The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 86 Entering the Palace

That night, Lancelot spent three hours touring Oasis Fort with Bruto and four Dwarf Sanctuary Guards. By the time the dwarves finally went to rest, everyone was clear on the details of the plan, and the map of the entire Oasis Fort was firmly imprinted in their minds.

In the middle of the night, Lancelot accompanied Phil back to the streets, placing hundreds of large and small, ordinary-looking iron spheres along the predetermined retreat route.

Fortunately, they had the Dimensional Bag, otherwise they would have had to run back and forth several times, which could have led to them being discovered by patrolling guards.

During the entire day that followed, Lancelot stayed in his room practicing meditation and Qi Cultivation, getting himself into the best possible condition. The others rested as well, because the coming night was likely to be very long.

As the powerless ruby sun hurriedly sank below the horizon, Lancelot and his party began their move.

The guards at the entrance of the Succubus Palace were two strong and ugly two-headed giants. The stupidity of these creatures was directly proportional to the stench emanating from them, offering no resistance to the transformed Lancelot and his party, allowing them straight in.

"Welcome, welcome! Esteemed guests, please come in!"

Just as they entered the Succubus Palace, they were immediately greeted by an enthusiastically welcoming Succubus Maid dressed as a servant.

Compared to an average succubus, the servant's outfit was quite conservative, but Lancelot and his three companions were also clad in thick cloaks, which not only hid their transformed bodies (and beards) but also concealed the fact that they were fully armed.

Moreover, perhaps due to the powerful force contained in the hair provided by Tijana, their appearances post-transformation were stunning even by succubus standards. So, like Bruto, all three wore veils over their faces to avoid unnecessary trouble and prevent anyone from disregarding their succubus identity.

"My name is Daryl, may I ask how I should address our guests?"

"I am Lansna, this is Karalinda and Brutolia," Lancelot, walking at the forefront, replied very naturally. Under the effect of the Ice Heart Technique, he managed to keep his face expressionless no matter what happened, making him the best choice for negotiations.

"Of course, we will make sure to satisfy you," Daryl suddenly realized something and hesitantly asked, "Do all three of you wish to be together?"

"We only need one, the best one," Lancelot said as he pulled out a glittering ruby from his chest and briefly flaunted his spending power.

Daryl reached out to grab the ruby, but Lancelot had already placed it back into his chest, giving her a reproachful look which forced the Succubus Maid to reluctantly withdraw her arm.

"It appears you have all heard of our famously renowned Priest," she revealed a knowing smile to Lancelot, "Normally, his rate is a thousand Gold Coins for three hours, but since there are three of you, I'm afraid we'll have to charge triple the fee."

"No problem," Lancelot nodded.

"Then please follow me," she said.

The Succubus Maid led them through a corridor outside the main hall, the opposite side of which featured tightly closed doors, between which were hung paintings depicting the Queen of the Succubus in fierce battle with various heroes, Demons, and monsters.

The corridors were also carpeted with soft mats, and curtains hung from the ceiling not only obstructed the view but also effectively absorbed the sounds emanating from the rooms behind the doors.

But Lancelot had far superior hearing than an ordinary person. Those subtle sounds reached his ears, as clear as if the entwined bodies were right before his eyes, forcing him to silently recite the Ice Heart Technique to suppress the fervor within him.

From time to time, men would come towards them, stepping aside at the first sight of them to stand respectfully, yet they also stared at the three with a longing gaze, showcasing their muscles and subservience, hoping to be chosen for a shared pleasure.

It was not chains that enslaved them, Lancelot sadly realized. These people were enslaved by their instincts, and Lancelot doubted any of them would want to leave even if they were given the choice of freedom.

Their bodies might remain robust to please the Succubus, but their souls would be gradually drained. When keeping them alive was no longer of any value, the Demons had plenty of ways to continue exploiting their souls.

Finally, they reached their destination and stopped in front of a grand door.