Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Garduck nodded, aware Luna knew those subjects better than him.

"Let's regroup here by nightfall. Remember, stealth is this operation's key." He stretched his palm out and smiled. "For the lord."

Luna and Bart returned his smile, placing their palms above his.

"For the lord."

With their declaration, they lowered their hoods and left the shop.

Though Jean scrutinised them with a conflicted expression, they ignored the man. They had nothing more to tell him, and he was welcome to report them to the city guard... if he wanted them to kill him first, of course.

With a final word of encouragement, Luna waved them goodbye and returned to the outskirts. Even if her brows twitched and a stinging pain pierced her heart, she knew she'd find what she sought among the poor. After all, when misery and despair became unbearable, and with no one listening to their pleas, humans had the foolish idea to seek salvation from whoever answered them.

She bit her lip, muttering to herself.

"That's when demons lure them with their empty promises. But not this time. We'll show you Adam's vision and that not all of us are beasts."

A steely glint flashed in her eyes as she clogged her nose with essence to avoid the outskirt's putrid stench. Seriously, even toilets didn't reek that badly. But she also shook her head, understanding that cleaning was not starving people's priority, even less when thugs ruled the streets.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

She exhaled as she passed by crumbling walls covered with disgusting graffiti, gazing at a group of ten thugs.

She saw their suspicious gaze and hands reaching for their shoes and belts as a bald man led them to her. From their tensed muscles to their dark glares, each movement dripped with aggression and intimidation. Yet, she shrugged and smirked when their leader towered a few steps before her.

"What's a covered bastard doing in my territory?" He spat, his lips curled in a cruel sneer.

"You came at the right time." Ignoring the lust flashing in the bastard's eyes, she let her feminine voice echo. "I'm here to play an enjoyable game."

"Oh? It's the first time a wench jumps on my lap." He licked his lips and gestured to a building slightly better than the others. "I'm eager to play with you." Then, he stared at his men. "Watch the streets. You'll have your turns after."

Amidst the fools' eager yells, Luna rolled her eyes and followed the man.

Once inside, she closed the door behind her, the man's excited breath filling the sober hall.

"Quick, remove that coat..."

As his dirty hands approached her shoulders, she turned like a panther, the wind roaring behind her soaring foot.

"ARGH!"

Without mercy, she struck the man's most vulnerable body part. She saw him drop to his knees, clutching it and wailing in agony. Yet, his bloodshot eyes widened the next second as she gripped his mouth, muffling his voice.

"Scream again and you'll become a eunuch today." She raised her other hand, horrible flames taking the shape of his burning crotch in a fiery spectacle.

If rage flashed in the man's eyes, now only horror swirled in their depths. His struggle instantly stopped, his shoulders slumping and his eyes pleading for mercy.

Witnessing the change, she released his mouth and continued.

"You're lucky I don't have time to waste with pathetic monkeys. But even beasts have uses." She shoved the burning glint piercing her hood before his face, adding a layer of terror. "Gather your goons and investigate. I want to know who worships demons by tonight."

"A-A divine inquisitor?!"

She rolled her eyes as the man exclaimed despite his pain. Still, she didn't correct him and observed his twitching lips.

"They tried to hide it, but I know a few who built demonic altars with goat bones and blood! I-I can guide you to their houses, divine apostle! S-Sorry for the misunderstanding..."

"Why do you think I hide my face? Don't call me names, and lead the way in silence!"

With a groan, the man pushed himself off the ground and stumbled to the door. Then, he commanded his men to investigate and bowed to her.

"Please follow me."

After a brief walk, he hammered on a rotting door and thundered.

"Open, old witch!"

A minute later, a woman pulled the door open. She sighed at the thug before she noticed Luna. Her face brightened, the maze of wrinkles stretching into a broad smile as she stepped back.

"Welcome to my humble abode, your grace."

Meanwhile, the thug leaned over Luna's ear and whispered. "I knew they were all mad, but she's welcoming death with a smile."

However, she just shrugged and stepped in.

"Wait in the living room." She turned to the woman. "Lead me to your altar."

The woman bowed. "As you command, your grace."

Under the thug's confused eyes, she zealously removed a dusty carpet. Then, she opened a hidden trapdoor and descended a flight of stairs.

Wood creaked with each step before Luna emerged in a disturbing room.

Goats' skulls hung on the walls while bloody pentagrams covered the ground. A green fire crackled in the middle, providing light but also causing her eyes to narrow.

As she observed the bizarre place, the woman prostrated and struck her forehead with the ground, her voice cracking.

"I've dreamed of this day for years, oh great demon. Thank you for finally hearing my prayers. I'm willing to offer you my heart and soul so long as you..." She clenched her jaw, the sound of grinding teeth echoing. "Take revenge for my children."

Luna saw her trembling shoulders and heard the distress hidden behind her determination.

She revealed her face, her horns glinting with the fire as she helped the woman up.

"Tell me your story."

Shocked by her beauty, the woman observed her in a muted stupor for a few seconds before she spoke, her voice a guttural plea for help.

"I once had a caring family. Life was tough, but my son's and daughter's bright faces gave me the courage to move forward."

She paused, her shoulders trembling as she covered her mouth and sobbed.

Luna patted her back comfortingly before she found the strength to continue.

"My son crossed paths with an official when he was twelve. You know how kids are. They act without thinking... but some humans are worse than demons." Shadows danced on her face, and her voice grew somber. "That devious official took a liking to his face and abducted him. Of course, he resisted and managed to pierce his eye before fleeing. I'd never forget his bloody face and tattered clothes when he returned..."

Luna bit her lip, already understanding what had transpired. But the woman continued, finding a strange relief in sharing her darkest moments.

"They raided our house with dozens of city protectors wearing Hestia's symbols." They killed my husband and son and took me and my daughter. We suffered for a week before they finally released us, but... she was too young to endure the abuses."

She covered her face, the noise of her sobbing filling the room.

"She took her own life that night, leaving me alone in this cursed city. But I didn't give up. I prayed to Hestia for justice until my legs cracked. What do you think happened?"

She didn't let Luna answer and clenched her trembling fists.

"His life only improved, promotions falling from the sky. He's now the city lord! That's when I understood that the gods have no interest in poor people like me." She pointed at the altar. "That's why I sought an alternative solution and delved into demonology. And finally, you appeared today."

She clutched her chest and rose to her feet.

Before Luna's widening eyes, she walked toward the fire, ready to plunge inside. Read exclusive content at empire

"Take everything I own as payment. But make him suffer."