A colossal explosion erupted!
It was over. Black, who had regarded all beings in the universe as mere insects, was reduced to pulp and then obliterated entirely, raising a crimson mist that painted the sky.
"After countless twists and turns, fighting our way from Earth to this accursed realm, I've finally purified this misguided Supreme Kai." Karnel wiped nonexistent sweat from his brow. This entire world was saturated with endless demonic energy. What kind of dimension was this place?
Having eliminated the demonized Supreme Kai, Karnel finally had the opportunity to slowly survey this strange realm filled with malevolent power.
"Let me find some natives to assess the situation first." Having made his decision, Karnel sensed the soul waves in his mind and instantly teleported to appear before someone who seemed to be the ruler of this world.
Karnel took a closer look at the native before him. The being had green skin and an alien appearance, standing only half a meter tall like a child, yet wore elaborate royal garments.
"Little one, what is this place?" Karnel asked calmly.
Carrick II was terrified. At such close range, the aura emanating from this being made him feel suffocated.
'Kid? I, the ruler of the Demon Realm, am actually being called a child... I can't... I have to restrain myself. This guy isn't human at all. He easily killed that outsider who was infected by demonic energy and transformed into a demon. I can't anger him...' Carrick II was about to explode in rage, but suddenly remembering the terrifying power of this peerless entity, his forehead instantly became drenched in cold sweat. The arrogant words about to burst from his mouth were immediately swallowed back.
"I... I am Carrick II, ruler of the Demon Realm. Is there anything I can do for you?" Carrick II dared not show any defiance, asking in a subdued voice.
'This child has mental issues. How pitiful! He can't even hear properly.'
Karnel looked at the small alien before him with a trace of pity. So young, yet unfortunately a mentally challenged child.
"Little one, stop playing around. Where are your family members? Call them out, I have questions to ask." Karnel tried to be more friendly.
Carrick II's veins bulged, but he couldn't vent his anger, only holding it in his heart, fearing he might accidentally provoke this terrifying demon and be blown to dust. This was the first time Carrick II had ever felt such humiliation.
"My... my family is dead. I really am the ruler of this world!" Carrick II said earnestly.
Garlic (Garlic Jr.) had been defeated when competing for the position of Earth's guardian deity many years ago and died not long after returning. Now only Carrick II himself and his demon subordinates remained on the Demon Realm.
'His father died when he was so young, and he himself is a mentally challenged child. How tragic.' Karnel shook his head regretfully.
Karnel looked around and asked curiously "Little friend, you said this is the Demon Realm, correct? What kind of place is the Demon Realm? How is it different from planets in the universe?"
'I'm not a child, I'm the Demon Emperor Carrick II, you monster...'
Carrick roared internally, but outwardly answered respectfully: "We demons live on the Demon realm. Our race was bred by the demonic energy that permeates this entire world. This place is completely separate from the outside universe, it's an independent dimensional realm. We demons have lived here for generations."
'Demons?... This seems familiar. Carrick...'
Karnel suddenly had a realization and looked at the child before him with a peculiar expression.
'Isn't Garlic the tragic character from the original story who fought the Guardian of Earth for the position but failed and was banished back to his own world? Carrick II should be the son he left behind after death.' Karnel recalled the familiar yet distant memory. It had been so many years since arriving here, many memories had grown hazy. Karnel felt a wave of nostalgia.
"Carrick II, have you ever been to a blue planet called Earth?" Karnel asked with gravity.
'Earth? Could this powerful being be from Earth? I'm doomed... He'll definitely kill me.'
Carrick II was terrified, his body trembling constantly as he dared not speak a word.
"Speak!"
Though Karnel's tone remained calm, Carrick II still detected the scent of death within it.
Carrick II prostrated himself on the ground, trembling as he said: "My lord, I... I went there once many years ago. I wanted to fulfill my father's dying wish and reclaim the throne from that green-skinned guardian, but I failed and was beaten back by some powerful individuals. I truly didn't commit any evil acts there!"
Karnel remained silent, staring at Carrick II.
Cold—bone-chilling cold!
Carrick II felt an overwhelming sense of impending death, as if he would be killed at any moment. He wanted to resist, but remembering how the man before him had easily slaughtered that powerful demon, the courage he'd barely mustered crumbled again. He could only plead silently in his heart.
"Why did you wet yourself? You don't think I'm going to kill you, do you?" Karnel snapped back to awareness and looked at the demon king who had literally wet himself from fear. He couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
Carrick II was utterly surprised, tears of relief in his eyes: "Sir, you truly won't kill me?"
Karnel waved his hand dismissively: "Forget it. I'll spare your life since you haven't committed any unforgivable acts!"
'The Carrick II of this timeline doesn't seem as evil his granfather and father as in the original story. I wonder if the branching timelines have created two completely different worlds.'