Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 316: The Military Academy

Achilles raised his shoulders and shook his head. "Vaelion told me he has noticed your return but is caught up in some magic stuff." He pushed Adam’s back toward the exit. "He’ll join us soon, so let me show you the barracks in the meantime."

Adam clicked his tongue, displeased with both Achilles’ enthusiasm and Merlin’s behavior.

Yet, the man didn’t give him a second to protest. "I guarantee what I prepared won’t disappoint you, not to mention the people dying to see you." freёwebnoѵel.com

Adam’s eyes lit up in intrigue. Who would want to see him after ten years besides his gone generals? With a gesture and a nod, he moved to the exit. "Guide the way."

Following behind Achilles with Muramasa, he added. "Our agreement changes, Achilles. The total freedom I granted you is no more."

Achilles raised his palm, cutting him off. "I cast it away myself in atonement. I’ll probably never know if Merlin’s warning was true. Even if it was, I... we all betrayed your trust."

He lowered his face, a heavy silence lingering as they emerged into the castle’s gardens and crossed the streets to a smaller yet broader building.

Then, a heavy sigh escaped his lips. "How could I enjoy my time when you were suffering? How could I claim glory when my heart bled in shame?"

He pushed the door, revealing a lounge so packed with individuals they couldn’t see the furniture. Each wore intricate leather armor emblazoned with a coat of arms around their chests. Engraved metallic pauldrons, round shields, and blades sparkled with demonic green and mana blue lights as they stomped, the ground trembling beneath their simultaneous movement.

Their slightly twitching brows hiding their excitement and straight postures whispering tales of harsh training, made Adam raise a questioning brow amidst the loud yet unique "Bam."

Achilles stood before them and opened his arms wide, his voice thundering.

"While Luna created the royal academy to educate the citizens according to your will, I set up the military academy. I forged these men and women, humans, demons, and elves, into fearsome warriors."

The soldiers struck their shields, the clangor reverberating before they offered a solemn salute.

"We greet Harmony’s glorious king!" They roared in unison before silence returned, and Achilles continued.

"After ten years, I formed a hundred and fifty trustworthy instructors, two thousand lieutenants able to lead a fifty-man division, and..." He let his voice linger, a smile blossoming as he gestured at the soldiers.

Adam’s eyes widened as the tight ranks parted to let a smiling male and female through. Though they looked more mature and handsome, he recognised their green hair, eyes, and short horns. How could he not when he had seen them grow?

As they glanced at each other, their soft eyes heavy with emotions, Achilles continued. "And I transformed these two into true generals. Forget about their antics. Their skills now match Jason’s."

But Adam didn’t listen to him. Instead, he approached the two proud youths. His arms trembled as he hugged them.

"I thought everyone left." He whispered, his heart singing in joy. "You grew up well, Morwen, Zephyr."

They returned the hug, tears trailing down their cheeks.

"Big brother... I’ve dreamed of your return for ten years." Zephyr’s voice cracked.

"We disappointed big sister Luna, but we couldn’t leave the home that holds so many tender memories." Morwen buried her face in his chest, sobbing. "You changed so much. How hard was the journey?"

Adam’s eyes lit up as he patted their heads. So, the six troublemakers were still in the city. Eager to gather them, he pulled back and grinned. "It wasn’t that bad."

They relaxed slightly, Achilles and Muramasa sighing in relief behind him before they all froze with his next words.

"Just soul-corrupting winds, toxic air, and millions of abyssal spawns hunting me down day and night. Oh! I also almost died fighting six eldritch horrors. Then, against a three-headed dragon’s poison. This one was a nasty bastard. And finally, I killed Ymir’s descendant this morning to return through the demon den’s spatial tear."

A tense silence hung in the air before he broke it with a chuckle. "But the horrible meat was the worst. This place almost killed my taste buds."

Achilles and Muramasa’s lips twisted, and their fists tightened while Zephyr and Morwen bit their lips. They knew Adam downplayed the horror he went through. But they also understood it wasn’t time to talk about that.

Zephyr nodded. "I’ll fetch Zane and ask him to prepare a feast. He became an amazing cook after Lilia taught him for ten years."

"Gather the others and lead them to the chaos forge. We’ll eat there." Adam patted his shoulder, proud of how dependable he had become.

He watched him leave, then turned to Achilles. "You set this place well. Since you formed many instructors, it can run without you. So, prepare to integrate them into the army and accompany the generals in their conquests."

However, Morwen coughed, her face palling before Achilles answered.

Achilles cut her off, delighted by Adam’s satisfaction but unwilling to burden him with bad news so soon. "After you meet with Garduck. For now, rest and leave those things to us."

A frown creased Adam’s brow before he shrugged and focused on the soldiers.

"I’m proud to see so many species united. You’re the blades drawn against the territory’s enemies now—and trust me, many dream to dance over my corpse. So, I’ll count on you to protect our citizens and show those fools we’re not pushovers."

The soldiers raised their fists and roared. "Our lives for the territory and the king!"

He observed their genuine smile and excitement, his eyes narrowing. How could they be this loyal when he was absent for ten years? Leaning to Morwen’s ears, he asked, "Did Achilles brainwash them?"

Morwen waved her hand to refute. "Is it needed? You can ask ten people in the street, and all ten will answer you’re the greatest king they have served. Their families are safe, and children receive the best education." She grinned. "This is just the proof that you weren’t wrong. You don’t even need to talk either; the city does it for you."

"I wasn’t wrong," Adam muttered, remembering his moments of doubts in the abyss before a radiant smile curled on his lips. "Let’s move to the forge."

He bid the soldiers and Achilles goodbye and left with Morwen and Muramasa, eager to see what the legendary smith had created in the past ten years.