Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

As Vrashnak caught the pouch and disappeared into the bustling commercial streets, Adam walked to Merlin.

A smile curving on his lips, he observed the man peering through the night sky's bright stars before he nodded.

"Good to see you in good health." His voice cracked with gratitude as he bowed. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done during the event. I vow to help you drink from Mymir's well."

Mischief sparkled in Melin's eyes as he smirked while retrieving something from his coat.

"I'll take your word for it."

He extended an item that made Adam shudder as his voice echoed.

"Gilgamesh has called us back. I don't particularly enjoy his overbearing behavior, but the situation compelled us to listen this one time." His eyes narrowed, worry lacing his words. "Show us your strength and leadership by winning on your own. We all believe in you."

He shoved the item into his hand and added the two city badges from the Asterionis and Thalassara.

"Take it. Something has been grating at my nerves ever since I woke. You might not need it, but I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Adam gazed at the golden and blue sheath in his trembling hands. This item and the crushing weight attached to its legends... How could he possess it?

As he was about to refuse, feeling unworthy before he at least conquered the realm and built good lives for his subjects, Merlin shook his head.

"Listen, Adam. The kingdom found your territory. We're leaving you to protect Harmony, so consider it a replacement." He smirked and waved his hand. "I won't need it with those monstrous fighters surrounding me."

Before his words could linger, crackling mana burst from his body. In the blink of an eye, it engulfed him in a sky-blue layer of swirling energy before his fading voice echoed one last time.

"Good luck, Adam."

Left alone, the faint shimmer in the air and the lingering warmth of Merlin's presence, he grappled with the responsibilities owning this sheath entailed.

The silence felt heavy, amplifying the weight in his hands, he grappled with the responsibilities owning this sheath entailed. After all, his previous owner inspired too many games, stories, and movies.

"Excalibur's sheath..." He muttered as he ran a finger on the mythical leather covering the blessed gold underneath. "Should I even…?"

He hesitated before a steely glint flashed in his eyes as he scrutinised it, its stat panel bursting in a mix of golden radiance and calm lake water.

Name: The Sheath of Eternal Peace

Introduction:

The fabled scabbard of Excalibur forged and blessed by the Lady of the Lake. Contrasting with its blade, it represents endurance and healing beyond mortal comprehension, ensuring the bearer can stand against even the most relentless of foes.

Rarity: Mythic-Unique

Level Requirement: Bound by worth, not level

Attributes and Traits:

Eternal Vitality: As long as the wielder possesses the sheath, wounds regenerate rapidly, and he cannot succumb to blood loss. Aging is slowed to a crawl.

Innate Abilities:

Immortal Ward: The sheath shields the wielder from mortal harm and reduces physical and magical damage. It also slows fatal wound aggravation, granting time for healing or escape.

Veil of Avalon: Envelops the wielder in an otherworldly mist, obscuring their presence and rendering them immune to tracking, scrying, or any means of detection.

Tranquil Shielding: Dispels curses and negative energy from allies within range, restoring clarity of mind and freeing them from debilitating effects.

He ran a hand through his cascading dark hair, gasping at the powerful enchantments as his sense of unworthiness deepened.

"There is no way the sheath will accept me, a demonic draconian."

However, the sheath surprisingly released a blinding light as notification rang in his ears.

[The sheath assessed your action since you first awakened.]

Adam shielded his widening eyes, his heart drumming in his ears.

[It criticises your honorless assassination of the bandits, thoughts about poisoning your enemies' water supply, ruthless conquest, and stealing the elves' resources.]

He massaged his forehead and sighed.

'I did what I could to survive. I don't regret my actions.'

[However, it recognises your dedication to do everything you can to protect Harmony. It prises the city's peace and your good treatment of the weak despite their varied origins.]

'So, it's not all black.' A bitter chuckle escaped his lips.

Honestly, he was far from a knight like Arthur. So, he still didn't believe the sheath would deem him worthy.

As if to contradict his thought, the notifications continued.

[You saved the kobolds, tamed the demons, freed the elves from cruel experiments, rid cities of corruption, focused on your people's wellbeing, and brought a tormented soul back to light by showing it warmth and love. The sheath points out your differences with Merlin and Arthur but deems you worthy enough to hold it.]

"W-What?"

Lips quivering, and taking a step back in disbelief, he watched as the sheathe dissolved into divine particles before they rushed into his body.

A warm sensation spread in his limbs, melting the remnant of the lich's curses and the disease plaguing him under its radiance. Healthy blood rushed through his recovering organs as his muscles tensed with power.

He clutched his chest, smoke rising with his labored breath as he dropped on his rear and sobbed under the starry sky.

The absence of guilt, no matter what he did, always drilled a hole full of doubts into his heart. After all, he had been a nice guy on Earth, a gamer who enjoyed competing, nothing more.

With all the responsibilities attached to the role, becoming a lord was something he could never have managed without everyone's support, especially Shihan's. That's why he had gifted her Leraje's quiver through Bart. He owed her—everyone—so much. Therefore, the sheath's assessment was like a balm to his heart: a confirmation that his struggles had been worthwhile and his decisions justified.

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I planned to release a long 1k5 word chapter but ended up writing 2k. So, the ending might feel weird since it was supposed to be released as a single one.