The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 202 The Contradictory Succubus

"Although Boss, your moves just now were indeed powerful, the Evilbane Slash still looks cooler," commented the skull from the side, its voice filled with a ghostly tone. "Besides, when cast by a Tanari, it even comes with a powerful deterrent effect."

"So, that was the Evilbane Slash?" Lancelot asked curiously, looking at Elothysia. He had heard about the Holy Warriors' incredible abilities before, and the golden sword aura of the Succubus just now was indeed very impressive, its power comparable to his own Qingyuan Sword Technique enhanced by Innate True Qi.

"Yes, Kas was coming too fast just now, and I was worried that ordinary attacks wouldn't stop it," Elothysia admitted, a bit embarrassed by the praise. "To be honest, I couldn't believe it myself when I first mastered this skill, considering I still possess a demon's body; it greatly encouraged me."

"That's amazing, only by being recognized by the essence of goodness can you wield that kind of power," Cromwell remarked thoughtfully. "But since you still have the body of a Fiend, the Evilbane Slash could probably still harm you…"

Upon hearing these words, Elothysia's expression instantly darkened. Realizing his blunder, the skull quickly tried to make amends:

"Don't get me wrong, ha, I'm not questioning your essence. The Fallen Paladin's Evilbane Slash can affect you as well…"

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The poor Succubus was on the verge of tears as soon as these words were spoken. Lancelot cast a plaintive look at Cromwell and began to console Elothysia:

"Don't listen to the skull's nonsense. Who would use the Evilbane Slash against you?"

"How could there not be?" sighed the Succubus Paladin. "Not everyone is willing to listen to my story like you guys, especially other Holy Warriors. Who I am, what I've done, what I do—none of that matters to them; they only see a demon, a particularly seductive Succubus who tempts others to fall."

"What about your angel lover? Surely he must dispel many misunderstandings?"

"Those guys turn utterly respectful as soon as they see Eldin, like they're meeting their idol," said the Succubus, a sweet smile spreading across her face at the mention of her love. "But some, even after hearing Eldin's explanations, still refuse to change their views, firmly believing I've completely controlled him through charm… in a way, they've got it completely backwards."

"A great Knight once said that race does not define honor," stated Lancelot earnestly. "I believe no one has the right to judge you as long as you remain true to your heart. Those so-called Holy Warriors don't realize they have strayed from the righteous path; their fanaticism will lead them into trouble sooner or later."

"Thank you," Elothysia nodded gratefully to Lancelot, and then suddenly her face broke into a sly smile, "Tijana would be very happy to know that's what you think."

"Eh? How did this get brought up?" Lancelot turned awkwardly, "Okay, okay, let's keep moving forward, shall we?"

Actually, on the way, Lancelot's personal issues had become the most eagerly discussed topic among the group. After all, with a friendly Succubus in the team, many long-curious questions finally had their answers, and Lancelot himself was very concerned about these answers, so he let everyone make jokes at his expense.

Firstly, like all Demons, Succubi are inherently chaotic, which in itself means endless possibilities; secondly, Succubi can derive pleasure from many things, whereas most Demons only pursue the thrill of killing and torture, which is mostly related to the horrible pain that comes with level advancement; lastly, there are indeed Succubi who truly fall in love with mortals, and this is not a rare occurrence.

But most of them don't end well—simply losing interest and vanishing suddenly is already a relatively good outcome. Although Succubi often travel to the Prime Material Plane on 'missions', they don't truly understand how to live in mortal society.

Due to mortals' fear and hostility towards Demons, most Succubi disguise themselves as charming ordinary people. But paper can't wrap fire, and there are too many potential issues—whether it's the accidental reveal of antlers or a tail when excited, or the unforeseen birth of a child with bat wings, either situation can lead a poor mortal to the reality that their partner hails from the Bottomless Abyss.

From there, things quickly move towards a tragic end. For those Succubi who habitually use lies to start and maintain a relationship, the final outcome is, in fact, predetermined.

Therefore, Elothysia was lucky; she approached that Angel in her true form as a Succubus. She had been ready to be slain on the spot by the object of her affection. Luckily, the Goddess of Luck, Tamora, took a liking to her that day, and her confession was a great success. Her Angel lover was far more mature and wise than the average mortal and provided tremendous support as she struggled against her innate nature.

After hearing Elothysia's story, everyone reacted differently. Alamir was so moved he was all tears, insisting her story proved the great power of love and once again invited Elothysia to join Shuni's church; the Scholar thought he had harvested valuable psychological material on Succubi, which is of utmost interest to all male Demon researchers.

Meanwhile, Lancelot remained silent. His mind was flashing with various thoughts, and he almost lost his footing and fell off the cliff because he was lost in thoughts, having to invoke the Ice Heart Spell just to calm his mind.

But some crazy ideas had taken root in his heart. Maybe he should do as Elothysia did and confess his feelings directly to Tijana? Should he make his thoughts clear to Tijana, instead of hiding behind the armor of politeness and duty, cautiously probing with the long spear of his affection?

Lancelot shook his head, dispelling these naïve thoughts. He had made similar overtures when he had just become a Knight, but he was no longer that impulsive and reckless young man.

How did that saying go? A confession is always the victory chant, not the clarion call to charge. So, he had to continue the tango with the Succubus Lord with patience.

As the group continued to explore, they did come across some special locales.

The first thing that caught everyone's attention was some mysterious runes carved on the cliff face. These runes were very ancient, and their survival to this day was clearly due to the power of some magic.

Kalalin recognized these runes as a very old form of Abyssal Text, which greatly piqued his interest.