Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

"Is something wrong, my lord?"

Shihan approached, traces of worry in her voice as her soft hand met his shoulder.

Feeling the burning desire propagate to him through the contact, he shook his head.

'Who cares about guilt? If I don't feel it, it's great!'

His fists unclenched as he pulled back, the smell of blood still permeating the air.

Mercy in this world would probably rhyme with death. Those creatures who ambushed and tried to kill them didn't deserve it, anyway.

"Everything is fine. Gather the corpses and move back to the territory."

Shihan sighed, a soft smile curling on her lips.

Her rapid steps echoed as she went to share the command with Garduck, leaving him alone.

'Time to check the gains.'

Notification windows appeared with a focused glance, making his bright mood return.

[Your subject, Garduck, defeated 5 Lvl4 goblins. You have gained 20 experience points.]

[You have defeated a Lvl4 goblin. You have gained 4 experience points.]

[Congratulations on levelling up. Please check your interface and decide how to distribute your points.]

'So that's how it works.'

He tucked his fingers around his chin, a calculative glint flashing in his eyes as he eyed the interface.

Garduck's swift, violent assault on the goblin impressed him, making the three melee-oriented stats appealing. Shihan's shadow manipulation also showed great promises, making him consider upgrading the demonic essence.

'I can't disparage my points. What I need is efficiency in the early stages. Even if it hampers me later, I'll focus on fixing it.'

The wind blew his fiery hair, relaxing his frown as his finger moved to tap on the demonic essence button.

Yet, a notification window popped, making him squint.

[Free attribute points can't upgrade demonic essence. Defeat and consume demons or increase the demonic energy in the air to absorb it.]

'I can either steal or slowly build it?'

Somehow, the method didn't shock him. After hearing from his two subjects and witnessing Garduck's savagery, it aligned with their species' penchant for violence.

A wry smile stretched his lips as he distributed his stats.

'I doubt I could have survived in the demon realm.'

Name: Adam

Race: Lesser imp

Affinity: demonic energy

Talent: F grade (Upgradable): I'm a gamer!

Job: /

Class: /

LVL: 2

Exp: 7/40

HP: 30/30

Vitality: 1->3

Strength: 1->3

Agility: 1->3

Demonic essence: 2

Free attribute points: 6->0

Items: /

Note: Baal has a deal to present. Hestia wants to offer you something.

He nodded in satisfaction, feeling a surge of power rush through his short body. His fists clenched and unclenched, the contrast striking him.

The wind whistled as he threw a few jabs, then struck the tree bark.

CRACK

Splinters flew into the surroundings as he laughed, feeling three times stronger than before.

However, a sudden notification distracted him from his joy.

[How long are you planning to make me wait, lesser imp?]

His pupils constricted as the note's meaning registered. Baal contacted him for real!

'I'll act blind and deaf. He'll probably give up after a few attempts.'

Dread's icy finger encroached on his heart. He wanted nothing to do with the strongest demon!

[Fool! Your thoughts are transmitted when you use a chat interface.]

Before his heart could explode in terror, Baal continued.

[Give the method you used to leave the demon realm without using a world passage. I'll give you a million units of demonic energy in exchange.]

"A million?! I'll become a millionaire in stat points while only at level two?!"

Incredible greed burned in his eyes for a second. Just like that, he could cheat the game-like settings and become a veritable monster.

Yet, his lips twisted, and his fists shook in anger.

"Don't underestimate a gamer! A million? I'll get one billion points worth by myself!"

Unfazed by the refusal, Baal answered.

[I'll change your race. You can become an archdemon with a few sentences.]

"Wait. I can change it?"

[The process is slow and random if uncontrolled. But yes. You'll need to rise through the tiers first. So, accept my offer. I'll turn you into a terrifying Balor!]

His eyes enlarged at the tempting offer. A Balor! That colossal winged demon capable of ravaging kingdoms on its own?!

His heart rate increased as his ragged breath resounded for a moment.

"No! You won't tempt me. I want to experience the process! A game in which I start with all my stats maxed out is not fun to play at all, even if it's real life!"

With a swift hand swipe, he closed the chat box, cursing him for trying to sway his conviction. Anyway, accepting a demon's offer? Everyone knew only fools would fall for that blatant trap.

How many stories recounted how treacherous demons enticed the game hero only to burn everything he loved in the end and force him to fall into wickedness? The worst part? The hero helped the demon achieve his goals!

However, the chat window reappeared the next second, making him jump in fright.

"I told you I don't want to! Leave me alone!"

[Ha? But I just contacted you?]

'Is this a new scamming strategy, or is he trying to troll me?'

Contrary to his suspicions, the speaker introduced herself, making him realise Baal truly left... for now.

[I'm Hestia. This realm is under my control. I don't think you're a part of any demon lord's legion, so I'm wondering how and why you came here.]

Unlike Baal, he stood on her domain. Upsetting her didn't seem to be a good plan.

'At least she has an excellent reputation in mythology. The virgin goddess of earth and homes, if I remember correctly.'

"I don't know the details. I shredded a talisman and appeared here the next second. As for why? To survive, of course. What can I do with Baal's territory an hour away from my position?"

He opted for a direct approach, his chest tightening in worry.

[Hmm. I appreciate your honesty, a rare trait for a demon. Let me ask you one last question. Do you plan to sacrifice millions of living beings to summon other demons and turn this realm into a sea of fire and ashes?]

His eyes enlarged in shock as his lips parted in a blur.

"What? No! This idea never crossed my mind. Why would I turn this nice place into a burning hell? I'll play the game following the rules, build my territory, and negotiate or wage war when needed."

A tense silence settled as no new messages popped up. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his tail whipped the air behind him in anguish. Did she not trust him?

A minute later, her answer appeared.

Without wasting a second, his eyes darted left to right to read it.

[Alright. I approve of your stay but will keep an eye on you. Betray my faith, and my contractors will rush to your territory. You are warned.]

"YES!"

His fists cut through the air, rising in a triumphant pose. With the most immediate threats resolved, he would progress like anyone.

He also understood her concerns about his presence, even finding them legitimate. Instead, the chance she gave him stunned him.

'Is it because of my status as a lord?'

He pondered the question before his shoulders trembled as his laugh reverberated.

Meanwhile, Garduck's eyes fixed on his short body, a disbelief-filled grimace twisting his lips.

"I think our lord has mental issues," he said, turning to Shihan to get her opinion about the strange monologue.

"Let's return to the territory. I'll find something to fix his mind."

Her lips curled down in worry as she moved and dragged Adam by the arm.