Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

An icy shudder ran down the five lords' spines, causing their legs to chatter as they observed Adam's leather armor. From an exquisite set, it turned into a blood-dripping suit in their widening eyes. Ash covered its sticky surface, adding to the terror gnawing at their pale faces. His emerald eyes seemed to pull them into a demonic world of violence and fire.

The worst part? His gentle smile did nothing to alleviate this image. On the contrary, it made it more threatening! That's how they imagined his look after he visited the recalcitrant lords.

No. They shook their heads in unison. That's how they would have conquered them if they commanded such a powerful army.

Slowly, they exhaled, realising they projected their desire for victory on him before they turned to see the reality.

Thousands of clean civilians smiled behind the demons that had escorted them. Not a single wound smeared their healthy skins, showing how well Adam's army had treated them.

One turned to him and nodded respectfully.

"Are you following our international laws about wars, even in this realm?"

Meanwhile, Adam tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.

"I'm just avoiding unnecessary death. Anyway, let's enter and find you some nice housing." He winked, changing the subject before they realised he had no idea what those laws were about. "Let's go! I can't mistreat fellow earthlings!"

As he walked inside, they hurried behind him.

Eyes wide, they gaped at the pristine streets lined with elegant villas. The noise of activities and vibrant discussions hummed in their ears before they saw goblins, humans, a few kobolds, and demons interacting like friends.

More than a facade, their heads jerked back when they saw them work hand in hand to build facilities. When they passed a tailor shop, they noticed a blonde middle-aged lady showing sewing techniques to more demons.

Heck! She even smiled and waved at them as if nothing wrong was happening.

After seeing her, the woman who had spoken earlier leaned to the four others' ears and whispered.

"Why is it so different from what the Greatest Imp tells us daily? Aren't they distrustful and violent creatures? Isn't it the reason any kingdom would sentence humans who interacted with them to death?"

"I don't know, sis." The one who criticised Adam's strategy started. "Maybe their lord influences their behaviors? Like... You've seen how much of a bastard that imp is."

Her nose scrunched as she remembered the boastings about his succubus harem and how the fool now killed every male to get their experience points.

The third one shook his head.

"If you want my opinion, the imp had it harder in the first week, but now? Adam is isolated in a human realm where everyone wants demons dead." His lips curled into a smile. "And the worst part is that he was human. What irony!"

Their whispers died down, a conflicted silence disturbed by their footsteps engulfing them.

Then, the fourth lord spoke, shattering it with a question that caused their faces to twist pensively.

"Say, would you have done as well as him if you started in this realm as an imp?"

After a second, the second lord rolled his eyes.

"I'm not too smart, so I would have probably died after going to a village and telling them that I'm human, too. Hahaha."

However, the third's face turned somber as he remembered the dramas he had read on the lord's chat.

"He defeated the lord of the nine realms during the event's last wave. He also subjugated the King of Heroes, who boasted all day long about how Achilles supported his territory. Even if it pains me to admit it, surrendering was the only option."

As they nodded, they emerged before Adam's house and the demonic altar towering before it.

Their eyes widened at the demonic structure spewing green essence through its petrified-looking branches.

Then, their eyes sparkled at the elegant Spiritual Qi Tower behind the house and the vibrant grey particles it released in the air.

Before they could recover from the shock of seeing special buildings for the first time, Adam clapped his hands before them.

"This is the center of my town. You can pick a house on this street or go further west if you prefer an environment closer to nature." He chuckled." I'm sure you'll enjoy the sight of our golden fields swaying in the wind in a few months."

He pointed at the chaos forge, the distillery, and the leather and tailor workshops.

"You can choose to do nothing and enjoy a life of peace." He offered them a warm smile." And before you doubt, it's not a test. It really wouldn't bother me, and I'll provide housing and food for free on our origin's account. Or you can decide to visit these buildings and find a job that would bring you a sense of fulfilment.

I'll also build an academy in the future, so I'll hire you if you're interested in becoming teachers."

As their eyes sparkled in anticipation, he grinned and raised his thumb.

However, the third lord's jaw clenched before he stepped forward and lowered his head.

"I know you're not active in the chat, and when I see your territory, I understand why." Ominous shadows danced on his face, and his voice turned somber. "But now that we're on the same boat, I must warn you. Many contracted lords from various realms allied to exterminate you. The last time I checked, they mentioned pooling resources to support Sir Drufus."

Adam rolled his eyes at their plans and cut him off.

"Let me guess, the one who summoned Heracles through Zeus' cheating?"

The third lord nodded.

"Be careful, Adam. You're powerful, but many countries on Earth adopted the saying "there is strength in numbers" for a reason."

"Let them come."

With a dismissive shrug and curt answer, Adam walked to his generals. Yet, a chaotic fire ignited in his eyes, and demonic essence swirled out of them.

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AN: I hope you're eager to read the confrontation between Adam and Sir Drufus!