The Paladin in the Abyss

"Transformation? Is that the reason for his power?" Lancelot was still brooding over his failure to defeat Enrique, and upon hearing this, he asked, "What exactly is a Dark Guardian?"

"When a Holy Warrior completely abandons the sacred oaths once sworn, they can transform into a Dark Guardian through a series of evil rituals such as sacrificing innocent souls, swearing new oaths of darkness, and forging pacts with powerful Fiends," the Succubus Paladin glanced at Lancelot, "All the skills, Divine Arts, and Spiritual Light that were used to fight evil will transform into versions that sow destruction and evil. However, this doesn't grant any additional strength, other than the freedom to act without moral constraints."

"Well, it seems his strength was already that formidable," Lancelot shrugged.

"He's practically your opposite," Kalalin exclaimed to Elothysia, "You were a Succubus, he was a beloved Holy Warrior. You seek redemption for yourself, while he has walked the path of the Fallen. Sending him to hunt you must be particularly ironic for your former master."

"His power is indeed very strong; I certainly stand no chance against him alone," Elothysia looked apologetically at the group, "I'm really sorry for bringing such a dangerous enemy upon you all..."

"Bah, he's just a Fallen human. I dared to face a six-armed Serpent Demon to rescue you. Of course, she was gravely injured at the time..." Lancelot joked, then turned serious, "Don't you get any weird ideas. We're helping you because we respect your choices, your journey. In some ways, helping you is helping ourselves."

"When I first set out on this path, I braced for all the difficulties, but I never anticipated receiving such an overwhelming amount of support," the Succubus Paladin's face showed a complex expression, "Thank you, truly."

"Don't mention it," Lancelot waved a hand nonchalantly, "As for that Dark Guardian, he and I aren't finished yet. I'm sure he won't give up so easily. Next time we meet, I'll have to settle the score and prove that I am the strongest Human Knight in the Abyss."

"Gurgle gurgle."

Bruto made protesting noises from his belly, interrupting Lancelot's grand declarations.

"We've been up since early morning getting a good workout, haven't we?" The Dwarf looked around somewhat embarrassed, "The innkeeper mentioned breakfast, right?"

"That's right, I heard it too," Koula chimed in, "Does our room rate include breakfast?"

"No," Lancelot spread his hands in resignation, "but our wallets are heavy enough already."

"That's the spirit of living," the Halfling laughed and was the first to head for the room's door, the necessary route to the dining hall.

In the dining hall, there were others. Before Lancelot's shadow appeared at the staircase's turn, the place below sounded like a bar fight in full swing, but the moment he sat down, a cryptic silence enveloped the surroundings, and the crisp clinking of cutlery against plates from their table became the lone sound in the air.

People gazed at Lancelot with awe. The inn's Guards, who had moved the bodies, had spread what they had seen. Everyone had also seen the stack of bodies carried down from upstairs, undeniable proof that silently attested to the immense power of this tall Human Knight.

In this cryptic atmosphere, they finished their breakfast with utmost speed. Ten minutes later, the group pushed open a heavy door on the second floor of the inn, entering a room completely devoid of windows.

This was the office of the former Lord of Withering, "The Immortal" Pakos. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, burning with blue Magic Flames; the walls were lined with many shelves and cabinets, piled with scrolls of dubious material, various magical artifacts flickering with strange Spiritual Light, and numerous skulls of unidentifiable creatures.

Those skulls might have once belonged to some enemy of Pakos, but now they had become part of the innkeeper's collection.

Or perhaps cups.

"Welcome to my office," the innkeeper said, seated behind the central desk in the room, which now seemed too large for his current form. Lancelot noticed that there were no chairs or sofas in the room; anyone who came to see him had to stand.

"First, I have some news for you. According to those werewolf people, a rumor started circulating in Beggar's Abyss a few days ago, claiming that a Succubus with black hair and red pupils will bring a very wealthy Human Knight to Mogrondale. The Human has a height of 6 and a half feet, black hair, and blue eyes." Pakos's fingers rhythmically tapped on the table, "Sounds quite familiar, doesn't it?"
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"So how wealthy does the rumor claim I am that these creatures dared attack your inn?" Lancelot skillfully countered.

"No amount of wealth could explain their stupidity," Pakos shrugged, "Those werewolves argue they were controlled by a guy in Black Armor. They wouldn't have the guts to do such a thing without that excuse, clearly made up to avoid being sent to the slave pen. Who would believe them?"

"That guy is indeed one of our enemies," Lancelot didn't bother to hide this fact, as the one in front of him had already encountered the knight in Black Armor. "But I believe he won't be bothering us again anytime soon."

"Yet my reputation has been tangibly damaged," the Halfling proprietor jumped onto the table. "You must compensate me."

"What reputation? That guests need not fear being attacked in their rooms?" Bruto interjected quizzically, but Lancelot knew the Dwarf was doing so deliberately.

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear," Pakos leveled his gaze at Lancelot. "I invite you to act as my representatives in the search for the Eye of Sarizdon. Aren't you eager to obtain the map and leave this city? If you successfully find the Divine Artifact, you'll certainly be the first to get the map."

"We have no objections," Lancelot nodded. "But what about you? What do you stand to gain?"

"Do you plan to settle down in this city for the long term?"

"No, we have no such plans."

"Then it's none of your business," Pakos settled back into his chair. "How about it? Any other questions?"

"Many, like where do we start looking for the Eye of Sarizdon?"