The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 756 The Strongest Being vs. Nolan (1)
Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
Boom!
A shadowy figure plummeted from the heavens, impacting the earth with a resounding crash.
This individual was none other than the formidable Demon Emperor Zerathos.
"Curse it…" he grumbled, laboriously pushing himself to a seated position.
He surveyed his surroundings, finding himself in a vast, unfamiliar expanse.
As far as his vision stretched, only arid, desolate land met his gaze. The sky above burned a fiery red, occluded by ominous purple clouds, while a sickly green sun loomed distantly.
"The Deathlands of Vulatus?" Zerathos’s eyes widened in disbelief.
These Deathlands were a place of legend, forbidden and fraught with peril. Even Zerathos had never dared to venture near, for ancient tales whispered of a horrifying monster residing within its depths.
The true form of this monstrosity remained unknown, even to him, gleaned only from fragmented records passed down through the demon race’s history.
"Well, this certainly presents an excellent arena for a battle."
A voice laced with amusement drifted from the space before him.
Demon Emperor Zerathos's gaze snapped upward, spotting Nolan descending from the sky before landing with effortless grace.
Nolan’s serene and unconcerned demeanor only served to infuriate the Demon Emperor, tightening his jaw in anger.
"Just who are you, really? And why do you stand against me?" Zerathos demanded, his voice sharp.
He was certain that no one of such immense power had ever existed on the continent. Were such a prodigy truly present, they surely would have made their presence known long ago.
Yet here was this man, appearing suddenly—precisely after the Demon Emperor had subjugated three continents and was poised to assault the central one.
It all defied logic.
Nolan met his gaze with unwavering calm, replying, "You have no need to know my identity. What matters now is whether you possess the strength to entertain me. Come now—demonstrate the true might of the Demon Emperor."
He shifted his weight, drawing one leg back, extending his left hand forward, and bringing his right fist close to his hip.
From Zerathos’s vantage point, the mere posture proclaimed the man’s intent: he was here for a fight.
Negotiation was out of the question.
Zerathos threw his head back, erupting into hearty, booming laughter.
"Hahaha!"
His laughter reverberated across the desolate landscape.
"I remain ignorant of your name or your purpose. However…"
He lowered his hand, his eyes now fixed on Nolan with a gaze filled with murderous intent.
"Since ascending my throne and commencing my conquest, not a single soul has dared to challenge me—not even the heroes of humanity. Today, I, Demon Emperor Zerathos, shall unveil the very essence of true power for you!"
BOOM!
A torrent of demonic energy erupted from Zerathos, soaring skyward and coalescing into a colossal tornado that stretched hundreds of meters into the air.
The already somber sky darkened further as the purple clouds contorted into a maelstrom, illuminated by flashes of crimson lightning.
The spectacle mirrored the very end of the world descending upon the land.
Nolan observed the unfolding display with remarkable composure, though a subtle flicker of awe momentarily touched his eyes.
'So this is the power of the Demon Emperor from a millennium ago… Formidable. Truly formidable,' he mused inwardly, clenching his fists tightly.
He couldn't recall the last time Nolan had encountered a truly challenging adversary.
Singularities were forbidden from unleashing their full strength, lest they risk obliterating the world entirely.
Moreover, most Singularities deliberately avoided conflict with one another, including the Singularity of Light.
His prior engagement with the old man had also been half-hearted, with both combatants holding back considerably.
But now, in this bygone era—a thousand years in the past—such restraint was unnecessary.
There were no edicts, no constraints. He was liberated to unleash his authentic might, and faced with a formidable opponent in Zerathos, practically begging for an all-out confrontation.
Nolan's exhilaration swelled to such an extent that, unbeknownst to himself, his expression contorted into a terrifying grin, one he had never displayed before.
"Argh!"
With a ferocious roar, the Demon Emperor drew back the spreading demonic power, reabsorbing it entirely into his own form.
His formidable presence intensified, becoming almost suffocating.
Inky black light enveloped him, while his crimson eyes blazed with an incandescent intensity.
WHOOSH!
His form dissolved and instantly reappeared directly before Nolan. He launched a fist, aiming straight for Nolan’s face.
Caught off guard by the sheer, impossible velocity, Nolan reacted swiftly, crossing his arms defensively.
BOOM!
The blow was deflected, yet Nolan was still propelled backward for hundreds of meters, akin to a projectile.
Demon Emperor Zerathos offered no respite. He dropped into a low stance before surging forward once more with breathtaking speed.
He closed the distance to Nolan in mere seconds. Zerathos pivoted, unleashing a powerful kick towards Nolan’s chest.
"Perish!"
Nolan’s eyes widened in astonishment as he scrambled into a defensive posture.
BOOM!
The impact of the kick sent Nolan crashing into the ground, carving a crater three meters deep.
Demon Emperor Zerathos raised a hand, conjuring a sphere of deep blue flame within his palm.
A sly smirk playing on his lips, he hurled the fireball into the newly formed crater.
BOOM!
The concussive blast deepened the already existing crater, and the surrounding temperature soared dramatically. Demon Emperor Zerathos flashed a subtle smile, believing his strike had landed true. However, without warning, a dark silhouette erupted from the crater and slammed into him. The Demon Emperor was violently propelled into the air. Before he could even process what was happening, the shadow seized his leg, spun him with dizzying speed, and then smashed him back onto the ground. The impact reverberated. "Pfft!" Zerathos coughed, his eyes widening in agony as intense pain wracked his body. Yet, no respite was afforded. The shadow was already streaking towards him once more. He hastily retreated to evade the incoming assault, observing his adversary with fierce vigilance. As the obscuring smoke and dust gradually dissipated, Nolan emerged, completely unscathed. Nolan tilted his head back and smirked at Zerathos. "What is it? Is that the extent of your power?" This insolent provocation immediately stoked Zerathos's fury. "Insolent fool!" He charged forward again, unleashing a powerful punch. This time, Nolan intercepted the blow with his palm. He swiftly followed with a counter-punch aimed at Zerathos's chest, but the Demon Emperor managed a defensive maneuver. Their gazes locked, a palpable killing intent crackling between them, before they both leaped backward. In the subsequent moment, they lunged forward once more, their bodies colliding in another fierce engagement. WHOOSH! Their forms blurred as they ascended into the heavens, clashing with incredible velocity. BOOM! Each impact sent devastating shockwaves ripping through the atmosphere. Then, the Demon Emperor perceived an opening—a slow, predatory grin spread across his face. "I've got you now!" Just as he initiated a strike towards the right side of Nolan's head, the unexpected occurred. The very fabric of space around him seemed to freeze, immobilized by an unseen force. His eyes widened in disbelief. Before he could even react, Nolan delivered a swift kick to the left side of his face. Zerathos's body plummeted downwards like a meteor, impacting the ground with shattering force. Fortunately, the blow was not fatal, and he quickly stumbled back a hundred paces. "Damn it… this fellow is far more formidable than I ever anticipated!" the Demon Emperor cursed. He had grievously underestimated his opponent. It was evident that Nolan surpassed any foe he had ever encountered. "What's wrong? Have you lost the will to fight? If that is the case… it is truly pathetic."