Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 362: The Chalice’s Judgement

Five minutes earlier, a portal had shattered space inside Merlin’s tower. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

Gawain’s white armor, coated in so much blood that it could be called scarlet without anyone noticing, emerged.

Weary, wounded, he dragged Merlin’s bloodied figure to a chair, carefully clutching the mage’s fingers around an ancient golden chalice encrusted with jewels that shone like stars. After all, they couldn’t drop its content after a month of relentless search, cowardly infiltrations, and battles. And what battles! Each shook the foundation of his beliefs, especially the last one.

He had also seen kingdoms livelier than Camelot and met creatures he would have killed without second thoughts in the past. Yet, he had discovered that some were gentler than humans. They had forged brief yet meaningful bonds during his quest, each softening his rigid heart a little more. But even amidst the brightest light, shadows loomed like voracious beasts.

He sat across from Merlin, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he unstrapped his armor. The metal clanged on the floor, his hands rising to massage his stiff shoulders. "You were right. Chivalry is but one among many flawed ruling systems. So far, I’ve seen no city better than this one."

Blood dripped from Merlin’s curving lips. He clutched his lacerated guts, his voice coming out hoarse despite the scabbard’s healing. "You haven’t spent enough time here to appreciate its true beauty, Gawain." His finger tightened around the chalice. "Now that our quest is over, you can enjoy..."

Gawain frowned, his eyes locked on Merlin’s abrupt grimace and pause. "Are you alright?"

"It’s happening much sooner than I predicted!" Merlin pushed himself off his seat, and he moved to support him. He felt the mage’s shudder and breath of relief even as he continued. "Thank you, Gawain, but we don’t have a second to spare. We must use the holy grail—now!"

"We’ve just slaughtered a dragon to reclaim it..." He grumbled under his breath. Not even a day to admire it, yet it would already fade with their wish. Still, he helped Merlin to the room’s center, where they placed the grail on an immaculate altar.

Merlin stood before it, his blue cape flapping as he raised his arms in reverence.

"O holy grail, with the hoard of a copper dragon, its blood and flesh offered in solemn tribute, and justice as my sole desire, I entreat thee—heed my plea and grant my wish."

Gawain shuddered as a soft light emerged from the chalice. Its gentle prickle on his skin, the soothing sensation, the peace it brought to his heart, and the tears that rolled down his cheeks as he kneeled were what he had waited for—the confirmation that his long quest was finally over. The only thing left now was to witness his faith’s miracle and how it surpassed those pagan gods’ powers.

Meanwhile, Merlin’s blue eyes narrowed and his voice thundered.

"The gods, drunk on dominion and might, spurn the worthy, raising only thralls and marionettes in their stead. They have forsaken their sacred charge, and now their hubris imperils the very order they were sworn to uphold. I implore thee—let their dominion wane but for a fleeting moment, that Adam’s chaos may rend asunder the shackles of their design."

The grail trembled as if conflicted.

Merlin bit his lip, watching with bated breath. He had foreseen the gods’ obvious obstructions. Not only was the grail his countermeasure but also his hope of getting Adam’s forgiveness while helping him free himself from their system.

Despite his wishes, the grail continued to tremble until the light faded.

He dropped to his knees, clutching his head in despair. Had he asked for too much, or did he fail to convince the grail? He didn’t know. But the sting of his failure burned hotter than his wounds.

Gawain’s firm hand met his shoulder, forcing his blurring gaze up. Then to his stretched finger and the window.

The sky had turned redder than Gawain’s armor. In its center, a dark sun gushed rivers of ethereal blood in a sordid spectacle that froze his blood.

"It’s as if... the universe’s past sufferings are excavated and laid bare," Gawain muttered, his hand trembling on Merlin’s shoulder. "The grail is judging the gods’ management—everywhere."

Hope returned to Merlin. Of course, the grail would verify his claims! He hadn’t failed yet!

He rushed to observe the sky through the window. It was changing! The river of blood slowly turned milky white and permeated the air with a sweet smell. The dark sun brightened until golden rays showered the horrified citizens strewn on the street, prompting them to gaze up and smile.

However, the change only occurred in Mimi and Adam’s realm, as if only those two met the minimum standard to deserve the grail’s acknowledgement.

Sighing in relief, he watched a blinding light burst from the chalice. It cleaved through the sky with what almost reassembled an outraged roar until it vanished into space.

Simultaneously, the grail turned a little more transparent with each passing second until it faded, leaving the altar bare and two grinning men.

Merlin let himself drop to the ground, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Gawain. I couldn’t have played my part without your help."

"You would have found a way like you did against the dragon." Gawain uncorked his waterskin and handed it to Merlin. What now?"

"We wait." Merlin drank a mouthful, his fingers trembling in anticipation. "The others already know what to do."

***

In the city’s castle, Gilgamesh watched the thunderous light disappear, his fists tightly clenched. Now that the time had finally come, he couldn’t waste a second. He shot to his feet, his voice cutting through the entire realm. "Implement order ZERO."

Confused about the rapid shifts between horror and warmth, a steely glint immediately flashed in the citizen’s narrowed eyes. They picked themselves off the streets, off their chairs, and off their working benches. Helping whoever stood next to them on this decisive day, each city rumbled under their stomps as they rushed to an identical statue: their proud lord drawing his blade toward the sky, defying the gods’ tyranny.

He blurred into action, too, reaching the cheering crowd that filled the plaza in the blink of an eye.

"Pray for the lord’s return!"

"The time has come for him to ascend!"

He watched the sea of raised fists and red-faced people, recognising a few in their midst.

The three sisters clasped their hands at the forefront in fervent prayer, while Karna guided his eager students with a soft smile. Even Ozymandias was there, leaning crossed arms against a wall, his foot tapping the ground in impatience.

A sudden scream unified the chaotic clamors into a unified chant.

"The god of freedom!"

"Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!"

The same scene happened in all fourteen realms under their control. Yet, a frown creased his brows. Would they have enough people to tie the concept of freedom to Adam’s name?