Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

A triumphant grin split his face as his eyes followed Ozymandias' figure until the man crossed the river. Yet, he caught the stern expression plastered on his face and how his eyes darted left and right.

'Is he studying the territory's layout? Despite his annoying arrogance, what a diligent man!'

He chuckled before retrieving the summoning ticket and taking his pitching stance.

Before he could hurl it, Muramasa crossed his arms.

"I'm impressed by how you managed that pharaoh, but I'll remain here just in case someone less reasonable steps out."

He offered the legendary smith a nod of gratitude and threw the ticket. Heart drumming against his chest, he watched silver flames shining with a metallic hue engulf the Gate's frame in awe and trepidation.

'I need an SSR mythical figure to counterbalance Ozymandias' overbearing nature! Someone who enjoys freedom and can match his skills and intelligence!'

As an inner prayer brightened his mind, the noise of lightning and drumming staves reverberated in a strange yet harmonious cacophony.

Meanwhile, the flames reshaped themselves into an intricately engraved staff adorned with a threatening golden cudgel, a cloud, and several heavenly peaches surrounded by a divine halo.

"No way..."

His jaws dropped in disbelief as he instantly understood. He didn't need to see the sturdy leather boots trimmed with fur or the tail protruding from the figure's lower back.

Even when a long, flowing red robe fluttered in the wind and fur-covered arms emerged from the vortex, his eyes remained glued on the soon-to-appear face.

Too hopeful and eager to get one of the figures he wanted the most, he couldn't divert his attention to anything else. And in his excitement, he exhaled all the oxygen in his body, and his face turned bright red as he roared.

"Appear ultra SSR summon! Sun Wukong!"

Echoing his heartfelt call, a mischievous face appeared and grinned at him.

His heart almost exploded when he saw the monkey's features mixed with the human's and the flamboyant cape draping the monkey king's shoulders.

Without wasting a second, he rushed to him and gripped his hand, speaking excitedly.

"Welcome, brother Wukong! I've been dreaming of summoning you since the first day!"

"Hahaha! Calm down, little friend. I don't know what I'm doing in a demon's territory, but Huang Di has a good sense of humour. No, seriously. It's hilarious!"

Wukong patted his shoulder in amusement before observing the surroundings with great attention.

Then, he let out a pensive sound as he tucked his fingers around his chin.

"Mhh. The place is nice, but don't count on me too much. I'll spend most of my time having fun and exploring the wilds."

Wukong raised a finger, ending in a long nail and continued.

"Because they sealed my powers. I can use them for five minutes a day at most. The rest of the time, I'm no different from the others."

A frown stretched his brows at the terrible revelation. Still, it couldn't hamper the joy of getting the monkey king, and he would rather see it as a challenge than a misfortune.

"I'm sorry for you. If you know of a method to recover, please share it. I'll do my best to help you! Oh, I'll check your stats now. I'll maybe learn something that way."

As he scrutinised the monkey king, his stat panel appeared before him.

Name: Sun Wukong

Race: Stone Monkey (Mythical figure)

Affinity: Metal

Job: Monkey King

Class: Divine monk

Loyalty: 65

LVL: 1

Exp: 0/20

HP: 10/30000

Vitality: 10 (+3000)

Strength: 10 (+2490)

Agility: 10 (+2490)

Qi: 10 (+99990)

Divine Qi: 0 (+100000)

Note: Increase your territory's ambient Qi and help Sun Wukong rise through the tiers to shatter the nine seals imposed on him. Every day for five minutes, Wukong can harness his full powers to protect his life because Huang Di loosened the seal a bit.

"Well, that answers the question. I'll do my utmost to help you shatter your seals. Not to use you, but because I genuinely admire you and your legends. I hope you'll feel at home even if we're demons."

As his words lingered, he noticed Wukong's lips curl into a smile and felt his warm hand rest over his shoulder.

"Your eagerness and respect are pleasing to hear. I, Sun Wukong, will support you in your conquest. Not as an underling, but as a brother in arm for as long as you don't turn your back on me."

[Congratulations! Sun Wukong's loyalty increased by fifteen points.]

Even if Wukong's acceptance might seem rushed, he knew how intelligent the monkey king was. Forget about common conceptions, he shattered them all with ease and could understand complex concepts in record times. He could also adapt and learn from his mistakes. In fact, his intelligence was the principal reason for his popularity, not his strength.

After all, his titles were the great sage and heaven's equal for a reason.

Nodding like an eager chicken, he gestured to the smiling Muramasa and introduced him.

"He is the first mythical figure I summoned: the legendary swordsmith Muramasa. With him, you'll always have the best possible weapons and equipment."

Then, he coughed and scratched his head.

"I also summoned a pharaoh named Ozymandias, but he is a little overbearing. I think he might respect you, considering your skills and intelligence."

"Mhh. A fellow troublemaker? I can handle him if you want."

A bright smile illuminated his face as Wukong understood his intention in a split second.

"I'd be grateful. I don't think he's evil, but his ambitions and drive are a bit overwhelming."

"Alright. I'll speak with Muramasa for a while and meet him later."

With those words, Wukong passed a hand over Muramasa's shoulder playfully and walked away, eager to familiarise himself with the place.

Meanwhile, he took a sharp exhale to calm his raging heart, entered his hut, and slipped into his bed despite the evening sun still brightening the sky.

'Hehehe. You won't have me twice!'

An inner chuckle echoing in his mind, he summoned the notification he had dismissed earlier.

[Congratulations on reaching level twenty-five and gathering two hundred units of demonic energy. Proceed with the second evolution?]

"Yes!"

As his excited yell pierced the room's silence, his mind slipped into darkness. Yet, he knew he would become something much more powerful and entirely different once he woke up. But more importantly...

'I won't be short anymore!'