The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 213 The Eerie Guard

Alamir cast a spell to enhance everyone's life force, which would last for eight hours, presumably enough to complete their adventure, but it could only affect three people at a time. Elothysia indicated that she could also cast this spell, but after discussion, they decided it was best for the priest to use it, saving the precious spell slots of the Succubus Paladin for unleashing Evilbane Slash.

The group also drank the Antitoxin Potion and Courage Potion prepared by Koula. The former was already standard fare for expeditions, while the latter was for potential encounters with Obyrith Demons—their forms were so twisted that any mortal who gazed directly at an Obyrith Demon had to endure a test of will, and failure could result in consequences ranging from temporary mental disarray to permanent madness.@@@@

Koula and Kalalin, who lacked Dark Vision, also drank Night Vision Potions, allowing them to see in the dark, though they couldn't distinguish colors and could only perceive images in grayscale. Bruto drank one as well, and for a simple reason—the bubbly liquid tasted refreshingly minty, much like beer, which the Dwarf greatly enjoyed.

Aside from the Succubus and the skeleton, the rest entered Lancelot's Dimensional Bag, which made Little Esha somewhat embarrassed. In a way, this was akin to running into a young girl's boudoir, where the battered little chest was her 'bridal bed.'

Of course, before entering, everyone handed over any containers with Dimensional Bag capabilities to Lancelot. One dimensional space couldn't overlap with another, or it would tear a rift that could suck in nearby objects and throw everyone randomly into some corner of the Stellar Realm.

Relying on the effect of his Transforming Ring, Lancelot once again arrived at the cave's mouth with the phantasmal rock wall. He exchanged a glance with Elothysia, and both drew their weapons and slowly descended into the cave.

It quickly grew darker around them, but the darkness inside wasn't absolute. There were luminescent fungi on the rocky walls; however, the light they emitted seemed visually twisted, only shining towards the depths of the cave, making it pitch black from the outside.

After descending about thirty feet, Lancelot stepped onto level ground. He removed his Transforming Ring and pulled his companions out of the Dimensional Bag one by one.

"Ho, it's quite spacious in here." Bruto was the first to emerge, surveying his surroundings to find himself in a large pit with a wide corridor ahead. "This definitely isn't a mine shaft; no mine entrance is vertical..."

"Invaders! There are invaders!"

"Ahhh! Fresh flesh!"

"Quick, grab them! Our master will be pleased!"

Bruto didn't hesitate to hurl his hammer, knocking the loudest one to the ground.

"You guys could swagger about in the sky, but now it's my turn to vent!"

While the Dwarf was still shouting, Lancelot had already charged forward rapidly, the silver glint of his blade shining as he cleaved the approaching claws and the body behind them into pieces. He didn't even use the Qingyuan Sword Technique, relying solely on his physical strength and Frostslash, which was forged from cold iron and had a restraining effect on demons, to make a mess of these Flomos.

Elothysia was also ready for battle, but after observing for a moment, she determined Lancelot and the others did not need support. So she stayed vigilant in her original position, ensuring that the Spellcasters behind her were not subjected to any unexpected attacks.

Scholars and Priests worked together to provide firepower support with Magic and Divine Arts for their companions engaged in close combat. Alamir used the Holy Fire Technique, which called forth intense heat and light that could easily inflict severe damage on any Fiend; Kalalin, on the other hand, held a Magic Wand topped with an ice crystal, a magical item he'd crafted himself, capable of shooting a blue-white ray at the target.

Perhaps due to the demons' resistance to cold, the ray's damage was somewhat inferior to the Priest's Divine Arts, but the enemies hit by him were noticeably slower, and their teammates could more easily deal with the slowed enemies.