The Paladin in the Abyss

In a certain moment, those Memory Crystals that glowed with seven-colored light suddenly extinguished simultaneously, as if a basin of cold water had been poured over a burning heap of embers. At the same time, everyone experienced a very peculiar sensation, one that felt familiar and reminded them of their previous encounter in the Domain of the Vague.

It was an aura belonging solely to the gods.

For most mortals, life is filled with elements related to gods—Amulets, Holy Water, Priests, speeches, flyers, and the like, but almost no one has ever truly seen a True God, at least not while alive. However, Lancelot and his companions were evidently exceptions. If you counted the Saint of the Frost Maiden, Olul, they had already seen three True Gods, and were about to see a fourth.

Therefore, it could be said that this group had gained some experience. They neither kneeled in terrified reverence nor deliberately displayed a fearless demeanor. Instead, they stood solemnly, their hands clasped honestly in front of them. When they saw the figure walking out from the pile of black crystals, they respectfully bowed to express their reverence.

"No need for such formalities." A low, elegant voice, entirely different from Tanya’s, echoed before them, "Please, raise your heads."

Lancelot raised his head, subtly scrutinizing the legendary figure before him. The first thing he noticed was that the Raven Queen had sapphire-like eyes, wore an elegant dark blue gown, and even her hair was dark blue, contrary to his previous imagination of her with raven-black hair. Besides, the Raven Queen looked extremely beautiful, possessing typical Elven traits—pointed ears, a slender face, and slightly protruding brow bones, though the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes hinted that she was no longer young.

"Finally, we meet, Sir Lancelot." The Raven Queen nodded towards the Human Knight, "I’ve known you for a long time through Tanya. You are a very capable warrior and have helped us a lot, for which I am deeply grateful."

"The highest honor," Lancelot bowed again. After a moment’s thought, he couldn’t help but ask, "Tanya, she now...?"

"I am here..." The Half-elf emerged from behind the Raven Queen, "Haha, thank you all for worrying. I’m fine."

"Oh, oh..." Lancelot couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. The pressure from the True God was truly too strong; he felt as if he were standing before a blazing sun, unable to sense anything else through Spirit Perception, "I thought you..."

"Were sacrificed?" Tanya winked at him, "The mentor wouldn’t do such a thing..."

"Who says I wouldn’t?" The Raven Queen gave her disciple a sidelong glance, "I certainly would if necessary. However, I would place your Soul into a brand new body afterwards, but your memories would remain intact... Well, enough pleasantries. We should get going; the young Lord of the Dead is awaiting my rescue."