Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 317: Forged in Absence

After a brief walk, Adam arrived before the chaos forge he had ignored earlier. The pounding of hammers against metal, the subtle rise in ambient temperature and the scent of burning charcoal made him whistle in approval.

Unlike ten years ago, the lone building was now the heart of a craftsman’s district filled with artisans sweating over anvils. Through the windows, he noticed a few refining glasses or molding potteries on spinning devices.

Muramasa grinned as he pushed the forge’s doors open.

A rush of burning air ruffled Adam’s hair as he saw a dozen burly men wearing leather aprons. Their powerful arms’ veins throbbed, and bright flashes of flying sparks erupted each time they swung their enchanted hammers. Some secured scalding pieces of metal over the ten anvils using large pincers, while others gripped rough blades under sanding devices.

He raised a brow, impressed by the dozens of artisans’ focused frowns as they rigorously inspected their creations. ’They’re aiming for perfection.’

As he realised how skilled they were, Muramasa chuckled and gestured toward the staircase.

"They’re passionate masters—the realm’s finest craftsmen," Muramasa said as he led him upstairs. "Amusing, considering how you struggled to recruit apprentice and intermediate smiths in the past. Now, they flock like sheep, dreaming of working here."

Adam smiled wryly, remembering the reluctant teenagers and how they had to use Lilia’s... natural weapons to convince them. "Let me guess. With the limited space and fierce competition, they gathered around and ultimately created this district."

"Indeed." Muramasa pushed the resting room door on the second floor with a nod. "They hope to refine their skills enough to work with our two prodigies."

Hearing his words, a green-haired teenager lying on a comfortable red sofa rolled his eyes. "They pester us daily because you call us that. Tsk. I miss the time when the forge was empty and old Durgrim’s passion."

He glared at Muramasa, then frowned at the strange, unclean demon. What species was that? His frown deepened, dripping ink as he noticed Morwen cross her arms over her neat armor with a cheeky smirk.

Knowing there was something more, he studied the demon’s gentle smile and soft gaze before his eyes widened. No way...

"Big brother?!"

Adam watched him dash at him and caught the youth in a warm hug. "Missed our little artisan. How have you been doing, Silas?"

Tears trailed down Silas’ cheeks as his smile broadened. "Excellent, now that you’re back. Come sit." He scrambled to the fireplace and poured water into a kettle. "You have to tell what happened to you!"

Everyone sat on the sofa before Adam shook his head. "You can ask Morwen for the short version. The long one will have to wait for everyone to gather."

He turned to Muramasa. "Show me."

The smile tugging at Muramasa’s lips gave way to a solemn line as he retrieved a large crate from the room’s side and placed it on the table. "Open it."

Intrigued, Adam lifted the wooden lid. Bright lights blinded him as intricate blades, spears, axes, and arrows reflected the sunlight. His eyes widened slightly through the radiance as he estimated the number to surpass a hundred.

"We didn’t waste a single feather from that bastard gryphon," Muramasa said, his lips curling in suppressed hate. "They’re all mythical weapons of the seventh tier."

Adam’s fists tightened around the blade he had picked. Those fine weapons would serve his generals well when they invaded the demon realm... But who was Elena?

Unable to put a face on that name, he tilted his head.

Sylas caught his confusion and chuckled. "Remember the demoness we called the lady who’s good with her hands? We got tired of calling her that and named her Elena."

A soft smile curved Adam’s lips. "I remember her. She wanted to become the first female to reach the legendary smith rank. It’s good to see the results of her dedication ten years later."

Muramasa nodded. "She has a true crafter’s soul and is our second prodigy. But that’s what they crafted." He moved to a weapon rack, retrieved a leather sheath decorated with Nordic runes, and handed it to Adam. "I struggled after Durgrim left with the others, but that’s what I made in your absence."

Adam frowned. A single blade? Though he didn’t doubt its quality, wasn’t it too little? Searching through his memories for the reason, he remembered their discussions and sighed. "The lack of materials hindered you."

Muramasa returned the sigh. "Luna never supplied us with any material after she left. So I did what I could to create a slightly improved replica of Balmung."

"The solution was simple, though." Adam placed the blade on the table with a shrug. "You should have left with Durgrim, but I understand that the others would have rejected you."

With a snap of his fingers, the magic cube appeared above the table and absorbed the crate. "From now on, anything you see remains in this room. Understood?"

Sylas nodded as he brought a cup of tea for everyone before the others narrowed their eyes and did the same. Yet, their fists shook the next second as abyssal spawn carcasses, giant beast bones, and sparkling ores dropped to the ground.

Adam scratched his head as he watched their open jaw and pale complexions. That was nothing... He still had Hrimgar carcass, not to mention the large block of Yggdrasil. ’Will they faint if I take everything out?’

Amused, he absorbed everything in the cube, causing Sylas to gasp in despair and Muramasa to frown.

But he didn’t care. "They’re reserved for my generals and soldiers. I’m not giving the others anything, so keep your lips sealed until we leave for Mimi’s realm."

Hesitation flashed in Muramasa’s eyes before they firmed. Luna could hate him all she wanted; Adam called the shots. "When do we move?"

"At dawn." He smiled, hearing rushed footsteps from the stairs. "Today, we relax and feast."

Before his words faded, the door flew open, and three blurs lunged at him. He hugged Victoria, Sarah, and Zane before his gaze lingered on the three huffing sisters leaning by the doorway.

"M-My lord!" Lilia cried, her clenched fist crumpling her long dress. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Adam smiled, delighted to see them. "Catch your breath and join us!"

Litia’s and Laura’s lips quivered, tears trailing down their cheeks as they realised it wasn’t a dream. The lord who had saved them and built a haven for everyone had returned.

"Yes!" They lunged inside, their smiles brightening the room as the party officially started.

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AN: Meanwhile, the police officers are still investigating... And that’s just the beginning...