Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 348: The Fields of Mourning Beckon

Adam’s eyes fluttered at the melody of fervent prayers the next morning.

He rubbed his eyes, massaged his shoulders, then approached the window, only to clench his jaw. Different individuals, but the same scene: people prostrating before Hades’ temple under the fading moon, chanting in a mix of low and high pitches how grateful they were for their peaceful lives.

’They start before I even get my daily draw. That’s just madness.’

As if hearing him, his familiar talent notification rang in his ears. He pressed yes without focusing on the rattling wheel and the few gems or armors sparkling on its frame. Instead, he moved to Garduck’s bed and shook the demon awake.

"Mhh, Adam?" Garduck yawned, his sleepy eyes fluttering open. Looking at the brightening sky, he stretched his arms and smiled. "Morning."

"Morning, sleepyhead. We leave the city after eating." Adam grinned as he flicked Achilles’ forehead.

The warrior instantly leapt to his feet, his blue eyes narrowed into slits and his arms reaching for his shield and spear. Without wasting a second, he opened his mouth, ready to alert his companions before he closed it with a snicker. "I’ve experienced better awakenings..." He sighed. "It’s not fun, Adam."

Adam rolled his eyes. "What did you expect? A lady’s warm embrace and soft giggles against your chest?"

"For example." He rubbed his reddened forehead with a shrug. "Anyway, we’ve seen everything this city has to show and got the soul stones."

Adam handed him and Garduck dried meat before he took a bite and sighed. "Yeah. I don’t feel too comfortable in this place. The faster we leave, the better I am. By the way, what exactly does the soul stone protect us from?"

Achilles retrieved the crystalline stone, the sparkling obsidian base and the swirling gaseous soul energy inside, casting a mesmerising spectacle of dancing light on the walls.

"Their ability to shut down the cursed souls’ wails is valuable, especially when we’ll cross the Fields of Mourning." He smirked. "Legends say even kings and queens roam aimlessly, their grief chilling your very soul."

A shudder rocked Garduck’s shoulders as he remembered the horrible illusion that had struck him when they infiltrated the underworld. Just thinking these specters would be real this time almost made him slide back under his warm blankets—almost.

But he slammed his fist against his chest, dissipating the ever-present dread tied around his heart with sheer determination. "Tell me, Achilles. Are they going to attack us?"

"They’re wretched souls weeping their unfulfilled love, those who couldn’t get over their earthly grief." Achilles shook his head. "They’re not bad people, just annoying ghosts. But if you want action, we’ll find some by the Phlegethon’s bank. That’s where the vicious ones are. They’ll lunge at us on sight, bloody tears dripping from their eyes and curses flowing out of their fanged mouths. That’s also where the soul stones will shine."

Munching on his meat, Adam glanced at his draw result—nothing—before he patted Garduck’s shoulder.

The poor demon’s features were twisted in an unsightly grimace, his cheeks twitching and his Adam’s apple trembling with each gulp. "You still have a dream to achieve, Garduck. I know you’re on edge, but remember I have your back until you do, so relax."

Garduck exhaled, his disturbed breathing and heart slowing as he felt Adam’s warmth. "I know. It’s just... a bias ingrained in my mind. I fear the strong, Adam—that’s how it has always been in the demon realm for us." He sighed. "I’m powerful now, powerful enough to rule a territory in this forsaken realm. But I’ll need a few more years to overcome a life trauma."

"Want to tell us about it?" Adam’s eyes softened.

However, Garduck shook his head. Yet, a smile blossomed on his face. "I appreciate your offer, but that’s something I must overcome myself, and it’s not really interesting, to be honest." He chuckled, walking to the door. "It’s even laughable now that I think about it."

"You know where to find me if you change your mind." Adam followed him, the sun brightening his face as they left the villa.

The city’s immaculate pavement met their feet, and the park’s sweet scent drifted to their noses as they walked to the gate. Like yesterday, no one barred their path to the fields of Asphodel.

Making haste, a trail of dust rose behind their forceful stomps. The pale flowers rustled, white petals dancing around them until the sun dipped behind the horizon.

Famished, they set up camp and shared more meat before the crackling campfire cast a somber shadow on Achilles’ frown. "It’ll take us weeks to reach the Fields of Mourning at this pace." He gazed at Adam. "Why don’t you transform and carry us?"

"When did I become a means of locomotion?!" Adam rolled his eyes. "I would have, but the sky is too clear, and the judges are surely pursuing us. I’d rather take time than risk our lives."

Achilles sneered in amusement. "Fair enough. I do remember the Erinyes lived somewhere near Tartarus. It’s best not to fly around their territory, for the sky is their domain." He smirked. "I bet they’ve never tasted dragon meat before."

Adam clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing. "Are you cursing me with all your red flags? I’ll stitch your mouth if we meet them."

Of course, he knew about the Erinyes, also called the Furies. Not only were they goddesses, but no one liked them. ’It’s not surprising with authorities more chaotic than a demon’s.’

He rummaged through his memories. Though he couldn’t remember their names, he knew one of them embodied jealousy and rage. The second was a literal weapon of vengeance and destruction, while the last’s endless anger would make Achilles look like a cute toddler.

However, Achilles’ heavy exhale alleviated the worry settling in his heart like lead with an unexpected question.

"It’s the second time you mention red flags, but I have no clues about what you mean."

Annoyed, he snickered and served himself a pint of beer. "Ask Garduck. I don’t want to talk with you right now."

Garduck pointed at his face, his eyes slipping aside. But Achilles’ insistent gaze pressed him for answers. He cleared his throat with a cough. "That’s... How do I explain... When you boast too loudly, you know?" He scratched his head. "I don’t know."

Adam almost choked on the pleasant alcohol, the unexpected answer catching him off guard. He wiped his mouth, rolling his eyes. "It’s your incredible ability to make me feel uncomfortable by joking about our deaths. There, you understand now?"

Achilles shook his head. "I don’t. When did I joke? Everything I say is serious."

"That’s even worse! Wait, you’re really cursing me to be eaten by the Furies, you bastard!" He clenched his fists, suppressing the urge to pound Achilles’ face.

Achilles leaned on the ground, his arms supporting his head as he smirked. "That’s just your interpretation."

"Bullshit. Just admit you’re taking revenge for this morning’s flick." Adam knew Achilles was doing it on purpose at this point. Still, it was amusing to play along.

But his eyes narrowed as he settled on soft soil. The Furies were no laughing matters, and he genuinely hoped not to cross their path.

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AN: I will skip the journey until they reach the Mourning Fields.