Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

More than a mere leather armor set, it was a piece of art sublimated by Muramasa's style and imbued with his culture.

His heart pounded against his chest each time he gazed at the laces arranged in elegant crosses and circling the waist.

His hand blurred, and his fingers trembled as he snatched the Japanese-like top.

Without wasting a second, and under his subjects' widening eyes, he removed the rough fabric covering his sore muscles and put it on!

Instantly, he sighed at the comfortable interior that warmed his battered skin in a tight embrace.

Then, he picked the other pieces one by one.

Unlike the top, they followed the Western-styled blueprint. Yet, he couldn't help but touch and gawk at them after equipping them. Instead of a bizarre blend, each piece added to the other's elegance to form a perfect mix showcasing both cultures.

With a bright smile, his short pauldrons whistled through the wind as he turned toward Muramasa. The belts and the intricate suns covering his buckle bracers glinted with the movement. A muffled noise followed when he stepped on the ground, the comfort of his boots whispering to him to dance in delight.

Despite his shared desire, he tucked his thumb under his broad belt and raised his other hand to shake Muramasa's vigorously as he laughed out loud.

"As always, excellent armor, Muramasa. I doubt I'll suffer any wounds with this stylish baby!"

He rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, and cleaved the air with a few punches before his eyes sparkled.

"It's a little heavier than the chitinous set but hinders my movements less. Thank you for this masterpiece."

With a chuckle, Muramasa patted his pauldrons and pointed at Karna.

"Knowing that you like it is my greatest happiness as an artisan, but don't make this gentleman wait because of me." He winked playfully and gazed at Durgrim and Gork. "I guess I'll be busy with these little friends, so take care, and good luck with your training."

Adam gazed at him, his eyes filled with gentleness and his chest warming in gratitude before he turned to leave with Karna.

As he stepped out, he waved his hand, and his voice echoed.

"I'm glad you're the first one I summoned. You might not be a fighter, but I'll never forget your contributions."

Without waiting for an answer, he took hesitant steps behind Karna.

They crossed the village streets, a tense silence pressing on his shoulders while sweat dripped down his forehead.

What kind of training did Karna prepare? Would it be as brutal as Achilles'? The question haunted him as the scenery changed when they passed through the eastern gate.

The familiar forest trees replaced the houses as the soil's musty scent filled his nose.

After a short walk, his fists trembled as they reached a place he hated.

He gazed at the gaping hole in the slope, the same one in which he lost the kind and hardworking Shihan: the ant's nest.

Unaware of the place's significance, Karna smiled and pointed at it.

"Since Achilles uses the mountain's belly to train from sunrise to dusk, we'll use this place to train your flames."

Adam's lips twisted at the thought of reentering the tunnel. Even if he had planned to find a use for it, he never intended to return because he knew... He knew that his heart would tighten like it does now. He knew that a wave of sorrow would wash over him and distract his focus.

His cheeks puffed as he closed his eyes and exhaled sharply.

'It doesn't matter, fool. We'll bring Shihan back the moment we invade the demon realm. Leave the past behind and the future for later to concentrate on the present!'

His trembling eyes narrowed into determined slits as he banished his negative emotions with a powerful head shake.

Then, he engulfed himself with his teacher in the tunnel.

Once they reached what was once the disgusting queen's room, Karna began without wasting a second.

"We're not using the same energy or core element, but flames are the same."

He turned his hands upward before two blinding white fires ignited in his palms. One moved erratically and released a threatening heat that forced a gulp down Adam's throat. The other, on the contrary, felt soft and flickered gently, making him feel at ease despite its nature.

"Like a fireplace, they can be soft and soothing. Or like a blind inferno, they can rage and obliterate everything in their path." He closed his hands, snuffing both flames with a 'pshh' and continued. "Now tell me, which do you feel closer to? Which path do you want to take during our lessons?"

Adam pointed at the hand that had contained the destructive flames without hesitation.

However, Karna sighed and shook his head.

"That's a rookie mistake motivated by your inexperience or, perhaps, the place you came from."

Upon hearing his disappointment, Adam scratched his head and frowned.

"How is it wrong? Even if the gentle flame can heal like Luna does, it won't help me defeat more powerful enemies." He shrugged. "I also need firepower to clear the opposing army's ranks, so I maintain my choice. I want to learn the destructive fire."

"Hahaha!" Karna chuckled and shook his head again. "Listen and listen well. Tiamat granted me an audience during which I learned about what you call classes." His eyes narrowed into fiery slits, and his voice sharpened. "Do you think any of your mythical figures had one when they penned their legends in history? No! To dictate what we can or can't do through them is an insult to everyone's potential!"

He raised his fist to nudge Adam's chest.

"If you like archery, train to become an archer. If you want to become a warrior, swing your sword. And if you like both..." His voice lingered for a second before he thundered. Train harder to master everything! That's the path to becoming a versatile master!"

Adam's eyes trembled as the wild idea reverberated through his mind, bones, and heart. Was it possible?

His heart drummed in his ears before he pondered the question. After all, the answer was as clear as the sun.

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AN: The next chapter is coming later! :D