Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 315: The Return Punch

He watched Ozymandias stumble down the corridor, eager to hear about the man’s decision. Would he act on his threat like a sore loser?

Somehow, the question amused him. But it wasn’t time to think about the future when the present waited for no one.

With a smirk, he passed by the frowning Gilgamesh and sat on the golden throne, his fist supporting his head.

Before a tense silence could settle, Gilgamesh stretched his right palm and spoke.

"Even if speaking with Ozymandias is challenging, you can’t dismiss him as if he had never contributed to the realm." He massaged his forehead, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "It’s not my place to tell you, but I will. He has been working on a complex pipe project melding science, magic, and the Necropolis Nexus for the last seven years."

Adam leaned forward, gesturing to continue.

Gilgamesh nodded, relieved Adam’s focus on utility outweighed emotions.

"Let me remind you since you’ve been away for ten years. The Nexus produces soul shards. Since they run out of energy after a day or two, the citizens try to stock them, leading to fierce competition. Some scoundrels even sell their shares at outrageous prices."

Adam shrugged at first before his eyes narrowed. "Sell, not resell?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath before his cold voice echoed. "Don’t tell me they’re free."

"Why not? They need energy to operate their businesses and live comfortably. Was it not what you wanted by offering them houses and a tax-free kingdom? That’s why I’m reluctant to invest your funds, not because of inflation."

Adam facepalmed, now understanding Gilgamesh. "I don’t even want to check the warehouse..."

Gilgamesh’s face grew somber. "It’s indeed better if you don’t."

Adam reclined on the throne, a pensive frown creasing his brows.

No country could function if the crown had no revenue. The problem found a natural solution in selling his energy production to businesses, but Gilgamesh misunderstood his intentions.

"Change the rules." He sighed. "The minimum to operate a house is free. Sell the rest, but start low and increase the price slowly to avoid public outrage."

He noticed Gilgamesh’s relieved nod before focusing on Ozymandias. "What about Ozymandias’ project?"

"We digressed, but it fixes the unsavory selling and competition problem. In short, he planned to send the shards’ energy directly to the citizens’ buildings through the pipes."

He approached the throne, his eyes firm. "I know you resent us for a good reason, but try to understand. Guilt suffocated the others during your absence. They did their utmost to get your forgiveness in their own way, and Ozymandias is the one who worked most with Muramasa."

The corner of Adam’s lips curled slightly as he blew on his fist. At least they knew how dirty they did him. But no one will escape his return punch. Still, he found Ozymandias’ idea excellent. It was just a pity this stubborn pharaoh couldn’t put his arrogance aside.

"I’ll talk with him before leaving. Continue to manage the realm on your side. It should become much easier after you generate money." He gazed at the corridor, the echo of footsteps making him grin. "Finally arriving?"

Gilgamesh nodded. "I understand what you want better, too. I’ll promote research by investing in the academy and sell the crown’s production at affordable prices to finance the rest."

Adam raised his thumb, then focused on the golden blur flashing through the corridor and Muramasa’s figure dashing behind it with a radiant smile.

He hesitated for a second before he shook his head and crouched. ’No exception.’

The ground cracked under his feet as he lunged like a predator out for blood. The wind whipped his face, his unkempt hair drawing a swirling dark streak in the golden trajectory.

"Clench your teeth, Achilles!" He roared, his fist whistling toward the handsome man’s Greek helmet.

Achilles’ pupils constricted as he snapped his head to the side. Yet, the ashen and dark fist only grew bigger in his vision. How could someone be faster than him?

CRACK

As the question rumbled in his mind, the strike clanged against the divine helmet, the pressure jerking his head back and almost tearing his spine.

Broken teeth and blood filled his mouth as his jaw shattered like glass. His legs buckled, disbelief etching his forehead as the Styx’s somber water emerged from his pores. It healed the damage in the blink of an eye, the cool sensation accompanying his turning face.

Meanwhile, Adam winked and dashed toward Muramasa. If there was someone he didn’t want to punch, it was him—his first mythical figure, who always crafted the best equipment to support him. And it was even harder when the man smiled and nodded at him, silently asking him to do it.

"Clench your teeth, Muramasa," he said, his tone and punch lacking the vengeful conviction they should have.

BAM

Murama’s head moved slightly back, a thin scarlet line dripping down his cut lips. His smile broadened, and his arms wrapped around Adam’s back as he brought him closer.

"It’s good to see you back, Adam." He pulled back, his lips quivering and his soft gaze meeting the watery scarlet and blue eye. "I should have warned and prepared you against Merlin’s demands. I-I knew..." He bit his lip. "It’s my fault."

Adam’s chest tightened as he saw the man’s emaciated body now that he was that close. "You should, like all the others. Don’t shoulder the responsibility alone. Vaelion told me you never left your forge. Take a break."

Muramasa shook his head. "Your enemies gave us a break since you were gone, but they’re still lurking like wolves." A steely glint flashed in his eyes. "I made the wrong decision by not helping you prepare before. Not again. Follow me to the forge!"

As he moved toward the exit, Achilles chimed in.

"Let’s drop by the barracks first since it’s closer." He struck his chest, his lips curled in pride. "I’m not as good with emotions as Muramasa or Karna, but you became quite the warrior during your exile. And what a glorious return."

Adam shook his head, his knuckles white. "I’ll wait for Merlin. He has too much to explain, and I genuinely hope that he’ll convince me."