The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 142 The Structure of the Universe

On their way to the Instant Fortress, Eckmond had shared much knowledge about the owners of this fortress, the Doomguard.

The Doomguard is one of the many factions in Mark City, and speaking of Mark City, one must explain the structure of the multiverse.

To put it simply, there are three types of planes in the multiverse: the Inner Layer, the Prime Material Plane, and the Outer Layer. Their current location, the Bottomless Abyss, where Demons live in the Nine Hells, and the Barrens where Mark City is situated, all belong to the Outer Layer.

As there is an Outer Layer, naturally, there is an Inner Layer. The Inner Layer consists of various elemental planes, including the Earth Elemental Plane, Fire Elemental Plane, the plane of Positive and Negative Energy, etc. The base materials of the world indeed originate from the Inner Layer, while the Ether Realm connects the Inner Layer with the Prime Material Plane.

The Prime Material Plane, also known as the transitional plane, is the plane of mortals, and also the homeland plane of Lancelot, Bruto, and the others. Here, materials from the Inner Layer and wills from the Outer Layer collide and combine, forming a myriad of races and worlds.

Although the Prime Material Plane appears to host countless worlds, it is generally believed that they are all situated within the same plane, merely separated by vast distances.

Meanwhile, the Outer Layer is inhabited by gods and Fiends, along with worshippers, mortal residents, and various other creatures. Although it might be hard to comprehend, the thoughts, desires, and emotions in the minds of mortals from the Prime Material Plane directly shape the various Outer Layer planes, with some deities even born purely because believers wished for their existence.

This is why many of the known areas of the Outer Layer are larger than all of the Prime Material Planes combined, after all, human imagination is limitless.

All the significant Outer Layers have clear factional tendencies, such as Barto Hell being Lawfully Evil and the Wild Fields being Chaotically Good. Another argument is, because of these clear factional tendencies, these planes are considered 'important'. The environments and creatures of different planes vary greatly due to their factional differences.

The faction known as the Doomguard believed that decay was the ultimate fate of the entire Multiverse, the ultimate release from toil and pain. The meaning of "Guard" in their name was also very clear—they guarded the onset of this ultimate decay, preventing any fool from trying to delay or reverse the process.

Of course, if they could help hasten this ultimate decay, it would be even better. Therefore, their cooperation with the Demons was very pleasant—Doomguard made battleships, weapons, and armor for the Demons, asking in return only that the Demons use these items to cause as much destruction as possible.

As long as there were profits to be made, the Demons were naturally happy to maintain this cooperative relationship.

But do not think that the Doomguard was an inherently evil organization; they merely believed that ultimate decay equaled ultimate liberation, and they coincidentally shared this goal of world destruction with the Demons.

So when a group of people passed through the broken city walls and entered the fortress interior, far from being attacked, a guard approached them, asking about their intentions for the visit and whether they needed any help, though his tone sounded utterly devoid of enthusiasm.

Following Eckmond's suggestion, Lancelot claimed they were a group of mercenaries, wanting to procure some weapons and equipment. The guard directed them to the armory, informing them where to find a bar and the inn.

Once the guard had left, the group naturally headed straight for the bar. Anywhere in the world, if you're confident in handling any unwelcome provocation, a bar is still the best place to learn about an unfamiliar location.

Walking east along the broken city walls for a short distance, the group quickly arrived at a district filled with bars and shops. Patting the Storage Bag containing his Gold Coins, Lancelot led his companions to the largest, and seemingly least run-down bar.

From the outside, the bar appeared to be four stories tall, each floor spanning more than 3000 square feet. According to the sign, the name of the bar was 'The Desiccated Rose.' All the windows of the bar were tightly shut, with only a 'Open for Business' sign on the door indicating that the bar was expecting guests.