Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Golden eyes shone in the darkness. A pair first, then two, followed by three.

An icy drop of sweat rolled down his forehead when he counted over fifty, and the faint noise of footsteps turned into a cacophony reverberating through the rocky ground.

Yet, he didn't give the command to attack... not yet.

Something bugged him like an itch in the middle of his back, too far for him to reach, yet scratching at his skin.

In the heavy silence, he pondered the sensation before a spark of realisation struck his mind like a hammer.

'Their eyes aren't green. They're regular kobolds!'

His chest rose deliberately as he exhaled the anxiety that had kept his muscles tensed and lowered his arm, finally delivering the command to capture them.

His silent subjects roared in delight, channelling their demonic essence and drawing their weapons to subdue the creatures.

Before they could begin the massacre, a voice thundered, grating to his ears but comprehensible.

"Please, stay your hand! We surrender and implore mercy, my lord."

A kobold, a little taller than the others yet sharing their features in his eyes, stepped out and kneeled.

"I'm the mine's chief son, my lord. I gathered my sane brothers to escape the madness spreading in the tunnel... But from thousands, only fifty withstood it. We can't remain here, yet you're barring the only path out."

The kobold's head lowered, hiding his twisted lip and gritted teeth as he continued.

"Take my life if you must, but spare my people."

The subjects halted in their charge, waiting for their lord's decision.
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Meanwhile, a grin crept on his lips, and his thumb rose.

"Welcome to my territory. You'll be the excavation director and manage your people."

"???"

Jaws dropping and shoulders trembling, the kobold raised his head, unwilling to believe such a rapid acceptance. Yet, his eyes widened as the tall demon smiled at them as if they were companions.

"Close your mouth before you gobble a fly."

He chuckled at his reaction before raising two fingers and explaining his decision to comfort him.

"Your courage impressed me. Instead of fleeing alone despite the despairing situation, you took care of your people. You even forsook your pride to kneel and ask for mercy. I believe your presence and knowledge will help my territory grow further."

He lowered a finger, his smile broadening to reach his eyes.

"Demons, humans, elves, or creatures, I welcome everyone to my territory so long as you follow the laws... We don't have laws yet..."

He scratched his head, noticing the kobold raise his hands in confusion.

"Anyway, don't kill, steal, or use force against anyone. We'll see the rest later."

He turned to the shadow stalker and pointed at the group of fifty delighted bipedal-looking lizards.

"Escort them and watch over them outside."

As the group of kobolds left, throwing reluctant gazes at their savior, he walked to the leader's son and gripped his arm to help him up.

"Can you guide us to the leader and describe its strength? Oh, and tell me your name."

"I'm Maven, my lord. I'll guide you to my father. He's the strongest in the mine and the one who directly struck a deal with Baal. I don't know how powerful he became, but the demon king helped him break the tier barrier and evolve. So, he's probably in the middle of the third tier..."

Despite the terrible news, his lips couldn't help but part to let out a relieved sigh.

"At least he didn't reach the fourth." He nodded, patting Maven's shoulder. "We can't let him grow. Lead the way and tell me about the enemy's numbers."

As they engulfed themselves deeper into the galleries, Maven's features contorted into a conflicted expression.

"Enemies..."

They were once his friends and colleagues. Now?

He held his head, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

"We are one of the largest kobold communities in this realm, counting over three thousand members. I used the empty rooms to hide from them as they joined my father like flies attracted by that hateful green fire."

His jaw clenched, and his fists tightened before letting his emotions out and yelling.

"They're not kobolds anymore! I hate the demons who abused their weak hearts with flowery words, and I hate them even more for accepting! Honestly, I hate you, too. You're a demon, yet harbor draconic features. You're the reason Baal contacted them and the reason they accepted!"

Meanwhile, Adam massaged his forehead, each accusation striking his mind like a hammer.

'He's not entirely wrong... But what? Should I commit suicide because Baal tempts others to kill me? In the end, they're the masters of their own choices, not me.'

Somehow, Maven reminded him of the angry teammates he played with in a particular game.

They blamed their mistakes on others, writing about what-ifs and potential scenarios. Sometimes, they even spent more time chatting than playing, making it much harder for him to win the match.

The memory alone caused him to click his tongue as he answered.

"I'm not to blame for your father's choice. I have draconic features for a reason much more legitimate than what you can imagine if it's still bothering you. Now, I can't control your emotions, and if you want to feel better by deluding yourself, it's your choice. But know that I won't tolerate it for long."

As his words hung heavy in the air, Maven fell silent, his face contorting into different grimaces, reflecting his inner conflict until only grief remained.

"I-I don't want to accept the situation... Why? Why us? If I can't blame you, who should I blame?"

Adam's eyes narrowed into fiery slits, and his voice cracked in suppressed anger.

"I wouldn't accept the situation either. But you're still veiling your face. The culprit has been laughing at us since the beginning. Baal! Blame this bastard and fight to avenge your father."

He observed Maven tremble, guessing that the kobold probably realised he had downplayed the primary culprit's responsibility because of his powers. After all, who would be stupid enough to confront the most feared and notorious demon king?

'Me...'