The Paladin in the Abyss-Chapter 785 - 796 Someone is Waiting for Me

"As the master of Demon’s Domain, Peyton Derrick really never appeared again?" Lancelot was truly surprised this time, "Could it be... those witches stole the master’s position and became the true rulers of this land?"

"My personal opinion? Yes, although ’master’ isn’t quite the right word." Soveris sighed deeply, "It was shortly after that when dead people could appear again, wandering naked through the forests while the hungry wolf packs disdained the fresh flesh. Now, this cursed land has become a prison; the prisoners are us mortals trapped inside, while the witches push their carts, loudly hawking in exchange for the Fallen souls with false promises of happiness and release. According to our observations, ordinary people can indeed resurrect unnaturally after death, but if their souls have sunk into depravity, the next death might bring a true end, vanishing permanently from this land."

"No need to think about it to know, that kind of death is by no means a relief." Kalalin interjected, "The witches are the largest soul traders of the lower planes, selling facial worms transformed from evil souls, and buyers exist on both sides of the Blood War. Demons and Devils need these ingredients that can be transformed into lesser Fiends to keep the war machine known as the Blood War running..."

"What about Raventown?" Lancelot quietly asked, "How do you survive in such conditions?"

"In the first few years, we had intense conflicts with the witches, and of course, there was no suspense—we were no match. The town was overrun by endless undead creatures, and the clan members who died in battle couldn’t be resurrected... This is one of the reasons I’m convinced that the witches are the true rulers of the Demon’s Domain."

"What happened later?"

"The surviving clansmen hid in the forests, licking their wounds like wild beasts, slowly regaining strength." The brunette elf lifted his mug and gulped down a large swig of beer, "Meanwhile, we continuously enlisted those with resolute minds, unwilling to submit. Finally, ten years after the fall of Raventown, we reclaimed our home..."

"What about those witches? Did they not care?"

"They didn’t care by then," Soveris replied with a bitter smile, shaking his head, "The truth is, they could take everything back any time they wished. That’s why we’ve kept a very low profile since then, avoiding any open conflicts with the witches and secretly aiding innocents who stray into these lands."

"From what I just saw, the townspeople seem to lead a self-sufficient life."

"Yes, our town walls provide a false sense of security, letting the townspeople pretend they live in a remote little town... Other than that, we can only pray, hoping some deity notices this dirty corner of the Multiverse."

"You mentioned praying," Alamir spoke up again, "What is the state of faith here? Whose name do people call out when they pray?"

"To none, or anyone," Soveris glanced at his compatriot, "Your shield... if I remember correctly, that should bear Shuni’s Emblem?"

"Yes," Alamir proudly lifted his head, "As the spokeswoman for the Lady of Flames, spreading the truths of love and beauty throughout the Multiverse is my duty..."

"It seems your faith is very strong, that’s good," Soveris showed a peculiar smile, "But due to the long absence of response from the gods, people here have gradually forgotten the names of deities. Still, some have held onto their faith; for instance, I still remember the whispers of the Father of Oaks, and the shadow spirits know they will return to the Lady in the Court of Ravens to show her the hardships they’ve endured in this life..."

"What about death?" Lancelot asked casually, "Do any worship a deity related to death?"

"A deity related to death? Here?" Soveris seemed amused, but he noticed the serious expression on Lancelot’s face, "During Peyton Derrick’s reign, people naturally feared Milko, but that’s in the past. In fact, there’s a recent trend among mortals to worship Peyton himself as the True God who can bring them release. By the way, it’s said that the Madam of the Wolf King’s Den is the main benefactor of the Peyton Church. Is that what you’re asking about?"

"That’s helpful, thank you."

Lancelot nodded, but his heart was somewhat disappointed; he actually wanted to hear information about Shrek, but it seemed the Prince of Lies still preferred to manipulate everything from behind the scenes.

"Now, Sir Lancelot, it’s my turn to ask a question," Soveris set his mug down, wiping the foam from the corner of his mouth, "What impression do you have of Raventown? Are you interested in joining us?"

"I like this place, it’s very beautiful, and I agree with the way you go about things..."

"But?"

"But, there are people waiting for me to return."

"I recognize that tone... a woman?"

"Yes."

"She must be very beautiful."

"Worth staking my life for."

"Okay then," Soveris leaned back, looking drained, "I’m not doubting your capabilities, sir, but I’ve heard similar talk many times before, and after they’ve walked into that witch’s forest, they never come back..."

"We’re not going to look for the witches directly," Lancelot shook his head, "In the southern Gachituk Mountains, there’s an ancient temple. Do you know of it?"

"An ancient temple?" The brunette elf frowned and thought for a moment, reluctantly speaking, "I don’t recall a religious place there, but there is an entrance to an ancient tomb, filled with undead, so we never ventured deep..."

"Is that so? What does the entrance to that ancient tomb look like?"

"A huge skull carved into the cliff, the entrance is the left eye socket... looking at your expressions, did I guess correctly? Who told you about this location?"

"The Madam in the Wolf King’s Den."

"Be careful, she’s a very powerful spellcaster and must have some special motive... When are you leaving?"

"When I’ve finished this beer," Lancelot gestured with his half-empty mug, "It’s quite a long journey from here..."

"Yeah, it’s quite a distance on foot," Soveris glanced at Lancelot, then at the others who had quickened their eating, "Does anyone here fear heights?"