jet-black bobbed hair and a striking posture, her delicate face adorned with ruby-like eyes and a pair of slightly curved, half-foot-long horns protruding from her forehead.

"Is this a portrait of Elothysia?"

"Yes, but this pendant does more than just help you identify the one you're to rescue." He smiled softly, "This is a magical item crafted by an angel. It will slightly heat up when directed towards Elothysia, and it works within a range of 300 li. However, only those with good intentions can hold it; anyone aligned with evil will find this pendant as hot as flames themselves."

"That's great. With this pendant, we can prepare in advance!" Bruto said excitedly, rubbing his hands together, "I wonder how strong the enemy is?"

"Unfortunately, I do not know." He looked genuinely apologetic, "I suggest you make full use of this pendant to scout out your target first, then assess the enemy's strength and numbers before launching an attack."
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"We will proceed with caution." Lancelot nodded, "One last question, if we succeed, how do we return? Or where should we take Elothysia?"

"The summoning will end in seven days, at which point you will be instantly teleported back here. If any of you is holding onto her, she will also be brought back. Elothysia might reach the instant fortress within two or three days; after you successfully rescue her, you may need to find a way to endure the wait until the summoning ends."

"No need." Tijana's voice suddenly sounded, and everyone turned around to see the Succubus Lord already at the doorway. She walked in, her usual pride tucked away, and greeted him with a level of respect Lancelot had never heard before:

"Good afternoon, Madam."

She then turned to the human knight, tossing him an amulet bearing the emblem of Twin Bridges Town, "No matter which corner of the Abyss you are in, chant my name three times facing this emblem, and you will be immediately teleported back to Twin Bridges Town. You can take up to eight people with you, if they are willing."