Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 359: Tremble, Gods

The Hecatonchires froze again, not for the same reasons. Their eyes widened slightly, interest flashing in them—but also acknowledgement.

For a mortal to speak so fearlessly, for him to grip his tiny weapons before beings that had terrorised the universe rulers twice with their mere existences, how brave was he?

Or was it just folly? Cottus tucked a massive hand around his chin. The words were too sane to be mere folly. Provocation to draw their attention, rhetorical questions to lead the flow of discussion, and answers they didn’t want to consider even if they were true. He came prepared, wielding logic and facts as weapons in a much more convincing offer than Zeus’ emotional speech about his brothers back then.

But that wasn’t enough. Or was it? He wasn’t sure and turned to Gyge, who returned his glance, then sighed.

This mortal was a fool to him. Cronus had promised them freedom, then Zeus, and now him. Why would they leap into another trap after experiencing two deceptions? Yet... something whispered not to miss this opportunity.

Before he could ponder this feeling, Briareus leaned over Adam. His eyes sparkled before he nodded. "Alright, mortal. We’ll help you."

"What are you doing?!" Gyge and Cottus roared together, their lips twisting.

Yet, Briareus just shrugged in answer. "We lose nothing by following him out. Whether he wins or not doesn’t even matter. As long as we weaken Zeus’ side enough, he’d let us be to maintain his rule."

Gyge grumbled begrudgingly under his breath before he pointed at Adam. "What if he wins? What stops him from throwing us back here?" He shook his head. "I want guarantees, not just words."

Adam roared in laughter beneath the accusing fingers, triumph hiding the deep relief flooding his heart. Battling the Hecatonchires was a terrible outcome for obvious reasons.

Still, he believed he could ensure his survival and perhaps grind them down slowly until he stole enough divine energy from them. But this would have been more than a gamble—a situation forced upon him by powers he couldn’t even fathom.

Fortunately, he had played his cards well enough to avoid the worst scenario. Now, he only had to strike an agreement to set their alliance in motion. And what an alliance! ’Tremble, Zeus, for we’re coming for you!’

He raised two fingers, his lips curving. "My offer is simple, really. You can join me as advisors or leave after the war. Explore the universe as you see fit, but don’t hurt mortals. As for the guarantee?" Shadows danced on his face. "What about destroying Tartarus as soon as the war begins? No one will lock you up in a place that doesn’t exist anymore, right?"

Gyge frowned. "How will you imprison Zeus and his army of bastards, then?"

Cottus pointed at the chained Titans in the distance. "What about them? Will you try to recruit these proud fools, too?"

"I won’t imprison anyone." Adam clenched his jaw. "And the Titans are old relics who won’t change their ways. The best I can do is offer them peace after eons of suffering."

Gyge shook his heads. "They’ve endured for so long, dreaming of reclaiming their cosmic rulership. They won’t accept peace."

Adam scoffed. "You misunderstood. I mean a dreamy peace, the eternal kind. Today, they die. Soon, Zeus will follow, then Odin, the demon kings, and the Mesopotamian gods. The universe needs a purge, and I’ll be the one to conduct it."

The Hecatonchires shuddered, their wide eyes seeing Adam in a different light. Even his form seemed to shift from a speck of dust to a colossal giant gripping two blades dripping divine blood. Yet, an aura of fairness erupted amidst the violent image, making them nod.

There were indeed way too many gods. After all, the universe worked perfectly with the twelve original Titans, so much so that mortals knew a golden age and worry-free lives. Everything that came after only diluted their authority into bloated and inefficient pantheons, political strifes and incessant godly interferences.

After a moment of thought, Briareus pointed at the youngest Titan—a colossal white-bearded man. He had seen how this monster of power had turned into a decrepit old man along the way.

Perhaps death was indeed a peace they could accept. "Prove you’re qualified, but it won’t be that easy, mortal. Zeus locked his father in Tartarus because he couldn’t erase the concept he still embodies. You’ll need this prison if you fail and, by extension, you’d lose your guarantee." fгeewebnovёl.com

Adam walked toward the mountain as if he owned the place, nodding. "I would have even if you didn’t ask."

Along the way, Briareus and Gyge glared at him. Unlike them, Cottus strangely focused on Garduck’s unsteady figure.

After a while, he finally asked. "You’re an interesting one, aren’t you? Terrorised yet walking alongside us. Powerful but untouched by evolution." He paused, his fifty lips curling into grins. "I quite like you."

Garduck trembled, but Adam’s calm gaze soothed him. Encouraged by his lord, he placed a hand over his chest, feeling his drumming heart as he exhaled. "I heard of an ancient legend in my youth. Reject evolution and climb the ranks to become a Hecatonchires."

"People still spread this legend? Hahaha!" Cottus’ boisterous laughter rocked the sky. "Fascinating, but inaccurate."

Garduck paled, his lips quivering. Had he chased ghosts all this time? "W-What must I do, oh powerful Cottus?"

"I’m the one who spread this legend. The last trial was to prove your bravery to me." Cottus grinned. "Something you’ve achieved by travelling to the depths of Tartarus and enduring our pressure."

He ripped one of his hundred arms off, blood pouring down for a split second before a new one grew. Then, he extended it to Garduck with a mysterious smile. "Eat it. You’ll inherit our strength."

Eyes wide, breath ragged, Garduck’s arms coiled around the arm bigger than him. His patience had paid off! And now he would rise from the weakest of Adam’s generals back to the strongest!

"Thank you, Great Cottus." He turned to Adam, a soft smile curving his lips. "And thank you for taking me with you. I know I’ve been a burden, but I’ll make up for it!"

Adam gave him a conflicted nod and observed his handsome features without talking. If he had to rank demons, Garduck was just below him in handsomeness. Of course, he was happy he’d evolve after so long, but... fifty heads and a hundred arms?

He rolled his eyes at the three Hecatonchires and prayed inwardly. ’I hope you won’t become as ugly as them.’

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AN: Garduck will evolve after they leave.