Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

"If I can get the three remaining items of the vampire predator set.."

His lips curling into a wistful smile, he patted his coat and imagined the incredible stat boost he'd get. But that was it: a dream he knew he'd never achieve with his talent's stinginess. Was he so demanding that he failed to appreciate what he already had?

With a sigh, he frowned at his item list before he shook his head.

Items: Name Change Ticket, Parchment of Absolution, City Relocation Ticket, Storm Bow, Return Scroll, Infernal Radiance, AoE Card, Vampire's Predator Long coat.

Adding the various ones he gave away to Luna and Merlin, he indeed acted like a restless kid by asking for more. Really, who even got so many powerful ones without investing a colossal amount of resources? Even then...

His eyes lingered on the parchment, scroll, and ticket, a mysterious glint flashing in his eyes.

"No one can get those without a template or years of research." He waved the thought away with a dismissive gesture and smiled. "I'll never complain about my luck again. How can I when I summoned Luna because of one of them?"

He smiled warmly, finally making peace with the talent wheel. Your journey continues on empire

With a mind as clear as the Lady of the Lake's waters, he stepped onto the dark slabs of the first arena, eager to resume exploring the spire's training methods.

A bright flash and a sudden temperature rise forced his eyes wide open the moment he reached the first dummy.

Before he could understand the reason, ancient northern runes burst alive. They shifted into symbols, then comprehensible words hovering before his raised brow.

Intrigued by the sharp, flame-like shapes of the runes, he read them aloud.

"Welcome to Surtr's training ground. Subjugate the ten arenas to prove your mastery over flames and be labelled a master recognised by the primordial giant." He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. "I doubt it's just about winning. It has to do with the knowledge he shared. There is little chance to succeed before I make it my own."

However, he rolled his eyes and twisted his lips. The moment he mentioned the knowledge, the blazing book emerged in his mind. Four hundred pages to master. It was beyond frustrating. Why hadn't Surtr just transferred the knowledge directly?

'Maybe because he's like those teachers who promote personal understanding? I'm fine with using it dumbly, though!'

He cracked his neck, puffed out his cheek and exhaled.

'I'm too impatient. Surtr's method is better in the long term, and he's probably also protecting me... from myself.'

Despite the understanding, his fists trembled before the dummies. Still, he unclenched them with a sigh and turned to leave.

"No point in testing myself before reading the book."

To avoid later distractions, he summoned his three thousand recruits from the demon den.

He commanded them to find Merlin, ask him to open a portal to Foliaris, and step through it.

A smile tugging at his lips, he then returned to his room and finally focused on the book's first page.

His brow knitted as his mind raced to grasp the complex process of creating plasma through chaos and fire. Even if it was just the foundational volume, his eyes twitched, and his hands gripped his hair.

'It's definitely worse than college... Am I studying for a doctorate?'

Cursing under his breath, he forgot any notion of breezing through the first chapters. Instead, he strained his concentration to understand the deeper meaning. Why was plasma hotter than stars? How could he wield it effectively?

Through these questions, he connected the knowledge to his goals, inferring answers and theories beyond what the book provided.

After two hours of struggle, he leaned back in his chair. His fingers moved in circles around his temples, the soothing massage easing him of the intense mental exertion.

"Consistency is key," he muttered, a furrow creasing his brows. "Two hours a day seems like a good balance."

He knew the far-from-enjoyable learning process would disgust him if he locked himself day and night to digest the extensive theories.

As he nodded, Tiamat's voice shattered his thoughts.

"Come to my room. Hestia has something to tell you."

'Not you?' He scratched his cheek as he stepped into her room.

Once inside, he saw Tiamat seated on the elven silver throne.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Her purple hair caught the morning light as her starry violet eyes scrutinised him.

'What did I do wrong?'

However, Tiamat just nodded and raised her thumb.

"Nice coat. It fits you much better than your previous armor."

His legs almost buckled as he rolled his eyes.

'That's why you scrutinise me?! Don't scare me for nothing, sis!'

With a head shake, Tiamat shrugged.

"How you interpret my actions has nothing to do with me. Anyway, we decided how Hestia will bless your territory." She smirked. "More interesting than your book, right?"

His eyes widened as he turned to Hestia's serene figure.

Seated behind Tiamat, the floral patterns on her dress fluttered as she stretched her palm out.

"It won't be much, but I want to contribute to your success."

He noticed her sparkling hazel eyes but also a trace of... was it guilt? He wasn't sure. But it definitely wasn't something that reflected the excellent news.

Meanwhile, Hestia continued.

"Harmony's rich earth is one of its most noteworthy strengths. Therefore, I decided to make it reach the next level with my blessing."

Her palm brightened, a divine light swirling around it and drawing golden arcs in the air. The musty scent of earth filled the air as the light condensed and shot upward, bursting through the ceiling.

Surprised, he rushed to the window and observed golden threads drizzle to nourish the ground. He also saw his citizens halt their activities. Blood rushed to their faces as they raised their fists to catch the golden rain, their eager yells a delighted cacophony that warmed his heart.

As he turned back to Hestia, she continued with a soft smile.

"Life will blossom in the forest, and your fields will bud in the blink of an eye. You'll probably taste your first yield in two weeks."

He clenched his fists, a bright smile splitting his face.

"I couldn't have asked for a better blessing. Thank you, Hestia."

Images of varied vegetables on his plate and their savorous scents made his mouth water as Tiamat chuckled.

"I also added a little something to your lord's privileges."

She turned and sized Hestia as if to tell her: even weakened, I'm still the best.

Then, she smirked at Adam and continued.

"I've seen you rush back and forth in the past few days. Not really efficient, right? Therefore, you can now appoint a proxy to manage your summoning facilities." Her eyes narrowed into mocking slits. "Perhaps that person will finally summon something decent from the Gate."

"Tsk. You wish."

A warm sensation spread through his chest as he chuckled.

Despite her tone, Tiamat's attention and solution removed a thorn from his side.

He offered her a warm nod as he opened his interface and noticed the blinking new column. Hesitation flashed in his eyes before they firmed.

"I'll appoint Sylas. He's close with Muramasa, and I trust him."

The mythical figures wouldn't do—he couldn't burden them with mundane tasks, leaving only his already busy generals. Sylas was the best option since he spent his days in the nearby chaos forge.

As he inputted the teenager's name, Tiamat's eyes narrowed into playful slits.

"I'm so tired of this short body. If only my dear contractor could move his ass and retrieve my second leg..." She let her voice linger. "What are you still doing here?"

Understanding she wanted him to leave, he waved the two goddesses goodbye before he slipped out.

As he stepped out, the room's warmth faded, replaced by a glacial chill.

"Are you really not telling him?"

The air cracked and shattered in a rain of brilliant sparks as Mab revealed herself and scrutinised Tiamat and Hestia.

"Why would we? He walks his own path and doesn't need divine interventions." Tiamat shook her head, a deep furrow creasing her brows. "And I don't mind losing a year or two as long as he grows."

Hestia let out a weary sigh filled with deep concern and guilt.

"He's not ready, Tiamat, even if you trust him."

Mab nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.

"He has more chances to die than anything. It's too early for him."

However, Tiamat returned their gazes, her frown turning into a stern glare and her voice sharpening.

"Don't you need a block from Yggdrasil to recreate your body?" She snorted at Mab before she turned toward Hestia. "Adam is more competent than you can imagine. Did you see him flinch before you? No! Because he doesn't even put gods in his eyes."

Her jaw clenched as she shoved a finger at them.

"He can't escape this place anyway, so I'd rather let him fall into it before its rulers free themselves." Her voice lowered to a low hiss. "If you understand, don't question my decisions and focus on what comes after."