Chapter 36: Ascension of the Arrogant Prince

In the midst of a fierce battle, Vegeta exuded an unwavering determination as he squared off against the nefarious Dr. Gero. A cunning smile crept onto his lips as he goaded his adversary. "There's no need to cower; your moment has arrived," Vegeta declared, his gaze locked onto Dr. Gero. Memories of past encounters flashed before his eyes, and he vowed not to let his foe slip away this time.

Dr. Gero trembled in response, his voice quivering. "You...you..."

"As No. 17 meets his inevitable demise, the Gods of Destruction will come knocking on your door," Vegeta calmly asserted, his confidence unwavering.

"Shh!"

With a sudden burst of speed, Vegeta materialized directly in front of the formidable Super No. 17. The android shuddered with fear, realizing the imminent threat he faced.

"Prepare to meet your end, No. 17!" Vegeta's fist struck like lightning, piercing Super No. 17's heart with lethal precision.

"Pfft!"

Vegeta's fist penetrated through the android's heart, emerging from his back. A disdainful smile curled on Vegeta's lips as he retracted his arm from No. 17's lifeless body.

"Boom!"

A powerful kick from Vegeta sent Super No. 17 hurtling into the sky.

"Observe my Big Bang Attack!" Vegeta extended his arms, harnessing energy into his hands, targeting Super No. 17 in mid-air.

"Vegeta, why not unleash Destruction once more?" Son Goku interjected.

"Silence, Kakarot!" Vegeta shot a withering glare at Son Goku, his irritation barely concealed. "Don't think I've abandoned that power; circumstances have merely delayed its use. Now, I'll deploy it."

"Boom!"

Vegeta's Big Bang Attack collided with Super No. 17 in a deafening eruption. The android was torn asunder by the overwhelming energy.

"Exhale..."

As Vegeta caught his breath, a triumphant grin graced his face. He turned to Son Goku, a hint of arrogance in his gaze. "How does it feel now, Kakarot?"

"Vegeta, you're incredible!" Son Goku exclaimed. "You've surpassed me... I'll need to train harder."

Vegeta chuckled, his pride shining through. "Well, at least you're aware of your place, Kakarot."

"Vegeta, did you spend time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber?" Son Goku inquired, suspecting the source of Vegeta's newfound strength.

Vegeta snorted dismissively. "Hmph. Kakarot, even if you ventured inside, there's no guarantee you'd surpass me."

Without further ado, Vegeta unleashed an energy blast, obliterating the escaping Dr. Gero.

Son Goku maintained his silence, now more contemplative.

"Dad!" Trunks rushed onto the scene. "Dad, you were amazing!"

Vegeta wore a smug smile, his arrogance radiating.

Son Gohan and Son Goten arrived shortly, their awe evident. No one had anticipated such immense power from Vegeta.

"What's our next course of action? I believe I can entrust it to you," Vegeta stated nonchalantly.

"Indeed, we'll gather the Dragon Balls and wish back the departed," Son Gohan affirmed.

"Dad, leave the rest to us," Trunks added confidently.

"I shall take my leave then; I wouldn't want to overshadow myself," Vegeta teased, a purple aura enveloping him.

"Swoosh!"

Vegeta transformed into a vibrant purple flame, soaring into the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Upon returning to the temple, Vegeta found Lucifer conspicuously absent.

"Where's Lord Lucifer?" Vegeta inquired, directing his gaze at Piccolo and Dende.

"Lord Lucifer departed not long ago, and we remain ignorant of his destination," Dende replied, shaking his head.

"Could he have returned to the Supreme Kai world?" Vegeta mused.

With a decisive nod, he decided to follow Lucifer to the Supreme Kai world.

Shortly thereafter, Son Goku arrived at the temple using Instant Transmission.

"Huh? Piccolo? What brings you here?" Son Goku inquired, his eyes fixed on Piccolo.

Piccolo chose to remain silent, building a sense of intrigue.

"Piccolo, are you back from the afterlife?" Son Goku questioned, his astonishment evident.

"Yes, Lord Lucifer brought me back," Piccolo confirmed.

"Huh?" Son Goku's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes, you heard correctly; Lord Lucifer resurrected me," Piccolo emphasized.

"Did he use the Dragon Balls?" Son Goku inquired.

"No, he merely pointed his staff at me, and I was reborn," Piccolo explained.

"Hahaha, I knew he wasn't just anyone," Son Goku laughed heartily.

Piccolo arched an eyebrow.

"Piccolo, Dende, Mr. Popo, I'm off to train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber," Son Goku declared, a sense of urgency in his voice. "I must surpass Vegeta. As for the Dragon Balls, I entrust that mission to you. Gohan and the others are aiding in the search."

"Don't worry, Piccolo and I will locate the Dragon Balls," Dende assured him.

"On a related note, Piccolo," Son Goku paused, his brow furrowing. "After your revival, did those Black Star Dragon Balls return as well?"

"No, Lord Lucifer made them vanish," Piccolo confirmed.

"Well, at least that should prevent further threats to Earth," Son Goku concluded with a nod. "Alright, off to train hard!"

"Have you heard about Vegeta becoming a God of Destruction? Goku, do you know what that entails?" Piccolo inquired.

"I'm not entirely sure, but Lord Lucifer mentioned it; it seems they are gods specializing in destruction," Son Goku replied with a shrug. "I'm still figuring out the specifics of being a god."

"You're a god too?" Piccolo raised an eyebrow.

Son Goku left without further ado. "I need to get going. I won't keep you any longer, Piccolo." With that, he disappeared into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, determined to push his limits.

As Son Goku vanished from sight, Piccolo and Dende shared an intrigued glance.

Gods of Destruction?

What kind of gods were they?

And did Goku just become a god as well?

"What did you notice, Uncle Piccolo? Goku's earrings look like the Supreme Kai's," Dende observed, perplexed. "Is Goku a Supreme Kai now? What happened to the original Supreme Kai?"

"Perhaps the realm of the gods is undergoing a significant shift," Piccolo suggested.

Dende pondered this newfound revelation.

"Uncle Piccolo, I can't quite explain it, but I sense an impending crisis for Earth," Dende murmured, his worry palpable.

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*Power Stones*