Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 352: A Promise at the Source

Adam’s brow rose on his interface changes as his figure split the Styx’s waters.

"Infernal Chaos and Saltwater?" He muttered, more intrigued by the new entry and the change in order than the stat increase, even if he welcomed it.

Chaos had always been placed before his infernal essence as if hinting at its importance but acting like support. Now, it has taken its rightful place in the center, becoming the core of his powers, not in name only, but on a fundamental level he could feel in his bones—one that was reflected in the dark flames roiling like water at the root of the scarlet ones.

Chasing plasma made him deviate from the path of pure chaos, but now he was back on it—at full force at that. And with the added saltwater affinity, he had one more string to his bow to fight the gods. But how would it manifest, and could he integrate it into his arsenal?

’My flames already vaporise anything they touch. Perhaps high-pressure water to cut?’ He shook his head. ’No, it’s not mere water. It’s a primordial concept—the void that fills the gaps between stars. It should have mystical abilities or effects totally different from its misleading name.’

Since stumbling in the dark wouldn’t help, he stretched his hand out and channelled his chaos to get a practical feel. It rumbled in his blood, cells, and bones in answer, surprisingly under his entire control.

’Unlike before, it’s not a power I try to bend to my will—I’m chaos, and chaos is me.’ He nodded, increasing the output without concern.

Icy water, as cold and dark as the deepest part of space, gushed from his palm as a salty scent drifted to his nostrils. He frowned at the influence it exerted on the surrounding space. Was it warping? No. The opposite. It seemed to compress like crazy.

Intrigued by the phenomenon, he controlled the water into a chaotic vortex.

Instantly, particles that were usually invisible—the blocks that held reality together—rushed to it like moths drawn to a flame. They coalesced rock solid, so much that space folded on itself before his widening eyes.

He understood instantly that what he was looking at had shifted into the scenery dozens of kilometers upstream. But, albeit shocked, excitement rapidly overwhelmed his trembling hand. What if he could... pass through?

A smirk split his face as he paused mid-air. He reached for the vortex with a single finger, slow, testing. The frost slammed on him at first, then faded into warmth as his already frost-resilient cells adapted to the temperature in the blink of an eye.

He felt the water soak his claw as it disappeared in its depth without harm. And when he retrieved it... His smirk broadened to reach his eyes. It was intact!

’Isn’t it like Merlin’s portals?’ He tucked his fingers around his chin. ’It’s more primal and works on instinct. Range should be better if I use my full strength, though. Let’s try with a tenth.’

More water rumbled out of his palm. The salty scent saturated the air to an almost unbearable level, while space folded more with sharp screeches. The vista inside the vortex changed as if he gazed at the horizon through the best military goggles or a telescope.

His eyes sparkled as he saw the Styx broaden, the flow raging with intensity. Surely, the source he had searched for should be nearby.

Delighted, he lunged into the vortex and cut the sky toward a distant mountain, the only one that pierced the fields of mourning’s desolate lands, until the noise of cascading water filled his ears.

He gazed at the damp cave’s mouth from which the river spilled down. It was large enough to fit three dragons his size... if they could survive the river of hate’s corruption, that is. But him?

He landed on the cave, the water that had almost claimed his life splashing on his scales. Yet, he felt no maddening agony, no loss of emotional control, and nothing touched his soul.

Chuckling, he smirked. ’Between the chaos awakening, the saltwater and the adaptation, I say losing my wings and tail was worth it.’

With broad steps, he fought against the current, descending deeper and deeper toward the source.

A moment later, his clawed feet met solid ground. Instead of continuing, he stopped and lowered his left hand. "Get down, Achilles."

"Where in the underworld are we, and why would I?" Achilles’ lips twisted into an annoyed grimace. "I’ve let you take revenge long enough, Adam. Not because I’m weak, you know it, but to let you recover. Not anymore. Tell me what we’re going to seek in Tartarus!"

Adam gripped Achilles’ coat and placed him on the ground with a shrug. "Hecatonchires, Titans, nothing new. But tell me, do you want to take a swim?"

"Again with this question!" Achilles glared at Adam, his face reddening. "Garduck and I are risking our lives to follow you, but here you are, mocking me again and again." He struck his chest, his voice solemn. "Listen. I’m doing my best to atone for my mistake, but it won’t work if you don’t even try to appreciate my efforts."

"I do appreciate them." Adam sneered mockingly, finally answering his first question. "The Styx’s source is ahead." His eyes narrowed into slits. "So once again, do you want to take a swim, or do we head to Tartarus? Your call."

Achilles’ eyes widened, a shudder travelling through his body as his anger deflated. The source? So... Adam wasn’t making fun of him but teasing their first destinations. And he had seen nothing coming.

His chest tightened as he remembered the words he had forgotten. After all, how could he remember an unrealistic declaration spoken during their first meeting? "We’ll help you bathe in the Styx’s source after becoming stronger."

Yet, Adam had never forgotten. More importantly, he still cared for him despite his mistakes.

"I-I..." He turned and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stop the tears threatening to roll down. "I’ll take a swim. Thank you, Adam and... I’m glad the river didn’t change you."

"It did, but for the better." Adam nudged his back softly. "Go, then join us in Tartarus. I’ll wait for your grand return."

Inside his palm, Garduck frowned. "Why don’t we go with him?"

Achilles answered for him. "A Titan personifies the river. I’m a renowned hero, but you two are Olympians’ enemies. Meeting her could be a bit... troublesome." He waved his hand without turning. "I’ll see you two soon, hopefully, more powerful than ever."

A steely glint flashing in his eyes, he stepped deeper toward the source, wondering what it looked like and if Styx would forbid him access.