Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Ignoring the soldiers' suspicious gazes, he followed Sylvie and the old adept. A deeper furrow creased his brow with each step—the question about Elaris's strange delight gnawing at him.

However, his thoughts dissolved the moment he crossed the barrier, and his eyes widened at the city's raw, natural beauty.

A gust of fresh air ruffled the lush trees' leaves, bringing their scents to his nose. He examined the tall aqueduct carrying water to artistic fountains. Elves chatted nearby, scooping cold water into buckets before returning to their elegantly carved houses. Their joyful voices echoed as they discussed the forest's flora on their way, creating a peaceful scene.

Yet, his eyes narrowed into slits. Something was wrong with them. Explore more adventures at empire

His mind rumbled as he passed by an elf who nodded at him and continued to his house.

'He greeted demons?!'

Eyes wide, he scrutinised the elf's neck, noticing how pale it was. His eyes darted to the others, constricting at the result. They were the same, ghostly pale as though drained of blood.

An icy shudder ran down his spine as he turned to Luna. However, she just smiled at him and pointed at the aqueduct.

He nodded, imagining the noise of rushing water sustaining his town.

'We'll get one soon...' He shook his head, inhaling deeply. 'Shit... I have trouble focusing. What was I thinking about?'

Like with Elaris, he lost his train of thought... and by the time he realised it, he had forgotten he even tried to remember.

Instead, he nodded at the elves' greetings, strolling deeper into the town until Elaris halted them.

With a bright smile, he pushed a manor's doors open, revealing the luxurious red carpet covering the floor and the intricate statues lining the hall. He gestured for them to enter, his gentle voice resounding.

"I truly appreciate you bringing Sylvie back safely," Elaris said with a warm smile. "However, we must part ways for the evening. Night is approaching, and you must be weary from your journey. Please, make yourselves at home in my manor tonight. In the meantime, I'll notify the other elder about our upcoming diplomatic meeting."

Adam clicked his tongue, annoyance at the delay bubbling through his veins. But a steely glint flashed in his eyes. It would also give them more time to prepare.

'Prepare what?' His focus wavered, slipping away from his control. 'My state is worsening every day. What am I forgetting?'

An icy dread gripped his heart. He could feel something messing with his mind. He knew he had to treat it, but what was it again? A trembling hand came to grip his head as a dark rage ignited to consume him.

'Why am I forgetting? Why me?!'

Noticing his unnatural demeanor, Bart pulled him aside and gestured at Garduck, the meaning clear: bid them goodbye in Adam's stead.

Meanwhile, the firm grip of one of his most trusted subordinates eased his rage—just enough for him to hold on to one last idea.

Gripping Bart's shoulder tightly, Adam whispered urgently, "Don't trust them. Remember the plan. The plan! Whatever happens, don't forget it!"

Bart observed the veins throbbing on his lord's distorted face, his breath catching in his throat.

His eyes trembled next as Adam's expression suddenly softened into a friendly smile as if nothing had happened. Worse, Adam's words caused his jaw to drop.

"Oh, Bart. How are you doing? We'll reach the elven city today, so prepare your team for the worst. And don't forget, we need to meet Merlin at the rally point."

Adam's warm smile sent an icy shiver down his spine. Something was terribly wrong with their lord, and judging by his reaction, he had known about his state. And now, he felt his duty tear his heart in two opposing directions.

Should he inform the others about his state or follow his will to keep it a secret? He stood frozen for a second, contemplating his choice's outcome before he smiled at Adam.

"I won't forget, my lord," he whispered, his voice conflicted. "Why don't you spend some time with Luna? You've hardly had a chance to talk during the journey, and I'm sure you'd both appreciate it."

He saw Adam's eyes sparkle. Then, his lips trembled as he watched him forget about their discussion and rush to Luna.

"Damn it..." His knuckles whitened, and his jaw clenched. "No matter what happens, I'll honor Shihan's memory. I'll never doubt you."

A steely glint flashing in his eyes, he vowed to remain silent.

He walked to Garduck, who had just finished dealing with Elaris and Sylvie. He gripped his shoulder, his voice leaving no room for discussion.

"Garduck, I need to take your place on this mission." Despite Garduck's confused frown, he kept his firm stance. "Trust me as she trusted us."

Garduck sighed and slapped Bart's broad chest.

"I can tell something serious is up, but you can't talk about it. You wouldn't mention her otherwise." He nodded, solemnity and determination filling his voice. "Alright, you're in charge now. Use what you know to adjust the plan. I trust you, big guy."

With Garduck's approval and determined to help Adam, he turned and disappeared into a room.

As night fell, his mind raced relentlessly to find solutions. Hours ticked by and the joyous chirping of birds reverberated in his ears, yet he massaged his temples and exhaled in despair.

"Adjust the plan? How, when the most important person loses focus every two seconds... There are too many variables and uncertainties."

He slammed his palm on the desk. Muscles throbbing, he leapt to his feet and strode to the door, a final determined sentence echoing in the room.

"I'll burn my essence if it is what it takes to keep you safe. You can't die, not before you bring her back!"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Emerging into the morning light, he saw the other generals gathered by the entrance. Adam was here, too, discussing with Elaris as if he was fine. But he ignored his condition to listen, focusing on the task at hand.

"I'm afraid your escort will have to remain outside the castle," Elaris said, faking a dejected smile. "I hope you understand. Despite your contribution, it's still difficult for us to let a hundred demons into the heart of our city."

As Adam nodded and followed behind Elaris and the elven guards accompanying him, Bart's eyes narrowed into fiery slits. It was the moment of truth, and they all knew what to do. Therefore, he only spared his companions a glance before he blurred into motion.

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AN: For those confused about Adam's mental state, you'll understand soon enough.