The Paladin in the Abyss

Chapter 650: Chapter 674: Convincing the Demons

What is the essence of evil?

Philosophers have long debated this, with one perspective proposing that good and evil are relative, depending on a set of moral standards most members of a community agree on. These standards distinguish right from wrong, honor from disgrace, and justice from injustice. Those who knowingly disregard these standards or even deliberately act against them are considered evildoers. Of course, the next question is, who decides these moral standards? What happens when different communities’ standards conflict?

Imagine a murderer who kills a frail child because he was convinced by a prophecy that the child would grow up to be a menace to all living beings, or a ruler who launches a world-engulfing war, leading to the death of countless soldiers and civilians, believing his rule would make the world a better place. In such extreme cases, how is evil defined?

Deities seem to have answered this question, as they judge the souls of their followers and assess their actions in life. After warriors who firmly believe in their righteousness and perceive the other as evil die together, their souls could be welcomed by their respective faiths’ deities. However, this merely pushes the problem further back—these two deities might be enemies, each considering the other a cancer of the Multiverse that must be eradicated.

In light of this, another group of scholars believes that good and evil are objective standards; any action that harms, oppresses, tortures, or kills others is evil, regardless of whether the perpetrator seeks to gain some benefit or simply doesn’t care about others’ feelings.

This group of scholars insists that the objective nature of an action should be clarified first, and then the actor’s intentions should be considered. Ethicists could list a series of ‘exceptional circumstances’ like the right to self-defense, necessary violence to uphold the law’s dignity, unintentional mistakes, and subsequent compensations, but these do not change the nature of the action itself.

Of course, these are merely the viewpoints of mortals. Fiends born in the lower planes scoff at these notions. For them, killing, torturing, and betrayal are delightful activities that require no justification, as naturally entitled as mortals need to breathe. In Lancelot’s view, abandoning injured soldiers in battle is an unacceptable evil, but for Sonam, questioning such behavior is as absurd as asking why one should use the sharp end of a spear to stab.

“Please forgive me, Madam, but I believe that if the team could rest a bit, treat the wounded, and send those who can no longer fight back to Twin Bridges Town, it would be very beneficial,” Lancelot said humbly, in a respectful tone, “It won’t take too long, and we can have the other Demon Legions move ahead.”

“…If it were anyone else, I would have used my longsword to silence him,” Sonam coldly stared at Lancelot, “but considering your performance just now, I think you’ve earned a bit of my patience. You’d better have something concrete to say—what’s the benefit of doing so?”

“The benefit is that these people can return to their original worlds alive, with their purses full of rewards, recounting their adventures in the Abyss,” Lancelot quickly replied, “They will describe the Mercenary Hall, training grounds, the marketplace, the taverns, as well as the rough Demon captains, the cunning and deceitful Demon soldiers, and the wise and brave Serpent Demon General—I mean you.”

“So what?” Sonam impatiently shifted her body, looking ready to strike like a serpent, “Where’s the benefit in what you’re suggesting?”

“There are many benefits, such as increasing the popularity of Twin Bridges Town, attracting more interdimensional merchants…but most importantly, we can build a better reputation among the mercenaries, making them believe that taking on commissions from Twin Bridges Town is profitable. They have the opportunity to earn money and live to take it back with them, thus, when Twin Bridges Town issues another call for mercenaries, more will come to join our army,” Lancelot explained.

“…Hmm, so you’re saying, just by doing as you suggested, we can earn more people’s trust?” Sonam looked somewhat persuaded, “And when the time comes to betray them, we could reap even greater benefits?”

“Uh… If you must think that way, yes.” Lancelot helplessly touched his nose, “But in the long run, maintaining a good reputation should bring more benefits…”

“Hmm, that’s not for you to decide.” The Six-Armed Serpent Demon relaxed its previously stiff body, “I’ll leave it to you then. I’ve never done anything like rescuing injured soldiers before… Order in my name, but you don’t have much time. As soon as the last soldier of the allied forces passes, the entire army must immediately set out to follow.”

“At your command, General.” Lancelot suppressed his excitement, respectfully bowed, “Thank you.”

“…Hmph.” Sonam let out another snort and swam towards the Black Armored Flame Demon General not far away. Lancelot also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, turned around, and found that all his companions were staring at him with a strange look.

“What’s the matter?” Lancelot touched his nose, “Surely no one opposes my proposal, right?”

“What did I just witness…” The old Holy Warrior’s expression was almost blank, “You actually convinced a Six-Armed Serpent Demon to agree to help the injured after the battle?”

“Even if you told me those Goat-Head Demons actually prefer eating fruit salads, I wouldn’t be more surprised.” Rein Belen, the gnome with the green beard, shook his head solemnly, “About demons, I think I may have many misunderstandings…”

“Trust me, your impression of them is mostly correct, it’s just that Twin Bridges Town is an exception.” Alamir shrugged, “And our captain is no ordinary person, he was just chased by a Demon from the Abyss… Lancelot, how many times have you saved us now?”

“This time doesn’t count, because I brought you all to the battlefield.”

The Human Knight shook his head, his face showing no hint of pride. He looked around, then in a flash, leaped onto a towering rock, and many eyes followed him.

“My friends!” he began with a vigorous voice, his voice spreading throughout the entire battlefield, “Are you still alive?”

A loud chorus of curses came back, mixed with a few sporadic cheers.

“Not bad, not bad, you can still make such noise, that means you’re all doing fine, at least for the time being.” Lancelot nonchalantly waved his hand, “I heard that Bartez is the most terrifying army in the Multiverse, has anyone seen them yet?”