Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

Bright sparks enlightened the vast cave as two spears' collision rocked the air.

He observed their smiling wielders as white and blonde hair danced with each of their calculated movements.

Locked in a contest of technique of the highest level, they exchanged blow for blow, attempting to crack the other's defense open.

His eyes sparkled in awe at the spectacle of golden lights and whistling sounds for a second.

Then, he waved and yelled, his voice filled with unbound eagerness.

"Karna, Achilles! How are you doing today? I'm doing great on my side. So, I'd love for you to start my training like... now!"
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Upon hearing him, they stopped and gazed at each other for a second, a heavy tension settling in the air.

Adam gulped, and his heart raced against his chest at the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

'Weren't they just sparring? Did something happen between them, or did my disruption anger them?'

As guilt gnawed at him, Karna planted his spear into the thick mountain rock and crossed his arms.

"I never thought you were that skilled." His eyes narrowed into two solar slits. "Thank you for opening my eyes to my shortcomings."

Achilles planted his spear a few centimeters from Karna's, forming a golden and bronze cross.

A broad smile curled onto his lips as he struck his chest.

"And I never thought I'd find someone skilled enough to spare with me without eating the dust after a few seconds."

Karna shook his head, unconvinced or rather dissatisfied with his performance.

Achilles wasn't using his speed or colossal strength to overpower him, meaning that even in pure skills, he was inferior.

Yet, a genuine smile crept on his lips.

"Let's continue tomorrow."

Achilles nodded, pleased to have found a worthy rival after dominating any mortal in Greece during his life.

Meanwhile, Adam noticed the profound respect hidden in the two mythical warriors' eyes.

He sighed and relaxed his tensed muscles, the earlier anxiety pressing on him already a memory replaced by a new realisation.

'There is something more than rivalry and respect.' He tucked his fingers around his chin as they approached him. 'They feel more like brothers in arms.' A soft smile crept on his lips. 'I hope they'll get along well, develop a sense of trust, and rely on each other to improve.'

As he pondered how they could become the best duo, they reached him and patted his shoulders before Karna spoke.

"We discussed your training yesterday and chose to divide it into three segments. You'll train battle techniques with Achilles in the morning while we work on your demonic flame manipulation in the afternoon. We'll gather in the evening and leave the territory to help you apply what you learned in actual combat."

Achilles nodded and continued.

"We know you have other obligations and little time. So, we'll ingrain our methods into your mind in short but impactful lessons." He pointed at Adam's chest and smiled cheerfully. "You'll still have to reserve time to gather demonic essence, too. It'll be hard on your body and spirit. But I believe you'll persist and blossom through the challenges we prepared for you to become a fearsome warrior."

A steely glint flashed in Adam's eyes, and his fists tightened.

"I'll do my best to live up to your expectations and reputation. Thank you again for training me."

However, he didn't see the caring gaze and gentle smile he had expected.

Instead, Achilles' brows furrowed, eyes hardened, and hand moved to his sword's pommel. His voice thundered with the authority only found in commenders who scurried from one battlefield to another.

"Enough with the empty discussion! For the next two hours, you'll only answer yes or sir. If any other word leaves your mouth, you'll regret ever asking me to teach you!" Achilles raised his sword and pointed at a flickering torch on the wall. "Move and start running!"

An icy shiver ran down Adam's spine as he saw the ominous spark in Achilles' eyes.

'Why running? And why did you become a threatening military instructor out of nowhere?!'

Still, his legs moved faster than ever. In a blur, he reached the wall before he began circling the cave at a moderate pace.

However, Achilles' commanding voice echoed again.

"What are you doing?! Sprint with everything you have. If you slow down..." He picked up his bronze spear and aimed it at Adam, ignoring his widening eyes and the tremors rocking his shoulders. "I'll make sure you'll remain slow forever!"

Heart sinking and icy dread beading on his forehead in the shape of sweat, he clenched his jaws and stomped the ground with everything he had.

Before he could think, a round blur whistled in the corner of his vision.

Instantly, he craned his head aside reflexively to dodge... or tried.

"Ahh!"

A sharp pain accompanied his yell before a dull noise reverberated on the ground. Holding his aching forehead, he lowered his face and saw the culprit: a small stone.

Brows twitching and biting his lips, his eyes darted to Achilles' outstretched palm.

'The heck? Why did he throw it at me when I complied? I didn't even speak at all!'

He had expected harsh discipline, but not... this? Where were the swords-wielding and fighting lessons?

Despite his aggrieved thoughts, Achilles struck his spear with the ground, the clangour deafening his protests.

"What are you? A mindless bull? Keep an eye on your surroundings while you run, or you won't even know what killed you!"

The words echoed in his mind, and the memory of his recent charge against the King of Hero resurfaced along with the many wounds he had suffered from his archers.

'He's right.' He nodded. 'Without my helmet and tough scales, I would have died there.'

Simultaneously, the corner of Achilles' lips rose slightly.

"Each part of my training focuses on fluidity. Learn to do several things simultaneously..." His voice lingered for a second. "Or suffer until it becomes an innate reflex. Now, continue running!"

Reassured by his words, Adam's eyes sparkled with determination, and his legs restarted their movements.

But despite his will to improve, his pained screams haunted the cave for an hour before he dropped to the ground like a dead log.

Sprawled and his chest rising heretically as the stall air chilled his burning lungs, he touched his battered face. Many bumps met his twitching fingers, followed by a sharp pain and a sarcastic comment.

'I'm back to ugly... But I won't quit! I'll rise from the bottom to crush those seated on their golden thrones at the top!'