Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Mab's grin spread across her face as she shrugged.

"Now, now. Don't restrain yourself. If we gods struck down everyone harboring unsavory thoughts, we'd have little else to do but hover over mortals' every whim." She shook her head. "Trust me, we're not that petty... for most."

Icy sweat dripped down Adam's temples, reaching his twisted lips.

'I'm the only one you're spying on. You won't need to spend a second!'

He rolled his eyes as she covered her mouth and chuckled flirtatiously.

'One second, she acts like she'll slap me to oblivion, while the other she smiles and talks normally.' His brow twitched. 'And you want me to trust you?!'

Her eyelashes fluttered, an innocent blink so out of place that his nose wrinkled.

Then, she pointed at herself as if to question if he really didn't trust her and sighed.

"As delightful as teasing you is, I'll cut to the chase, given your... unease." She snapped her fingers, creating a frosty chair behind him, and sat on her throne. "Sit and relax, for I didn't test you for nought. Quite the opposite regarding your performance." She let her chin rest on the back of her hands, intrigue flashing in her eyes. "I want to ally with you."

Meanwhile, Adam's eyes widened, and questions rumbled in his mind as he plopped on the chair. Ally with him? Why didn't she contact Tiamat, then? Why submit him to this unfair test and psychological pressure?

As he pondered, Mab's fingers opened like a rose's petal to reveal a stone. Its bright shine engulfed his vision, causing his brows to shoot up.

"The one you thought about, my spiritual son." Her voice trailed off, becoming a soft, gentle whisper. "The person I love the most. I made him suffer a lot, and he returned it to me. But all I wish for him is a happy life."

Her tender gaze lingered on the stone before it shifted to Adam.

"And I believe you're similar, or perhaps better than the boy king he followed in the past."

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Adam jerked forward, his jaw open—not because of the compliment but at how she called that legendary figure.

'Boy king?! The one who unified England? Excalibur's wielder. The leader of the Knights of the Round Table who promoted justice and equity?'

Then, an invisible pressure crashed on his back as he reclined on the chair.

"I'm nothing like him, sister. You shouldn't make jokes like that. They're more hurtful than funny."

However, Mab shrugged and continued.

"You're maybe not on his level now, but with the same opportunities and in a few years?" She grinned without completing her sentence. Instead, she returned to the main topic. "My terms are simple. I'll live with Tiamat while you continue being who you are. In return, I grant you the privilege of summoning my son as your mythical ally."

Her eyes trailed to his missing hand and bloodied figure.

"Isn't it a great offer that only cost you a hand and a day of struggle? And before you complain, you also learned about the fragment's dangerousness and refined your resolve." She crossed her beautiful legs and outstretched her palms. "Your answer?"

Meanwhile, Adam's heart thumbed in his ears, and his legs tensed painfully. Adrenaline rushed through his veins as his mind roared. 'I accept!'

Yet, he bit his lips to snuff his impatience and pondered.

The terms looked good... too good. Worse, they didn't reveal her underlying intentions. For example, Tiamat made hers as clear as the midday blazing sun: to conquer the realms in her name and kill the usurpers. So, what did Mab desire? Was it really for her son's happiness?

He tucked his fingers around his chin, a pensive frown creasing his brows.

'She won't tell me what she wants. But I can test her intentions and powers.'

He gazed towards the ceiling as if to pierce the thick layers of rocks.

Then, he pushed himself off his chair and inhaled to address the goddess directly.

"Your offer honors me, but I can't help but wonder how great your powers are."

"Continue." Her lips curled into a delighted smirk as her favorite game began.

Meanwhile, Adam's stomach churned, and words flashed in his mind. He couldn't pick the wrong ones or risk offending the fickle Mab.

"I'm advocating for peace and fulfilling lives. Since you're a goddess of death, can you lend me a hand to seal our cooperation and support my goal?"

"A bold request, truly. But as with any exchange, you'll need to offer me something of equal value." Her amethyst eyes sparkled, her genuine interest forcing him to back a step.

Worse than outright threats, the ambiguity in her words gave him a headache. Still, a steely glint flashed in his eyes as he lowered his head.

"The banshee above suffered long enough. I'd like to request your help in bringing her back to life."

He closed his eyes, his jaw clenched in anticipation as he heard Mab's dress ruffle.

Then, her voice echoed her amusement.

"And here I thought you would ask me something challenging. Bland." Her eyes narrowed into slits, yet her lips curled up. "That's your test? But if I know about it? What stops me from playing along to deceive you? You're still green, dear Adam. But what makes it interesting is that you know about it."

Her chuckle made him tremble, yet he didn't raise his head. How could he when he had said everything he wanted? Now, only her answer mattered. But as she had pointed out, he couldn't think too much, or she'd know about the details and adjust her answer. That's why he...

"That's why you asked for something your heart wanted." She picked up his thoughts and continued. "The poor thing whose loud wails awakened me three thousand years ago. I can revert her transformation for you." Read exclusive adventures at empire

She rolled her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"You could have asked for power, a new elemental affinity, or the gift of mana. Yet, you chose emotions over them." Her hand slammed her armchair as she lunged to her feet. "The world doesn't need more cunning manipulators, and your goodness is a refreshing breeze amid the gods' constant scheming. For surrendering this opportunity to soothe a suffering soul, you have earned my admiration."

Death swirled in her palms, a threatening yet beautiful show that forced his head up.

Shivering, he watched her slow gesture and understood the meaning behind it. Like a clock, her palm turned as if to undo the unfair death that had claimed Sylvie's life.