Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

They emerged into a circular underground chamber after following Achilles through the castle's elegant corridors.

The first thing that drew a collective sigh of admiration was the lights pulsing a faint blue along the elven and magical symbols engraved onto the walls and columns.

Adam gasped at the mystical engravings carved on the mirror-like floor. They almost seemed alive with their orderly rotation, and their musical hums captivated him.

Finally, Achilles drew his attention to an altar, the nexus of the castle's enchantments.

"Place the power core in the socket and enjoy the spectacle."

Achilles handed him the gray core, a smile tugging at his lips.

Shoving his awe aside, he gripped the item and moved to the altar. All the magic symbols seemed to extend from its silver surface... His eyes narrowed. No, they came from the empty socket and its dim light.

With an eager smile, he raised the core high, drawing his friends' impatient shouts.

"I'm glad the original team is complete to inaugurate the castle."

His mind drifted to the recovering Karna, Wukong, and Merlin, a soft sigh leaving his lips. Still, he focused on the socket and slotted the Undead power core.

"Let's inaugurate many more buildings together!"

ZOOOOM

Mana hummed, and the air trembled as a rain of magic sparks connected the core to the altar.

The air rippled, singing a symphony as energy coursed into the brightening engravings and mist rose above the altar.

"Wow!"

Everyone stared, gobsmacked as a barrier formed around the altar and pushed through the walls. Solid yet ethereal, it expanded to encompass the castle, then the territory in its protective embrace.

Even better, negative energy swirled inside the barrier, rushing to the core to replenish its power in a virtuous cycle.

However, Adam's eyes widened at something else.

Before him, mana danced and condensed into miniature stars as though he stood in the middle of the vast universe.

They drifted, leaving a trail in their wake and creating an enchanting spectacle reflected on the ground as Achilles patted his shoulders.

"Merlin tweaked the settings a little to create this environment. Though he can't be with us, I hope you enjoy his surprise as much as I do." A smile curved on his lips as he touched a star.

Adam nodded, a warm sensation spreading through his chest.

"Thank him for me."

Then, he went to Luna. Noticing her sparkling eyes, he took her hands gently as he made her sit beside him.

"Let's enjoy the relaxing sight for a while. I don't know about you, but it brings me peace." He passed his fingers through her silky hair and grinned. "Especially when you're with me."

A sharp sting made him smile as she pinched his hand and, her face flushed, admonished.

"Everyone is watching, but..." She leaned her head against his shoulder, hearing his quick heartbeats. "I don't dislike your idea."

They enjoyed each other's warmth in the spectacular setting, hearing the mana sing a hopeful tune into their ears.

Meanwhile, his generals' lips curled into warm smiles, especially Shihan's.

"I'm glad you changed, Luna. Everyone, no matter their species, seeks a good partner."

Bart caught her soft whisper and fumbled on his feet for a second before a steely glint flashed in his eyes.

Noticing the movement, Adam's eyes sparkled as he gestured to Luna's posture and mouthed, "Do like me!"

Then, he gripped Leraje's quiver and discreetly threw it at him.

As he caught it, Bart's shoulder trembled in hesitation. The quiver was his lord's spoil. How could he take it, even with his permission?

However, he saw Adam wink and raise his thumb, mouthing, "Go, big guy!"

With a grateful nod, he walked to Shihan, causing everyone to glance at him in excitement as his voice cracked.

"Shihan, I...uh..." His knuckles whitened around the quiver. "You've been a pillar of support for us... for me. Your smile erased my doubts and showed me demons can live good lives..."

He cleared his throat, his face burning in shame as she tilted her head with gentle confusion. Explore more stories at empiren/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I want to prove that I'm worthy of your care, not just as a friend... but as a partner." He extended the quiver, his voice firming with determination. "Will you give me a chance?"

His breath caught in his throat as he watched her brows crease into a pensive frown. The silence that followed weighed on his heart, oppressive, cruel even. But he gave her the time she needed to answer.

Meanwhile, the corner of Shihan's lips rose slightly as she felt the leathery quiver and its demonic engravings. Her smile broadened when she remembered their discussions around the campfire in the middle of the night. Finally, she raised her hand, her eyes sparkling as she remembered Bart's loyalty and deep sense of duty.

"I don't know if it'll work out." Her palm met Bart's warm shoulder. "But I'm willing to try."

Bart's arms trembled, and his eyes blurred as everyone clapped and whistled in congratulations, Adam the first.

In this celebratory atmosphere, Shihan blushed and hid her reddening face behind her fluffy tails before Bart held her hands and sat with her.

"I'm not the best with words, but I'll prove daily that your choice wasn't wrong."

As she nodded, Luna gazed at Adam, resisting the urge to pinch his ear to o

"Do you even get how valuable a great marquis' stuff is? You could've given it to Karna, used it, or even recycled it!"

Adam grinned and patted her back.

"I know. But I'm happier seeing my first companions' joy than possessing a rare item. You've seen Bart's grief after the accident. He deserves it."

Luna sighed and interlaced her fingers with his. Her eyes softened as she leaned against his chest.

"That's why we follow you, Adam. I'm glad you summoned and showed me that life wasn't only colored black."

He leaned his head above hers, the sweet scent of her hair filling his nose as he whispered.

"And I'm grateful for all your teachings and trust, Luna."

Time slowly passed as they contemplated the stars. The generals departed one after another until he kissed her forehead and whispered, "Time to go home."

He helped her up as she nodded, before they left the castle together.

After leaving the castle with Luna and ensuring she reached her home safely, he returned to his room, the soft hum of the town's barrier accompanying his steps.

"That's what I've been working for. A place where everyone can forget about the world's dark side and enjoy peaceful moments."

He sat on his bed, the night breeze ruffling his hair as his gaze firmed on his interface.

"No matter what comes, I'll protect this peace."