Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

He had noticed the subtle increase in the altar's size as he breathed in the purer demonic energy earlier but consciously focused on his subjects and the territory.

Now that he was free, he inspected it thoroughly, catching the faint vein-like lines coursing in shimmering green hues on the dark stones.

The disturbing, finger-like protrusions spreading in the sky thickened, resembling gigantic tubes spewing concentrated demonic essence into the air in a gentle flow.

His lips rose into a satisfied grin as he inhaled a mouthful of essence and, heart racing, assessed the absorption time difference.

However, his eyes enlarged as it streamed into his body unimpeded.

His defined muscles twitched each time it passed by, refining and attuning a small quantity before pushing it towards its next destination.

'Incredible! It feels like my body is working with me to absorb it faster! And with the increased purity and quantity, I can probably get one point every thirty minutes if I focus hard!'

The noise of his fist meeting his palm in excitement echoed as his smile broadened.

'I wonder if I'll absorb the energy passively after evolving again.'

He massaged his neck at the wistful idea but believed it could be possible considering his unique constitution.

Amidst his joy and dream, Ozymandias' overbearing voice resounded behind him.

"I want to build Thoth's obelisk. Go in the wild and gather the elemental gems."

'Bro... Am I the lord, or are you?'

He turned, rolling his eyes at the proud pharaoh and noticing Wukong smiling behind.

The monkey king's lips parted as he offered him a mischievous wink.

"Humbleness is a concept he has never heard of, and that's just how he usually speaks. Other than that? I toured the forest with him, and trust me, he is the most diligent here."

Ozymandias' head jerked to Wukong, a deadly glare piercing his body.

However, Adam saw the amusement sparkling in the monkey king's eyes as he whistled innocently and continued.

"Acting shy? I saw you scan the ground and calculate the best locations to maximise the obelisks."

Stifling a laugh, he observed Ozymandias' lips twitch, enjoying the drama and knowing what the powerful man thought.

'Wukong is too complex. He's one of the smartest, yet enjoys creating chaos for fun. He is strong too, so try to act overbearing with him. Hahaha! You'll lose your hair in before the week end's.'

He subtly raised his thumb at Wukong, happy to witness how easily he managed the troublesome man.

However, he rapidly learned not to underestimate the troublemaker king.

"We need herbs and wine for the project. I heard him grumble about how helpful they'll be in insulating the walls, cleaning the stones, and darkening the wood for the aesthetic."

Ozymandias' eyes lit up, all his frustration vanishing with Wukong's words as he nodded.

"They're indeed of critical importance. Get that in large quantities first, then gather the elemental gems."

He clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes at their shenanigans, understanding their aim in a split second.

"Or you can just tell me you want to drink and smoke..."

"You're wise, brother! We also need to relax, or life will become dull."

Even if they were non-essential products, the two mythical figures were correct. Citizens would need to relax after a hard day's work... Still, he wasn't sure about the products they wanted to use.

'I'll regulate the more potent products. Can't let my territory become a junky's lair."

He nodded at them, promising to find ways to buy some until they could produce their own.

After a few more words of pleasantries, he left them and walked to Luna's hut.

The second the rough wooden door creaked open, he felt the beauty's glare land on him. Shuddering under its intensity, he scratched his head and took a hesitant step forward.

Before he could understand what bothered her, she walked before him, only a few centimeters separating them, and planted her fists on her hips.

"Humph! You looked better before! At least you were cute. But now? What's wrong with those muscles? Are you trying to become like Muramasa?"

'Hee?! That's what annoyed her?'

His brows twitched at her bizarre reaction. Who would respect him if he remained an imp? And did he have to refuse to evolve to look the same?

Even if he didn't agree with her, he bowed his head slightly in apology to defuse her anger.

"I didn't choose to become like that, but I enjoy this form much more than the first."

Understanding it was pointless to waste time on that matter, he turned to leave.

However, he noticed Luna's burning ears and squinted.

Meanwhile, Luna followed his eyes and immediately turned to hide her face as her heart drummed in her ears and a bright blush crept onto her cheeks.

"How dare you stare at a lady, you boor? Leave my hut, and don't return until you master your demonic essence!"

He covered his raised lips and snuffed the laugh about to burst out of his throat as she stomped the ground in shy anger.

'You could just have said I look great. Hahaha.'

Intrigued by his new face and unwilling to make Luna feel bad, he rushed to the river.

Once in front, he leaned over the flowing water, its sound a soothing melody contrasting with his raging heartbeats as he observed his reflection in shock.

"No way! I'm more handsome than when I lived on Earth!" Read the latest novel on M-VL-em|p,yr

He touched his pointed ears, then the scarlet scales drawing a stylish symbol under his demonic green eyes.

Then, he felt his lustrous lips and sculpted nose as if they weren't his.

'I feel like a true demon now. I'm sinfully handsome!'

He puffed his chest, and his hearty laughter enlivened the nearby chaos forge.

Attracted by the noise, Silas peeked through the door, noticing him.

Then, he returned inside for a few second and rushed to him, several pieces of dark, chitinous armor in his hands.

Meanwhile, he grinned as he took the pieces and nodded. The design was similar to the previous one, fierce and awe-inspiring, while the stats were the same.