The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 752 The Cunning Demon (1)

Two hours prior…

"Now then, what should I do? Should I make my way back to Rei's encampment, or should I venture elsewhere?"

Nolan, suspended in mid-air, pondered this question, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

He ought to return to Rei and Evalyn's location. Yet, he felt it would be a disservice to squander this chance to explore the world.

After all, this was a world from a millennium past, and it undoubtedly held numerous secrets that would later become enigmas.

A sudden memory surfaced, bringing a faint smile to his lips.

"That's right… the Demon Empire! How could I have overlooked it?" Nolan tapped his forehead, a small chuckle escaping him.

During his prior confrontation with the Demon Emperor Zerathos, the emperor had not been at the zenith of his strength.

This was the reason Nolan had managed to vanquish him with such ease. However, now, in this era from a thousand years ago, Zerathos was at the absolute peak of his might.

Nolan distinctly recalled Zerathos's words from back then: "I was only defeated because I was in a diminished state! Had I been at the height of my power, I would undoubtedly have been capable of defeating you!"

"Hmm…" Nolan smirked, then snapped his fingers. "Let's put that claim to the test. We shall see if your words hold any truth."

Instantly, his form transmuted into light, and he vanished from his vantage point.

***

Buzz!

Nolan materialized high above the western continent, only to be confronted by an immense expanse of desolate, lifeless terrain, utterly devoid of any signs of life.

"Could this be the western continent a thousand years ago?" he murmured, visibly taken aback.

Based on his recollections, the western continent in his own time was a verdant land teeming with life.

While not as prosperous as the southern or eastern territories, it was nonetheless habitable—certain areas were even celebrated for their breathtaking vistas.

Yet, in this moment, there was nothing remotely resembling that description present.

Merely dark, barren ground stretched out below, a crimson sky loomed above, and the sun cast an unnerving greenish hue.

Such conditions were clearly inhospitable to humans or any other form of sentient existence.

Nolan slowly descended to the ground, surveying his silent surroundings.

He was completely alone, and furthermore, he had no precise knowledge of the Demon Empire's palace location.

The western continent, after all, was vast. Undertaking a journey across it would consume a considerable amount of time, even for him.

The sole plausible method was to locate a demon and directly inquire about the imperial palace's whereabouts.

Just as Nolan was concentrating on finding the nearest demon, his attention was drawn to a horse-drawn carriage in the distance.

The two steed-like creatures pulling the carriage were large, powerfully built demonic chargers, while the carriage itself was fashioned to resemble a colossal pumpkin, standing a formidable two meters in height.

Nolan swiftly assumed the guise of a pig-headed demon and signaled to the approaching carriage.

"H-Help! Assistance! I appear to be lost! Please, help me!" Nolan exclaimed, his voice laced with panic and desperation.

The horse-drawn carriage drew nearer, eventually halting directly beside him.

The carriage window slid open, revealing a demon with the head of a horse.

"Who might you be? And what brings you to such a desolate place as this?" the demon inquired, his voice a harsh, unpleasant rasp.

Nolan had anticipated this query. He maintained an expression of pure innocence and fear, replying in a voice that trembled slightly. "I-I hail from a nearby village. My intention was to travel to the capital to seek my fortune, but alas, I have become lost. Would you be so kind as to offer your aid? I-I truly do not know the way back, leaving me no recourse but to press onward."

His hands were clasped together, as if attempting to quell his rising anxiety.

His performance was so convincing that the horse-headed demon harbored no suspicion whatsoever.

"Lost, you say?" The demon appeared surprised, then proceeded to scrutinize Nolan from head to toe.

Nolan possessed a notably innocent demeanor and a diminutive stature. An idea then sparked within the demon's mind, and a malevolent grin briefly flickered across his face.

Nevertheless, he quickly concealed it and nodded with feigned nonchalance.

"Very well, I comprehend. As it happens, I am journeying to the capital for trade purposes. Come aboard. I shall convey you there," he stated with apparent generosity.

Nolan's eyes widened with eagerness. He nodded repeatedly, expressing his profound gratitude.

"Thank you! Thank you kindly!"

He hurried to the side entrance, opened it, and stepped inside.

The carriage commenced its movement, leaving the desolate, barren expanse behind them.

***

The demon capital, Mal'Zareth, had endured for countless millennia, even predating the ascension of the Demon Emperor Zerathos.

The city was colossal and swarmed with demons of every conceivable kind. However, in stark contrast to conventional human metropolises, Mal'Zareth emanated an unsettling, chilling aura.

A crimson mist enveloped the entirety of the city, and a subtle, ominous presence of violence permeated its every corner.

Despite possessing humanoid physiques akin to humans and elves, demons were fundamentally distinct beings.

They subsisted not on rice, plants, or animal flesh. Rather, their sustenance consisted of the hearts, blood, brains, and similar vital components extracted from living organisms.

Furthermore, they required the absorption of the ambient demonic energy pervading the atmosphere to sustain themselves.

The carriage, drawn by a horse, had now made its way into the city.

Nolan observed the unfolding scenery through the window, his gaze calm and observant.

'So, this is the demon city of Mal'Zareth, indeed.'

He recalled that in the future, following the defeat of the Demon Emperor, the demon race descended into utter disarray.

They were subsequently pursued by humans and a united front of other races, including the dragon race, who harbored their own specific grievances and sought the complete eradication of the demon race from the western continent.

Ultimately, the demons were annihilated, with only a handful of survivors managing to escape... and were never seen or heard from again.

It could be accurately stated that the demon race became outcasts—leaderless, without a homeland, and stripped of any semblance of a decent existence.

Furthermore, after their territories were confiscated, the pervasive demonic energy that once saturated the environment was gradually purified, allowing the western continent to regain its former fertility, much like the other continents.

The horse-drawn carriage eventually came to a halt by the roadside.

Nolan turned his attention to the demon accompanying him, offering a smile laden with feigned deference.

"T-Thank you for your assistance. I have finally arrived at the capital."

The horse-headed demon responded with a grin, casually gesturing with his right hand.

"No trouble at all. By the way, what are your plans now? Are you seeking employment?"

Nolan inclined his head, replying with a hint of weariness, "Y-Yes, I intend to find work. May I ask why you inquire?"

The horse-headed demon stroked his chin, then extended an offer, "I operate as a merchant. Coincidentally, I am currently facing a shortage of personnel. Might you be interested in joining me? I require someone to assist with certain tasks that I cannot manage when occupied. Rest assured, the remuneration is guaranteed to be quite satisfactory."

He thumped his chest, seemingly to emphasize his sincerity.

Nolan scrutinized his expression, a sense of revulsion washing over him. He was acutely aware of the horse-headed demon's true intentions.

From the outset, Nolan had perceived the sinister motives behind the demon's actions. Nevertheless, he felt no apprehension, for he understood that this particular demon was incapable of causing him any harm.

While Nolan remained uncertain about the exact nature of the 'job' being offered, one thing was confirmed: it was unlikely to be a reputable endeavor.

Despite this, Nolan did not hasten to decline. Having already reached the capital, he harbored no concerns about locating the imperial palace.

With an outward display of enthusiasm that felt remarkably genuine, he nodded and responded, "T-Thank you kindly for your generous offer! I did not anticipate such benevolence! Thank you!"

He eagerly took hold of the horse-headed demon's hand.

The demon offered a smile in return, yet the underlying disgust and derision in his eyes were difficult to conceal entirely.