Chapter 15: Divide and Conquer

Hey guys, welcome back to the story. Sorry for taking so long. I have been busy with work and overall life. But I am back now and will try and post more. My next chapter update will be my DC story. Enjoy.

"Nothing is truly necessary, yet we continue going through the motions of an irrelevant existence in an uncaring Universe." -IDK

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Unknown Location

A large silhouette walked through a door and closed it behind him. As soon as it closed, the figure started floating. The dimly lit room cast long shadows across the walls, and the soft hum of machinery filled the silence. Beerus hovered just above the ground, his eyes closed, as he pondered the complexities of his mission on Earth. 

The sudden sound of a low, gravelly voice broke the stillness. "Atlas," it said, dripping with an eerie calm. "We need to talk."

Beerus's eyes snapped open, and he turned slowly to see a figure emerging from the shadows. Damien Darkblood, the demon detective, stepped forward, his trench coat billowing around him like a dark cloud. His eyes, glowing with an unnatural light, bore into Beerus with a penetrating intensity.

"Darkblood," Beerus replied, his voice a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

The demon detective didn't mince words. "Guardians of the Globe. Dead. Evidence points to you."

Beerus floated closer, his expression hardening. "Careful with your accusations, demon. You're treading dangerous ground."

Darkblood remained unfazed, his gaze unwavering. "Not accusations. Facts. Patterns. You and Omni-Man. Present but absent. Stories don't add up."

Beerus smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "So, you've been busy. And what do you plan to do with these 'facts'?"

Darkblood's voice grew colder, each word a knife's edge. "Seek justice. Find truth. Prevent more deaths."

Beerus's smirk widened. "Justice, truth—lofty ideals for a demon. But tell me, Darkblood, what makes you think you can stop us?"

The demon detective stepped closer, his presence imposing despite the difference in their physical stature. "Not about stopping. About exposing. Humanity deserves to know. They trust you. Trust Omni-Man. Misplaced trust. Dangerous."

Beerus's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing his features. "You underestimate the Viltrumites, Darkblood. This world is on borrowed time. The sooner you accept that, the better."

Darkblood's gaze didn't waver. "Maybe. But truth has a way of surfacing. And when it does, even the mighty Viltrumites will face consequences. Humans will not tolerate evil."

The larger being merely scoffed, a cold, dismissive sound. "And what is good or evil, little demon? A conjured perception created by humanity to determine what is helpful to survival and what is not. Please, there is no good or evil. Only actions and their consequences."

The demon's eyes narrowed, a growl rumbling deep in his chest. "Call it what you will, Beerus. But humans have a way of rising against oppression. They will fight. They will resist."

Beerus's expression turned to one of mild amusement, as if Darkblood's words were nothing more than an amusing anecdote. "And they will fall, like all the others before them. You, of all beings, should understand the futility of resistance against superior power."

Darkblood's voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone. "You underestimate the resilience of humanity. They won't bow down easily."

"Resilience?" Beerus repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Your 'resilient' humans are scattered, divided. They bicker over resources, fight amongst themselves, and cling to their fragile concepts of morality. They are weak."

The demon detective took a step forward, his aura radiating defiance. "Weakness can be a strength. It breeds adaptability, innovation, and unity. And when the truth of your intentions comes to light, those scattered, divided humans will unite against a common threat. Against you."

Beerus laughed, a deep, resonant sound that echoed through the room. "You truly believe that, don't you? Your optimism is almost endearing."

Darkblood's growl deepened, his eyes burning with determination. "It's not optimism, Beerus. It's faith. Faith in their spirit, their will to survive. You may conquer worlds, but you can't conquer the human spirit. The Lord is on humanity's side. Hell unfortunately knows this."

Beerus's expression turned cold, the amusement vanishing. "We shall see, Darkblood. Chances are, He has lost faith in humanity, or He doesn't care. But know this—your faith will be your undoing. The Viltrumite Empire will not be stopped by the likes of you or your precious humans."

Darkblood stepped closer, his demonic aura intensifying. "You underestimate the power of belief, Beerus. The Presence has guided humanity through the darkest of times. It's not about care or faith; it's about justice. The universe balances itself, and your tyranny will tip the scales."

Beerus smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Justice? Balance? These are human constructs, just like your notions of good and evil. In the grand scheme of the universe, power is the only true constant. And the Viltrumites possess that power."

The demon detective's eyes narrowed, his voice unwavering. "Power alone does not make you invincible. Empires rise and fall, Beerus. The Viltrumites are no exception. The human spirit, their resilience—these are forces you can't quantify, can't control. And in the end, they will be your downfall."

Beerus's gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin. "I've heard enough of your preaching, demon. Your words mean nothing to me. Actions speak louder, and soon, the actions of the Viltrum will speak volumes."

The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken threats. Beerus hovered for a moment longer, then slowly descended to the ground. "You've said your piece, demon. But know this—your efforts are futile. Earth will fall, and nothing you do can stop it."

Darkblood's eyes glowed brighter, his resolve unwavering. "We'll see."

With that, the demon detective turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Beerus to contemplate the unexpected confrontation. As the heavy door swung closed behind Darkblood, the lingering echoes of their exchange reverberated in the dimly lit room. Beerus stood in silence, his mind racing with the implications of their discussion.

A short, mirthless laugh escaped Beerus's lips, a sound that betrayed both amusement and a deep-seated resolve. Darkblood's warnings had only strengthened his determination. The humans may resist now, but their defiance would crumble in the face of inevitable fate. When that day arrived, the Viltrumite Empire would ascend, unopposed and unrivaled.

Yet, amidst his confidence, a nagging unease lingered. The presence of a being like Darkblood, who seemed to possess knowledge and insight beyond mortal comprehension, troubled Beerus. It hinted at forces beyond his current understanding, potential threats that could disrupt even the meticulously laid plans of the Viltrumites.

Turning away from the closed door, Beerus's gaze hardened with renewed focus. His thoughts swirled with strategies and contingencies, contemplating how best to navigate the cosmic chessboard laid out before him. The humans were just one piece in a grander scheme, a scheme that spanned galaxies and eons.

XXXX

As Beerus floated into the new headquarters of the New Guardians of the Globe, he observed the humans below, each one immersed in their own activities. To his left, he noticed Rex Splode and Dupli-Kate engaged in a sparring match, their movements fluid and precise as they traded blows with practiced ease. Rex's explosive blasts were countered by Dupli-Kate's swift reflexes, each clone she created adding to the complexity of the fight.

Monster Girl eventually noticed a new addition to the room. "Oh hey, Atlas, nice to see you here," she greeted, flashing Beerus a forced friendly smile. Meanwhile, Rex Splode muttered something under his breath, his words barely audible over the sound of the training equipment.

Beerus's eyes narrowed at Rex's muttered comment, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. Without a word, he disappeared in a blur of motion, reappearing mere inches away from Rex's startled face. The suddenness of his movement caught Rex off guard, his body tensing as Beerus's imposing figure loomed over him.

"Call me an asshole one more time, boy," he growled, his voice low and threatening, "or I will drop you off at the Sun before you can give birth to your next thought."

Rex's eyes widened in alarm, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the severity of the situation. A bead of sweat formed on his brow as he struggled to find his voice, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly.

Meanwhile, the other Guardians couldn't help but snicker at Rex's predicament, their amusement evident in the smirks that played across their faces.

Shrinking Ray shot Rex a sympathetic look, her eyes conveying silent reassurance as she stepped forward to defuse the tension. "Come on, Rex," she said with a chuckle, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "You know better than to mess with Atlas. Let's move on. We've got work to do."

Rex's shoulders sagged with relief at Shrinking Ray's intervention, grateful for her support. He nodded sheepishly, casting a wary glance at Beerus before shuffling away to resume his training, chastened by the encounter.

Beerus couldn't help but scoff at Rex's apology, his disdain evident in the curl of his lip. 'A weakling with no conviction,' his inner monologue dripped with contempt.. With a dismissive glance, he turned away from Rex, his attention shifting to Monster Girl.

"Monster Girl," Beerus said, his tone cool and detached as he addressed her. "It's good to see you again." 

Monster Girl returned Beerus's greeting with a forced smile, though there was a hint of unease in her eyes. She knew better than to underestimate the power of Atlas, and his presence always left her feeling unsettled. But she pushed aside her discomfort, determined to maintain a semblance of composure in the face of his intimidating presence.

"So, what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"I'm curious as to why you risk your lives for the people," Beerus replied, his tone flat and analytical.

"Well… to help people who can't help themselves," Monster Girl replied. But to Beerus's ears, it sounded unconvincing.

"Why can't they help themselves?" Beerus pressed, his gaze unwavering.

Monster Girl hesitated, searching for the right words. "Because… sometimes, they're just not strong enough. They need someone to stand up for them, to protect them."

Beerus tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And do you believe that by constantly protecting them, you're truly helping them? Or are you merely allowing them to become dependent, to stagnate?"

Rex, feeling a surge of frustration, stepped forward. "Hey, back off, man! We're just doing our best to make the world a better place!"

Beerus turned his cold, unyielding gaze towards Rex. "By coddling them? By shielding them from every danger? You think you're making them stronger, but in reality, you're weakening them. A society that relies on others for protection becomes complacent, lazy, and ultimately, fragile."

Shrinking Ray joined the fray, her voice tinged with concern. "That's not fair, Atlas. We're here to inspire people, to show them that they can be better."

"Inspire them to what?" Beerus retorted, his voice as sharp as a blade. "To wait for heroes to solve their problems? To live in fear, hoping that someone else will come to their rescue? True strength comes from facing adversity, from overcoming challenges on their own. By intervening constantly, you're robbing them of that opportunity."

Black Samson stepped forward, his expression serious. "But what about the immediate threats? The people who would suffer and die if we didn't step in?"

Beerus's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained stern. "There is a balance to be found. Protecting the innocent is noble, but it should not come at the cost of their own growth and resilience. Teach them to stand on their own, to fight for themselves. Only then will they truly be strong."

Rex, undeterred, shot back, "So, you're saying we should just let people die to toughen them up? That's insane!"

Beerus's eyes flashed with irritation. "Not let them die, boy. But empower them to fight for their own survival. It burns me to say this but, humans have a remarkable capacity for adaptation and growth, but that potential is stifled if they are constantly shielded from every hardship. Consider the consequences of your actions. Property damage, escalating…what was the human term… ah, insurance rates—what kind of world are you creating? A subclass of humanity that is objectively superior to the rest, especially if superpowerhood is something innate. You think you're helping, but you could be fostering resentment, division, and dependency."

Robot, his analytical mind intrigued, added, "There is a point to what Atlas is saying. Dependency on external protection can inhibit societal progress. However, we must balance that with the moral obligation to save lives when we can."

Beerus's gaze turned colder. "And what of your governments? Do you believe they will always align with your sense of justice? Superheroes from what I have gathered in my short time here, by their very nature, often take the law into their own hands. What happens when your government's red tape becomes an obstacle? Do you then become the judge, jury, and executioner? A society that depends on heroes is a society that's just one step away from despotism."

Monster Girl glanced at her teammates, the weight of Beerus's words sinking in. "We'll think about it," she said quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Beerus nodded, satisfied that he had planted a seed of doubt. "I do not expect you to agree with me immediately. But consider this: every time you intervene, you may be saving lives, but you are also shaping a society that is increasingly dependent on your protection. Reflect on the long-term consequences of your actions."

The room fell silent, the Guardians absorbing Beerus's words with a mixture of contemplation and resistance. The atmosphere was charged with a newfound tension, as each member grappled with the challenging philosophy Beerus had presented.

Beerus scanned their faces, his expression unyielding. "Remember, true strength lies in independence and resilience. Help humanity grow stronger, not just safer. That is your real duty as protectors. Even if a superhero starts out morally upstanding, what happens if society changes around them in ways they find unacceptable?"

Monster Girl nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful. "We'll think about it," she repeated, more firmly this time. The other Guardians exchanged glances, each one wrestling with the implications of Beerus's perspective.

Beerus turned to leave, his point made. As he floated away, he left behind a team of heroes questioning the very nature of their mission, and the philosophical complexities of heroism in a world that seemed increasingly dependent on their interventions.

XXXX

Atom Eve was relaxing in her new home—a magnificent treehouse nestled high among the branches of a sprawling oak tree. The structure was a blend of nature and technology, with wooden beams and leafy vines intertwining with sleek metallic surfaces and high-tech gadgets. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the space in a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility.

She lay on a hammock strung across the room, gently swaying back and forth as she stared out at the horizon, her thoughts drifting aimlessly. The recent battles and constant demands of being a superhero had taken their toll, and she cherished these rare moments of peace.

Her reverie was interrupted by a faint rustling sound from outside. Before she could react, a familiar figure appeared at the entrance of her treehouse. Beerus, dressed in his characteristic black costume, stepped into the room with a quiet grace that belied his imposing presence.

"Eve," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of respect that was unusual for him.

Eve sat up, slightly startled by his sudden appearance. "Beerus? What brings you here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Beerus took a moment to observe the room, his sharp eyes taking in the harmonious blend of nature and technology. "I came to discuss something important," he replied, his tone serious.

Eve raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to sit. "Alright. What's on your mind?"

Beerus remained standing, his demeanor reflecting his deep contemplation. "I've been thinking about the nature of super heroism and the role of world governments," he began. "The recent conversations I've had with the New Guardians have only solidified my concerns."

Eve nodded, leaning forward with interest. "Go on."

Beerus crossed his arms, his gaze intense. "You and your team dedicate your lives to protecting people. It's noble, but have you ever considered the long-term consequences of your actions? By constantly intervening, you might be making humanity weaker, more dependent on you."

Eve frowned, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. "We save lives, Beerus. We inspire hope. How can that be a bad thing?"

"It's not inherently bad," Beerus conceded. "But there's a delicate balance that must be maintained. When people rely too heavily on heroes, they stop relying on themselves. They become complacent, expecting someone else to solve their problems. This dependence can stagnate societal progress."

Eve sighed, her expression troubled. "So, what are you suggesting? That we should just stop helping people?"

"Not entirely," Beerus replied, his tone measured. "But there are other ways to empower humanity. Instead of merely saving them from every danger, teach them to face adversity, to become stronger on their own."

Eve leaned back, contemplating his words. "I see your point. But there are immediate threats, dangers that people can't handle on their own. We can't just abandon them."

"True," Beerus acknowledged. "But consider this: what happens when your government's interests conflict with your sense of justice? Superheroes often operate outside the law, and that can lead to tension. If the government becomes an obstacle, will you defy it? Will you become the judge, jury, and executioner?"

Eve's eyes widened, the implications of his questions dawning on her. "That's... a complicated issue. But we have to try to do what's right, even if it means challenging authority."

Beerus nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. "I respect that. But remember, the line between hero and despot can be thin. A society that depends on heroes is one step away from despotism. Powerful beings simply cannot exist within a system that is weaker than us without taking control of it or destroying it and establishing our own order."

Eve looked out the window, her mind swirling with the philosophical complexities of their discussion. "It's a lot to think about," she admitted. "But I appreciate your perspective, Beerus. It's... refreshing, in a way."

Beerus offered a rare, slight smile. "I'm glad you see the value in it. Reflect on your role, Eve. You have the power to shape the future, not just protect it."

With those words, he turned to leave, he paused, glancing back at Eve. "There's one more thing, Eve," he said, his tone shifting to one of careful calculation.

Eve looked up, her curiosity piqued once more. "What is it?"

Beerus took a step closer, his gaze intense. "Have you ever wondered how normal humans truly see you? How do they see all of us?"

Eve frowned, her expression thoughtful. "I guess some people look up to us, while others might be afraid or jealous."

Beerus nodded. "That's true to an extent. But think deeper. Humans are a fearful species by nature. They fear what they don't understand, what they can't control. Even if they admire you, deep down, they will always be afraid. Fear breeds mistrust, Eve. And mistrust can turn to hatred."

Eve's frown deepened. "But we've saved so many lives. We've proven time and again that we're here to help."

"Yes," Beerus agreed, his voice softening with a hint of sympathy. "But at what cost? Look at the headlines, the media. They love you when you're saving the day, but the moment something goes wrong, the blame falls squarely on your shoulders. Humanity is fickle, Eve. They're like a herd of sheep, easily swayed by fear and doubt. One moment you're their savior, the next, their scapegoat."

Eve's eyes widened, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. "I... I never thought of it that way."

"Think about it," Beerus pressed, his voice low and persuasive. "How many times have you faced backlash for things beyond your control? How many times have you been judged harshly by those who don't understand what it takes to do what you do? They don't see the sacrifices, the struggles. They only see what they want to see."

Eve looked down, her mind racing with the implications of Beerus's words. "I always thought... if we just kept doing the right thing, people would understand."

Beerus shook his head slowly. "People fear what they can't control. And they can never control you. They may appreciate your help, but they will never truly trust you. Not completely. You will always be an outsider, someone to be revered and feared in equal measure."

Eve's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of his words settling on her. "What should I do, then?"

"Embrace it," Beerus said, his voice firm. "Understand that you are different, that you are beyond them. Use their fear to your advantage. Guide them, but don't let their opinions sway you. You have a purpose, a power they can't comprehend. Let that be your strength, your armor."

Eve nodded slowly, a newfound resolve hardening in her eyes. "You're right. I can't let their fears dictate my actions. I have to be stronger than that."

Beerus smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Exactly. You are a leader, Eve. Never forget that."

With those final words, he turned and left the treehouse, Eve watched him go, her thoughts a whirlwind of new ideas and considerations.. As she stared out at the horizon, her mind swirled with thoughts of fear, power, and the fragile balance between them.

XXXX

In the aftermath of another intense training session, Mark Grayson, also known as Invincible, found himself floating above the clouds with his father, Omni-Man. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky. They hovered in silence for a moment, the tranquility of the scene contrasting starkly with the weighty conversation that was about to unfold.

Omni-Man turned to his son, his expression thoughtful and serious. "Mark, I've been meaning to talk to you about something important," he began, his voice calm and measured.

Mark glanced at his father, sensing the gravity in his tone. "What is it, Dad?"

Omni-Man took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's about the state of the Earth. You see, this planet... it's not as stable as it seems. Humans are constantly at war with each other, destroying their environment, and making choices that could lead to their own extinction."

Mark frowned, confusion and concern etching his features. "But... we're here to help them, right? To protect them?"

"Yes, but it's more complicated than that," Omni-Man continued, his voice softening with a hint of paternal warmth. "You have to understand, Mark, that sometimes protection means taking difficult actions, actions that might not be understood or appreciated by those we're trying to save."

Mark's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

Omni-Man placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Think about it, Mark. Humanity is on a path to self-destruction. Their governments are corrupt, their leaders short-sighted. They can't see the bigger picture, the long-term consequences of their actions. Look at the wars they wage, fighting over resources and power while innocent lives are lost. They need guidance, strong leadership. That's where we come in."

Mark's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of realization and uncertainty dawning on him. "You mean... you and Beerus?"

"Exactly," Omni-Man said, nodding. "Beerus and I, we have the strength and the vision to guide this planet towards a better future. We can save them from themselves, from their own destructive tendencies. But it requires more than just fighting villains and saving people from immediate danger. It means shaping the course of their development, ensuring they make the right choices."

Mark hesitated, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. "But... isn't that kind of... controlling? Taking away their freedom?"

Omni-Man's expression remained calm, almost paternal. "It's not about control, Mark. It's about guidance. Think of it as a parent guiding their child. Sometimes, the child doesn't understand why certain rules are in place, but those rules are there to protect them, to help them grow into responsible adults."

Mark looked down, processing his father's words. "I don't know, Dad. It feels... wrong. Like we're playing God or something."

Omni-Man sighed, his tone turning more serious. "I understand your hesitation, Mark. It's a lot to take in. But you have to trust me. I've seen countless worlds, civilizations rise and fall. I know what it takes to create a stable, prosperous society. Earth has potential, but it needs our help to realize it."

Mark glanced back up at his father, his eyes searching for answers. "And what about the people? What if they don't want our help?"

Omni-Man's gaze hardened slightly. "Sometimes, people don't know what's best for them. They resist change, cling to their old ways out of fear. But in the end, they'll see the benefits. They'll understand that everything we do is for their own good."

Mark remained silent, his mind a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Omni-Man's words made sense on a certain level, but there was a nagging feeling of doubt that he couldn't shake.

Sensing his son's inner turmoil, Omni-Man softens his tone once more. "Mark, I need you to trust me on this. "We can make a difference, Mark. That's why we're here—to save them from themselves."

Mark looked into his father's eyes, seeing the determination and conviction there. He took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "I got a lot to think about."

Omni-Man silently sighed. "Ok, Mark. Take some time to think."

Mark's expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he gathered the courage to voice his insecurities. "Dad, there's something else I need to talk about," he began, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Omni-Man raised an eyebrow, his attention fully focused on his son. "What is it, Mark?"

Mark took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. "It's about me. I can't help but feel like I'm not measuring up. Every time I try to be a hero, it feels like I'm always falling short. And when I see you and Beerus, it's like... I can't ever be as strong or as capable as you two."

Omni-Man's expression softened, and he placed a comforting hand on Mark's shoulder. "Mark, I understand how you feel. It's not easy living in the shadow of those who have more experience and power. But you have to remember, you're still young. You're learning, growing. It takes time to become the hero you're meant to be."

Mark looked down, his fists clenching at his sides. "But what if I never measure up? What if I always let people down when they need me the most?"

Omni-Man's grip tightened on his son's shoulder, his voice filled with fatherly pride and determination. "You won't, Mark. You've already shown incredible potential. You have a good heart, and that counts for more than you realize. Beerus and I have our strengths, but you have something unique too. You care deeply for people, and that drives you to be better. Don't compare yourself to us. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself."

Mark nodded slowly, taking his father's words to heart. "Thanks, Dad. I'll try to keep that in mind."

Omni-Man smiled warmly, his eyes shining with confidence. "Good. Now, let's go back home. Your mother will be wondering where we are."

As they began their descent towards the Earth, Mark couldn't shake the lingering doubts completely.

XXXX

In the dimly lit underground laboratory, the air was thick with the acrid scent of chemicals and the hum of machinery. The Mauler twins, identical except for the color of their jumpsuits, worked feverishly amidst rows of bubbling beakers and towering racks of test tubes. Their latest project lay sprawled on a stainless steel operating table—an elaborate array of equipment surrounded it, a testament to their unorthodox methods.

"Mauler One, hand me the cortical electrodes," Mauler Two barked, his voice tinged with impatience as he adjusted the magnification on a microscope.

Mauler One, sweat beading on his brow, fumbled momentarily before passing the requested tools to his counterpart. "Here you go, Mauler Two. Careful with those—don't want another mishap like last time."

Mauler Two shot him a scathing look before deftly attaching the electrodes to the subject's temples. The subject, however, was not a traditional patient. It was the lifeless body of the Immortal, a once-venerated hero whose demise had sent shockwaves through the superhero community.

The Immortal lay motionless, his majestic costume torn and bloodied from his fatal encounter. Despite the injuries that marred his noble visage, there was an unsettling air of defiance in his stern expression. His eyes, now closed in death, had once gazed upon centuries of triumph and tragedy.

Mauler Two adjusted the electrodes with meticulous care, his gloved hands working swiftly. "This should do it. Power up the neural reanimation module."

Mauler One nodded eagerly, his fingers dancing across the controls of a nearby console. With a flicker of lights and a low hum, the laboratory came alive with the whirring of advanced machinery. Screens flickered to life, displaying intricate patterns of neural activity and vital signs.

As the equipment hummed with increasing intensity, a ripple of anticipation coursed through the Mauler twins. Their scientific prowess was on the verge of achieving the unthinkable—reviving the Immortal, extracting secrets from beyond the grave.

XXXX

Omake

Beerus opened his eyes to see a golden light enveloping him, casting an ethereal glow across his surroundings. Instinctively, his eyes began to glow with a fierce red hue, his muscles tensing as his instincts screamed at him to be on guard. The energy in the air was palpable, a tangible force that seemed to hum with ancient power.

He scanned his surroundings with a heightened sense of awareness, every nerve on edge. The golden light shimmered and danced around him, creating shifting patterns that played tricks on his eyes. Shadows twisted and turned, melding into one another and forming shapes that were almost recognizable before they dissolved back into the light. The air was thick with an otherworldly presence, a feeling that something far beyond his understanding was watching him.

Suddenly, the light began to coalesce in front of him, gathering into a bright, pulsating orb. The orb hovered in mid-air, growing in intensity until it was almost blinding. Beerus shielded his eyes for a moment, his instincts screaming that this was a threat, a challenge to his power and dominance.

As the orb settled, it slowly began to take form, shaping itself into a figure of radiant light. The brilliance softened and condensed, gradually revealing an old man dressed in simple yet elegant attire, akin to a human suit, with a strange hat perched atop his head. His presence exuded an aura of gentle authority, a stark contrast to the celestial grandeur from which he had emerged. The mortal noted that the being's eyes, deep and twinkling with an ancient light, reflected the mysteries and wonders of existence, holding the wisdom of countless millennia.

Beerus's instincts screamed at him to be wary, yet he couldn't help but be drawn to the serene and calming energy emanating from the old man. Despite his battle-hardened nature, there was something profoundly disarming about the figure before him.

"Who are you?" Beerus cautiously asked, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension.

The entity simply smiled, a smile that seemed to encompass the boundless compassion of the universe itself. "I am the Lord," he replied, his voice a soothing melody that resonated deep within Beerus's core.

Beerus's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend the being's true nature. "The Lord of what?" he pressed, his tone a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

The old man chuckled softly, the sound like the gentle rustle of leaves in a tranquil forest. "Some know me as The Presence, the Source, the Creator of all that is and ever will be," he explained, his gaze unwavering and kind. "I have many names and many forms, each tailored to the understanding of those who behold me."

Beerus's skepticism remained, but he couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of peace that radiated from the being. "And why are you here, appearing before me?" he asked, his voice softening despite himself.

The Presence's expression grew thoughtful, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that transcended mortal comprehension. "I am here because you stand at a crossroads, Beerus," he said gently. "Your path is one of great power and potential, but also one fraught with challenges and temptations. I wish to offer you guidance, should you choose to accept it."

Beerus scoffed, though not entirely dismissively. "Guidance? From an old man in a hat? What makes you think I need your help?"

The Presence's smile remained, undeterred by Beerus's bravado. "Because even the mightiest warriors can benefit from wisdom and compassion," he replied. "You are not as alone as you think, nor as invincible. There is much you have yet to understand about yourself and the universe."

For a moment, Beerus felt a flicker of doubt, a crack in the armor of his confidence. The old man's words resonated with a truth he couldn't quite ignore. But his pride, his Viltrumite heritage, demanded skepticism. "And what if I refuse your guidance?" he challenged.

The Presence's eyes softened further, if that were even possible. "Then you will continue on your path, as you see fit," he said simply. "I do not force my will upon any being. But know this, child: the choices you make will shape not only your destiny but the destiny of those around you. Choose wisely."

Beerus's brow furrowed in contemplation, his skepticism warring with an unexpected sense of curiosity. "Why choose to help me?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity. "Am I not a lower being, insignificant compared to someone like you?"

The Presence's smile was gentle, understanding. "Do you know how long I've lived, child?" he asked, his tone carrying the weight of countless eons.

Beerus stayed silent, not knowing how to answer. 

Seeing his hesitation, the Presence continued, his voice a soothing balm. "I have existed since before the stars first ignited, before the cosmos took shape. I have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the birth and death of entire universes. To me, all beings are both insignificant and infinitely precious."

Beerus's eyes narrowed, struggling to reconcile his pride with the humility the Presence's words evoked. "So why me?" he pressed. "Out of all the beings in the universe, why do you care what I do?"

The Presence's gaze was unwavering, filled with an unfathomable depth of compassion. "Because every being has the potential to affect the universe in profound ways. Your strength, your determination, your struggle—they all matter. You may see yourself as a conqueror, a warrior, but within you lies the potential for so much more."

Beerus felt a flicker of something unfamiliar—a sense of vulnerability, perhaps. "You think I can change?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I know you can," the Presence replied softly. "Your journey is not set in stone. You have the power to choose your path, to decide what kind of being you wish to become. Whether you continue on your current path or seek a different way, that choice is yours."

Beerus clenched his fists, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. The simplicity of the Presence's words belied their profound truth. He had always seen himself as a tool of the Viltrumite Empire, a weapon of conquest and domination. But now, faced with the boundless wisdom of the Presence, he couldn't help but question his purpose.

"Why would you care about the choices of one Viltrumite?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and defiance.

The Presence's smile deepened, a reflection of infinite patience. "Because every life is a thread in the vast tapestry of existence. Your choices, your actions, can weave patterns of light or darkness. And in the grand design, even the smallest thread can alter the whole."

For a moment, Beerus stood there, suspended between the weight of his past and the possibilities of his future. The Presence's words resonated within him, challenging his perceptions and igniting a spark of hope.

"Remember, young Beerus," the Presence said, his voice a gentle echo, "you are more than what you have been told, more than what you believe. The power to change, to grow, to create a different future, lies within you."

With that, the golden light began to fade, the ethereal glow slowly dissipating into the surrounding darkness. Beerus found himself alone once more, the presence of the ancient being lingering like a whisper in his soul. For the first time in his life, Beerus looked deep within himself to see what he truly wanted.

In the quiet solitude of that moment, memories flickered through his mind like distant stars in the night sky. He remembered the countless hours he had spent as a young Viltrumite, gazing up at the heavens in awe and wonder. Even then, before the weight of duty and expectation had settled upon his shoulders, there had been a part of him that yearned for something more.

He had always known, deep down, that Viltrum's path of conquest and domination was just one of many possible destinies. It was a path that had been laid out for him since birth, but it was not the only path. And as he stood there, bathed in the fading light of the Presence, he realized that he had the power to choose his own destiny, to forge his own path among the stars.

The desire to explore the cosmos, to seek out new worlds and new civilizations, burned within him with an intensity that he could no longer ignore. It was a longing that had been buried beneath layers of duty and obligation, but now it rose to the surface with a clarity that was undeniable.

Beerus closed his eyes, allowing himself to embrace the truth of his own desires. He had spent so long suppressing his own dreams in service to the Viltrumite Empire, but no longer. From this moment on, he would chart his own course, guided by his own sense of purpose and adventure.

With a sense of liberation that he had never felt before, Beerus opened his eyes once more, a renewed sense of determination shining in their depths. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and obstacles, but he faced it with a newfound sense of excitement and anticipation.

The stars beckoned to him, their distant light calling out across the vast expanse of space. First, he would do one last service for his people, then he would explore the cosmos, learn new things, and forge his own destiny among the stars. And as he took his first steps into the unknown, he knew that the journey ahead would be unlike anything he had ever imagined.