The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 217 Open the Door

These demons appeared to be checking out the situation below, when they came face to face with the group.

"What are you—" the demon's words were cut off by a flying hammer that smashed into its face. The dwarf had already been impatient with the slow pace of his companions' advance, and seeing the enemy appear, he had no patience to wait for it to finish its nonsense.

Both sides were very familiar with the process that followed. The mutated creatures immediately charged, using their height advantage to pounce fiercely towards the adventurers, who, in turn, drew their weapons, ready for battle.

"Engage!"

The human knight let out a loud shout, charging ahead to meet the enemy, but Kalalin's magic was even faster. A large swath of black grease suddenly appeared on the steps in front of them, and the demons, caught mid-charge, slipped and fell, their fierce advance turning into a tumbling avalanche.

When they finally managed to stabilize themselves and struggled to their feet, what met them was the long-awaited onslaught of warhammers and longswords.

Lancelot's Frostslash lit up with a cyan sword aura, slashing at an enemy in front of him. The mutated demon's two extra arms on its back tried to block the attack, but their hard yet brittle bone claws were no match for the human knight's weapon; with two sharp snaps, the claws broke, and the longsword landed between the demon's head horns, splitting the mutated creature's head open.

Yet the demon exhibited the terrifying life force characteristic of abyssal creatures. Despite such a grave injury, it did not die, instead hammering its arms harshly against the human knight's waist, trying to knock down this formidable foe. The demon's fist, larger than a dwarf's head, pounded on the armor with a tremendous impact sound, but Lancelot stood unflinched like a metallic golem.

In retaliation, he lifted his knee viciously into his enemy's chin. The demon's skull was forced violently backwards by the terrible blow, and the purplish-brain tissue flew out from the top of its head, sticking to another demon.

The demon in front of Lancelot twitched for a moment before finally falling.

"I'm out of ideas." The dwarf, supporting his waist, retreated in defeat, "Anyone else can have a go, but if you ask me, this door can only be opened from the inside."

The group, curious, gathered around to closely examine the door. After all the effort, having finally arrived here, could they really be thwarted by a door?

"Stop looking, this is Abyssal Metal, heavy and unyielding, innately chaotic, difficult to work with, and only Demons can utilize this stuff." Bruto folded his arms across his chest, watching Kalalin curiously feeling around on the door. "Of course, you might find a way to open it, with all those fancy magics of yours."

"I remember Tijana mentioning that High Rank Demons make amulets that store life essence, to avoid dying completely if slain in the Abyss. If I'm not mistaken, those amulets are made of this Abyssal Metal."

As Kalalin spoke, his hand found a hidden movable part on the door. Curiously, he lifted the piece to reveal a handle-like ring.

The Scholar gave it a gentle pull, and the door immediately creaked open, causing the dwarf's expression to instantly freeze.

"You were right," Kalalin shrugged, "it was indeed meant to be opened from the inside."

Lancelot patted the dwarf's shoulder sympathetically for all the energy he had wasted, then closed his eyes for a moment to sense his surroundings before warning everyone,

"I can feel numerous strong enemies inside. Everyone, be prepared."

At his words, the group sprang into action. Kalalin cast Mirror Image and Blur on himself to ensure he wouldn't be instantly incapacitated by an enemy rushing at him; Elothysia's longsword began to sparkle with bright golden light as she activated her once-a-day ability to channel divine power, turning her blade into a Holy Weapon; the Elf Priest granted blessings to the group and fortified herself with a Shield of Faith, a first-circle Divine Art that used the power of faith to enhance protection; Koula mixed up one of her Mutagen concoctions, ready if a situation arose that called for her, the smallest among them, to turn the tide.