Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

After leaving Matt's town, twigs cracked under his team's feet as they marched to visit the other lords.

Most surrendered as his reputation among them preceded him. Still, a few tried to hide their guilt under the guise of resistance. And he understood why after seeing their nefarious practices.

His nose scrunched in disgust as he wished he could bring them back to life, only to let Ifrit teach them what the skinned victims found in their basements felt.

Yet, his anger rapidly subsided once he sat on a towering tree root and smirked at his interface.

LVL:

57

Exp:

Enjoy more content from empire

67.000/577.000

HP:

14.000/14.000

Vitality:

931->1075 (+325)

Strength:

931->1075(+103)(+325)

Agility:

931->1075 (+112)(+325)

Free attribute points:

432->0

He cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, the bones popping after the rush of strength provided by the newly added stat points. But before delight could settle in his crumbling mind, he gazed at the city rising from the ground a few hundred meters before him.

Reflecting the setting sun's rays in a myriad of dancing orange sheens, a mana dome encased the place in its protective embrace.

The city walls' engravings pulsed with mana like a living being, powering the barrier. But there was more to it. He could feel another layer, subtler but more resilient. And he caught its source after looking at the castle reaching for the sky in the city center.

Similar to the one represented on the Elden blueprint but built of sturdy wood, he grinned at its design as he rose to his feet. He had reached this expedition's destination and possible salvation for his crumbling mind.

Footsteps echoed behind him as Sylvie's eager voice sounded in his ears.

"Thank you so much for escorting me back, Adam! You can't imagine how excited I am to meet Elden's new generation."

He turned and saw her grateful smile and sparkling eyes but shrugged her emotions off to focus on what mattered.

"Guide us in and ask the leaders for a diplomatic meeting."

She nodded and skipped over to the city.

Meanwhile, his eyes narrowed into fiery slits as he turned to Garduck, icy whispers escaping his lips.

"You know what to do."

Garduck nodded, an innocent smile curving on his lips as he commanded the demons to follow Sylvie.

After a short walk, they endured the elven soldiers' suspicious glares, ignoring their drawn bows and knocked arrows.

Meanwhile, Sylvie's voice reverberated with her passion and delight to reunite with her people after three thousand torturous years.

"Open the gate, dear people of Elden! I'm Sylvie of house Silvëriel, and I'm back where I belong!"

However, Adam noticed the soldiers' narrowed eyes and heard the bowstrings twang under the added pressure.

'They don't believe her?'

As the question echoed and his hand reached for his blade, a soldier draped in golden armor leapt down the walls. His long, blond hair swirled as his sword glinted under Sylvie's neck.

"We don't know about Elden. But no matter who you are, you've committed the worst imaginable sin today: you brought demons to our doorsteps!"

The other soldiers nodded as Sylvie's lips curled into a broad grin.

"That's strange, really." She pointed at the walls' engravings and the barrier. "Those are our kingdom's technologies, though."

Her eyes narrowed, and her smile vanished while she pushed the blade aside with her slender finger. She stepped forward, her hand meeting the soldier's shuddering shoulder as she whispered, her voice as cold as death.

"Don't try my patience, brat. Get a mage from the castle to meet us or trust me, you won't like how your walls will end. And without their protection..." She let her words linger, her eyes slipping to the demons.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

The soldier's legs trembled, and dread's icy fingers gripped his heart. Was it the eager girl from a second ago? The shift was too sudden. And her palm... His eyes bulged as he felt old, forbidden magic lick his skin. But more importantly, her strength struck him in the guts: only two elves could match her in this city.

He gulped in horror before he forced a nod. "Please wait a few minutes until I return with our mage elder."

Without waiting for a response, he scrambled to the gate and into the city under the other soldiers' and demons' confused gazes.

What did she tell him?

Adam didn't know, but his eyes narrowed on her eager smile as she waved at him.

'Must be a proof of identity they don't know of.'

He shrugged, tapping his foot on the ground impatiently.

Five minutes later, his rhythmic stomps halted, and his eyes brightened. The soldier had returned with a hooded man.

Through the green fabric and many leaves embroidered on his robes, he saw the deep wrinkles digging into his skin. But the long staff used as a cane and the light blue gem spinning atop it drew his attention much more.

While he watched, Sylvie curtsied and chuckled.

"Good day, elder. Could you let us in?" She slapped her forehead playfully. "The demons have freed and escorted me here. They are good people born in the wrong bodies, so don't mind them."

The aged elf's eyes narrowed before they constricted. Icy sweat dripped down his spine, archived paintings flashing before his eyes—portraits of a woman who should have been mere legend. He backed a step, terror making his voice crack.

"W-welcome back, Sylvie Silvë..." He coughed nervously and dropped to his knees. "Sylvie Von Elden, the fiancée of our last prince."

Upon seeing their city's most influential man kneel, the soldiers' eyes bulged as they lowered their bows in confused panic.

Meanwhile, the aged man continued.

"I'm Elaris, a humble adept serving what remains of our once great civilisation." He leapt to his feet and took her hand, ignoring the demons. "But I'm irrelevant. Let me welcome you to the castle. Your friends are also welcome!"

Adam observed Elaris' flushed face as he eagerly dragged Sylvie inside, while doubts resurfaced in his mind. Didn't the kingdom mages turn her into a banshee? Why was Elaris delighted to see her back?