Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

A soft touch, warm and moist, sparked a sliver of curiosity in his heart, ravaged by the flames of wrath.

However, this frail sliver didn't survive for more than a split second and evaporated like smoke under the flames as he cursed Zepar again. How he wished words could kill or act as maledictions, that their strength would increase with his genuine emotions, yet they couldn't.

Although his mind failed to react, his body did. It recognised the warm sensation it had craved and dreamed of.

His heart hastened, pumping burning blood into his veins. Glistening sweat formed on his reddening skin as his body heat increased. The flames engulfing his eyes weakened and flickered softly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Sensations suffocated by his rage began to register—the soft hands cupping his cheeks first, then the trembling lips pressed against his. The taste of salty tears followed as his body forcefully cleared his vision.

And when he saw Luna kissing him, the rage that made his arms tremble disappeared, doused by her tears.

'What's happening?'

The question rumbled in his mind as his eyes widened and his arms gently hugged her trembling back.

For a moment, he forgot about everything and enjoyed the sensation.

Meanwhile, Luna felt the heat decrease, then his touch. And now that she had jumped the fence, her heart melted in delight for a brief yet impactful second.

In that second, Zepar no longer mattered. Her insecurities or doubts didn't either. She had longed for this moment, to be ready to show her affection.

But alas, it couldn't last.

She opened her eyes, touched her smiling lips, and whispered.

"Your reaction means a lot to me." She shook her head and pulled back, hiding her burned hands. "But you can't let anger control you, no matter the reason." Her voice turned solemn, and her eyes narrowed. "Or you'll end up like the ones you hate. The ones I hate."

She saw guilt flash in his eyes and his lips part. But she stepped back and cut him off.

"Everyone has moments of weakness, and I think we've got enough emotions for today. Return to your house, Adam." She walked to the room's door and smiled shily. "Good night, and see you tomorrow."

As she left, she couldn't help but glance at his frozen figure and dreamy grin one last time. However, her heart throbbed as she also noticed his missing left hand.

Her jaw clenched for a second before she sighed. Tomorrow. Not because she didn't care but because none of them were in a state to hold a serious conversation. Therefore, she stepped into her bedroom, burning tonight's memories into her mind as one of the happiest in her life despite the ups and downs.

As she disappeared, Adam stood frozen in her living room for five minutes, the images of what had just happened replaying in his mind.

Then, joy and regret melded in his bright eyes as his feet took him out.

'Our relationship finally progressed, but...' He bit his lip. 'I don't want her to see me like that again! Remember Karna's training, fool!' He massaged his temples and exhaled. 'I had hoped for something more romantic, too.'

He shook his head as he entered his house, walked to his room, removed his armor, and slid under his blankets, a thoughtful frown etched on his brows.

'I'll bring her flowers tomorrow. That's the least I can do. I'll tell her about the castle, too.' A smug grin crept over his face. 'Better! I'll keep it a secret to surprise her after the event! In the meantime, I can check what the other lords are selling on the market.'

Acting on his idea and eager to see Luna's smile after he offered her a gift tomorrow, he summoned the interface's chat box and posted his message.

[Adam: Is anyone selling items a woman might like? I can pay in gold coins.]

[Lord 6369: Oh shit! He's still alive!]

[Idk what name to use: Why are you acting when you're on this chat 24/7?]

[Lord 6369: Tch. Learn to read the mood, idiot!]

He rolled his eyes before glaring at the next message.

[Greatest Imp (Asmodeus' contractor): Hah! The little imp who fled the demon realm. How have you been doing? On my part, I'm already an incubus king and on my way to becoming a balor. I'm afraid I won't see you in my rear mirror after the second event... if you survive it. Hahaha. That's what you get for angering the demon kings, jealous prick!]

He just shrugged and relaxed in his bed's comfort. This greatest imp was nothing more than a fool who ignored his warning about the demon kings.

'Even if I do nothing, Asmodeus will devour you soon. But I wouldn't mind showing you who's in whose rear mirror if you survive until I return.'

[Pharaoh (Isis contractor): Nice to see you again, Adam. I learned about your deeds like everyone else and approve of how you handled the other lords. That's why I'll tell you not to waste time with us. Our contractors forbade us from trading with you. I'm sorry, but I can't disobey Isis.]

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. So, the gods wanted to isolate him from his fellow Earthlings now?

[Adam: I expected it. It would make little sense for a coalition to abuse the market without restricting me from it. But It doesn't matter. Still, I'll return a piece of advice since I approve of you, too. Don't become my enemy, Pharaoh.]

[Pharaoh (Isis contractor): Hahaha. You know I can't do that. We'll meet on the battlefield if you survive long enough. Until then, goodbye.]

[Behemoth: Tsk. I tried to help everyone at the start, but the more I read this chat, the more I'm ashamed of you. Did you forget we all lived on Earth? Yet, look at you after three brief weeks, talking about killing each other when the real enemies are the gods!] Find more to read at empire

His eyes lit up at Behemoth's message, but before he could answer, a few more stole his attention.