Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest-Chapter 424: The Birth of the Draconians

Frowning, Bart watched the palace balcony with his sparkling-eyed children and the gasping citizens.

Though he had only spent two months here after Ifrit found him, he recognised a few nobles in the procession; dukes and military advisers working on top-secret magical projects or...

ROAR

A deafening roar and a colossal shadow broke his train of thought, or rather, completed it.

Everyone trembled as they gazed up. The weaker-willed lost consciousness, those a little stronger dropped to their knees, while the rest strained to keep themselves from wetting their clothes.

Even Bart shuddered like a leaf battered by the sound of the colossal wings flapping above him. He gripped Maria and Noah’s shoulders and leaned over their trembling frames in protection as he gazed at the descending creature.

Wings wide enough to raise storms, eyes shining like the purest divine gold, and scales refracting light in a hundred colors—a mature dragon as majestic as it was dreadful to them all.

All but Ifrit. His orange eyes almost ignited into their embers’ state as he glared at the dragon that drowned the entire plaza in its shadow.

"A dragon god." He muttered, fists trembling, lips curving into a defiant smirk. "I wonder if he’s as powerful as Tiamat. Truly a pity we can’t verify by vaporising those wings it’s proud of."

"Shhh!" Bart placed a finger over his lips, blood draining from his face. "What if it hears you?"

Ifrit raised an amused brow. "It would have sharper ears than Wukong, then. Doubtful, but I wouldn’t mind a proper battle." He raised his palm, not giving Bart time to answer. "Stop worrying, I’m not actually going to attack right now."

"You still plan to, you demonic lunatic," Bart muttered, but quickly set his worries aside to watch the dragon brighten like a star.

Mana swirled into a flowing shroud that obscured its body. The energy shrank in a spectacle of divine might before it burst outward, drawing multicolored circles across the sky. Hovering above him, Bart saw a humanoid figure with draconic wings and horns circling his forehead like a spiked crown.

It landed on the balcony and faced the crowd, a mere wave of its hand causing space to ripple. Its voice followed, carrying a soothing tone of righteousness that reverberated through their minds and souls.

"Welcome, dear followers of justice, to the ascension ceremony. As you already know, your dear king will reward his meritorious subject, but not only." He paused, letting his words settle into the citizens’ minds.

Then, he continued with a bright smile. "Today, Lord Maxwell becomes a draconic divinity to serve justice and order." His voice subtly hardened. "And to protect the universe from the menace of the chaotic dragon. Whispers have reached me. They spoke of bleak news—of a chaotic champion she raised."

At this moment, Maxwell emerged from the palace. The sun glistened on his neat blond hair as he moved beside the dragon. His blue eyes ran across his subject, letting a brief silence linger before his voice echoed. freeweɓnovel.cøm

"More than ever, we must remain united against oppression. I promise you a radiant future in which food will never lack. All I ask in return is your unconditional faith." He raised his fist. "Believe in the great Bahamut!"

The citizens shuddered before steely glints flashed in their eyes. Once the first nodded, approval spread like wildfire. After all, chaos made their souls throb and blood freeze much more than divine wrath.

While Bahamut smiled at the favorable yet controlled reactions, Maxwell’s voice cracked slightly as he spoke noticeably faster. "Let me introduce you to our empire’s future generals." He gestured at the procession of twenty individuals, naming them with a brief word about their achievements until he reached the masked one.

"This is Maverick. Don’t let his short size fool you. He’s one of the bravest warriors I’ve ever witnessed. His strategies shocked me, especially when he obliterated a hundred thousand soldiers’ army with three hundred men. Let’s proceed with the rewards now that the presentations are over."

He kneeled before Bahamut, a hand placed on his chest. "Please, give us the strength to preserve the universe."

As Bahamut nodded, Bart whispered in Ifrit’s ear.

"Why isn’t he starting by his own ascension?"

Ifrit shrugged. "Would you start a court case with the verdict or a spectacle with the climax? He’s just showing his benevolence to increase his people’s faith. The more they’re impressed, the easier his ascension should be." He pointed at the first man. "Look, Bahamut is starting."

The divine dragon moved to the first man, who swallowed in anticipation. He ran his palm over the man’s face, blood-red mana infiltrating his pores.

Instantly, keratin coalesced into thick scales. His muscles squirmed beneath them, making him feel as if they had become blocks of enchanted steel rather than flesh.

Leathery wings sprouted on his back, horns erupted from his forehead, and claws grew from his fingers. He shuddered, feeling his mana rage through his veins, his pool expanding to at least ten times what it had been.

Of course, Maxwell awed his citizens with his explanation. "This is our first draconian! A new hybrid species that merges the best of humans and dragons—our empire’s unique champions!"

Noah frowned beside Bart. "Why is that lord lying? Wasn’t our uncle a draconian like years ago, Papa?"

Maria snorted. "Why is he so ugly? Look! His fangs are protruding. And the scales everywhere... Yuck. Disgusting."

Bart scratched his head. "It’s true that Adam would faint if he heard them claim to be of the same species."

Ifrit nodded. "Is it because of his demonic origins, or is Tiamat better than Bahamut?"

Bart tilted his head, pondering for a moment. Then, he smirked. "Must I remind you of her weakened state when she altered Adam’s imp body? She’s just miles better than Bahamut, at least on that field."

They all nodded, continuing to watch until Maverick’s turn came.

A brow raised, Bart asked. "Maverick is Maven, right? The size matches and the name..." He slapped his forehead. "Even I would have changed more than half. But why did he fight for Maxwell so long?"

He paused, his lips twisting. "Don’t tell me he turned his back on us... all because he worships dragons?"