The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne

Cassian stared at the dark sky above him, his face filled with confusion and emptiness.

The cold air swept in from all directions, making his body shiver uncontrollably.

”Oh? Are you finally awake?”

A playful voice sounded beside him, startling him.

He turned and saw Nolan wearing a black cloak.

”You...” His eyes widened in surprise. ”Nolan?”

Nolan stepped closer, then slowly crouched beside him.

”How do you feel?” he asked casually. ”Do you have any regrets about your actions?”

Cassian remembered everything he had done. He gritted his teeth, anger and frustration surging within him.

”Yes! I regret it!” he shouted, tears welling at the corners of his eyes. ”If only I hadn’t accepted the Demon Emperor’s offer to cooperate, I wouldn’t be in this miserable state. My body wouldn’t have fallen under that person’s control either!”

Although his chances of winning the battle for the throne had been slim, at least he had still had a chance.

Now, however, it was impossible for him to fight for the throne again.

After all, he was seen as a traitor and a bringer of disaster by everyone in the empire.

Nolan remained calm, showing no pity at all.

Cassian was an adult and should have understood the consequences of his actions.

”It’s good that you realize your mistake. However, I cannot forgive you just like that. Let Father take action,” Nolan said indifferently.

Cassian simply nodded without protest. He knew he would face a very severe punishment.

Still, it was better than dying without admitting his mistake in front of everyone.

As Nolan was about to move Cassian’s body with teleportation magic, something unexpected suddenly happened.

Cassian’s legs turned to ash and were blown away by the wind.

The sight shocked both Cassian and Nolan.

”What’s happening? Why is my body being destroyed?” Cassian shouted in panic.

Nolan frowned and used his space power to stop it.

Unfortunately, it was completely useless. His legs continued to disintegrate, the destruction spreading to his thighs and waist.

”It can’t be stopped? How is that possible?” Nolan said in shock.

”It’s useless, Nolan. Cassian’s body has already been sacrificed by Ignis as an offering to the Demon God,” Malverna’s voice came from behind him. ”Since Ignis gained extraordinary power when he faced me earlier, Cassian’s body must be used as payment.”

Her words shocked not only Cassian but also Nolan as well. He had never known this was the reason the Demon Emperor Zerathos was able to transform into a black dragon.

”Huh... it seems difficult,” Nolan muttered as he shook his head.

Even his power was unable to stop the process. He was completely helpless.

Cassian’s eyes were empty as he watched his body slowly crumble into ash.

Despite his reluctance, he accepted his fate. Perhaps this was the price he had to pay for all his crimes.

”Nolan,” he called softly, ”are you... the Singularity of Chaos?”

Nolan didn’t seem surprised. He looked at Cassian and gave a small nod.

”Yes, I am the Singularity of Chaos,” he replied calmly. ”Since when did you know?”

Cassian fell silent for a moment, then let out a soft laugh.

”I only realized it recently. After everything that happened in the past, I came to that conclusion myself. I didn’t expect you to truly be the Singularity of Chaos,” he said with a wry smile.

No wonder someone as powerful as the Singularity of Chaos supported Elina in the battle for the throne—it was because that person was closest to her: Nolan.

”Hey, Nolan—no, Singularity of Chaos... can you grant me one wish?” Cassian asked weakly.

Nolan didn’t answer, only nodding slowly.

Cassian lowered his gaze for a moment before continuing. ”Please protect my mother. She is not to blame for my mistakes. Don’t let her be harmed in any way.”

He knew he was wrong. He understood that his actions were unforgivable.

However, his mother was his only weakness. She was completely innocent.

Nolan let out a small sigh before replying, ”You’re really annoying, Cassian. To be honest, I hate you. You were willing to seek outside help just to win the throne. But...”

His gaze softened as he added, ”We are still blood brothers. Don’t worry—I will protect your mother. Even if the Singularities want to kill her, I will still protect her.”

Cassian looked surprised. He had thought Nolan would refuse his request, but he was wrong.

The shock on his face slowly faded, replaced by happiness and relief.

”Thank you, Nolan... thank you...” Tears fell from the corners of his eyes. ”If there is another life after death, I promise I will repay your kindness.”

Whoosh!

His head turned to ash and vanished, carried away by the winter wind.

Nolan slowly stood up and stared at the dark sky above.

’Life after death, huh?’ he muttered softly.

He used to never believe in life after death. But he was wrong—life after death was real.

”Are you okay?” Malverna’s worried voice came from behind him.

Nolan turned to her and slowly shook his head.

”I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

Malverna studied Nolan’s face before answering, ”I sense sadness in you.”

”Sadness?” Nolan’s eyes widened slightly.

”Yes, sadness,” Malverna repeated. ”I don’t know if it’s because of Cassian’s death or something else, but it’s definitely sadness.”

Nolan lowered his gaze and fell silent. What Malverna said was true.

He was sad—not because of Cassian’s death, but because of the way he had died.

In the past, he had always underestimated the battle for the throne.

To him, those who sought power and were willing to do anything to obtain it were nothing more than fools.

However, after witnessing what Cassian had done, he realized he was wrong.

Those with ambition—whether for the throne or for other goals, like the Demon Emperor Zerathos—were the ones who deserved recognition.

For their goals, they were willing to do anything, and Nolan knew he would probably never be one of them.

”Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m fine,” Nolan reassured her with a small smile.

Malverna looked him over, as if confirming whether his words were true.

Once she was satisfied that nothing was wrong, she gave a small nod.

”Then let’s go.”

Malverna was about to turn away when Nolan suddenly stopped her.

”No, don’t go yet. You haven’t finished your business.”

His words clearly surprised her. She looked at Nolan in confusion and asked hesitantly, ”What do you mean?”

Nolan turned his head, as if looking into the distance.

”Your disciple, the Demon Emperor Zerathos, is not yet... dead.”

...

In a hall supported by towering pillars, a middle-aged man sat on a chair resembling a throne.

He wore a black cloak that covered his entire body except for his head.

At that moment, the middle-aged man suddenly stirred and lifted his head.

Rubbing his face, he muttered angrily, ”I almost... completely died...”