Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Though not an expert in Sumerian mythology, he was aware of the grief that had plagued Gilgamesh after Enkidu's death.

Despite the bitter taste, his eyes lit up as he extended his palm.

"I know about the pain of losing a friend, Gilgamesh. We never truly heal from the hole they leave behind." His voice hardened as he balled his fist. "They created him to tone down your arrogance, then took him from you as punishment. All for what?"

He saw Gilgamesh lower his scepter, feeling the man's burning eyes drilling holes in his body, yet he gritted his teeth and continued

"Because they disapproved of your freedom and wanted to shatter your free will. It was never about your arrogance. They don't care about mortals, only about themselves. No. It was because you could threaten their rules."

Though Gilgamesh's eyes narrowed, and his presence magnified to that of a terrifying giant about to burst into rage, he inhaled and continued. After all, his own fists trembled as he swept his hand between them.

"Didn't you search for the plant of immortality at the edge of the world for that very reason? Join me! Not because of anger, but to free mortals from their influences!"

A bright smile replaced his tense expression as he observed Gilgamesh's large hand rise and hover above his head. His heart didn't waver, and his posture remained unshaken as it lowered.

However, the citizens' chests tightened in horror. Despite their trembling legs, pleas and threats left their chattering teeth. Yet, confusion gained their wide eyes as Gilgamesh's hand met Adam's shoulder.

"You have a backbone for a dragonling." The pressure he emanated vanished, a pensive frown creasing his brows. "I've seen what I needed from your citizens' reactions. I'll assist you so long as your heart rebels against the gods' cruelty!"

The mighty king of Uruk's lips curled into a vicious sneer as he continued.

"They once called me a tyrant and forced my eyes to open to wisdom and justice. A mistake they'll pay in blood." He struck his staff with the ground, the shockwave blasting their hair up. "I'll manage your territory's domestic politics. That's non-negotiable. As for wars..." He shrugged, his voice dismissive. "Only the gods interest me."

Against his expectation, Adam nodded without hesitation.

"You can manage the territory however you like, but I have the final say on the laws you promote and the right to refuse them. Welcome on board."

He grinned as Gilgamesh tucked his fingers around his chin in interest. When did someone challenge his authority without stuttering?

However, his surprise deepened when Adam told him about the other mythical figures residing in the castle. Eager to see the heroes born after his rule, he permitted Adam to check his stats and left.

Meanwhile, Adam's grin reached his eyes as he observed Gilgamesh's stats.

Name: Gilgamesh

Race: Demigod (Two-Thirds Divine, One-Third Human)

Affinity: Light, EarthNôv(el)B\\jnn

Job: Architect of Civilization Continue reading on empire

Class: Divine Monarch

Loyalty: 70

LVL: 1

Exp: 0/20

HP: 45000/45000

Vitality: 4.500

Strength: 4.000

Agility: 2.800

Mana: 5.000

Divine Energy: 150.000

'They're worth his legends and he's more approachable than Ozymandias.'

He rolled his eyes, hoping they wouldn't fight as he pondered on his way to the chaos forge.

Gilgamesh was more than a warrior king as reflected by his job. Instead, he had built an enduring legacy that predated Rome and ancient Egypt. But there was more.

'Since Enkidu died, Gilgamesh realised how frail life was and focused on his citizens' wellbeing.' His grin couldn't help but broaden as his heart sang in delight. 'He's depicted as the ideal king. Of course, I'll let you manage the territory!'

He pushed the forge's doors open with a chuckle, the scent of heating coal and the sight of his artisans tying their leather aprons around their waists registering in his eyes.

The relaxing crackle of the fire accompanied his steps as he greeted Silas, the demon lady, and the others on his way to the restroom on the second floor.

Once inside, he smiled at Muramasa and Durgrim before he went straight to the point.

"Garduck should have delivered Gae Bolg, Balmung, and Heracles' bow. What can you do with them?"

Muramasa chuckled, pointing at the designs littering the table chaotically.

"Let's start with the bow. Its wood comes from a tree considered sacred by Athena, making it too hard to wield, so I plan to create two short bows from its frame."

Durgrim nodded, his old voice echoing with excitement.

"Leave that boring bow and let's talk about Balmung! I can add thunder and curse-protection runes." He slammed a design before Adam, his eyes sparkling. "If you can get me Uru, or the sap from Yggdrasil, I can turn it into a divine weapon by enhancing its incredible sharpness. With it, forget about cutting flesh. It'll cut anything, even fate itself!"

A broad smirk split Adam's face. Even if he didn't have the materials yet, his fists trembled at the possibility of producing divine weapons.

However, Muramasa shook his head, placing the barbed spear on the table.

"Gae Bolg is already powerful. We'll need to redesign its shaft with materials I've never touched." He inhaled sharply, a steely glint flashing in his eyes. "I'll need a meteor, a fragment of the world tree. And the divine or cursed remains of a powerful entity."

As Adam's eyes rolled, Durgrim clenched his fist before his sparkling eyes.

"It's worth it, my lord. No barrier or divine protection will ever stop this weapon." He pointed at the tip, his hand trembling. "With my enchantment, we'll make it spin, adding penetration beyond comprehension. But that's not all!" He almost jumped in excitement, his voice thundering through the forge and his breathing quickening. "Muramasa will strip those barbs away and curse the blade to rival Balmung's sharpness! A single strike will fracture reality, multiplying one wound into a thousand fatal ones!"

Adam's breath caught in his throat. This spear... He inhaled, offering the two enthusiast artisans a firm nod.

"I'll try to get you the materials. In the meantime, I want you to craft powerful weapons to arm Garduck and the others by using those artifacts as models."

They both nodded in unison, already stepping to the door to get materials from the warehouse.

He accompanied them as they assured him of the quality, even if they'd pale compared to the originals.

As Durgrim picked up materials, Muramasa smiled at him.

"I want to thank you, Adam. I think I've achieved my dream with my last creation."

He felt Muramasa's gratitude through the warm palm resting on his shoulder.

"I created the best blade for you, but my path will never end. Instead, I feel like I just pushed the door to a new world of divine artifacts. I want to become proficient enough to craft masterpieces on your blade's level alone."

A soft smile curled on his lips as he shook his head.

"I'm the one grateful for the effort you put into it. Thank you, Muramasa." A warm tear of gratitude he failed to contain trailed down his cheek. "I'd be dead, or worse, without you and the others."

As his words lingered, Muramasa brought him closer and surprised him with a warm hug.

"I'm glad you summoned and trusted me. You're family to me, Adam, and I'll support you, even if the world is against you."

Warmth spread around their chests for a second before a notification that made Adam's eyes widen echoed.

[Congratulations! A mythical figure's loyalty reached the maximum.]

'What is happening?'

Light engulfed Muramasa for a second before another notification appeared.

[Muramasa's abyssal touch transforms into Abyssal Resolve.]

[Effect 1: Corruption immunity]

[Effect 2: Life Drinker: Absorbs a portion of the target's vitality with every strike.]

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AN: I'll probably take a day off tomorrow to rest before the war arc.