Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Kyriakos' fists tightened as her voice echoed in the hall. His long-awaited revenge would finally happen.

However, the demoness didn't give him time to rejoice and continued.

"I won't do it alone." She swept her hand above the kneeling citizens. "I've seen your endurance and dedication to vengeance. Now, I want to see your courage." Her lips curled into a radiant smile as she lowered her hood. "Your courage to face what comes after revenge and build a better future with your own hands!"

Everyone's hearts' loud thumps deafened them as they gazed at the beautiful Luna, their eyes sparkling with newfound hope.

"We were ready to sacrifice everything for this." The aged woman's voice cracked, conveying her raw determination. "Show us the way, your grace."

The others echoed her words, their trembling fists cutting through the air as blood rushed to their faces.

With an elegant yet commanding gesture, Luna imposed an eager silence before her voice shattered it with the plan she had imagined.

"We'll show Xanthikos the price of corruption before the sun reaches its zenith in three days. Before that scurry the streets, and incite people to join us in our crusade." Her eyes narrowed into fiery slits. "You'll reclaim the city through a coup d'état!"

A tense silence lingered for a second. Yet someone shattered it with a guttural roar.

"I'll strike down the oppressors with my own two hands!"

Yells followed in an eager clamor as a pensive frown creased Kyriakos' brows. He raised his fist and demanded silence.

"Xanthikos is a powerful mage, perhaps even an adept now." He shook his head. "We'll fall like flies before we cross a hundred meters."

"Why do you think I'm here?" Luna's lips curled into a threatening smirk. "His head will roll on the ground while you keep the army busy." She crossed her arms over her chest, flicking her finger in his direction. "I'll be honest with you. I have three companions with me. We could kill anyone on sight and then barge into his quarters to finish the job. But how many innocents would die?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

She saw Kyriakos shudder as she continued.

"My lord doesn't want you to suffer—I don't want it either. That's why you have two days to convince the others and let loose on the third."

A pensive atmosphere settled over the hall. With each second crawling by, more nodded until Kyriakos sighed.

"I can guess your thought process, my lady. You want us to remain in the back lines while we send the thugs, criminals and opportunists to the front." He massaged his temples, his eyes trembling at the ruthless method. "You'll purge the city while distracting the soldiers..."

His lips twitched into a smirk as he saw her nod.

"I like it. No one will shed a tear for those criminals. Hah! At last, they'd serve the community," he scoffed before scrutinising her. "You got me curious about that lord you mentioned. Is he one of your companions?" Stay tuned for updates on empire

With a bright smile, she summarised Adam's rulership over the forest east of Foliaris. She chuckled at their stunned expressions and gaping mouths when she described the obelisk purifying mana for humans. After speaking of Adam's projects to build academies where humans, demons, and creatures would learn together, they almost choked—Kyriakos the first.

"You seem to admire him."

He threw her a meaningful glance that made her blush. He knew her gaze and enthusiastic, almost zealous tone—the same his wife had when she looked and talked about him. A warm sensation spreading around his chest, he clapped his hands before he embarrassed her further.

"Alright, friends. Time to rally people! Leave the inner and merchant districts to me."

Determination blazing in their eyes, everyone left the villa under the protector's care, their spirited voices enlivening the darkening sky.

However, when she veiled her face with her hood, Kyriakos stepped before her.

"Allow me to offer you hospitality, my lady."

His gentle smile and trembling voice made her chuckle, but Bart, Garduck, and Shadow were waiting.

With a headshake, she circled him.

"I have other obligations. But you can meet us at Jean's Adventurer shop." She waved her hand, stepping under the rising moon. "With your noble friends, of course."

Kyriakos froze as she disappeared into the night until his worried servants brought his racing mind to the present.

"I'll have a lot to prepare," he muttered, turning to his loyal maids and butlers. "Extend an invitation to all my allies at first light."

He gazed at the streets one last time, his white knuckles trembling.

"We'll kill Xanthikos this time!"

Simultaneously, in the inner city's opulent palace, Xanthikos snickered at the protectors kneeling before his bronze throne. His curly brown hair caught the magical glow lighting the hall as his deep voice echoed.

"Kyriakos, my old friend. Are you plotting to use those wretches to go against me? Decades later?"

He spun a sleek want engraved with magical symbols, the molten gem encrusted at its base glinting.

"You let your chance pass because of your faith in Hestia. You can't stop me anymore—not even with the heirloom she gifted your family's ancestor." He roared into sinister laughter, mockery swirling in his brown eyes. "From dignified rulers to... this. He'd be turning in his grave if he saw how much his family declined."

He rose to his feet, his toga fluttering as his commands thundered.

"I want a group to follow and report this fool's activities at all times. Gather my troops and keep them ready." His eyes narrowed into slits. "Increase the mana barrier's output to the maximum, and don't let a mouse enter my city unchecked!"

Though his fear of Kyriakos' bright mind faded with time and experience, he knew the man wouldn't attract his attention without an iron-proof plan or powerful backer. Yet, who would dare go against him in his city?

He shook his head, his features contorting into a grotesque grimace.

"Investigate who Kyriakos interacted with and report this last month's entry!"