Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 320: No Demon Realm, Tartarus Instead

Amidst the silent room, Adam stood frozen for a minute, taking deep breaths to calm down his drumming heart. This information was as critical as it was irritating, and he’d be unwise to dismiss it because of his anger.

’No demon realm anytime soon.’ His lips curled down, a deep frown creasing his brows. ’Where can I find an isolated god? Shit. This broke all my plans. Even worse, I can’t be sure it’ll really happen without risking my life.’

He sank back into the sofa, mumbling under his breath before Muramasa shook his head.

"You’ve been quite hard on Merlin. I’m not denying his methods were wrong, but everything he did was for your own good. I’m sure he’ll learn from his mistakes after you... exposed them."

Disturbed in his thinking, Adam’s eyes narrowed. "I don’t want to talk about him. I met another wise man before returning. He’s nothing like this scam of Merlin. Let him reflect on his stupidity for a century. Then perhaps I’ll forgive him."

He tucked his fingers around his chin, mumbling. "Thinking about Mimir, didn’t he speak about a better suggestion last week?"

His eyes brightened as he gazed at the others. "Rest for tonight. Zephyr and Morwen, you two prepare the military academy officers and ask Achilles to join us. We leave for Mimi’s realm tomorrow to reunite with Luna, Garduck, and the others."

Muramasa nodded while the six former imps raised their fists. They would finally show their brother how strong they had become in those ten years.

"Count on us!" They yelled in unison before Adam ruffled their green hair like he used to when they were short imps.

Then, he warmly hugged the three sisters, thanking them for their dedication and loyalty before he left the chaos forge.

He returned to the castle first, rolling his eyes as he met Ozymandias’ angry accusations. Still, he managed to calm the arrogant pharaoh with genuine praises until he understood Ozymandias’ commitment to the territory’s development. As Gilgamesh had claimed, he had worked the hardest.

But the surprise came from his demand. He mused it on his way to the academy, a smile tugging at his lips.

"My alcohol tastes terrible those days. That annoying monkey must have played a trick on me before he left. Bring him back, and we can drop this matter."

In short, Ozymandias missed his drinking buddy but was too shy to admit it. Who would have thought? But he also wondered if Wukong left to tour the realms on his cloud or if his departure hid something else.

’Knowing him, he’s probably causing trouble somewhere.’

Chuckling, he entered the academy lab, his gaze landing on Mimir’s head and Gork, who drew sun-looking symbols like an eager student.

He waved at them, then sat across the desk.

"Did you miss me after half a day?" Mimir winked playfully. "What can I do for you, brother?"

"You wish, old head." Adam smirked before his tone grew solemn. "Remember when I mentioned the demon realm? You talked about a better alternative."

Mimir nodded. "Indeed. The demon realm is too unpredictable. One day, two demon kings go at each other’s throats, while the next, they act like best friends. No, it’s best to avoid that chaotic place and focus on an isolated and weakened god."

Adam glanced at him suspiciously. Did a place like this even exist? Well, he had met Ahriman, who was isolated... He wasn’t really the kind of god he could defeat, though. "Where?"

"In Hades."

Mimir’s matter-of-fact answer made him roll his eyes. "Sure. The same place ruled by Hades and Persephone, the house of Hypnos, Thanatos, Erebus, and the Furies. Who’s isolated there exactly?"

Mimir chuckled. "You forgot the Elysian Fields and Nyx. What you seek is beyond the latter’s habitation: Tartarus."

Adam glared at him, paling and his lips twitching. "You want my hide or what?!" He slammed the desk, huffing. "The Olympians want me dead, old fool. You can be sure I’ll never escape Hades."

"Don’t let them catch you? I mean, as long as you don’t threaten the underworld, most will ignore you." Mimir shook his head. "Listen well. Rebels and titans are chained in the depths of Tartarus, weakened, forever to suffer. It’s your only realistic option. Even more so if you want a fighting chance against the gods."

A pensive frown creased Adam’s brow. He remained silent for a minute, conflicted about this mad idea but acknowledging its advantages. Still, he needed more information to decide.

He leaned forward, peering into Mimir’s eyes. "Why would it increase my chances?"

"Their guardians. If you can recruit the three original Hecatonchires, or absorb their essences, you’ll have a straight path to your last evolution." Mimir gazed up, his pale golden eyes brightening. "You can also tour the Elysian fields and steal dead heroes’ possessions. You know where this is going, right?"

Adam’s breath hitched in his throat, his eyes widening. The three demons who played a crucial role during the Titanomachy... They’d make for horrifying allies if he could control them. No, it was too unlikely. But their essence... How could they kill them? These bastards’ raw might was terrifying, perhaps even superior to most titans. It seemed like a wishful dream at this point.

As for the last point, of course, he knew. He could summon those heroes and bolster his army through the Gate.

He observed Mimir’s smile, his voice cracking. "What are the chances of success?"

"Do you need to ask? The same you had of escaping the abyss and the same you’ll have to oppose the gods: zero." Mimir’s voice lowered, his smile broadening. "But I know you can cross the Acheron, defeat Cerberus and the three judges to carve a path through the fields of Asphodel and the Phlegethon to reach Tartarus."

Adam recoiled in his chair and sighed, almost opting for the demon realm—almost. The key difference between the two realms was the orderly underworld. He knew the challenges he’d face and could proceed as long as he didn’t create too much of a commotion.

After a moment of pondering, he sighed. "I don’t want to go."

"But you will." Mimir chuckled.

Adam glared at him before a smirk split his face. "I can’t waste time. Knowing Tiamat, she’ll soon taunt the gods and reveal I’ve returned. I must make the most before it happens or they discover me."

He rose to his feet and waved his hand as he turned. "Thanks for the advice, Mimir. I’ll bring you a souvenir once I return."

"Wait, brother! We should make an iron-proof plan to maximize your chances," Mimir called out, but Adam only stopped for a split second.

"For what? They’re already at zero."

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AN: I put the Chapter on auto-release to take a nap, but it bugged... Just realised it, so sorry for the delay.