The Paladin in the Abyss

On the journey as an adventurer, you will encounter dangers unimaginable in ordinary life, while also meeting many new friends. You might feel an instant connection or bond through conflict, becoming inseparable friends based on mutual recognition of each other's character, personality, experiences, or interests. Yet, in the blink of an eye, you may be forced to part for various reasons, sometimes without even a chance to say goodbye.

From various perspectives, the journey of Lancelot and his companions can be considered a complete success. They achieved their original goals set upon departure and had the opportunity to bid farewell to those who helped them. Although the scene was somewhat sorrowful, they still received a load of sincere blessings, along with a dimensional bag almost full of food supplies.

An hour later, the companions, with complex emotions, once again entered the Ancient Temple, arriving at the deepest Sanctum. Besides Cranvo, Raven Queen and the half-elf Tanya were also present, along with two figures unexpected to Lancelot: Medusa Kesme and Succubus Letisha.

"Sir Lancelot!" As soon as she saw the Human Knight, the succubus rushed over to him. "They said Twin Bridges Town was captured? Please, tell me that's not true!"

"I just received the same news myself," Lancelot shook his head lightly, "We cannot be certain at the moment..."

"No!!!" Letisha shrieked fiercely, her tail whipping the ground like a lash. "That's impossible! Madam Tijana is invincible!!! Nobody can kill her!!!"

"Calm down!" Lancelot's hands shot out like lightning, tightly gripping the demon woman's shoulders like a pair of iron clamps, forcing her to stay grounded with absolute strength. "Just like I said earlier, we still need confirmation about the facts... Raven Queen will soon send us back to the Abyssal Plane. Would you like to come with us?"

"…Of course, I must go back!" Although held by Lancelot, the succubus still displayed a gritted teeth expression, "If I find out who did it..."

"You won't act recklessly; protect yourself carefully and patiently wait for the day Tijana returns." Lancelot spoke sternly, "Rather than seeking blind revenge, throwing away your life against opponents far stronger than yourself. Do you understand?"

"…" The demon woman pouted, refusing to admit that the Human Knight was right.

"I'll take that as an understanding." Lancelot released his grip and turned to Medusa. "So, Madam Kesme, perhaps you've already introduced yourself to the Lord of the Dead?"

"I already know her request," Cranvo directly responded. "Over the next thousand years, she will serve as my servant in the Domain of the Vague, helping newly deceased souls quickly adapt to their new identities. After that, I'll lift her curse and allow her to choose her own future fate."

"You accepted it?" Lancelot raised an eyebrow, "Exchanging a thousand years of service to keep your memories intact?"

"Of course." Medusa smiled beneath her blindfolded eyes. "That's all I want. Thank you, Sir Lancelot. Good luck to you."

"You're welcome."

"Goodbye, Lancelot," the half-elf Tanya spoke next, "I will stay with my mentor; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so much to learn... Good luck, Sir Lancelot. I hope we still have the chance to adventure together."

"And good luck to you, Tanya. Thank you for everything you've done before."

"Your paths will meet again," the Raven Queen spoke coldly, "Well, it's time to set off. Lancelot, take care of little Isha, or I won't let you off."

"As you wish, Madam," Lancelot nodded, turned and waved to the young girl. "Come here, young lady, and say goodbye to the Raven Queen."

"Goodbye, Madam." Little Isha stepped forward, bowed respectfully and, after a brief pause, mustered the courage to ask, "Um, Madam, can I hug you?"

"…Of course you can." The Raven Queen's usually stern face showed a hint of softness. "Come, my child..."

Lancelot and the others turned away, leaving this private moment for them. When the distinctive buzzing of the portal was heard, Lancelot turned back, and little Isha appeared to be very shy, transforming directly into a little bat and tucked herself into the Human Knight's hair.

"I've never been to the Abyss, and this is interdimensional travel, so the transportation might be slightly off," the Raven Queen had restored her initial cold demeanor, "But it shouldn't cause you too much trouble, right?"

"I hope so." Lancelot nodded. "Thanks again, Madam. Thank you for your help, especially with little Isha. Well, goodbye my friends, wish you all the best in the future."

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The moment Lancelot stepped out of the portal, he was certain the Raven Queen must harbored some unknown hostility towards him, as a fully armed demon army was marching right before them. Hundreds of Beard Demons with purple skin, clad in half-breastplates, advanced in perfectly synchronized steps; overhead, dozens of Thorn Demons grouped into pairs, hovered back and forth above the formation; at the forefront, a Deep Hell Demon Refinement, covered entirely with red snake-like scales, wielding an enormous Warhammer, seeming like a guillotine directly lifted from somewhere.

The demon formation was less than twenty feet from the exit of the portal, leaving no time to hide. The group reacted almost instantly, drawing their weapons and readying for battle like cats whose tails were stepped on.

Unexpectedly, the demons seemed disinterested in launching an attack, continuing to march in their original rhythm, although they clearly noticed the sudden appearance of the adventurers. Moments later, at the end of the line, a small red-skinned demon sprang forth, carrying a thick stack of parchment. It tossed two sheets at the group's feet and then swiftly disappeared in another direction, saying nothing throughout.

"What's the deal..." After the demon army disappeared, Bruto, with his height advantage, quickly picked up one of the sheets of parchment, "Now... just... join... ah!! This font is really disgusting, can someone help me read it..."

"Welcome to join Barto Hell's army, fight alongside the most evil destroyers in the Multiverse... You'll receive punctual salary payments, predictable promotion opportunities, superiors who warmly provide career advice... This is a recruitment brochure," Alamir took the parchment from Bruto's hand, "Oh, there's a line of small print here: Your employment contract is permanent, absolutely no risk of dismissal! Awesome, anyone interested?"