Fresh from the interviews, a satisfied Murphy stepped outside, consoling himself that despite their dimness, his recruits were at least obedient. He hardly noticed the affectionate glances from the succubi as he walked.

Soon, he spotted Pepe chatting with peers, escorted by Tyre and Neil at the roadside.

"My mischievous pupil, it's time for our next stop."

"Got it, I'm on my way."

Murphy turned to Tyre with parting instructions, "I've sorted the second troupe. Make sure they practice diligently before joining Warm Glow Hot Springs in crystal recording."

"The eight-hour workday shouldn't be exceeded. Don't forget that."

"Don't overwork anyone. Work a day, rest the next, and arrange some team-building."

"For any needs, get in touch with Barren Hills. My human kingdom contacts will have it delivered."

Grasping Tyre's hand firmly, Murphy added, "Of all the succubi, I trust your brain the most. Manage them well."

Humility filled Tyre as he bowed, "Your wish is my command, sire."

With that, the demon lord and his pupil waved farewell to the gathered succubi and activated the circle, transporting to the endless caverns of Gargoyle Territory—Endless Grottoes.

The Grottoes were monotonous, just stones and gargoyles. To prevent Pepe from becoming a footnote under a three-meter tall gargoyle, Murphy kept her close.

Lord Greyrock led Murphy to a shallow cave filled with freshly smelted iron ingots. After praise was liberally applied to Greyrock's proud face, they sought the two gargoyles involved in the recent accident, now kept apart to avoid a repeat mishap.

In one cave, a gargoyle was yellow and trembling, afraid of either shattering or combusting due to unknown substances. Murphy thought it best to mind his words when facing the large but malnourished creature.

Using a conjured magical dagger, Murphy scraped the gargoyle's finger—fine yellow dust fell off. Gathering the dust, a snap from Murphy and a tamed fireball later, the dust ignited in a shimmer of pale blue, filling the air with a pungent scent.

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Pepe quickly covered her nose, while the scentless gargoyle remained unaffected.

"Sulfur," Murphy noted mentally.

"Greyrock, let's move to the next," he called out.

The other gargoyle, white and less dramatic, feared random explosions, offering a contrast to his crumbling companion.

Repeating his earlier test, Murphy lit the white dust and a purple flame confirmed his suspicions.

"Greyrock, your subordinates have done well," praised Murphy. "Can they revert to their previous states?"

"Yes, feeding them normal food—regular stones—for a while should do the trick," Greyrock assured with confidence and a sound of rock hitting rock.

The tour continued, Murphy inspecting the sulfur and saltpeter caves and taking samples.

Finally, wood charcoal was claimed from the smelting furnace.

Now for the big test.

"One, saltpeter."

"Two, sulfur."

"Three, charcoal."

Murphy carefully mixed the powders until homogenous. He filled a stone container with the makeshift gunpowder and, with his entourage, buried it in the ground outside.

They moved to a safe distance before Murphy realized they lacked a fuse. Magically versatile, he crafted another gentle fireball, directing it at the gunpowder-filled pot. "Cover your ears," he warned Pepe.

Boom!

An explosion carved out a new landscape feature in Endless Grottoes, sending rocks flying onto the unflinching Greyrock.

Pleased, Murphy beamed, "What do you think?"

Pepe, peeking from behind, eyed the crater and shook her head, "Feels... less powerful than an explosion spell."

Murphy's face fell into lines, "Think about it, is it really?"

"No, it takes too long to prepare," Pepe insisted.

"But consider the ordinary folk," Murphy defended, "It's only because we didn't have a fuse. With a proper fuse, anyone can unleash this power."

"Imagine ten thousand people, each with such a bomb. Like ten thousand one-time mid-level mages. Isn't that terrifying?"

Mocking, the dark lord said to his pupil, "Apart from black magic, you can't do much. This could suit you just fine~"

"One day, I'll show you a black magic explosion to remember," Pepe retorted, irked.

Murphy looked to Greyrock, "Your thoughts?"

"A wondrous creation, Your Majesty, if I may call it that," Greyrock admired the vast crater, "Useful both in warfare and life."

Murphy intended a pat on the back but settled for Greyrock's thigh, the only part he could reach, thinking, 'You get me.'

The plan was set. Gargoyles would mine sulfur and saltpeter, only after they'd been schooled on not to consume it willy-nilly. Zombies would carry on iron smelting and start producing charcoal, crafting the final gunpowder into stone bombs with fuses.

Before leaving, Murphy emphasised quality control and forewarned of incoming blacksmiths, urging caution to avoid slip-ups.

After instructing the gargoyle and zombie leaders, Murphy noticed Pepe still investigating the crater, "Mischievous pupil! It's time to go home."

"I'm coming, I'm coming."

After another flash of light, a day's venture into demon realms concluded, returning them to the basement of Number Two Clyster Street.

With the familiar walls around him, Murphy mused aloud, "Miscalculated. Should've gone to Sleepy Hollow last, missed a chance for dinner."