Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

He knew he should have remained hidden with the aged woman and the others. Yet adrenaline burned his veins, and his restless heart whispered to him. 'Avenge Eleni with your own hands.'

Only a madman would listen, but his feet moved before he could think. Perhaps he became one after witnessing the city's decadence for decades. Or maybe the solitude and powerlessness that had strangled him a little more with each passing day finally claimed his sanity. But honestly? He didn't care.

Instead, he unsheathed his gladius and roared with the other rebels as he charged the walls.

The cannons' bright flashes blinded him, each magical detonation threatening to shatter his eardrums. Heartbreaking wails echoed with them, the air growing sticky with the scent of blood and burning bodies. The horrible spectacle he saw through the swirling dust made him retch, but he had to move—forward with his brothers and sisters.

He rushed through the chaotic battlefield with this mindset, helping whoever he could to get back on his feet and roaring heartfelt encouragements.

Though the cannons, archers, and spells decimated the frontline, he took their places with more citizens until they reached the closed gates.

"Ram the doors down!" Someone's panicked shout pierced through the noises.

That's when his hands trembled, and his mind rumbled in realisation.

The realisation that he wouldn't let them die to buy time. No! Those bastards above committed as many crimes as Xanthikos. Following orders? Who ordered them to steal, exploit, and turn the haven where he had grown up into a living hell?

"Let me pass!" He pushed through the human sea, his voice thundering. "Open the gates. Now!"

The soldiers snickered at the lunatic covered in soot and the blood of the fallen. Yet, Kyriakos roared his command again, shouting until his throat gave out and he coughed up blood.

Even the rebels shook their heads and pushed him aside, ready to shatter the gates with their own bodies if it was what it took.

RUMBLE

However, their eyes widened as the gates rumbled, light filtering through the opening.

"Find who's opening the gates! Dismember this bastard and shut them... ARGH!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The enemy leader roared before confusion and pain melded in his distorted face as he gazed at the curved sword piercing his heart.

Before he could see his killer, a foot crashed onto his back. As he plunged down the walls, hatred and regret filling his churning mind, he at least heard the bastard's voice thunder.

"We're not paid to count sheep. Let's get to work, boys!"

The seven hundred soldiers and mercenaries hired by Kyriakos roared, their faces red as their itching hands gripped their weapons. Without warning, they backstabbed the soldiers who controlled the magical cannons and the most dangerous mages.

The enraged enemies struck them, killing a few and hurling profanities as they sabotaged the artillery. Their work done, they unfurled ropes and leapt down with smirks.

Once they touched the ground, they rushed to Kyriakos, their leader's snort echoing.

"I lost many men because of your stupid decision. Double the pay and add a building!"

Kyriakos nodded, his voice solemn as the gates opened and the first delighted citizens rushed in.

"You'll get your weight in gold and more if we survive this!"

"You know how to fire me up."

The mercenary leader smirked, his fingers tightening around his curved blades as he commanded his men.

"Rush in before they find our brothers and close the gates! An enchanted item to whoever kills most of these bastards!"

While they rushed in, the officers on the walls gritted their teeth.

"Get down and repel the outskirts vermins!" He gripped one of his trusted underlings. "Report to the city lord and request his immediate support! Humph. Let them see how worthless their lives are!"

As his men rushed down the stairs and met the rebels, they commanded the archers and mages from their safe vantage point. After all, why would they risk their lives in a battle they had already won? Even Xanthikos' intervention would just be a show of strength to carve terror into their bones. Still, without him, they'd waste too much time to kill so many fools.

Yet, the battle would continue to rage despite their wishes, for Bart hurled a soldier by his crushed neck in front of Xanthikos' throne.

Garduck wiped the blood dripping from his scarlet blade as Luna smirked behind a veil of swirling ashes rising from the charred palace guards.

Before them, Xanthikos' eyes trembled as he scanned the demonic trio. Yet, he recovered from his astonishment in a heartbeat. Supporting his chin with the back of his hand, he snickered.

"Three demons in Hestia's realm... amusing, truly. Kyriakos thoroughly lost his human pride, but don't worry."

He pushed himself off his seat, magma burning in his eyes as he pointed his wand at them, a cruel smile splitting his face.

"I'll take good care of you." Mana swirled and hummed as he called for his spell. "Infernal Surge!"

Unlike Merlin, who called his spell after launching it, Luna noticed this buffoon of a city lord had to name it for its effects to materialise. But worse, he dared call something infernal before three Demon Earls?

None of them batted an eye when lava erupted and lunged in their direction. Instead, they snickered at the well-tempered heat and the comforting glow brightening their faces as Luna waved her hand.

Her signature fiery snake hissed to life as her demonic essence roared in her veins.

Your next chapter awaits on empire

"Infernal... Find a name for this in the underworld."

Nourished by her essence, the snake blazed, the surroundings distorting and vapor rising. Hints of abyssal darkness coated the green flames, enhancing the horrifying technique as she snapped her fingers.

With the sound, the snake screeched and rushed at the lava. Its gaping mouth devoured the spell like a harmless snack and continued toward the stunned Xanthikos.

Cursing under his breath, he hurriedly channelled his mana and roared.

"Molten Aegis"

Lava encased him in a bright orange cocoon as his hand darted toward his pocket. Sweat stuck his clothes to his skin as the cocoon trembled under the snake's jaws, threatening to collapse the next moment. Yet, he clenched his city lord's blazon despite the unbreathable air.

He'd never lose with it!