Indeed, this demon named Tot Musica was formidable, possessing strength comparable to an Emperor. Coupled with its undying nature, even a single Emperor-level combatant would struggle against it.
However, for Carl, Tot Musica was a natural counter.
The so-called demon was nothing more than a toy before Carl, who was darkness incarnate—a suppression that reached into the very depths of the soul.
Carl's eyes were as black as ink, with shadows writhing around the massive dark hand he conjured. His voice was deep and commanding:
"Darkness!"
The moment the word left his mouth, Tot Musica's massive form began to shrink rapidly under the grip of the dark hand, until it vanished entirely.
Carl's right hand returned to its normal state, now holding a doll no larger than a fist.
He descended slowly, landing beside Shanks, who stared at the doll in Carl's hand, dumbfounded.
"That's it?" Shanks asked, bewildered.
Carl tossed the doll lightly and smirked.
"What did you expect? You were having too much fun playing with this thing?"
"Fun?" Shanks protested, flushing slightly. "I wasn't playing! That thing was really troublesome!"
Shanks had hoped to show off a little in front of his daughter, but he couldn't even defeat Tot Musica after all his efforts. It left him feeling more than a little embarrassed.
Carl noticed the awkward expression on Shanks' face and chuckled.
"Don't blame yourself. It really was a tough opponent."
Seeing Shanks still looking dejected, Carl shook his head and casually tossed the doll toward him.
"Here, take it. Consider it a gift."
Shanks instinctively caught the doll and took a closer look. The miniature Tot Musica had a unique, almost whimsical charm now that it had been reduced to this form.
He blinked a few times before sighing.
"I'm almost forty years old. Are you treating me like a child?"
Carl rolled his eyes. "You could always re-gift it."
As he spoke, Carl glanced meaningfully at Uta, who was standing not far away.
Shanks froze for a moment before realization dawned.
"You mean… give this to Uta?"
Carl gave him a look that said, Finally, you get it.
"My foolish younger brother, don't waste this opportunity. Besides, this isn't just a simple toy."
With that, Carl gestured for Shanks to go ahead.
Shanks nodded, walking over to Uta with Carl following close behind.
Uta, now back to her senses, was overwhelmed with guilt over the trouble she had caused. She lowered her head, not daring to meet Shanks' eyes.
Shanks, too, felt remorseful. He blamed himself for the years he had been absent, which had ultimately led to Uta's descent into darkness. For a moment, neither could find the words to speak.
Seeing this awkward scene, Carl stepped forward and gave Shanks a hard slap on the back, nearly sending him stumbling into Uta.
Startled, Uta looked up, her eyes meeting Shanks'.
Seizing the moment, Shanks extended the doll toward her.
"This… is Tot Musica."
Uta blinked, confused. "But… Uncle Carl was the one who defeated it. Isn't this his victory trophy?"
Shanks glanced at Carl for help, his expression pleading.
Carl coughed lightly and said, "Uta, Tot Musica was taken down by both of us. If your father hadn't weakened it initially, I wouldn't have been able to finish it off so easily."
Uta looked back at Shanks, her voice soft. "I'm sorry, Dad… I caused you so much trouble."
Hearing her call him "Dad," Shanks froze, trembling slightly. For a moment, the mighty Emperor of the Seas was utterly defenseless.
Taking the chance, Uta reached out and took the doll from his hand.
She examined it closely, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.
"This doll is beautiful. Thank you, Dad!"
She then turned to Carl and added, "Thank you, Uncle Carl!"
Hearing her call him "Uncle Carl" so naturally warmed Carl's heart. He smiled and nodded. Kneeling down to her level, he gently patted her head.
At nearly three meters tall, Carl's stature dwarfed Uta's petite frame. If he had tried to pat her head while standing, it would've looked more like he was petting a small animal.
Feeling the warmth of his touch, Uta murmured, "I still can't believe it… Uncle Carl, the Fleet Admiral of the Navy, is my uncle. This feels like a dream…"
Even now, the realization left her in disbelief. To her, Carl had always been a legendary figure.
And the revelation that the Navy's Fleet Admiral was the brother of an Emperor of the Seas? That was the kind of story that could upend anyone's understanding of the world.
Carl tapped her nose playfully and smiled.
"Stop overthinking. Look, even the doll seems about to cry."
Startled, Uta looked down at the doll. While it had been smiling in Shanks' hand, it now wore a sorrowful expression.
"Huh? Its face changed!" Uta exclaimed, astonished. "Is it… alive?"
The thought made her uneasy, and her hands began to tremble.
Carl placed his hand over hers, steadying her. His reassuring presence instantly calmed her nerves.
"Don't be afraid," Carl said gently. "Try singing the song you used to summon it before."
Though hesitant at first, Uta eventually began to sing Totem's melody once more.
As her voice filled the air, the doll suddenly glowed with a dark light, floating out of her hands and expanding in size.
Alarmed, Uta stopped singing, and the light dissipated. The doll shrank back to its original size and fell into her hands once more.
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+240 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg