Baret led Carlo leisurely across the volcanic range, exuding an air of confidence that suggested he was unconcerned about the dragon demon lurking within. He seemed to have long since unraveled its patterns of movement. Carlo felt a mix of awe and trepidation at Baret’s formidable power; he appeared to command a force of lightning, surrounded by crackling energy that was both awe-inspiring and menacing. This evoked memories of the four-winged angel Carlo had encountered in the Green World—both figures emanated an unfathomable aura.

Beyond the volcanic region lay a desolate expanse, shrouded in swirling toxic fumes and fierce, razor-like winds. Carlo beheld a searing desert, plains overrun by insects, and lakes filled with corrosive acid... In stark contrast, the Sea of Demons appeared tranquil, like a warm cradle. In many places, even someone as powerful as Baret had to tread cautiously; in the Abyss, one misstep could prove fatal, unless you possessed the strength of a demon lord.

As the seven blood moons in the sky descended once more, Carlo finally arrived at the Abyss—more precisely, the "True Abyss." It was an infinite black chasm, encompassing countless dimensions and transformations, reflecting the grotesque aspects of the multiverse, where chaos and evil coalesced into brutal extremes. Within this vast chasm lay the slumbering forms of the seven mighty sovereigns.

At the edge of this gaping void stood numerous magnificent dark-red structures—fortresses and citadels. The closest to Carlo was within reach, yet the next loomed far out of sight. These dark red edifices were interlinked, forming a colossal zipper that sealed the entrance to the Abyss.

"That's the Blood Fortress," Baret explained, gazing at the awe-inspiring spectacle. He turned to Carlo with a knowing look. "We’ll be going there soon."

Guiding Carlo away from the Blood Fortress, Baret soon arrived at a valley. The environment remained harsh, yet it was a marked improvement from their previous encounters. In front of a sprawling dark green vine, the three descended. This was a type of Abyssal plant Carlo recognized—the Bloodsucker Vine. At rest, it appeared innocuous, but would reveal its terrifying nature when any living creature approached.

With Baret at his side, Carlo felt no threat from it.

"Karzas, open the door," Baret said softly.

The thick vine swayed like a serpent, its leaves parting to reveal a low cave behind it. Baret entered first, followed by Carlo and then Nemos. Inside, the cave was unexpectedly spacious. The Bloodsucker Vine closed behind them, blocking out the light and plunging the cave into a suffocating dark red hue. Most of the rock in the Abyss bore this color, as if steeped in blood.

"You'll like it here," Baret declared, striding ahead like a proud king. "This is Lord Baret’s domain... it may be a bit small now, but it will expand to greater heights in the future."

The air carried a faint, rancid odor, and Carlo warily surveyed his surroundings. He had gained a preliminary understanding of Baret by now. He had perfectly inherited the traits of a demon: cunning, cruelty, jealousy, greed, hypocrisy, arrogance, and ambition. Baret appeared to have cultivated his own faction and was slowly unveiling its secrets to Carlo.

Deeper within the cave lay a spacious yet simple hall, with a river of lava flowing beside it, radiating intense heat.

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"Come out, meet your new friend," Baret clapped his hands, his spirits seemingly high.

With a splash, a burly figure emerged from the lava river, molten rock cascading down his powerful muscles. He was bright red, with a bald head devoid of features, save for small green eyes and thick lips.

"This is Gaz, a brainless fire demon," Baret introduced warmly to Carlo. "I believe you two will have much in common."

"I smell the scent of my kind..." Gaz's small eyes fixed on Carlo, his voice a low growl. "No, it’s the scent of a hybrid... I hate hybrids."

Enraged, Gaz slammed a fist against his chest, sparks flying, and charged at Carlo, seemingly intent on tearing him apart.

"Oh," Baret exclaimed with delight, "Gaz is as enthusiastic as ever."

He stepped aside, adopting a spectator's stance, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama. Carlo's expression darkened as he turned to Baret. "Can I kill him?"

"Of course," Baret replied, his smile radiant. "As I said, as long as you wish to."

Nemos shrank back, quietly sidling away. Carlo grinned wickedly; his horns began to extend like drawn swords, and his body slowly swelled as infernal flames danced around him. He rarely revealed his demon form unless in battle.

Gaz, filled with molten rock, roared as he charged toward Carlo, his massive arm swinging like a red-hot branding iron. Carlo’s shoulder sank slightly as he evaded the powerful strike, swiftly gripping Gaz's elbow and shoulder, twisting with force.

With a resounding crack, Gaz's entire arm was wrenched off.

"Howl~" the unfortunate fire demon cried out in agony, instinctively grabbing at Carlo with his remaining arm, spewing molten rock from his mouth.

The lava splashed onto Carlo’s chest, sizzling and producing white steam, yet failed to corrode him. Baret raised an eyebrow.

Carlo blocked Gaz's heavy blow with one hand while gripping his neck with the other, then drove a knee into Gaz’s abdomen. His body was a perfect killing machine, with sharp spikes protruding from his joints, creating a gaping hole in Gaz's stomach.

"You dare spit at me... you shouldn't have spit at me..." Carlo’s eyes glowed crimson, radiating a ferocious aura. Having been repressed by Baret, he desperately needed an outlet for his rage, and the unfortunate fire demon had delivered himself to him.

"Gaz didn't spit... that was blood..." the foolish fire demon, realizing his plight, began to plead, but Carlo ignored him. His sharp fingers dug into Gaz's chest, a cruel, twisted smile spreading across his face as he tore apart the fire demon's strong chest, revealing a pulsating red heart within.

Carlo forcibly extracted it, the hard, searing heart of the fire demon.

"Master..." Gaz's eyes dimmed, his massive form collapsing like a wooden doll, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

Gaz was dead?

Nemos, hiding in the corner, couldn't help but shiver, looking at Carlo with fear. So this guy was so terrifying; he had unwittingly provoked him twice. No wonder Baret had requested his true name. Nemos decided to keep his distance from Carlo in the future.

Carlo stuffed the molten heart into his mouth, crunching it with a crisp sound before swallowing, finally settling into calm.

"A marvelous welcoming ceremony," Baret clapped his hands. "Generous Gaz has offered his heart as a gift. What about you?"

Three figures gradually emerged before Carlo. One was a seductively shaped female demon, her body deep green, her features alluring like a venomous snake. Her mouth bore an unusual appearance, marked with red lines.

"What do you desire?" the female demon beckoned to Carlo, her eyes filled with unabashed desire.

She extended her scarlet tongue, her mouth blooming open like a flower, revealing layers of sharp teeth—both terrifying and grotesque.

Next was a skeletal scythe demon, resembling a gigantic mantis, his eyes filled with a ferocious desire to kill and destroy. The last was an ice-blue demon, humanoid without wings, with long horns and sharp teeth, gazing at Carlo with disdain and trepidation.

"Let me introduce... Karzas, Midnae, and Astra."

"They are just like you," Baret said with a broad smile, the violent lightning crackling around him. "All loyal subordinates of Lord Baret."