All he ever wanted was for those Gods to stop seeing themselves as superior beings, treating mortals and other creatures like ants. When they wanted to erase someone, they would do so at will, without hesitation or accountability.
Hearts likely knew deep down that defeating Zeno and the Grand Priest was beyond his strength. Perhaps, though, it wasn't about achieving that goal—it was about pursuing it. Even if the goal was difficult, he was constantly advancing toward it.
In fact, when Hearts revealed his goal, it was quite admirable. From the perspective of Earth's people—or even all mortals in the universe—his intentions deserved some respect.
"My master… has already sacrificed himself!"
"He gave his life for his firm beliefs and for all mortals. I think he must have been happy in the moment he made that sacrifice."
Even though Hearts felt immense sorrow, he knew deep in his heart that Merno must have been smiling as he died. After all, Merno had finally found a mortal stronger than himself. Perhaps the person standing before Hearts now was the hero destined to change the fate of all mortals.
At that moment, Hearts gave up all thoughts of fighting. He walked up behind Goten, his eyes filled with respect and admiration. Goten's presence alone seemed to halt the battles raging around them.
Even Marcus had his gaze fixed on Goten. He could sense that this person was the most powerful being on the planet. Goten's body radiated an unfathomable strength—a combination of mortal and divine power. Marcus could only imagine how much his own strength would increase if he could absorb such a force.
Step by step, Marcus approached Goten.
"Who are you?" Goten asked, his tone cold and haughty. "Tell me why you've come to Earth. Maybe if you do, I'll leave you a whole body."
[T/N: Ahh! He said it! He said it!!]
To Goten, Marcus was a minor threat—a nuisance that could be erased without much effort. His very arrival on Earth to launch an attack had already sealed his fate.
"Oh? Mortals are so arrogant now?" Marcus sneered. "I must admit, it's surprising to see a mortal like you possess such power. But do you really think you can defeat me with it?"
He paused, a cold smile spreading across his face. "I'll give you a chance. Surrender to me, and provide me with all your energy. If you do, I might spare your life."
Marcus saw Goten as a massive energy source—a furnace of power. If he could absorb Goten's energy, he was confident he'd reach an entirely new level of strength. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally be able to compare himself to his father.
At this point, Hearts spoke up from behind Goten. "Lord Goten, his name is Marcus. I don't know much about him, but I do know he's from the Dark Demon Realm and incredibly powerful. Based on my judgment, even Master Merno might not have been able to defeat him."
Hearts had decided to place all his faith in Goten, believing in Merno's choice. After all, their goals were aligned.
"Hmph! Is that all?" Goten smirked.
If Marcus's strength was truly at Merno's level, then he was nothing more than an insect in Goten's eyes. Goten had already mastered the power of new Laws. Even if the Grand Priest himself appeared now, Goten would face him without fear. A demon with Angel-level strength was no longer a threat to him.
"This…" Hearts muttered, wide-eyed as he observed Goten's confidence. He hadn't expected Goten to remain so calm, even when facing Marcus, whose strength rivaled that of an Angel.
Hearts knew Marcus's power firsthand. The demon wasn't just immensely strong but also possessed a sinister, almost unmanageable evil ability which was very difficult to deal with.
"It seems Zamasu was right," Marcus said with a malicious grin. "Mortals are always so foolish, blind to their own limitations.
"If you've chosen death, then so be it. I'll grant your wish!"
With that, Marcus's body vanished in an instant. Or at least, that's what it seemed like—until he froze mid-air.
It happened suddenly, as though an invisible force had completely immobilized him.
"What... what is this?!" Marcus stammered, panic overtaking his expression. "My body… I can't move! What's happening?! This can't be real!"
For the first time in his life, Marcus felt utterly powerless. No matter how much he struggled or amplified his strength, he couldn't break free. His body remained frozen, as though bound by a force far greater than anything he'd ever encountered.
To make matters worse, all his magic and supernatural abilities had been rendered useless.
Hearts watched in stunned silence. Gohan and Krillin, who had been fighting Marcus earlier, stood in awe.
Having experienced Marcus's strength firsthand, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Goten hadn't even lifted a finger, yet Marcus was completely immobilized. It was clear that Goten's power had reached an entirely new level after his recent seclusion.
"Now," Goten said calmly, his voice sharp as steel, "tell me everything—your identity and your purpose for coming to Earth.
"Of course," he added, "you can also choose to die."
With nothing more than a thought, Goten had sealed Marcus's body and power completely. Yet something about Marcus piqued his curiosity.
There was something familiar inside Marcus's body—a presence that reminded Goten of Super Shenron.
Could it be that this demon standing before him was connected to Super Shenron? Or perhaps to Dragon God Zalama, the creator of Super Shenron?
This revelation made Goten all the more determined to uncover Marcus's true intentions.