Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Towering above the river with pride, he scrutinised his reflection.

The dark gauntlets ended at his elbows in sharp blade-like spikes, usable to parry or stab unsuspecting enemies.

The boot shared the same design, while the helmet featured a fierce demon on its retractable facemask. Jagged teeth extended from the mouth, and a lifelike expression of wrath distorted the hard chitin, giving him a horrifying appearance that would chill any adversary's soul. Crowning it, he saw a crescent-shaped protection, probably helpful to deflect any overhead slash.

Finally, he raised his nose in satisfaction as he felt the chest plate's smooth texture despite the threatening green engravings running horizontally.

In short, Muramasa gave the armor an exceptional yet demonic style balance with the metallic plum blossoms adorning the dark fabric.

As he thanked the genius artisan for his care and attention in his heart, the six kids rushed out of the smithy and lined before him like recruits.

He noticed the shared pride and joy and patted their arms.

"You all look great!"

"Look, look, big bro."

Zane pushed his face mask down, showing the fierce design in glee.

"Even if we're demons, we look even more demonic now!"

"Yeah!"

The others raised their fists as he gazed at their shenanigans in amusement.

Truthfully, he was happy they kept their carefree and mischievous nature.
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'They bring a wind of freshness into the territory.'

He nodded, the thought of summoning a few more almost crossing his mind.

'Let's not abuse good things.'

A wry smile tugged at his lips as he imagined the chaos they'd bring to the territory if they were less well behaved.

Then, he gave them his commands.

"Help the others for now. Morwen, you can show me your method for two hours. You'll then replace her one by one."

Eyes sparkling after learning they would each have a turn, the five others return to urge their demonic seniors to bring them to construct the wall.

Meanwhile, he returned to the forge and thanked Muramasa again before leaving with an extra set.

On his way to Luna's hut, he pondered the missed opportunity to learn more about the smith's life.

'Unfortunately, it's the last day before the ethereal walls vanish. I must focus on developing my demonic essence control and extend the physical boost they grant me to the limit.'

He gazed at his territory's silent protector, Tiamat's warning resurfacing in his mind.

'I'll have more time after beating whatever challenge is thrown at me tomorrow.'

With that thought in mind, he promised himself to spend an hour every day to deepen his connection with his elite team and key subjects.

Then, he shook his head, chasing parasite thoughts away as he pushed Luna's door open.

"Hello! We bring you your equipment!"

A warm smile broadening on his lips, he placed her chitinous set against the wall before glancing at the beautiful succubus queen seated on her bed.

He noticed her green eyes rest on the armor for a second before she shook her head in disappointment and... disdain?

"Humph. These rags are unworthy of touching my body. If you understand, take them back and remember: I'll only wear clothes crafted from the finest materials."

A bitter taste filled his mouth at her refusal, yet he still tried to convince her.

"That's the territory's finest material for now. Come on. It'll help you remain safe, and that's the most important."

An awkward silence descended as she peered into his eyes, the intensity forcing a gulp down his throat.

'Did I say something that annoyed her?!'

He scratched his head, confused by the silence turning oppressive.

Finally, he gave up and turned, leaving a last sentence.

"I'm worried about everyone's safety, yours included. But the choice is yours, and I hope you'll prioritise survival, even if the materials are lacking."

As he closed the door behind him, Luna's solemn expression collapsed.

She bit her quivering lips, hesitant about what to do and his words.

"Is he genuine? Does he care about me that much?"

She muttered, clasping her chest and feeling her heart rate rise with her confusion.

Why would he waste time bringing her the armor if he wasn't?

Pushing herself off her bed, she walked to the exotic design resting on the ground and picked it up. Half a smile curled onto her lips next.

"Are you too kind to expose my lies?"

She knew full well that a mythical smith, especially one of Muramasa's renown, couldn't craft inferior items. Yet, she had still rejected his good intentions.

Why?

As the question thundered in her mind, she collapsed on her knees, and her eyes watered.

"I-I don't want to trust anyone again."

Warm tears rolled down her cheeks as she curled up into a ball, memories she hated resurfacing in her mind. The worst part? Adam's kindness was the problem!

"I shouldn't have given him a chance and left when he offered me the opportunity!"

But was it truly what her heart wanted?

She knew the door was open, and no one would stop her from leaving, so why didn't she do it? The question, a haunting murmur, began to haunt her thoughts.

As she fought against her chaotic emotions and tried to find an answer, Adam sat with Morwen before the demonic altar.

The succubus explained her essence-gathering and control methods with vivid words like: "When your essence reaches that area, you'll feel a POUA tingle your skin. At that moment, you have to BADUM it to the next!"

Despite the bizarre explanations, he nodded at her, understanding the underlying principle since he had his method and Luna's clear instructions.

Amidst his chuckles, she focused on correcting his mistakes, according to her understanding, for an hour and a half before Zephyr rushed to them.

"It's my turn!"

Just like that, he trained until the sky darkened, and the first star shone above the territory in this pleasant atmosphere, melding humour and practice.

After a bland, unhealthy meal, he followed his subjects to see the construction progress.

They circled the territory and crossed the river, following the surprisingly thick yet short walls.

Meanwhile, Dimitris explained why he had tweaked the blueprint to build them like that.

"They'll offer much better protection against battering by increasing the thickness to one meter and a half. Of course, we reduced the size from five meters to three, but it's enough to protect the patrolmen from arrows. The time constraint played a light part, too, but trust me, they are operational and sturdy!"

"Good job. I appreciate your initiative and am satisfied with the construction."

He nodded at the old man, recognising his effort and knowing that polishing enough planks for a five-meter wall surrounding a one-kilometer square area would have taken one more day.

With everything ready, he clapped his hands and smiled at his subjects.

"Rest and recover well tonight. Something might happen tomorrow, so I want everyone in peak condition and ready to fight!"

They all nodded. Even the non-combatant's eyes glinted with determination as they returned to their huts to pass the night.

When he entered his, he glanced at Tiamat's bed and noticed the soft blanket covering her entirely. Only a few locks of purple hair confirmed her presence, making him sigh.

'I guess she won't reveal anything.'

Anticipating tomorrow's mysterious challenge, he fell asleep.