A Questionable Path

His eyes brightened at the propositions, and a surge of excitement replaced his depressed thoughts.

'The first for melee combat. The second for summoning and energy control.'

His smile enlarged at the third.

'The chaos druid combines both, making it more versatile but less specialised. It's a tough choice.'

If he were playing a classical MMORPG, he would have selected the Chaos Warlock without a second thought.

Despite his weak physique, the summonings could cover for him while he bombarded his enemies with demonic energy. 

The Chaos Demonic Knight looked strong, too, but less appealing to his tastes.

He tucked his fingers around his chin, a reflective light flashing as he hesitated between the last two options.

'I'm a lord in this game-like realm. Focusing on survivability in any situation while raising specialists sounds better.'

His finger hovered above the chaos druid as he reread the description before nodding.

"I'm convinced. The ability to alter whether and conjure deadly storms will help in wars, while the versatility will keep me alive."

He pressed on it, eyes sparkling as Tiamat's laughter resounded. Yet, he noticed a hint of mystery hiding in her voice.

"Of course, it's the best class. Do you think gods rely on other creatures to fight for them or run sword in hand without using energies?"

Echoing her words, he felt a stream of power rush through his tensing body as his stats increased. Nature became more vibrant in his eyes.

'I can swear I'm picking up thunder brewing in the sky and the earth moving under my feet. Is the passive skill working already?'

Eagerness fueling his thoughts, he called for his interface, making it appear in a flash of threatening dark flames and water.

Name: Adam

Race: Lesser imp

Affinity: chaotic, demonic energy

Talent: F grade (Upgradable): I'm a gamer!

Job: /

Class: Chaos Druid

LVL: 12

Exp: 2146/7000

HP: 300/300

Vitality: 23->30 

Strength: 23->30 (+2)

Agility: 23-30 (+5)

Demonic essence: 14->21

Free attribute points: 30->0

Items: Bandit dagger

Note: The other gods are glaring at you. They don't understand your decision to accept Tiamat's doubtful offer. The Mesopotamian pantheon labelled you public enemy number one. Marduk will do anything in his power to eliminate you.

"What?! Why am I a public enemy out of nowhere?!"

An uncontrollable yelp escaped his throat as he glanced at the laughing Tiamat.

"Hahaha! You didn't know? Marduk used the other gods' power to defeat and divide my body to create the realms."

Her voice trailed off, and her eyes narrowed into terrifying slits as her lips rose, exposing draconic fangs.

"This bastard and Ea will pay for what they did. Even if I must let the others escape, these two will die."

An icy shudder rocked his sweating body as tears welled in his eyes. Tiamat's anger terrorised him despite her child-like form.

'Big sister, I only want to build my territory in peace in the early stages, not be the gods' targets.'

"Humph. This realm is under Hestia's governance. What can they do? Contract the newly arrived lords to beat you?"

Her hearty chuckle increased the dread pressing on his heart. 

'What's so fun?! I'm doomed if they band against me!'

However, her deep gaze lingered on him as her lips split into a confident grin.

"You already boarded Tiamat's rocket. Those weaklings won't hold a candle against you!"

DING

[Congratulations on reaching level twelve and gathering twenty units of demonic energy. First evolution available. Choose one path among the three offered.]

Along with the notification, a sliver of hope returned to his heart.

'She is right! Demons are already physically stronger than most species. I can probably become a world boss and repel them. Better! I'll make all my generals world bosses. We won't focus on quantity but quality, with each individual more powerful than hundreds of soldiers!'

Somehow, the idea made him tremble with excitement. But his own evolution came first!

[Intermediate Djinn.]

Better than the lesser djinn, you'll become a being of raging fire specialised in destruction. 

Passive: Increased mastery over fire. Deceptive voice. Fire immunity.

Evolution path: Greater djinn-> Djinn Sultan-> Ifrit.

[Raksesa.]

You'll become a fearsome beast-like demon able to shred your enemies to pieces using your sharp claws and fangs.

Passive: Enhanced physical strength and durability. Fire and poison breath. Fear inducement.

Evolution path: Raksesa-> Asura-> Patalasura-> Narakasura-> Ajasura -> Devasura-> kali 

[Incubus.]

Upon choosing this evolution, you'll become an alluring demon of extreme handsomeness.

Passive: Charm and persuasion. Dream invasion. Enhanced fire manipulation.

Evolution path: Incubus king-> Balor-> Arch Demon-> Fallen Angel.

[Drake Imp (Tiamat's path).]

She doesn't know...

Passive: Increased resilience, strength, agility and demonic energy manipulation.

Evolution path: Draconic Oni-> Draconic Asura-> Demonic Draconian-> Draconian lord-> Draconic Archfiend-> Elder Dragon Overlord->???.

The first thing he frowned at was the number of evolutions.

'Does it mean some paths are weaker or require a higher tier to evolve?'

The fallen angel sounded broken, and the Balor was only two evolutions away, for example.

Meanwhile, the raksesa path appeared more stable with its many options.

His eyes trailed down as he pondered the question, reaching and enlarging at Tiamat's path.

"What do you mean you don't know?!"

He slapped his leg, brows twitching at the description.

However, she only placed her hands on her hips and smiled in response, her face saying: 'Trust.'

'Give me a clear introduction, at least!'

He didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry but leaned heavily in favor of the second choice...

"Fine. You'll remain an Imp but develop a foundation to fuel the next evolutions. I can't say for sure. You'll likely grow some sturdy scales. Perhaps small wings, too? Anyway, it's not my fault if your species didn't exist in my days."

She placed a finger under her lips, raising her head pensively.

"The further you evolve, the more pronounced my influence will become. Of course, I've been kind enough to add one for each tier. So, don't waste time and choose it."

"I'll just become a fallen angel. At least I know what to expect!"

What kind of explanation was that? Despite his high tolerance to risk, it was just too much.

"He? No way."

As he pressed on the incubus option, the fiery window suddenly glitched. The text shifted and changed to become the Drake imp under his sweaty finger.

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An: I'll put a 90% discount on the priv chapters so buy it even if you plan to read later. You'll have the chapters for much cheaper after all. :D