Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

A few dozen kilometers from the besieged town, Karna's eyes narrowed into solar slits. Scrutinising the blond man opposing him, his fists trembled around his spear.

More than the initial curiosity he had felt, his warrior's heart roared to life—its drumming a war hymn reverberating in his ears.

When was the last time he enjoyed a battle?

The question rumbled in his mind as he rummaged through his memories. But even then, he shook his head. From his time, his five fingers numbered more than the worthy opponents he had met. Yet, Achilles bested them all in skills to reach his unmatched mastery over weapons.

He jumped back and struck his chest as his voice echoed his respect.

"My name is Karna, the son of the sun god."

Meanwhile, the intricate depictions carved on Achilles' shield reflected the sun's light. Scenes of peace and wars engraved by Hephaestus in person sparked as he lowered it.

His powerful muscles stretched as he rolled his shoulders. The golden pauldron strapped to them caught the light with the movement, the same godly engravings revealing themselves.

Also present on his helmet, armguards, kilt, and boots, they served as a show of statues rather than protection. After all, his proud torso glistened bare under the light as if asking his opponents to strike it... if they could, of course.

Then, he returned Karna's smile and nodded.

"I'm Achilles. No divine lineage, but I can defeat a few gods in a duel." He winked and struck his spear twice on the ground. "You're an honorable and skilled warrior. You almost remind me of my friend Hector."

He dropped the civilities, wisps of water mana wafting from his narrowing eyes as he placed his shield back before him. His spear held above it, he offered Karna a last sentence.

"But I'm afraid I'll have to cut our fun short to save the clown Zeus sent me to. Still, I'll warn you out of courtesy: go all out, or you won't know how you died."

Before his words could linger, he blurred into motion.

Karna's eyes widened before his spear drew an elegant circle before him.

CLANG

With his parry, sparks flew in slow motion in his eyes. A titanic pressure followed. As if a mountain had just collided with him, he gritted his teeth and tried to oppose it.

However, his heart trembled with his arms, and a veil of disbelief covered his features. No matter how hard he pushed, his back slowly bent, and his feet dug into the soil.

Faced with the overwhelming force, he gave up on strength competition and focused on technique to even the odds.

With an elegant half-spin, he knocked Achilles' spear a few centimeters off course and sidestepped.

Its sharp tip whistled by him as he recovered his battle posture and prepared to counterattack.

However, his eyes widened for the second time. He bent his back ninety degrees without wasting a second as the wind roared where his head had been a second ago.

His hair fluttered in a mad dance as he saw the shield that would have collapsed on his chin and sent him flying in the distance had he not reacted in time.

Instantly, he backflipped and landed on his feet, but his breath caught in his throat. Achilles was already on him, his fierce expression on full display.

Fueled by his experience and reflexes, he shoved his arms down in a devastating thrust that would impale his opponent's weakness.

However, Achilles reacted faster than he did. As fluid as a calm river yet as swift as a raging torrent, his right foot rose the second Karna initiated his movement. His arm blurred simultaneously, his spear drawing a bronze arc through the air.

Unable to block with his spear tip planted on the ground, Karna's palms brightened. Milky white flames radiating like the sun condensed in a split second as he dropped his weapon.

His hands free, he shoved them towards his opponent's chest.

"You're a little faster, but nothing I can't overcome."

Echoing his confident words, two bursts of solar flames vaporised anything before him.

The lush grass disappeared without a trace, two deep trenches replacing the once peaceful scenery. White steam billowed in wild forms above them as the air particles melted under the strike's horrible heat.

But when anyone would have celebrated victory, Karna instantly picked his spear up and lept a kilometer back... because, even if he didn't want to believe it, he had seen Achilles' torso twist with inhuman agility to dodge the initial burst. And his suspicions soon found proof.

A few meters by the smoldering trenches, his adversary's round shield covered his head and upper back.

Then, as if a horrifying strike hadn't grazed him, he pushed himself off the ground and clapped.

"Not bad. I always wondered how the gods and some individuals used magic." A predatory smile split his lips. "But I don't really need it, for I'm the greatest warrior that ever stepped on Earth." His smile broadened. "You're probably the second-best, but my respect for your skills won't delay my duty anymore."

Like a tiger pouncing on prey, he charged to end this battle once and for all.

Meanwhile, Karna's lips rose into a brilliant smile. How wonderful was it to find someone more powerful and skilled than him? Didn't it mean he could progress further on the warrior path after believing he had reached its pinnacle?

His heart raced against his chest, and his fists trembled at the idea as a low mutter escaped his lips.

"Now that I'm free from my quest for glory and acceptance, everything is much easier."

Simultaneously, he planted his spear on the ground and channelled his flames. They danced before him, casting shadows on his dignified face before they condensed into a golden longbow.

Antique engravings equalling the ones on Achilles' armor and shield in quality ran along its frame. Its string, a thin line of pure light, reflected its divine origin and incredible history.

He ran his fingers through his weapon of choice, the corner of his lips raising into a nostalgic smile as he gripped it and drew its string.

"Let's work together again, Vijaya bow!"