Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Meanwhile, a brutal strike whistled by Adam's ear. Eyes narrowed in focus, he took in the glinting spearhead's trajectory and reacted simultaneously.

Sweat flew as he bent his back like a spring.

WHOOSH

His hair danced wildly as the spear passed by before his arm moved. With it, his abyssal blade drew a dark, upward arc. Explore more at empire

CLANG

The clang of metal colliding with metal reverberated inside the mountain's belly.

But Achilles' spear shaft met his counterattack, forcing it to halt as if met by an immovable wall.

He braced for the next strike, spreading his focus and tightening his muscles in preparation to dodge.

However, his mentor's bronze spear spun theatrically through the damp air before stopping behind his back.

With a smile, Achilles nodded and patted his hot shoulders.

"Time's up, Adam. I don't know what happened yesterday, but your reaction time improved."

Adam shook his head, his lips twisting in disappointment.

"That's the problem: I'm reacting consciously. Yesterday, I didn't think before my body moved." He repeated his last movement in slow motion. "My arm moved too late. I should have cleaved upward as I dodged, not after."

Achilles chuckled and raised his palms.

"Are you trying to react instinctively? Hahaha!" He slapped his leg in amusement. "Instinct can help but is not reliable. Look at me. I react to any threat in a split second because of my experience. That's the key."

However, He noticed how Adam's face remained solemn, prompting him to consider instinct on a deeper level.

"Look, Adam. What most of us have can be considered a trained instinct, but the one you seek..." He exhaled and shook his head. "Only one individual pulled it off: Diomedes. Do you know how?"

Upon hearing the trail to unlock his instincts once and for all, Adam's eyes sparkled as Achilles continued.

"By receiving Athena's help during battles." He sighed. "In short, the goddess guided him, not his instincts. I don't know if what you seek is achievable by mortals, but he was one hell of a fighter." He grinned and slapped Adam's back. "If you can reach his level, and even if you're slower than me, we might have a fair match."

Adam's heart drummed in his ears. A fair match against this monster? He clenched his fist at the idea, steam rising from his sweaty skin before he shook his head.

What a joke. It was Achilles' brutal, rage-fueled battle style that made him renowned. Without stats on par with his? He knew he would end up gutted in the blink of an eye.

He exhaled, sheathed his blade, and nudged Achilles in the chest with his fist.

"Can't promise anything, but I'll try to reach your level soon."

In this respectful atmosphere, he wiped his torso, put his leather top on, and bid Achilles goodbye.

Then, he left the calm mountain and stepped into the lush forest. He enjoyed the scent of nature, the flapping of birds' wings, and the sight of squirrels climbing branches curiously before he reached the territory a moment later.

Seeing the busy citizens filling the streets, he smiled and thought of Luna.

'Did she try the new outfit? I hope she likes it.'

Curious and pressed by his stomach's grumblings, he strolled through the streets and pushed Luna's door a moment later.

There she sat, cross-legged at the table, her figure draped in the stunning dark top.

His breath caught in his throat when he saw her beauty. Worse, his pants bulged instantly as an influx of blood made his general stand on guard. In his daze, his lips quivered to let a single word out.

"Stunning."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Luna's gaze lingered on the tent, her ears burning before she smirked and ignored it. It was payback for all the times he forced reactions out of her!

She rose to her feet and spun, revealing her delicate back to him as her belts clinked with the movement.

The fabric clung to her curves, accentuating them and forcing a nervous gulp down his throat. But she wasn't done.

She leaned forward and approached, her playful voice echoing in the living room.

"Does it fit me?"

His mouth opened and closed, sweat dripping down his temples as he gazed at her and suppressed the wolf clawing at his mind.

'How can she ask this? Even Aphrodite would raise the white flag before her! She's... She's the most beautiful!'

With a loud exhale, he reclaimed control over his body and took a few quick breaths. His temperature gradually lowered before he smiled gently and raised his thumb.

"Anything would fit you. But this outfit? I will dream of it."

A bright blush crept over her face, her heart pounding in her chest at the sudden compliment

She quickly hid her embarrassment and turned toward the table, stuttering as she pointed to the bell covering the dish.

"S-sit. I prepared food to thank you for the outfit."

Without waiting for his answer, she lifted the bell, allowing the rich fragrances to fill the air

Aromatic herbs, gratinated cheese, and bechamel sauce filled his nostrils, causing his mouth to water at the familiar dish.

He rushed to the table and sat, his stomach roaring in desire as she saw four lobsters bathing in the golden sauce.

Still, he took a moment to observe Luna's red face. Even without tasting, he knew how much effort she put in to recreate the recipe from memory. The attempt alone warmed his chest and caused his eyes to soften.

"Thank you, Luna." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently.

"W-What?" She almost leapt to her feet as she felt his warm lips on her skin. Then, she tucked her hair and hid her face behind them, her soft voice echoing. "Eat before it goes cold, boor."

His fingers trembled as he watched her adorable expression. But he couldn't make her wait. He didn't want to, either. Therefore, he picked up a lobster, smelling its rich flavor, before his sharp teeth dung into the perfectly cooked flesh.

"Mhhh!"

His lips uncontrollably curved. It was better than the one they had eaten last time.

'I can't stop.' He chuckled inwardly as he devoured his first lobsters in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Luna forgot her shyness at his comic face. Stained with sauce and lips reaching his ears like a kid, it was just too amusing.

"I guess you really like it."

She nodded in pride and brought her lobster to her mouth before she almost choked when she heard his next words.

"I do! You'd make a perfect wife!"