That made sense, but Luo Li still had no intention of going to West Demon City.
If her guess was correct, that place was likely the Demon King's Castle.
Luo Li's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at Imam; he didn't seem particularly bright.
Then again, most creatures in the Demon Realm lacked high intelligence.
They spent every waking moment suppressing their primal, violent, and reproductive urges.
Even Luo Li herself was currently being influenced by these impulses, her rationality clouded.
She was no longer as thorough in her planning as she once was.
Otherwise... she probably would have taken the child and found a way to leave this cave immediately.
Instead, she had waited until Imam arrived without even stepping outside.
"Imam, I haven't seen many cities. Are they all underground?"
"Are you from the outer island?"
Imam didn't answer her question directly.
Instead, he blurted out that response.
However, this made Luo Li realize that the foundation of the demon race was likely much larger than she had imagined.
This would undoubtedly affect her future strategy against them.
If the demons only occupied this one island, her policy would remain focused on defense and rapid development.
But based on Imam's reaction, there were likely other demon settlements outside this demon island.
"What if I am?"
She couldn't afford to arouse his suspicion, so she had to play along.
"It is only natural that you would not understand, since you have come from the main island."
Imam's attitude toward Luo Li had reached a level of profound respect.
It made her a bit uncomfortable, yet strangely familiar.
After all, she received similar treatment back in the Kingdom of the Moon.
"This place is the front line of our invasion against the West Continent. The creatures there are very powerful, especially the dragons, most of whom reside there. To avoid surprise attacks from them, our cities are built underground."
Imam didn't seem to doubt her at all.
This made sense; no one would ever imagine that the esteemed Saintess of the human race could instantly transform into a demoness.
It defied the common sense of the entire world, so even a demon general like Imam wouldn't suspect a thing.
However... Luo Li thought she heard a terrifying term.
The West Continent?
Had he misspoken?
The front line against the West Continent?
If that were the case, did that mean an East Continent existed as well?
Just how large was this world?
The Kingdom of the Moon alone spanned nearly ten million square kilometers.
And that wasn't even counting the other Seven Nations of the Holy Church. While the Kingdom of the Moon had the largest territory and the best resources, the other seven nations weren't far behind.
From that perspective, the entire human territory covered seventy to eighty million square kilometers.
And that didn't include the no man's land in the central region, the Beastmen Empire, the dwarves in the west, the elves in the southwest, the giants in the far north, and so on...
This single continent, by a rough estimate, was at least five hundred million square kilometers.
And what did this guy just say?
The West Continent?
Could there be an East Continent in this world?
Then how massive was this world?
It was unimaginable. What kind of world was this?
'Damn it, when I played the game, I was too busy looking at the CGs! No one ever mentioned who the scenario writer was!'
'Can you even handle a world-building project this massive?!'
However, there was no point in complaining now.
Gaining this information was an unexpected boon, but it didn't change her current situation.
The most important thing right now was to return to the Kingdom of the Moon as quickly as possible.
Luo Li pondered for a moment.
Based on the current situation, going with Imam to the Demon King's Castle presented many problems.
While it might make the journey smoother, many accidents could happen along the way.
She wasn't interested in a high-risk venture like entering the enemy's lair without a significant reward.
"I see. I understand now. However, I don't plan on leaving just yet. Now, get lost."
Luo Li spoke bluntly, expecting Imam to take offense and leave immediately.
To her surprise, a loud 'thud' came from behind her.
Luo Li turned around and saw Imam kneeling on the ground.
His weathered, masculine face was flushed with an expression of supreme bliss.
"Ah~ Queen, please, there is no need for such politeness as 'please'!"
"Get out!!"
In that moment, Luo Li felt her scalp go numb!
'Is this guy a total masochist?!'
'Do all demons share this trait?'
If they did, Luo Li wasn't sure she could keep her sanity.
What kind of freaks was she fighting a war against?
"As you wish~ Queen~"
"Get lost! And don't call me Queen!!"
Under Luo Li's dumbfounded gaze, Imam actually began to roll away on the ground.
Then, he flipped over and knelt before her again.
"Queen, I have finished rolling."
He looked like a dog that had just fetched a frisbee, his eyes pleading for a reward or a pat on the head.
Then she looked at his bulging muscles, his height of over two meters, and his burly, powerful frame.
Luo Li felt goosebumps break out all over her body.
"I have no interest in you. When I said 'get lost,' I meant for you to leave!!"
Luo Li was at a loss for how to deal with such a shameless individual.
If she attacked him directly, she might accidentally leak some information.
And the last thing she wanted right now was for her secrets to get out.
"Queen, I am truly sincere! As long as you leave a spot for me as your sub-lover, I am willing to give my everything for you!!"
Luo Li felt a wave of revulsion as she listened to Imam's words.
However, she also noticed something slightly off.
This demon general was, after all, a level fifty existence.
While not a top-tier powerhouse, level fifty was considered strong among demons and other races alike.
Yet, even if such a high-level entity were truly blinded by beauty, he shouldn't be this shameless, right?
A chilling thought slowly formed in Luo Li's mind.
'Could her demoness form... have a passive Charm talent?'
'But it wasn't listed in her skill column.'
Or was the status of purebred demonesses truly that exalted among the demon race?
If it were the latter, it was fine... but if it were the former...
Then she was in big trouble.
"Imam."
"At your service!!"
Imam was kneeling on the ground, propping himself up with both hands. If he didn't have a tail, Luo Li would have thought he was a dog rather than a bloodthirsty demon.
"I have remembered your name. You may go now. Once I have chosen a location for my castle, I will notify you."
"Is that true?"
"It... it's true."
Luo Li's lip twitched. To deceive him, she had no choice but to nod against her better judgment.
"Wonderful! Thank you for your favor, Queen!"
Having said that, Imam prepared to leave with a joyful expression, but he suddenly stopped after only two steps.
He turned back and performed a perfect sliding kneel in front of Luo Li.
"Please forgive me, Queen! I do not yet know your name. Please bestow it upon me!"
(๑˙ー˙๑)?
'Is this guy sticking to me like glue?'
"My name is Li Luo. Just remember that."
"Yes, Queen! As soon as I return, I will have someone carve your name onto my body with demon crests! I will never forget it as long as I live!"
Imam nodded repeatedly, as obedient as a dog waiting for a treat from its master.
"That... won't be necessary, will it?"
Luo Li's lip twitched again. The thought of her name being carved onto this man's body made her feel incredibly uncomfortable.
"No, no, no! This is my sincere devotion! I will definitely carve your name in the most prominent place!"
At this, Imam lowered his head and looked at his body.
His robust chest, bulging abdominal muscles, and well-developed pectorals...
He looked like the very definition of raw power.
Then, he gestured solemnly across his chest.
"Right here! I'll carve it right here!"
Luo Li looked at where he was pointing.
One character on his chest, another on his abs.
Good grief, he's planning to carry those two characters for the rest of his life?
She had to admit, this was the worst news she had heard since arriving on this demon island.
She couldn't imagine how she would face him if they ever met on the battlefield again.
"What do you think, Queen?"
"Fine. Whatever makes you happy."
Luo Li was truly speechless.
What else could she say? What else could she possibly say!!
If he wanted to do it, she'd let him. Luo Li had completely given up.
However, seeing him like this, it seemed there wouldn't be any problem if she made a few demands.
Seeing the fanatical look on Imam's face, Luo Li pondered for a moment.
"Hmm... Imam, your Queen is in... a bit of trouble that needs solving."
However, as soon as Luo Li finished speaking, she saw a look of resentment on Imam's face, like a neglected young wife who hadn't been pampered in years. The look sent a shiver down her spine.
"Queen, please, I beg of you, never speak to me so politely again! You only need to give your orders! Just orders!"
Fine, it seemed this guy was a masochist through and through.
In that case, she wouldn't be polite.
Since he was a masochist, she would use the method he found most comfortable.
"Impudent!! I am your Queen, how dare you lecture me! Kneel!!"
Imam replied loudly and righteously:
"I am already kneeling!!"
Cough...
"Face down!!"
"Yes!"
Looking at Imam lying flat on the ground, the urges within Luo Li suddenly began to stir.
"Oh~ I didn't realize those muscles on your back were so well-developed."
"Hehe... Argh!! Qu-Queen??"
"What? Is it uncomfortable?"
Luo Li's boot was now planted on Imam's back, her heel as sharp as a dagger.
The moment she stepped on him, a hole was pierced directly into his back.
"Th-Thank you for your reward, Queen~"
Imam's voice carried a hint of relief amidst the pain.
It was a stark reminder of how terrifying masochists could be.
"I need a mount right now."
"I am willing to be your mount!"
"Get lost! You? You think you're worthy of being my mount?"
Luo Li looked up and scanned the troop behind him.
Every demon in Imam's unit was an elite. Based on the situation, each of them was at least level thirty.
With such a powerful elite troop, Imam was undoubtedly one of Asacreus's most capable lieutenants.
However, at this moment... although the demons were still in perfect formation...
The eyes of every single one of them were burning with envy, jealousy, and hate.
Ignoring the massive group of masochists, Luo Li raised her hand and pointed to an ox-horse beast not far away.
"I'll take that one."
Imam looked back with some difficulty and nodded.
"Yes, Queen. From this moment on, that ox-horse beast is yours."
"Good."
Luo Li suppressed the urge to continue the abuse and slowly withdrew her heel.
With a wet sound, the barbs on her heel tore away a piece of flesh.
Still, Imam was a level fifty demon general.
His body's recovery speed was much faster than an average person's.
The small hole was already closing at a rate visible to the naked eye.
A demon's regenerative abilities were far superior to other races.
But such a rapid repair speed suggested that Imam was significantly stronger than the average demon.
Otherwise, an injury like that would have taken several days to heal for a normal demon.
"Leave that ox-horse beast here. Then take your men and go back where you came from."
"Yes, Queen!"
Imam stood up; the small hole didn't seem to affect him at all.
Moreover, it hadn't hit any vital spots.
"Queen, please do not forget your promise! I will be waiting for you!!"
Seeing the anticipation on Imam's face, Luo Li could only give a reluctant nod.
She then watched as Imam walked away, turning back every few steps.
A massive ox-horse beast remained beside her, along with a large pile of supplies.
Once Imam was far enough away, Luo Li finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the creature.
She had to admit, this creature of the demon race was quite intriguing.
The ox-horse beast was nearly ten meters long and over twenty meters high.
Its body was shaped like a cylinder.
Ropes were draped all over its body, each tied to a wooden crate.
Each crate was marked with labels.
The most crucial part was that the creature's back didn't have a saddle.
Instead, it had something resembling a small house.
The front of the house was open, making the whole thing look like a carriage.
However, this carriage had no wheels; it was installed directly onto the back of the ox-horse beast.
Luo Li leaped onto the creature's back. It seemed exceptionally docile.
It didn't show even the slightest hint of resistance.
What surprised Luo Li the most was that the ox-horse beast was eating the wild grass that grew everywhere on the demon island.
This grass was something even horses wouldn't dare to eat, yet this creature was munching on it happily.
Luo Li checked everything. It seemed the ox-horse beast could travel in the rain.
Didn't that mean... she could set off right now?
Just then, Mochizuki Shingen's voice came from inside the cave.
"Are they... gone?"
Rate on N.U.
