Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 363: Echoes of Prayer Across the Cosmos

As fervent prayers reverberated through the realms under Adam’s control, hundreds of independent realms far in the cosmos stirred.

In one of them, armored humans and sharp-horned horses mingled with monkeys dressed in intricate red and golden robes. A gourd filled with fragrant liquor bumped against their hips each time they bowed before a handsome demon’s statue and roared.

"The god of vengeance!"

Though they didn’t know who he was, their boss ordered them to pray, and they knew better than to disobey. Still, they had heard rumors, almost legends, about his rise from a weak creature to a conqueror and had to admit his reputation inspired them—well, maybe not as much as their fierce boss. But did it matter? Their boss’ friends were also their friends, after all.

Thinking about friends, they could feel the heavy gaze of their boss’ other partners on their backs. One of them glanced in their direction, almost fainting as a long golden dragon and a Kirin glared back.

While the monkey shuddered and prayed with twice the fervor, the Kirin sighed. "That’s a first... I mean magical beasts helping a demon, human, or whatever this Adam is. Are you sure you want him to ascend, Wukong?"

The dragon frowned and spoke before Wukong could. "Why didn’t you mention dragon? I’m sure you’re doing it on purpose, horsey." He turned to Wukong’s stoic figure, nodding eagerly. "The dragon clan will always support righteous dragons regardless of their origin. I trust your judgement, Wukong."

Wukong leaned over his staff, chuckling. "Of course you do. How are those cracked scales, by the way? I tried not to go too hard on you."

"Hahaha! Poor lizzy. That’s why I omitted the dragon part. If he’s anywhere near as shameless as you, I’ll regret this alliance faster than I can zap you silly." The Kirin raised her horn, a smug grin playing on her lips as lightning crackled at its tip.

"You dare?!" A single sharp glance from Wukong was all it took for the dragon’s rage to fade. "I mean... I should have a carrot or two at home. Why don’t you visit after we’re done?"

"You won’t have time for your shenanigans. Rally and equip your troops. We prepare for war." His eyes narrowed into slits. "One the universe has never seen before."

As his words hung heavy in the air, a similar scene happened at the opposite end of the universe.

***

In a realm shrouded in thick sulfur, where the ambient heat could suffocate the bravest warrior and where trust was as rarely found as a divinity, a demon stepped through a somber passage.

With a flickering flame burning in his palm and hope as his sole guide, he eyed his surroundings warily.

"I can’t risk being caught because of this nonsense anymore. It’s the last time I come..." He grumbled, rolling his eyes at himself.

It had already been a year since he had promised himself it would be the last time he came, yet here he was. He didn’t know. Sometimes, he felt like he had joined one of these not-so-hidden scams, where demons toiled for free or splurged their wealth for the leader’s empty promises. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

But it had never happened. Perhaps they were waiting to devour his essence, then? But the priestess... those green eyes full of empathy... That was what brought him back despite his doubts. Well, they called her a priestess, but was she even one? It sounded weird for a demon.

He pushed his negative thoughts aside, sighing as green lights filtered through a collapsed wall to illuminate his conflicted face.

The sound he picked from the inside instantly made him frown. Why had they started already? Was he late? Scratching his head, he rushed into the rundown room.

As usual, a few thousand demons met his gaze, all praying. On the stage, the priestess wore her usual dark hood and raised her trembling arms before the rough statue of a handsome demon he had never heard about before joining this place.

Rumors had it that he was once a mere inferior imp, but his confident posture and raised blade made anyone doubt that. This was clearly a superior demon, leagues above them—perhaps even more powerful than a balor.

But he put even that down to knee and clasp his hands. The priestess had locked eyes with him, and the compassion hidden deep within was enough for his heart to hammer against his chest.

Face red, he grumbled as usual. "I don’t know who you are, but she said you could free us from the demon kings’ perverted tyranny. I’m tired of asking you, so come fast, alright?"

The same kind of irreverent prayers echoed around him. After all, they were demons and only half trusted this farce. Perhaps because they needed a sliver of hope?

As if hearing his thoughts, the priestess lowered her hood, revealing her silky green hair. Everyone gasped, flabbergasted by her perfect skin and leader’s aura.

Despite their shock, she spoke, her voice cracking slightly as a tear trailed down her cheek. "I can feel it. After more than ten years, he is returning."

Another wave of shock erupted through the dense crowd. Would they soon see him?

She smiled at them. "This is the last time we pray. Soon, he will invade the demon’s realm. Soon, the oppressors will die in droves, and soon, you will have the peace you longed for." She nodded. "Thank you for your help, everyone."

Silence fell in the room. A demon thanking another? What was this heresy, and why did they feel... good?

"Is it really the last time?" Someone broke the silence, followed by another. "Can you tell us who you are and how you know about him?"

"Me?" She grinned and pointed at the statue. "I’m Luna, and I was more suspicious than you when I first met him. I even kicked him a few times when he was a weak imp. But he showed me true peace and became something more—a blazing symbol that will reform our society." She raised her fist, her voice sharing. "Demons are not inherently bad! We’re forced on that path by sick rulers. That’s what he told me. If you share his belief, pray with all your heart for this last time, for Adam will free you all!"

The demons exchanged a glance before they exploded into roars. A chance to escape this miserable life? They’d take it anytime! After all, the weakest feared the strong, and even once strong, they still feared the stronger. It was an endless loop that left no place for trust—only eternal solitude and suspicions.

Luna watched them, exhaling a long breath of relief. All the uncertainties and grief that had plagued her for ten years vanished, leaving behind eagerness, hope, and the resurgence of her suppressed love. "Return to me soon, Adam. I’ll always wait for you."