Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Tiamat slapped his arm in amusement, her chuckles grating at his ears.

"Hahaha! Did my essence attract him? That sounds right since I created the first prototypes to fight my unruly children."

His eyes widened, the revelation rumbling in his mind.

'I'm not her first hybrid?! What else did she create in the past?'

A meaning-laden smile curled on her lips, making him shudder in horror.

"Trust me, you don't want to know or see them. They were all monstrous hybrids anyway, but you are my masterpiece." She leaned forward, her small hand patting his muscular chest. "And handsome at that. Anyway, conquer that sad kingdom and get me my leg soon. Until then, don't bother us in our shopping sessions!"

With a wink, she grabbed Hestia's hand and disappeared into the lively streets, leaving the silent Luna behind.

Facing the person he had wanted to see most, he shoved his confusion and concern about the future tasks into a corner of his mind and, his lips curling to reach his sparkling eyes, he whispered.

"I missed you, Luna."

His heart pounded at her bright smile and flushed cheeks as they leaned closer until they could feel each other's warm forehead.

"I missed you too, Adam." She felt his essence pulsing through his veins through their tender touch. "Seems like Wukong's training did wonders. Worth it, I'd say."

His heart wavered as her melodious chuckles echoed in the streets and her slender fingers entwined with his.

Before he could answer, she guided him to a nearby bench and sat. Your next journey awaits at empire

He saw a soft frown crease her brow and felt her hand tremble. Concerned, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders to show support.

"Did something happen?"

She shook her head.

"Many things happened. It's just... I kind of..."

His eyes narrowed as she continued.

"Jean says you owe him two hundred thousand gold coins because we gave away his enchanted equipment to better preserve the citizens during the uprising." Her eyes slipped aside. "I thought you'd prefer to see them safe, but I didn't expect the debt and his constant pestering. Sorry."

"Hahaha! That's it?" He shrugged, uncaring about money. "I'll give him a shop in our future academy campus later. Surely, he'll recoup his loss in a heartbeat or he's incompetent. Anyway, what's mine is yours, so don't mention money and do what you feel is best."

Though he found her flustered face adorable and her concerns touching, the debt was insignificant compared to his new cities and their treasuries. Offering Jean a shop on the academy campus was a far more valuable proposition. But if he insisted on cash, he would pay Jean even if he'd lose the little esteem he had for the enchanter.

Meanwhile, a warm sensation spread around Luna's chest as she sighed in relief. Determination flashing in her eyes, she filled him in on the successful conquest of Foliaris and Kyriakos' desire to meet him.

"All in all, your plan was spot on, and Oikos lost its hold of the east. But we also suffered from their retaliation."

"Let me guess? They focused on our ambush teams after the painful lesson. A bunch of fools who think turtling behind their walls will save them."

A smirk split his face as he rose from the bench and pointed a determined finger west.

"We cut off their supply chain by conquering the western edge of the kingdom. Surrounded by enemies and slowly starving, the center will collapse before the month ends!"

He noticed Luna's wide eyes and pulled her into his arms. Uncaring about the citizens' approving glances, he unfurled his wings and raised his thumb.

"Did you ever fly?"

"N-No?"

Her stutter made him laugh as he crouched and whispered.

"Let it be a first, then!"

The wind whipped against his armor as he propelled himself to the sky. The noise of the citizens' voices faded, and the mixture of metallic scent, freshly cooked food, and polished wood faded before the city became a small dot in their eyes.

Fresh air blew their hair in a mad dance as they pierced the clouds. Condensing raindrops stuck their clothes to their skin as they laughed at the exhilarating feeling and, more importantly, in delight because of the person they shared it with.

Soon, they passed over the forest and observed the lush plains unfurling like a tapestry of vibrant colors. Golden wheat swayed in the few fields surrounding picturesque villages until the tall walls of Foliaris met their eyes.

His arms tightened around Luna's waist as he stopped above the humming mana barrier.

"Did you enjoy it?"

He watched her smooth her hair, and her slender neck tremble with her chuckle. Her face blurred next before a warm sensation met his lips.

Heart pounding and eyes wide, he observed Luna's burning face as she pecked him, then hid it with a warm hug.

"I enjoyed the unique experience. Let's do it again." She whispered, her breath tickling his ears. "But not anytime soon. We need your leadership more than ever."

Determination flashing in his eyes, he pulled back and nodded.

'She's right. And there is more than what she says.' The wind whistled as he flapped his wings down, a grimace twisting his lips. 'She's happy, but a part of her heart will never find peace as long as Zepar is alive. This bastard. I'll kill him myself to free her from her inner demons... That sounds wrong. She's a demon in the first place.'

He cast his thoughts aside to observe the familiar walls. They almost sparkled compared to the last time, and dozens of demons patrolled them. At the gate, he saw dozens of his soldiers' solemn faces as they inspected carts and carriages meticulously.

'That's how a city gate should look like.' The contrast with the previously corrupted guards made him smile as he waved at them on his way inside.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The clean outskirts, the echo of renovation, and the humans' grateful smiles warmed his heart before he reached the inner city's grand palace.