Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 378: Never Cross the Four

"Ah, brother!"

Adam frowned inside the academy dean’s office the moment a man moved to greet him. Golden and red silk cascaded down his fit body into a luxurious long coat that made for an odd contrast with his trimmed beard and wrinkled face.

Mimir’s golden eyes followed his gaze before he chuckled as he spun his arm, the doll joints making mechanical noises. "Oh, that? Our little Gork worked night and day to build it. It feels quite comfortable for a body of substitution, but, hey!"

He opened his arms and hugged Adam. "Zero percent chances. No plans. Hahaha! I’m glad you won that impossible bet. And what a reward." His golden eyes shone a mystical light. "Corroding fangs, unbreakable bones, poisonous blood, probably the fastest wings in the universe, and a tail hiding a terrifying blade. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!"

Adam chuckled. "Just the physical manifestations of my ascension. You’d probably not believe me if I told you about my authorities."

"Ha! And who do you think I am? They’re nothing even a slow mind can’t guess. But your chaos is the most intriguing." Mimir’s eyes narrowed. "Your infernal energy is gone, not its will. Integrated, remodelled, it’s still there, defying gods and waiting to swallow their powers. You evolve by consuming, whereas Tiamat does so by sailing with the universe’s changes. Different, but not weaker."

A pensive frown creased his brows as he pulled back and tucked his fingers around his chin.

Adam glanced at him, confused by the assessment. ’How does he know more about chaos than Tiamat herself? Is his knowledge that profound?’ He raised a brow. ’Terrifying. No wonder Odin revived his severed head to keep him around.’

Mimir continued after finding the right words. "You start as weak as a minor divinity because you’re a fresh species, but your growth rate is terrifying. I can feel it. The potential to make others’ authorities yours. If you can kill Thor..."

"I’ll gain immunity and control over lightning. Exactly what I need to dethrone Zeus." Adam continued, his eyes narrowing.

However, Mimir shook his head. "That’s the best-case scenario, but Thor has many authorities. I don’t know which one you’ll get, but let’s hope it’s lightning or, at worst, strength." He shook his head again. "And I hope you’re not planning to face that monster anytime soon. I know him, Adam. He’ll crush you like a newborn infant."

"Yeah, no Thor for now. My hands are full with Oberon and Titania already. I’m planning to return to the demon realm next. There is..." A rare flash of sadness crossed Adam’s bright eyes. "Someone I need to reunite with."

Mimir nodded, his face turning solemn. "Whoever that person is, don’t underestimate the demon kings. They’re vulgar, half mad, but cunning and know when allying to repel invaders is in their best interest."

A deep furrow creased Adam’s brows. Were they that powerful?

He sat before the dean’s desk, gesturing for Mimir to join him. "I need your wisdom."

"Glad to see you didn’t become reckless after ascending." Mimir sat down with a chuckle. "If we consider the underworld expedition as not reckless, of course. But the demon realm..."

He raised four fingers. "There are four demon kings you must never cross, you hear me? Never. The first, Baal, is just too powerful, almost as much as Beelzebub. Worse, he’s incredibly active, a little like, you know, these weird kids who watch an ant colony grow in their gardens only to crush them for pleasure? That’s Baal for you."

’As devious as expected. I didn’t plan to confront him this soon, anyway.’ Adam’s face grew somber as he let Mimir continue.

"Asmodeus ranks second. This... How do I say that? Well, not really the kind of living being I’d ever have any respect for. He thrives on lust and almost cucked the entire demon realm. But that’s just his reputation. As for his strength..." He exhaled.

"He has hundreds of demons and devas under his command. Some say he once served Ahriman under Aeshma’s name before he cut ties with him and joined the demon realm. I’m not telling you that for history but to make you understand how dangerous he is. He fought both Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, yet survived to tell the tale."

"Ahriman again?" Adam snorted. "So he was a daeva?"

Mimir nodded. "He was. And he brought his underlings with him to form one of the largest demonic armies. But let me continue."

"The third is, in a sense, even worse than the previous two. Belial’s physique is above even that of Zeus. He’s a monster of brute strength, an unstoppable force of destruction. He ranks lower because he’s the laziest demon, to everyone’s relief."

"Let him be lazy, noted." Adam tucked his fingers around his chin, wondering who the last one was before Mimir sighed.

"It’s not only about letting him laze around. More than against anyone, flee if you see him! He’s second only to Satan in strength, and trust me, that one is unmatched."

Adam massaged his forehead as icy sweat covered his back. What the heck was that ridiculous power structure? The demon realm was a graveyard, a cruel joke to anyone who started in it. Not only was nature and climate trying to kill you, but those demon kings, who were even more powerful than Zeus, strolled the land.

If not for his talent, he would have died in this cursed place—or worse, become a slave to one of those kings, a bastard who killed subjects to strengthen himself like the Greatest Imp.

He clenched his jaw, his lips pursed in an ugly grimace. "Who’s the last?"

"The last is Paimon. His wisdom is second only to mine by a narrow margin." Mimir scratched his head. "Well, he must say I’m second to him when asked. Anyway, if knowledge is power, you’ll be hard-pressed to escape him because he has both. And two hundred demonic legions, and alchemical weaponry, and the finest equipment, and..."

"I got it!" Adam interrupted him with a disgruntled click of his tongue. Paimon was a versatile king with no real weakness, leaving him with a heavy question. "Is there even a single king I can defeat?"

Mimir pondered for a second, the silence heavy with expectation and doubts, before he delivered the answer.

"After defeating Oberon, Vinéa should be easy prey. He has minor authority over storms and rage."

"That’s the one I’ll kill first, then." Adam rose to his feet and waved his hand. "Thanks for the information, Mimir."

Something was wrong. He paused, turning back. How could he leave without telling him about his underworld adventures or taking his news when Mimir had been a staunch helper ever since they met? ’Wait, I’ve done the same in the villa, then Merlin’s tower...’

He bit his lip, guilt piercing his heart as he sat back. "Are you enjoying your life in college?"

Mimir’s eyes lit up, and a soft smile curved his lips. "Lively kids running everywhere, teachers educating them with the best knowledge; life has been nothing but wonderful. Thank you for asking, even though you’re troubled, Adam. It means a lot."

"Glad to hear it. Time is unfortunately not on my side, but I can’t leave my wise friend without a pleasant discussion, right?" Adam winked, grinning.

"You indeed can’t, or that friend might think you’re only visiting him to get answers." Mimir chuckled. "Of course, I’m joking. I know you’re under stress. My only advice is the simplest. Try to find time to relax. But we both know you won’t."

"We both know I won’t," Adam repeated with a sigh. "I’ll have all the time to relax after I win..." His voice grew somber. "Or die trying."

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AN: When I said he would have died in the demon realm at the beginning, I wasn’t joking.