Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Similar to the last two days, Adam woke up and marched into the forest. Ruthless and unstoppable, he clawed through the tall trees, coating them bright red.

Magical beasts howled in agony, and birds flapped their wings frantically to the horizon, cawing their dread to alert every forest dweller—death sent its champions to shatter their peaceful haven.

Yet, what could mere warnings do when his eyes scrutinised the fiery depictions of their dwellings on the demonic map?

That's what a colony of treants learned the hard way when he stormed their habitats. Flames rained, reducing them to stacks of cinders blown by the fresh wind. But he was only starting.

After the camps came the lords. And those living in this forest seemed peculiar.

Now he smirked at one of them, his firm finger pointed at his elegant wooden walls. Yet, their delicate engravings, or ten meters in height, didn't matter when his voice rumbled like thunder.

"You have two options: surrender or die." He drew his abyssal blade, dark flames crackling to life along its frame to add a layer of threat. "You only have one opportunity to answer. Choose carefully."

He scrutinised the trembling lord, his eyes sparkling at his pointed ears and golden hair, before looking at the soldiers behind him.

Clutching bows and slim, engraved sabers, he saw disgust swirl in their eyes. But also a terror gnawing at their hearts, one they would never overcome: the fear of demons.

Uninterested in their emotions, he shrugged, his eyes narrowing on the elven lord.

Faced with the gaze's pressure, the elf bit his lip, his knuckles whitening on the railing. Yet, his shoulders slumped, and his eyes dimmed.

"Promise me you'll treat us well, Adam..."

Adam's shoulders trembled as he laughed and sheathed his blade.

"Of course, I'll treat my territory's first elves well!" He planted his handless arm against his hip and raised his thumb. "Gather your people and bring me your lord badge."

However, the elven soldiers didn't like the negotiation's turn one bit.

One, taller than the others and exuding a sense of nobility with his long eyelashes and almost feminine features, gripped the lord by the collar.

"You're the shame of the elven race!" He thundered, his green robes fluttering and the golden flowers embroidered on his wide sleeve glinting. "How can you sell us to demons? How can you give up against a mere one hundred of them when we have three times their numbers?"

Uninterested in their inner strife, Adam rolled his eyes and walked to the gate.

"Convince them yourself. But no matter what they say, know that you made the right choice." He pointed north. "You can ask the fifty lords buried in that direction or the almost thirty thousand humans who joined me in the last two days."

The lord trembled for a second before he slapped his mage's hand and thundered.

"You think he's lying? Fool! All of you!" He panted, his face flushed. "I don't know what happened to the lords who surrendered. But those who didn't?" He slammed the railing, shocking the soldiers. "Every lord saw them cry and curse before dying!" Your next read awaits at empire

The soldiers lowered their faces, understanding their lord chose the most logical option between a sure death and potential salvation.

Still, the mage's veins bulged on his forehead as he pointed an accusing finger at the lord.

"You're the imbecile, Matt! You're contracted to Freyr. What would happen to his prestige when the other gods learn about your unconditional surrender?"

Matt smirked and shrugged. "He can choose a new one. I'm not losing my life for him or anyone." His eyes narrowed into slits as he gestured at the soldiers behind to knock the mage out as he spoke. "But tell me, what prestige are you talking about when you seem eager to sacrifice many lives to put up a vain resistance?"

The mage's eyes trembled, the unexpected question rumbling in his mind. Wasn't it normal to oppose demons—the realms' public enemies—even if death awaited them?

Before he could continue, a blinding ringing reverberated in his ears, and a piercing pain overwhelmed his thoughts. His vision blurred as his hand rose to cover the back of his skull in a last effort, in vain. His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Behind him, a soldier lowered his sword's guard, nibbling on his lips in guilt.

Meanwhile, Matt raised his fist, his golden hair fluttering, as he roared his commands.

"Let them in and gather everyone!" He scrutinised his doubtful soldiers, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "Trust me one last time, as you did when I summoned you. "

Despite their hesitation, the soldiers recalled their past struggles. But most importantly, Matt's treatment.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Contrary to their expectations, he considered them as brothers in arms and shared everything with his citizens. The oldest ones shuddered, a scene they'd never forget flashing in their eyes: Matt giving his own dinner to a starving lady despite his crying stomach. That's why they had trusted him and why they'd continue.

Their hesitation cleared, they moved to carry Matt's command, for better or worse.

A moment later, the gate rumbled and rose before Adam as he stepped inside.

He took his surroundings in, noticing fresh houses built along trees. Nodding at their designs and seeing the citizens hiding behind their lord's back, he smiled and halted before Matt.

"Seems like they love you." He patted Matt's shoulder and grinned. "And this forest isn't bad. So, how about I let you rule this place in my stead?"

He saw Matt's brows furrow, his face leaning forward in confusion, as he shrugged.

"I have a town in the north. I'll need one in the south, too."

Far from convincing Matt, his words only deepened his confusion.

"We don't know each other, and there are still a few lords around, so why me?"

Adam pointed at the elves' hopeful smiles, clasped hands over their chests, decent clothing, and healthy skins.

"Because of them." He waved his hand dismissively. "Of course, you can refuse and move to my town."

Matt's eyes widened, and his heart drummed in his ears.

Was Adam serious? He seemed to be... But did he deserve that trust? It was so confusing. Still, he could understand part of the reason.

Before he could continue thinking about the taxes he would need to collect for him, Adam shattered his introspection, his words stirring his newfound understanding into a chaotic mess.

"My only command is to offer the citizens peaceful and fulfilling lives. As for the rest, do what you want."

He turned, waving and strolling to the lord's house to complete the process. After all, Matt wouldn't refuse, not when he could continue to care for his citizens.

And as expected, the elf's voice cracked a second later.

"I'll rule this city in your name, Adam. Thank you for not destroying what I spent a month to build." He clutched his racing heart, bowing and hiding the tears silently rolling down his cheeks. "You have my respect for keeping your humanity in the body of a demon."

As everyone sighed in relief, Bart stepped out of the demonic ranks to brief Matt. He explained to him that Adam wouldn't tax his citizens at all. However, the city must contribute raw resources to help the capital build its largest projects. In exchange, Adam would mobilise soldiers to protect it and ensure it remained a haven.

Meanwhile, Adam whistled an RPG tune as he gazed at his notifications.

[Congratulations on capturing a town. Your territory will expand to encompass the town and its surroundings.]

Territory status

Rank:

Bronze III

Area:

154->1354km²

'That's also why I wanted to find a trustworthy lord.'

He grinned, leaving the house and gesturing for his team to follow him into the forest.

'Now that I found him.' His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. 'The others better surrender fast.'