Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 333: Inferior Djinn, Superior Threat

Behemoth shoved his palms on the ground, leaning closer. Breath ragged, eyes wide, he stuttered. "A-Are you sure you can? Is it related to your talent, magic, or something else? Please, you have to tell me."

Noticing Adam raise a brow, he coughed over his clenched fist to stop his voice from cracking and continued. "Not for free, of course. You saw my foundry and skilled dwarfs. You can have them."

But he only saw Adam shrug the incredible offer.

He bit his lip, doubling down... No tripling. After all, he didn’t care about this sick entertainment. The only thing that mattered was personal power. More and more, enough to not be mere pawns—enough to rip the gods to shreds. "I’ll give you my lord badge and territories and form an unconditional alliance."

Adam tucked his fingers around his chin, a pensive frown creasing his brows.

The offer wasn’t bad, but he had received a single name change coupon in ten years. He also doubted that wild story was true, but Behemoth’s desperation made it clear that he believed it wholeheartedly.

"Mhh." He tapped his finger against his cheek. "It’s related to my talent, but you’ll have to excuse me. I can only use it once, and it’s still too early. We should, at the very least, confirm you’re right."

Behemoth’s eyes brightened as he shot to his feet. "It’s easy to confirm. Did you see that huge silhouette south? I deciphered a few runes on the epic engraved on its walls. That’s where I learned about the importance of names."

Adam raised his thumb. "That’s where we’re headed, so I’ll see for myself."

Despite the good news, Behemoth’s lips twisted, and his eyes slid to the side. "It might be a little difficult right now."

He hesitated for a second but continued under Adam’s insistent gaze. "Out of nowhere and animated by the brightest fire, something appeared in Muspelheim."

An icy shudder ran down his spine as he remembered the devastation that being had caused. "Like a force of destruction, he single-handedly obliterated any territory that dared to oppose him. The strangest part? He never claimed lands or riches and proceeded south until he claimed the most important area in Muspelheim—the destroyer’s mountain: Surtr’s castle."

His voice grew grim as Adam leaned forward, captivated by the story.

"The lords couldn’t accept it and allied to repel this single invader. A war broke out, ashes blanketed the mountains, and the rivers of lava took the color of boiling blood. I watched from afar, witnessing the being’s strength grow after each passing day. His initial humanoid figure changed. Sharp claws sprouted, muscles bulged, and a cloak of flames draped him. You’re powerful, Adam, but he is... something else."

He shook his head with a heavy sigh. "I suspect it’s an echo of Surtr returning to his castle. And since he doesn’t leave or take the initiative to attack, I profited from him." He pointed at his platinum lord badge. "He killed them all. I only retrieved their badges."

"That’s... troublesome." Adam’s lips curved, unbothered by the treat. Something else? With all the raging heat and fire-based attacks, he was confident no one could defeat him in Muspelheim but Surtr in person.

But before he could follow with a question, Garduck rolled his eyes and cut him off. "When did that creature appear?"

"Around seven years ago. Does it even matter?" Behemoth shrugged. "We can’t access the south anymore."

However, Garduck face-palmed, then chuckled. "Well, we know where he is."

Adam’s eyes widened, and his fingers trembled around his basing of water. "You mean it’s Ifrit?!"

Garduck nodded. "He left seven years ago, so who else?"

Confused by their discussion, Behemoth frowned. That being was made of fire, probably native to Muspelheim. It made little sense for them to know about him. "Did you read about him somewhere? If you did, please share the information with me."

"Read?" Adam slapped his leg in amusement. "I summoned that fire-crazed guy."

"WHAT?!" Behemoth shot back, disbelief painting his face a deathly pale. "Mythical figures can’t evolve! How did you even summon something so high-tiered?"

Adam waved his palm to refute his claim. "What high-tiered? He was an inferior djinn when I summoned him." He pointed at Achilles, who enjoyed the cold without care. "If you want a mythical figure, you have one before you, though. Say hi, Achilles—the same we read about at school."

"What the..." Behemoth watched Achilles wave at him, unable to believe his ears. Honestly, he didn’t know what shocked him most between the legendary figure, the djinn’s rise from weak to horrifying, or Adam’s ability to control them.

Meanwhile, Adam grinned, satisfied by Ifrit’s improvement. After all, his dear territory’s judge couldn’t be weak. ’Well, according to him, he’s the jury and executioner, too.’ A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he clapped his hands.

"We’ll get the answer soon. But no matter what it is, I can’t promise you the name change." His eyes darted to a particular card on his item list. "Or rather, I won’t use it for you alone. Find trustworthy lords to ally with and send them to Mimi for screening. Only then will I consider it."

Behemoth dropped to the ground, his mouth opening and closing but words refusing to form. How did that talent work, and how did it affect several individuals? The question gnawed at his racing heart, but he couldn’t risk offending Adam with his misplaced curiosity. After all, no lord would reveal his talent.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally recovered enough to answer. "I have a few allies scattered over the realms. They share my dislike for the gods and are honest." He nodded solemnly. "You can expect good news soon."

"That wraps our discussion, then." Adam’s eyes narrowed into slits, his voice icy. "But remember—don’t bother with those who are hesitant. There won’t be any surrender or retreat against the gods. I won’t stop until their golden blood waters the ground."

Behemoth felt the deep resentment lacing each word. More than that, Adam harbored a visceral hate for them, one that paved his path to the summit and made his soul shudder.

Somehow, the unrealistic goal he had set for himself seemed achievable now. No, they had to succeed and end this farce. After all, less than a hundred thousand remained from the billion lords reincarnated. That number constantly dwindled, and ultimately, only one would remain.

Meanwhile, Adam rose to his feet and gestured at Garduck and Achilles. "Thank you for the hospitality, but we have a djinn to bring back and an expedition to prepare." He waved his hand as he strolled to the exit. "We know the way out, so until next time."