In the vastness of space, distant stars shone continuously, but here, silence was the eternal theme.
However, this dead silence was shattered today by a brilliant streak of light that appeared abruptly.
The light dissipated to reveal two figures—Whitley in his black battle suit and the angel of Universe 7, Whis.
Whitley was not wearing his Apprentice God of Destruction uniform; he had always found the outfit to be rather ugly.
Fortunately, Whis had told him that there were no strict rules about it, and he could wear what he pleased. Other Gods of Destruction wore it mainly for easier recognition, to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Naturally, Whitley chose not to wear it if he didn't have to. As for any trouble... he could just deal with it casually.
Their current location was extremely peculiar. Directly in front of them was a black hole so massive it would make an ordinary person's heart palpitate. Its gravity distorted the surrounding space and all light, forming an ever-rotating abyss that devoured everything.
And in an orbit extremely close to this cosmic graveyard, a planet with a dim gray surface was stubbornly revolving.
Whitley gazed at this contradictory yet spectacular scene and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
"This world is truly marvelous. To think that a planet can exist near a black hole that represents nothingness and annihilation, and even evolve life... The tenacity of life is beyond imagination."
Hearing this, Whis showed an elegant smile and said in a light tone, "This is actually nothing, Whitley. Lord Beerus and I have even been to a planet orbiting a neutron star before. The life forms on that planet were truly peculiar, composed entirely of a kind of crystal, surviving by absorbing radiation. So you see, your cosmic knowledge is still too limited, you need much more experience~"
Whitley smiled, pushing that trace of emotion to the back of his mind.
After all, given today's itinerary, now was not the time for sentimental reflection.
"Alright, I'm sure I'll encounter more strange things in the future. Let's get to work first, Whis."
Whis nodded, and the staff in his hand elegantly tapped the void.
A soft light screen instantly unfolded in front of them, clearly displaying detailed information about the planet ahead.
"Planet Rogeri."
Whis read the information aloud.
"Due to its location within the strong gravitational interference range of a massive black hole, the extreme environment has led to the evolution of extremely primitive and chaotic life forms on this planet, which generally possess strong aggressive and destructive tendencies. The planet's evaluation is 'Nil.' The possibility of development is also close to zero. Comprehensive judgment: No retention value, 'Destruction' recommended."
He retracted the light screen and looked at Whitley. Although he still wore a smile, his tone was more formal.
"Alright, Whitley, you can begin. Remember to be thorough. The energy of 'Destruction' needs to penetrate the planet's core to ensure complete annihilation. You can't be like Lord Beerus, who sometimes, out of laziness or a good mood, only destroys half of it, leaving a mess behind just for his own amusement."
"OK, got it."
Whitley nodded and slowly raised his right hand, aiming at the distant gray planet that looked incredibly small against the backdrop of the black hole.
A dark purple God of Destruction energy instantly gathered in his palm, the destructive energy fluctuations causing the surrounding space to tremble slightly.
For him now, destroying a planet like this didn't even require much effort; a gentle touch was enough.
There was no earth-shattering explosion, no scene of debris flying everywhere.
A deep purple light flashed, and the massive planet, with a mass more than ten times that of Earth, began to disintegrate and annihilate in an instant.
In just a few seconds, it turned into the most primitive dust in the universe, which was then instantly swallowed up by the strong gravity of the nearby black hole, as if it had never existed.
Whitley retracted his hand, feeling the power that had been released in that instant. His gaze, however, turned to the massive black hole that was still continuously devouring matter.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and asked:
"Hey, Whis, this black hole looks like a nuisance too. Should we get rid of it while we're at it?"
Whis was pulled back to reality from his reverie of "what delicious food will Miss Bulma prepare tonight." Hearing this, he coughed lightly to cover up his distraction.
He looked at the huge black hole and shook his head, a calm, all-knowing smile on his face.
"No need, Whitley. Everything that exists has its reason. This black hole has already swallowed and merged with several smaller black holes nearby, accumulating a very considerable mass. If we leave it, in the long years to come, it will become the 'seed' for the birth of a new galaxy. Its gravity will re-condense the surrounding matter... Destruction and creation are sometimes separated by only a thin line."
"Fine, you're the expert, you call the shots."
Whitley shrugged indifferently.
"Let's go, next target. We need to speed up a bit, otherwise, if we're late getting back, your sister who's overstaying her welcome might eat all the dinner! You don't want to work hard all day just to go back and fill your stomach with Senzu Beans, do you, Whis~~"
The thought of his sister, smiling while rapidly clearing out all the food, made Whis's perpetually calm expression change for a moment.
He immediately put on a serious and earnest expression, tapped his staff, and said seriously, "You're absolutely right, Whitley! Efficiency is the virtue of an excellent angel like myself! It's time to speed up the work process!"
Seeing Whis's rare look of "urgency," Whitley couldn't help but grin. He placed his hand on Whis's shoulder and said with a smile:
"Alright, let's go!"
There were still a dozen or so worthless planets to be cleared on the list today. The task was a bit heavy, and there wasn't much time to dawdle.
The process that followed became somewhat monotonous. It was basically Whis providing the precise location, and Whitley delivering the destruction.
One by one, planets—whether due to extreme environments, civilizations that had gone astray, or some cosmic disaster that had stripped them of their potential—were silently turned into the most fundamental particles in the universe under the finality of the purple light in Whitley's hand.
Finally, after another raging planet full of lava and poisonous gas was annihilated, Whis looked at the list displayed on his staff.
"Alright, Whitley, this is the last stop for today."
The brilliant stream of light flashed again, and the two of them appeared in an instant near a binary star system.
This system was much larger and younger than the solar system. A yellow star in its prime and a very young and massive blue star were entangled and orbiting each other in a gravitational dance.
Their gazes turned to the huge blue star. Its light, though young and intense, gave off an unstable and restless feeling.
Whis's staff once again projected a light screen.
"This is a giant blue giant star named Holisfi."
Whis introduced. "It forms an unstable binary system with the orange star next to it. The two approach each other approximately every eighty years, causing extremely intense gravitational disturbances. More importantly, this blue giant's core fuel is about to be depleted, and drastic changes have already begun to occur inside. If left unchecked, according to calculations, there is a greater than ninety percent probability that it will evolve into a new black hole within the next five hundred years. Due to its enormous mass, the new black hole will have extremely strong destructive power, enough to swallow the entire binary system and cause catastrophic effects on the surrounding star fields within dozens of light-years."
He paused, looked at Whitley, his tone carrying a hint of a test.
"There are two ways to handle it: one is to directly annihilate it with 'Destruction' energy, but this requires precise control and a sufficiently strong output to ensure its core is instantly disintegrated. Otherwise, if an uncontrollable energy burst is triggered, the consequences could be even more severe than its natural collapse into a black hole."
Whis smiled, looking at Whitley, and mentioned the other option with a playful tone.
"Another option, if you feel you can't 'destroy' it in one go, is to use a powerful energy to push it out of its current orbit, exiling it to a vast and desolate 'dark region' of the universe and letting it evolve on its own. This is the simplest way. This is your final lesson. Good luck, Whitley."
"Uh..."
Whitley looked at the massive,澎湃, and restless blue star before him and felt a headache coming on.
He had learned from the "God of Destruction Work Manual" he had been cramming these past few days that dealing with such large celestial bodies was the most troublesome.
If he made the slightest mistake, the chain reaction it could trigger might be a cosmic disaster spanning several light-years.
The safest method was actually to ask the Supreme Kai to help stabilize the space, or to have Whis step in and cover for him.
But...
He glanced at Whis, who was standing beside him with a "I'm just a bystander" expression, and knew that this guy was determined not to interfere.
As for this universe's young Supreme Kai...
Whitley highly doubted he had the ability and experience to handle such a big scene.
For a moment, Whitley was lost in thought.
Seeing Whitley's pensive look, Whis teased with a smile, "Do you need me to contact Miss Bulma to cheer you on, Whitley?"
Whitley was choked by this sarcastic tone and waved his hand at Whis irritably, signaling him not to interrupt his thoughts.
A head-on approach was a bit too risky, but pushing it away would take an astronomical amount of time, and how to ensure the pushing direction was accurate and wouldn't hit something else...
"Whis."
He temporarily put aside his thoughts about the star and pointed to the other planets in the binary system and the faintly visible light spots of other galaxies in the distance.
"What's the situation with those planets? And are there any civilizations worth noting in the nearby galaxies?"
He planned to gather more information first, perhaps he could come up with a better solution.
Whis shrugged and, accommodating him, waved his staff, quickly summarizing and displaying the information of the surrounding star region.
"The environments of the few planets in this binary system are relatively harsh, and no signs of intelligent life have been detected so far. However, if this dying blue giant can be dealt with properly, the remaining yellow star is stable, and the probability of life evolving on the planets in its habitable zone in the future is still very high."
"As for the galaxies within ten light-years..."
Whis's gaze swept across the light screen.
"Well, there are two worth mentioning. One galaxy has a planet called Yardrat. Although the civilization on it is not particularly technologically advanced, they are quite famous in the universe for the development of some peculiar secret arts. Some of their techniques are even quite interesting."
"As for the other galaxy..."
Whis's voice paused, as if he were a little surprised.
He carefully looked at the data fed back from the staff before saying, in a somewhat strange tone:
"In the other galaxy, a life-bearing planet called Namek has been detected. Mmm... how interesting~ According to the data, the civilization on this planet has actually mastered the ability to create wishing orbs. That's quite rare."
"What did you say?!"
Whitley almost jumped up at the name, asking with a look of utter disbelief, "Which planet did you just say? Planet Namek?! And it has Dragon Balls?!"
He had never expected! To hear this familiar name at this time and in this way!
"Let's go to Namek first. Maybe... I have an idea."
Meanwhile, several light-years away from Whitley, on Planet Namek.
On the vast land, there were huge lakes and peculiar circular houses.
In a huge, ancient-style building at the highest point of the planet, the aged Grand Elder was in a deep sleep.
His huge body rose and fell slightly, his breathing steady and long.
Suddenly, his massive body jolted, and he woke up from his deep sleep.
A hint of bewilderment first flashed across his wrinkled green face, then turned into a deep relief.
He muttered to himself, his voice full of the vicissitudes of time:
"They're coming... the trajectory of fate has taken a huge turn... Fortunately... fortunately, it is with good intentions... to have sensed it in advance..."
He moved his incomparably huge body with some effort, sitting up straighter before calling out towards the door in a low voice:
"Nail, come in."
Before long, a well-proportioned, calm-looking young Namekian warrior walked in quickly.
He bowed respectfully to the Grand Elder on the throne, his voice full of reverence.
"Grand Elder, what are your orders?"
The Grand Elder looked up, his gaze seeming to pierce through the thick roof and into the deep, boundless starry sky.
He was silent for a few seconds before giving his instructions in a slow and certain tone.
"Nail, my child. Immediately go and contact the elders of all the tribes. In my name, ask them to gather the Dragon Balls they are guarding and have you bring them to the plains."
A hint of confusion flashed across Nail's face.
"Grand Elder, is this to..."
The Grand Elder slowly lowered his head and looked at Nail with deep eyes.
"Ask no more questions. Just do as I say. Soon, two... honored guests will descend upon our Planet Namek. If they ask to use the Dragon Balls, you will help them summon Porunga and do our best to grant their wishes."
Nail was shocked. Unimaginable honored guests? Use the Dragon Balls?
But he had absolute trust and obedience towards the Grand Elder. He immediately suppressed all the questions in his heart and bowed respectfully again.
"Yes! As you wish, Grand Elder! I will see to it at once!"
After speaking, he quickly turned and left the great hall.
Just as Nail was hurrying off to carry out his orders.
Whis, who was about to depart with Whitley, suddenly let out a soft "Hmm?" A look of surprise appeared on his perpetually calm face, which then turned into a playful smile.
"Interesting... a truly rare talent. To be able to vaguely perceive the movements of an angel and a God of Destruction across such a vast distance of space and time... Although the interpretation is a bit rough, this spiritual perception is top-notch in this universe."
Whitley was about to urge Whis to hurry to Namek when he heard his words and asked curiously:
"Huh? What's going on? What happened? Who sensed us?"
Whis shook his head without answering directly, but the smile on his face grew deeper. He elegantly waved his staff and said with a laugh:
"Don't be impatient, Whitley. Maintain a little mystery and anticipation. You'll know soon enough."
The brilliant stream of light once again enveloped the two of them, and in the next second, their figures appeared in a brand new star field.
A huge, beautiful, emerald-green planet floated quietly in the universe like a piece of jade.
The surface of the planet was covered with vast lakes and orange land, and the atmosphere appeared thick and tranquil. This was Planet Namek.
Looking at the familiar planet before him, Whitley felt a little conflicted.
He couldn't help but think of the Dragon Ball anime he had watched in his past life and muttered with a low laugh:
"Tsk, Namek... I wonder if that legendary Grand Elder can unlock my potential too?"
But the moment the thought appeared, he shook his head with a smile.
Not to mention that he was now a god, and his life form and energy essence had long surpassed the scope of ordinary creatures.
Even without this divine position, with his current unfathomable power level in his normal state, even if that Grand Elder used all his strength and risked his life, the little bit of potential he could unlock for him would probably be negligible.
After all, Whitley was absolutely confident that even against Perfect Cell, his normal power level was enough to achieve a crushing victory.
And at the same time, on a vast plain on Planet Namek.
Nail had already, with the fastest speed, gathered all seven huge Dragon Balls with the authority of the Grand Elder and his own efficiency.
They were neatly placed on the ground, each Dragon Ball having a different number of star marks inside.
Nail himself stood straight and tall beside the Dragon Balls like a statue, his sharp eyes fixed on the blue sky without blinking, his heart filled with vigilance and doubt.
The Grand Elder's previous instructions and the way he had looked at the sky made him guess that the so-called honored guests were very likely from beyond the heavens.
This made him a little anxious. Could they be... an unstoppable enemy?
Just then, a calm voice sounded behind him without any warning:
"Not bad, the Dragon Balls are already gathered? And they're arranged so neatly... could it be that you were waiting for us here?"
Nail was instantly shocked!
With his power level, he hadn't noticed anyone approaching at all! And he hadn't even sensed any ki nearby!
He almost instinctively whirled around, his muscles tensing, his ki instantly rising to its limit as he assumed a fighting stance, warily looking at the source of the voice.
Not far in front of him, two figures had appeared silently at some point.
Standing in front was a very young-looking, black-haired man, wearing a set of ordinary black battle clothes. His face was handsome, and his sharp eyes held a hint of curiosity and playfulness as he constantly sized up him and the Dragon Balls on the ground.
And standing behind him was a tall, slender, bluish-green-skinned man holding a staff. He had a gentle smile on his face that seemed to see through everything, and his presence was even more unfathomable.
The newcomers were the Apprentice God of Destruction of Universe 7, Whitley, and the angel, Whis.
Seeing Nail's tense appearance, Whitley grinned and said, "Relax, I'm not a bad guy."
It would have been better if he hadn't smiled. His smile made the already vigilant Nail even more wary.
A large drop of cold sweat slid down Nail's forehead. In this tense situation, Nail actually took the initiative to assume a fighting stance, preparing to attack the two of them.
Seeing this, Whis, not wanting to be left out, began to stir the pot.
"Whitley, this Namekian gentleman seems to want to spar with you. Aren't you going to make a move to show some respect?"
Seeing this scene, Whitley gave Whis an exasperated look, as if to say, can you just shut up? Can't you see how nervous this guy is?
---
[Get 10+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"]
300 Power Stones = 1 Bônus Chapter