Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

His hands trembled on Muramasa's back, and his heart pounded at the changes in the smith's curse. No, it became much more.

Instead of driving non-demons mad, the curse struck anyone wielding his weapons but his subjects—no matter their species—adding a terrifying buff to their arsenal.

His lips curled into a warm smile, joy sparkling in his eyes as he pulled back.

"I consider you family, too." He wiped his wet cheek and nudged Muramasa's chest. "I'll get you more materials soon. Surpass the gods and show me the pinnacle of craftsmanship."

Muramasa nodded and high-fived him, the enthusiastic noise brightening the warehouse.

"Only the best artisan can accompany the man who'll overthrow them." They grinned at each other before Muramasa continued. "You should meet with Wukong. He almost deafened me going on about you becoming his disciple while we spied... I mean, observed Gilgamesh's summoning."

"Right." Adam turned and waved his hand on his way out. "I'll check if our wounded have recovered, too."

Unlike at sunrise, citizens enlivened the broad streets with their eager discussions. Their sheer number made him chuckle. No one noticed him for once, allowing him to appreciate his walk to the castle, the mouth-watering scent of freshly baked bread, and the construction noises coming from the river.

"Did they start the aqueduct's construction?" A grin split his face. They'd finally have a proper irrigation system. "I hope I'll get a sewer blueprint soon."

With the increased population, the first illnesses wouldn't take long to appear. Therefore, cleaning their wastewater became a priority.

Though he could come up with something using the goblin engineers, he shook his head. After all, the aqueduct could clean itself and control the water's temperature with its enchantments. That's why he'd rather wait for a blueprint.

"It even makes the water glow with a different color depending on the season. I won't pass on magical sewers!"

Chuckling, he stepped inside the castle hall, noticing Wukong leaning on the wall by the entrance.

"Don't waste time." Wukong shook his finger, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. "Merlin and Karna are still recovering, so follow me!"

However, Adam gazed west before he shook his head despite his excitement.

"I'm eager to learn under you, brother. But my mind won't be at peace before I organise our first operation against the Oikos kingdom."

He saw Wukong roll his eyes before the wind brushed his hair, and he found himself locked under the monkey king's armpit. His brows rose as he tapped on the steel-like arm's hair. But Wukong only chuckled and dragged him to the castle's underground.

"I don't care! They already know what to do. Realise that you have no place in small skirmishes as the lord." His voice firmed. "I know you want to fight on the frontline, but training is more important. So, listen well."

A brief silence lingered as Adam's lips quivered before his shoulders slumped in defeat.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Wukong caught the change and released him, then shoved a finger before his eyes and continued.

"Karna taught you to control your flame's destructiveness and give them rudimentary shapes, but you're still an amateur, brother."

He shook his head, pushing a reinforced door open and revealing its interior.

Qi ran along calligraphed symbols, providing bright lighting that shifted with the color of the five elements. In the centre, Adam saw an elevated arena and a sturdy wooden puppet draped in threatening armor.

As he observed, Wukong pushed him in and continued.

"Luna's control is much better than yours. We'll try to reach her level with your flames first. We'll focus on chaos next." His eyes narrowed into slits, gravitas permeating his words as he gripped Adam's shoulder. "You don't realise it yet, but chaos is one of the ultimate energies. Space, time? It predated both and can swallow them!"

A tsunami struck Adam's mind as he finally understood his abilities better.

"That's why I can convert mana and Qi into demonic essence?"

However, Wukong rolled his eyes and shook his head. Yet, he didn't bother explaining that his essence had nothing in common with other demons and that Tiamat's modifications were a piece of art. Instead, he pointed down, sat, and lightened his pipe.

"Your flames are hotter, but that's nothing. Chaos is unpredictable, Adam. If you learn to wield it, you can drop its temperature in the negative to create frozen flames."

Adam froze, his eyes widening in shock. Yet the lesson and its surprises only started. Continue your journey with empire

"You can even use lightning-like attacks by condensing and super-heating your flames." Wukong's lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "Chaos is ever-changing, rebelling against order, and allowing incomprehensible phenomena to occur."

Eager to start, Adam slammed his palm on the ground, his voice reverberating in the chamber.

"I had no idea! Show me how to do it, brother!"

Meanwhile, Wukong inhaled from his pipe, the scent of burning herbs permeating the chamber. He exhaled slowly, smoke swirling around his features in an ominous dance.

"We can start with chaos if you want to blow yourself up."

Adam paled as Wukong continued.

"Hahaha! Why do you think Tiamat tied it to something? You don't wield her cosmic authority over it. At the slightest mistake, I'll have to bring your cinders to Luna... that's if you're lucky."

Despite the risks and the icy sweat dripping down his back, Adam struck his fist with his palm.

"No chaos, for now, noted. Let's start with the flames, then."

With a nod, Wukong snapped his fingers.

Qi swirled around Adam, the noise of his clothes ruffling echoing as it made his body pivot. He felt Wukong's warm hand on his back next, his hot breath and the scent of mysterious herbs drifting to his nostrils.

"I'll smoothen your energy pathways first. Then we'll train for two weeks." An expectant glint flashed in Wukong's eyes. "Don't dream of leaving until I'm satisfied by your level! Only then will I let you join the war."

Adam rolled his eyes, his lips curling in displeasure. Yet his eager heart drummed in his ears as he closed his eyes.

Garduck, Bart, and Luna would take charge in his absence just fine. In the worst case, they could turn to Achilles even if he doubted they'd need him. After all, his first plan didn't require them to fight a full-blown war.