Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Everyone watched John's graceless departure with mixed feelings.

Even if they sighed in relief at the just retribution, a bitter aftertaste filled their mouths. They couldn't point out its cause, but like an unreachable itch in the middle of their backs, they couldn't dismiss it either.

"I wish a human conducted the trial." One of the citizens suddenly said.

The others' eyes sparkled in understanding.

It was so evident that they almost missed it: deep down, they weren't ready to accept demons.

They took this brief moment of respite to share their opinions as they watched the demonic army escort the three hundred soldiers out. The pitiful glances they threw in their directions caught their attentions. Yet, they ignored them. After all, what could they do to help? And even if they could, didn't the demon lord offer forgiveness to those who repent?

Just like that, a broad space cleared in the middle of the crowd without anyone interfering.

Meanwhile, Adam shook his head to fix his mind.

'Why did I give him to Ifrit? Even if John had caused the war, I should have beheaded him and been done with it.' His pupils constricted. 'T-That's so unlike me.'

He bit his lips, a feeling of estrangement tying around his churning stomach. His hands trembled, his fingers moving erratically like twigs batter by a gale.

His inner terror at the prospect of becoming someone else, something else, reflected directly on his body.

And amidst his fears, a hand as soothing as the spring sun came to chase the darkness encroaching on his heart. Resting on his shoulder, its owner's gentle voice resounded next.

"The more righteous you try to be, the harder your path as a lord will become." Karna smiled, his bright presence a balm against his trembling. "Sometimes, you'll have tough choices to make. Sometimes, you'll even make terrible mistakes, but you must not fear change. On the contrary, stagnation is a poison that will slowly corrode your mind.

Make mistakes and fail, but learn from them." He pressed his finger on Adam's heart, his smile broadening. "Only then will you become who you should be and break the shackles of the past."

Inspired by the words, Adam's heart hastened in his chest, and a warm smile blossomed on his lips.

'He's right. Why am I afraid of changing? I committed a mistake, but I won't repeat it in the future.'

Even in games, he used to fail more often than he was comfortable admitting when he started. Yet, he had built his understanding and skill over the years to stand at the pinnacle of gaming. Even if everything was different, one variable remained the same: him.

He chuckled and offered a grateful nod at Karna before turning toward the citizens to end the gathering.

CLAP CLAP

Two claps thundered, forcing them into silence and commanding their attention.

"Dear citizens, I know you're doubtful because of demons' reputation. But let me introduce my territory's rules before you decide to leave. The third rule is that I, as the lord, am responsible for your safety. I guarantee you a safe place to live in." He pointed at the houses. "The second rule is that everyone has the right to lead a dignified life.

Therefore, none of my current and future citizens will have to pay taxes! Your habitations are also free!"

The citizens gawk at the attractive offers. No one would refuse a safe life—even more so when they wouldn't have to bleed themselves at work only to pay a sizeable chunk of their revenues. And with the free housing added, everything almost seemed like a dream... Almost.

Frowns and suspicious gazes rained on Adam, creating a tense atmosphere of incertitude.

A man finally stepped up to break it ten seconds later, with the question burning everyone's lips.

"And what do we have to pay for this wonderful life?"

Adam raised his thumb at him and swiped the crowd with a gentle gaze. Carrying his dream, he hoped they would feel his honesty through it.

"That leads to the last rule."

The citizens gulped, their hearts drumming in their ears as they expected the worst demands. After all, demons often conducted blood rituals and living sacrifices. Would he ask them to act as a blood bank, or for a virgin as a sacrifice once a week?

They paled and trembled at the terrifying stories they had heard as they scrutinised Adam's lips.

"My territory's first rule!" He raised his palm and clenched his fist under the sun as if to grab it in a grand gesture. "All my citizens have to live fulfilling and peaceful lives!"

A stunned silence followed his declaration, hanging heavily in the air still filled with the stench of blood and ashes.

Yet, some uncontrollably stepped up to stand in the bright sun's light.

Despite their doubts and the high risk, they wanted to believe in him. It was irrational and stupid, but it was what their racing heart whispered to them: what are you afraid of after your miserable life under the King of Heroes? Go!

Mostly composed of aged individuals, unable to support any more harsh treatment, the first wave of citizens approached the walls with unsteady steps.

However, the lady who had testified against John surprisingly spoke first.

She pointed at Achilles. "Even our arrogant town's hero sided with him. Doesn't it speak volumes about his character? Didn't you all see him deliver justice after a fair trial, something our previous lord, a human, never did?" She shook her head, a steely glint flashing in her reddened eyes. "I believe in him and know he won't mislead us!"

Her words resonated with their longing for a worry-free life. More citizens approached the walls, leaving behind a minority.

Simultaneously, hundreds of new notifications rang in Adam's ears, all requests to join his territory.

Without hesitations and a broad smile stretching his lips, he accepted them all and opened his arms wide to welcome them.

"Welcome to Harmony! A place where every race will live together without discrimination! You can continue living in this town, develop its agriculture, fish, and produce salt, or move to my humble village. In both cases, you'll have a free house, warm meals, and sparkling new facilities!"