The Paladin in the Abyss

Five people plus a skull was a significant burden for creatures like Nightmares. After running continuously for eight hours and covering a distance of about 150 miles, these two pitiful creatures finally found relief and returned to their original dimension.

"Go back and eat something good. We'll continue tomorrow."

Lancelot instructed his mount, whose glance at Lancelot before leaving was filled with despair.

By then, night had already fallen. The group found a cave occupied by a group of Coward Devils. After Lancelot performed his demonstration of smashing a boulder with his iron fist, those Low-Rank Demons immediately fled.

Lancelot briefly sensed the surroundings to confirm that there were no powerful creatures nearby, but both Kalalin and Alamir had their own methods.

The Elf Priest cast a Divine Art to detect good and evil, confirming there were no hidden Fiends or Undead nearby, nor was there any curse present. This first-circle Divine Art could also detect Angels or blessed land, but such things were unlikely to be encountered in the wilderness of the Abyss.

Kalalin then cast a warning Spell. This simple first-circle Spell could last for eight hours. Any creature larger than a rat that approached their campsite in the cave would trigger a clear ringing of bells, even if the creature was invisible, making it a good support tool for Adventurers camping in the wilderness.

After ensuring the cave's safety, Lancelot pulled the camping materials out of his Dimensional Bag. He now had two Dimensional Bags; the smaller one he used for his gear and personal belongings, while the larger one had become the team's storage, filled with rolled-up bedding, tents, fuel for the fire, and various tools.

Together, the group lit a campfire, laid out their sleeping rolls, and comfortably settled down. Kalalin cast a first-circle Spell that was said to repel insects. Koula set up a small pot over the fire, beginning to prepare dinner for those who needed to eat.

A pendant with Elothysia's portrait hung around Lancelot's neck. It had begun to heat up a few hours ago, signaling that they were getting closer to the Succubus Paladin. Lancelot had already informed everyone that the battle was likely to erupt tomorrow, so they needed to make thorough preparations tonight.

Bruto took out a set of blacksmith tools and maintained the equipment for Lancelot and Alamir. Koula, while preparing dinner, was also concocting some unknown potions; there was no strict distinction between the two since Lancelot had seen the Halfling pour liquid from a potion bottle into the pot on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, Alamir took out a small mirror and prayed devoutly to his god.

Kalalin and Lancelot discussed information about the enemy. According to what the tavern owner had said, the enemy's group included two Succubi—Demons the Human Knight had never encountered before.

"Succubi are somewhat like a larger version of an open-ribbed Demon. They can grow up to 15 feet tall and weigh over 2000 pounds. They also have two pairs of arms. The lower pair ends in normal palms, while the upper, thicker pair ends in large pincers, their most lethal weapon," Kalalin explained, holding a parchment with a sketch he had drawn on the spot.

"Because of these signature pincers, they are also called Giant Claw Demons."

"It seems the name Giant Claw Demon suits them better," Lancelot remarked, looking at the sketch of the four-armed creature. "They don't seem to have anything to do with being mesmerizing or seductive."

"They and the Succubi are responsible for tempting mortals to fall, which is why they got that name," Kalalin explained. "Unlike Succubi, which rely on lust to lead humans to damnation, Succubi tempt mortals towards self-destruction through greed."

"Sounds like something Demons would enjoy doing," Lancelot frowned. "Let me guess, those large pincers signify their difference from Demons."

"You've guessed it right," Kalalin nodded appreciatively. "The biggest difference between them and demons is that the succubus doesn't intend to fulfill their promises. When their deceit is exposed, those large pincers allow them to turn hostile without fear, and then make the victim's already fallen soul leave their body swiftly."

"I see," Lancelot nodded. "I'll watch out for those pincers. They won't catch me."

"But their pincers are not the most terrifying threat," Kalalin shook his head. "This type of demon possesses an ability similar to the 8th circle magic 'Law of Intimidation,' although it can only be used once per battle.

If you fail to resist this spell, you will suddenly find yourself standing blankly, and by the time you realize it, you may find yourself lying on the ground, as if your legs had run away on their own."

"That's powerful!" Lancelot grimaced. "So how do we deal with it?"

Kalalin looked at Bruto, who was all ears listening to their conversation. When Bruto looked up and met Kalalin's gaze, he was stunned.

"Why are you looking at me?"

"If the succubus uses that ability, it's best used on you," Kalalin shrugged. "If you are stunned and stand still, I believe Lancelot can pull you back in time. Besides, resistance to this spell depends on physique, and I think you have a great chance, and your cloak should also help a bit. Read latest stories on empire

Even if you really get hit by it, the demons wouldn't be able to find your neck, and snapping your waist is almost impossible, as it is way too thick."

"That's too dangerous," Lancelot shook his head reluctantly. "There must be another way."

"I think it's a good plan," Bruto shook his hand. "Let's do that. You've already saved me more than once, I trust you."

The dwarf's unreserved trust was very moving, but Lancelot had no intention of letting his companions take such risks. He shook his head again and spoke:

"There must be a more reliable method. How do they cast this spell? Do they need to chant a spell? Maybe I can interrupt it in time."

"Very difficult," Kalalin spread his hands. "They just need to utter a powerful word to crush the target's will. Since the succubus often deals with mortals, there has been a lot of research on them, and most past records indicate that defeating this kind of demon usually relies on having superior numbers. There aren't many other ways."

"Numerical advantage, huh..." Lancelot stroked his chin, about to say something, but his expression suddenly changed. He looked up toward the cave entrance. Frostslash had, unknowingly, appeared in his hand.

Accompanied by a series of crisp bell sounds, a Tiflin with dark red skin and wearing a fancy robe entered their campsite in the cave, the same mysterious visitor who had appeared at that mercenary camp before.

"Who are you?" Lancelot asked first. Having sensed the approach of the other party in advance, he had already adjusted his expression to appear as though he had never seen the other before.