The Paladin in the Abyss

The Lich’s immensely powerful spell caused terrible destruction, setting large swathes of the surrounding forest ablaze. The air was thick with choking smoke and drifting embers. Under normal circumstances, a group of mere mortal adventurers couldn’t possibly survive such a devastating spell, and the Lich didn’t notice the glowing wings that appeared at the moment of the explosion. To it, those rats attempting to take advantage of the chaos must have turned into lumps of charcoal under its grand, magnificent spell, and there was no need to pay them any further attention.

In reality, though the companions were all covered in dirt, they hadn’t suffered much harm, except for Lancelot who had protected them. His condition was indeed terrible, his energy nearly depleted, feeling just like that time he had exhausted his powers atop the Glacial Fortress. The difference this time was that there was no spirit vein similar to a volcano nearby to quickly restore his strength.

Though he was still stronger now than before he came to the Abyss, Lancelot felt a sense of unprecedented vulnerability. However, if the once Human Knight had some reservations about fleeing, now he had no psychological barriers—only abandoning his companions would be shameful, leaving behind enemies wouldn’t be.

Using the cover of the smoke, the group quickly traversed open ground and plunged into another still burning part of the forest. The surrounding air was scorching hot, and everyone’s lungs felt as if they were on fire, but they rushed toward the depths of the forest as fast as they could. After struggling through the dense forest for over half an hour, they had completely left the flames and smoke behind and finally dared to stop for a brief rest.

"Lancelot, how are you doing?" Bruto asked, hands on his knees, leaning against a crooked tree beside the Human Knight. "I’ve never seen you this badly injured before..."

"A bit better than before." Lancelot opened his mouth and spat out a Middle Grade Spirit Stone he had already ’drained’ dry. "This time we got really unlucky. Even if someone told me that was a True God, I wouldn’t doubt it..."

"A True God wouldn’t be that absurd..." Bruto curled his lips. "It’s not like we’ve never fought a True God before. On the peak of the Shattered Mountain Range, against the so-called Ice Maiden..."

"That was just one of her Saints, and Tijana was helping us." Alamir, who was beside them, also chimed in. "That spell earlier was indeed powerful, but at most, it was at the level of a Demigod, definitely not a True God. By the way, Lancelot, are you really feeling unwell? I can cast another high-level Restoration Art..."

"No need." Lancelot shook his head. "I just... consumed too much strength. I can only rely on myself to recover."

"I know the timing might not be right, but, Mr. Knight, who exactly are you?" the Zombie Princess suddenly asked, her tone implying she couldn’t hold it in any longer. "You appeared alongside the Lord of the Dead, and in battle, you can transform into a Giant and grow wings. Are you the legendary..."

"What?" Bruto asked, quite curious. "Have you heard of someone like this before?"

"Supreme Heaven." Fran stated confidently. "Offspring of the gods from the upper planes, naturally endowed with all sorts of supernatural abilities. You must be the son of the Lord of the Dead..."

"Ahahahahaha!!!"