Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

"Because they lost something on their way. Something of utmost importance when all earthy limitations vanish: a child's heart and a dreaming mind."

She knew more than any divinities that self-created bottlenecks would impede the other lord's path when their powers grew too big without these two traits.

They would need a dreaming mind to harness their full potential, and without a child's heart, only doom awaited them. After all, the individuals they summoned wouldn't accept a tyrannical ruler. It was even truer, considering they had all died before.

Those seemingly innocent subjects had nothing to lose but a borrowed life of slavery granted to them for the god's enjoyment.

"You're adapting well, my dear contractor. Prove those impostors that even after millions of years, they still can't reach my ankle."

She glanced at Adam's sleeping frame one last time before closing her eyes.

Was she sleeping, negotiating new benefits for him, or something else? Only she knew.

However, time didn't wait, not even for the powerful Tiamat and continued its relentless flow.

The rising sun replaced the glowing moon, brightening the sky with an orange hue as the familiar notification echoed in Adam's ears.

DING

[Talent's daily use available. Use: Yes/No]

His mouth opened wide, a yawn leaving it as he massaged his eyes and sat on his bed's edge.

He pressed on yes absentmindedly before a rush of adrenaline awoke him when the familiar wheel appeared before his sleepy eyes.

"Give me my second enchanted weapon today!"

His fist cut through the air, excitement filling him when the wheel's rattling echoed in his eardrums.

Yet, he frowned as it stopped on a bundle of vials filled with scarlet liquid.

[Congratulations on obtaining ten minor health potions!]

"At least they're useful, not like that name change ticket..."

He sighed, his excitement melting like ice under the inferno of disappointment he felt, and left the hut.

The moment he took three steps towards the demonic altar, elated voices echoed in his ears, and six shadows tackled him to the ground with surprising swiftness.

'How can someone attack me during the grace period?! Did my subjects betray me?'

Heart drumming against his chest and panic seizing his mind, his arms swelled in an attempt to free himself.

Then, he heard the mischievous laughs and the six individuals speak.

"Hey, big bro! We've been waiting for you all night!"

"Yeah! What took you so long?"

"Hum, hum. We worked extra hard to show you how good we were!"

"Feels bad, man. I'm taller than you now."

"It doesn't matter if your brain is small."

"Shut up, you two! Let big bro breathe, or he won't see how we became!"

"Hee?"

He gawked, shocked by the conversation and totally lost as they pulled back.

'Who are these handsome men and beautiful ladies?!'

The question rumbled in his mind as he stood up and observed them warily.

Their fair skin, elegant noses, sparkling eyes and flowing green hair added to his confusion. But the worst part? Aside from a short for the males and a thin stripe of fabric to cover the women's ample breasts, they were naked!

That wasn't the principal problem!

His eyes narrowed into slits, and his muscles tensed.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my territory?"

The six teenagers lowered their heads, and their shoulders slumped in sadness.

Fortunately, Ifrit answered the question before the confusion deepened.

"The imps evolved tonight. I found them like that half an hour ago."

"Already?!"

His mouth hung open as shock consumed his beating heart.

"Hehehe! Of course!"

They planted their fists on their hips in unison, their fake sadness replaced by their usual mischievousness.

"Even if we didn't understand much before, we enjoyed how everyone treated us. But we were too small to help. So, we slipped out for the last two nights to focus on absorbing more essence. And Tada! We're all incubus and succubus now!"

He noticed their puffed chests and the pride in their voice.

Like a father delighted to see his babies grow, he swallowed his disbelief and moved to pat their arms.

"Well done! Hahaha."

He chuckled, finding the situation amusing. After all, everyone had recommended him to kill them. But now? They stood taller than him and exuded more power than the regular demons.

"We're no longer lesser imps. We want names!"

One of them demanded, rushing to climb over his head like he used to when he was still small. But only managed to fall on him...

"Ah! Sorry, big bro!"

The incubus quickly helped him up and dusted his ragged robes in a nervous apology.

He didn't mind the blunder, though, knowing the handsome teenager didn't do it on purpose. Therefore, he tucked his fingers around his chin, a pensive frown creasing his brows.

"Sigh. You're not small anymore. For the name. Mhh."

Before their reddening faces, he crossed his arms over his chest before pointing a finger at them.

"Zane, Zephyr, Silas, Morwen, Victoria, and Sarah. I hope you like them."

They roared in joy, liking them very much even if they didn't know what they meant or where they came from.

Meanwhile, he turned to hide his twitching lips.

'Sorry, I couldn't think of anything better. Well... They aren't that bad, so...'

He turned back, smiling at the boisterous teens, claiming that their names sounded better than the others.

Then, he clapped his hand, drawing their attention to fix their schedule and resolve their clothing problem.

"You'll follow the others today and learn the does and don't under their supervision. You can also claim your own hut now and I'll get you an armor suit after breakfast. Finally, I welcome you to the territory."

However, Morwen stepped forward, her tail whipping behind her a reflection of her anxiousness.

"We all want to help you become like us, big bro. I can show you how I manipulate demonic essence now that I can talk."

The others glared at her, piercing burning holes in her back as they lamented the missed opportunity.