章節 22: Chapter Twenty Two
You wake up hoping to dear god that neither of the twins touched anything other than your arm because then you'd have a LOT of explaining to do regarding the birds, the bees and the cummies. Luckily such a thing won't be necessary as they seem to have latched onto your arm. As you groggily wake up you faintly recall them mentioning how "warm" and "soft" they are. A part of you worries they might flay you alive and wear your skin but luckily it's endearing enough for you to ignore that.
Pulling out your arms you head down to the kitchen in order to brew some coffee and after the deed is done and you sip away at the black goodness you see Hit walking in.
"Morning." He says.
"Good morning. Coffee?"
"Hmmmm?"
"It's this black drink that helps us start the day. Here, try some." You hand him a cup with two sugars and some creamer.
"Hmph. Not how I imagined. But it's not bad."
*sip*
"So how can I help you?"
"I saw what you did with the saiyans. You're improving. I like it. That means soon you'll be ready."
"For what?"
"To learn from. But I got one more thing to teach you. Afterwards... you'll have all the tools you need to develop your own techniques. How about it? Ready for a challenge?"
"Depends. Should I be expecting another near-death experience?"
"Not this time. But don't expect it to be any less grueling. This will be the last thing I teach you. So while it's not dangerous it might just be the most difficult."
"Alright. Sounds neat. That being said, would you be interested in some Ki training with Vados? I know you're already plenty strong, but she teaches good lessons."
"I'm afraid that's not for me. I decided to progress my way and that's what I'll keep doing. You just focus on your training... and I'll focus on mine."
"Suit yourself."
Hit then takes you to the large lake in the middle of the planet where he has already set things up for you. Two wooden poles hammered into the ground, holding up a single plank of wood. Next to them lies a rather large stack of additional boards.
You look at it in confusion and speak up.
"Where did you get these? Did you karate chop them into shape?"
"Yes."
"Okay then... What do I do with it?"
"You punch it."
"I gathered as much but is there... more?"
"Only two things. One: You must hold nothing back. Strike it with all the power you have.
Two: The board must not break. If it does you put up the next, then the next, then the next... on and on until you succeed. Even if your knuckles start bleeding. Clear?"
"Crystal..."
You raise your fist and try to concentrate. Keeping in line with everything you learned from both Vados and Hit you attempt to keep everything inside while raising your power to the maximum. With a vibrating palm you strike the board with everything you got.
"HA!"
Naturally the board shatters and a million splinters fly everywhere. But Hit doesn't seem totally disappointed, his eyes fixated on the rippling water of the lake. "Keep going."
One by one you go through the boards. But every time you think Hit's about to criticize you or give any sort of advice he just says.
"More."
He wasn't kidding when he said that your hands will bleed. You can't reinforce it because it'll just harden your hands, making the planks snap even easier. Over and over again you drive your fist into it, when that becomes too painful you try striking with your palm but it's all the same.
However Hit doesn't seem to be too bothered by it. "Again!"
Filled with equal parts frustration and pain you strike with anger, causing a wave of force to almost split the lake in half. The waves crash into each other hard as the troubled lake rages and you pant while on your knees.
"Good... good. You're making progress."
"What progress?!" You look up at him while wincing.
"You may not realize it but you're getting closer."
"Oh yeah? Well how about you TELL ME what it is that I'm getting close to."
"I could do that... I could explain every little detail. But the process is so arcane that explaining it to you would only complicate the learning process. So... do you still want instructions?"
"No..."
"Good. Now get back to it."
Letting out a sigh you return to your training and start thinking through your options.
Stepping back you take a deep breath, calm yourself and focus your mind on the task at hand. Resuming your genocidal war against everything that's wood you punch away with laser like focus.
Observing how each board shatters carefully you slowly start to learn. The improvement is minimal, each stemming from a board shattering a fraction of a moment slower than the last. But it all adds up. With your mind honed to a razors edge you silently improve bit by bit, working through failure and pain. Each minute detail observed adds to your experience until...
You reach the final board.
Taking a deep breath you pull back and put everything you managed to accumulate behind this one, last chance. "HA!"
With absolute focus you strike your target... and it does not break. Instead a wave of energy shoots out of your hand in a straight line, like the shaft of an arrow. The waters surface barely even moves this time. But perhaps most importantly when the shockwave collides with a stray tree standing on the other side of the lake... it snaps the tree in half.
Hit gives you a silent nod of approval.
"This technique is the Shunken Ensatsu, or Flash Fist Crush. A man once called it an invisible Ki blast. In principal that's exactly what it is. But you know better. Don't you?"
"It's time-skip but weaponized."
"Indeed. You realized it quick. Or your body did... Putting every ounce of power you can muster into a unidirectional attack... and applying time-skip to the kinetic energy causes it to fly outwards. It's a very simple technique but has immense potential once you start experimenting with it."
"Like phasing through objects..."
"That too. But watch this..." Hit takes his hands out of his pockets and demonstrates how wildly the technique can be altered.
Delivering three quick jabs, one straight forward one aimed upwards and the final one aimed down. "In addition to giving immense range to your physical attacks you can alter their course to quite an extreme extent."
He then puts his hands back in his pockets.
"And with this your tutelage under me is complete. You have all the basics of my fighting style." He smiles. "I eagerly await what you make of it."
Dusting yourself off you give your teacher a little bow. "Thanks for teaching me Hit.
I know you didn't have to teach me so I'm grateful!"
"Hmph... don't be. If you want to show your gratitude improve yourself as soon as possible."
"Right!"
As you finish with that quick little exchange however you see a figure approaching from Champas tower however. They actually fly towards you at breakneck speed. When they stop you finally see the figure. It's Sorrel.
"ERIC! Come quick! Vados says it's trouble!"
"What?!"
"It's- It's-" She pants. "IT'S EARTH!"
Your eyes snap open and not wasting any time you instinctually pop open a portal which you jump through and land on top of the table.
"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" You scream.
"Oh my... That was fast." Vados clears her throat and points her staff to you. "Look."
From the crystal ball a light projection shoots out showing Earth. More specifically a city wreathed in flames. Your heart feels like it's growing heavier. Rubble, smoke and fire fills the streets, the people run around in a desperate panic. Your fists tighten and your blood begins to boil. "What... IS THIS?!"
"It's... trouble." Vados speaks with a heavy voice. "A particularly nasty individual found his way to your planet Eric... Luckily it appears there aren't any casualties... yet. What you see is a demonstration of power. I'm afraid your planet has been... conquered. In less than an hour."
You feel a vein dangerously close to popping in your skull as your heart starts beating like crazy. In a moment of mouth frothingly overwhelming rage you explode. "I'LL KILL HIM!"
"No wai-"
You take SEVERAL deep breaths until you manage to get a hold of your emotions.
Seeing this Vados congratulates you.
"I'm glad you saw reason and calmed down."
"I'm not calm... My fury is no longer a fire. It is tranquil, cold and hard... like a diamond.
I've reached the point of silent rage... So Vados. What did you want to say?"
"I was just going to say that if you go there, you'll die. This being... you don't stand a chance against him."
"Who?"
"He's a being named Frost. His race, the Frost Demons are often hailed as Emperors of the Universe. And what an apt name it is. For in each universe they showed up in they became the dominant lifeform. Frost himself actually held the prestigious title of Emperor of the Universe which he only lost recently.
He's a devious figure who orchestrated galactic conflicts just so he could "resolve" them and claim all the glory. Luckily the universe wizened up to him recently and he was promptly dethroned, humiliated and exiled. Right now he operates as a universal fugitive, hiding wherever he can from the authorities or people seeking vengeance."
"Is he strong?"
She nods. "Very. I'm afraid even with all your progress you couldn't stand up to him.
He's far too resilient, not to mention powerful to be taken down by you. If you went there you'd surely die..."
You frown at that. "I've killed people stronger than me..."
"Yes... But make no mistake. Frost is unlike anything you've ever faced before. Your best option would be to remain here, build up your strength and tackle him once you're ready."
"AND HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO "BUILD MYSELF UP"?! AND WHAT OF THE EARTH WHILE I'M AWAY?! YOU THINK I'LL LET HIM HARM-"
"Calm yourself Eric..." Vados shuts her eyes.
"It's regrettable, yes. But Frost hasn't harmed anyone as of yet, which indicates a reluctance to do so. He most likely needs... no, perhaps that's too strong of a word, wants the citizens of Earth alive."
"Fine... I'll wait... But you'll forgive me if I make a quick call?"
"Go ahead."
Rushing into your room you rummage through your stuff until you find what you're looking for: Your scouter. Snapping it on you start establishing a connection like hell and keep tapping the button in the hopes of it going faster. "Eric?"
"CABBA! I NEED A FAVOR! CAN I COUNT ON YOU?!"
"Y-yes of course. What's wrong?"
"Some asshole named Frost took over my planet!"
"F-Frost?! Oh god... Eric I don't know what to tell you... I could try to stop him but I fear he might use the citizens as casualties..."
"That's not what I want! I need you to go there and make sure he doesn't harm anyone!
Do you understand me?"
"Y-Yes. I think I do. I'll make sure no-one dies.
But... what about you?"
"I'm gonna hit the gym until I can bench press that bastard into the afterlife!"
"Right... I'll try to call in a few favors with the SDF. Hopefully they can give me some support..."
"Thanks!"
Keeping the scouter on just in case Cabba calls you back you run back to Vados.
"Okay... I'm ready! Teach me Vados! Please!"
"I'm afraid that's... not the most optimal thing right now."
"W-What?!"
"What we need now is speed. Or at least time.
You said it yourself, we need to do this before Frost has a chance to harm anyone. And there is one place that I know of where time is... almost irrelevant. However I can't take you there."
"Then..."
"But I know who can. Come on Eric. We are going to meet the Supreme Kai." Nodding you start following your master but she stops in the door and turns to the Tuffles who were observing the whole thing. "Could you two dears tell Caulifla and Kale to also start working out? Just in case."
Oren and Kamin both nod. "I think the others aren't opposed to that either..."
The travel time to what Vados calls the "Sacred World of the Kai" is surprisingly short, definitely a lot shorter than the route to Earth.
But apparently that is because Champa moved their planet so he can keep a close eye on it at all times. Because his life depends on the survival of the Grand Supreme Kai or Daikaioh.
"Please mind your manners while we're there.
While they are much more pleasant than lord Champa, they are still deities who deserve some level of respect."
"Of course..."
As you land Vados continues her introduction to the Supreme Kais. "Normally there are two Supreme Kais who are active in a given universe while a third, inactive one is kept around as a replacement in case one died. Our universe is also like that. However there are examples of more Kais being active, like in our twin universe where there were five Supreme Kais at a time."
You land on the lush, green planet and immediately you see the two titular figures bowing before you. Well... before Vados.
"Fuwaaaah Oh dear oh dear..." The fat, lime colored man yawns. "Welcome to our humble planet Lady Vados. Your presence is unexpected but welcome."
"Welcome..." His attendant also greets her.
"It is great to see you two. I trust you are doing well with the Tournament of Power concluded."
"We are hanging by fuwaaaaah! But... I trust you didn't come here alone just to exchange pleasantries Lady Vados."
"Indeed. But I did not come alone. Eric..."
You step out from behind her and bow before them. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintances Lord Kais..."
"My oh my... is that a-"
"A human, yes. His name is Eric. And he has a request for you..."
The lime colored, pudgy god steps up to you and starts to look you over. Seriously, why is it that all gods in your universe are fat? His eye slowly opens up as he finishes his examination. "I-Incredible..." He pauses for a moment. "YYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSS!
THIS. IS. WHAT. I'M. TALKING. ABOUT!
DO YOU SEE THIS HUMBA?! ONE MILLION TIMES INCREASE! I TOLD YOU THE HUMANS ARE GONNA BE GOOD! I FUCKING TOLD YOU!"
"Oh dear..." The skinny one pulls up a slip of paper and looks it over. "We didn't expect such an increase in... about a million years actually... Tell us young man, what happened to cause such an insane jump in development for your race?"
"It's just me sir. Vados took me in under her wing. I've been growing stronger since..."
Their mouths slowly open as they stare at Vados in utter horror. "S-She did what?!
A-And you survived?" The skinny one asks.
"OOOOH YEAH! NOW THIS IS GETTING INTERESTING!"
*ahem* Vados clears her throat. "If you don't mind Fuwa... Eric wants you to take him to the Makai."
They pause once more and look like they are about to faint. "Y-You can't be serious Lady Vados!" The Supreme Kai who seems to be flip flopping between two different personalities has calmed down once more.
In fact he seems to be scared shitless.
"I'm afraid not. Eric, please explain..."
"Yes." You get on your knees and start praying to the two gods. "Please benevolent gods... I need your help! My home, planet Earth is in dire need of assistance! A being named Frost conquered it and I... I need to grow strong enough to beat him! I don't know what Vados is speaking about but she is my teacher and I trust her to know what's best for me! So please! Help me!"
They look at each other before the Daikaioh yawns at you. "Fuwaaaaah... oh dear...
Young man you really don't know what you are getting into. I want nothing more than to help you but... I fail to see how the Makai could help anyone. By all means we are willing to help, especially after witnessing your stellar development... But there is absolutely no need to-"
"Fuwa. I sure hope it doesn't sound like you are questioning my decision."
"N-No lady Vados! Absolutely not! But your methods tend to be a bit... extreme.
We'd be more than happy to have the young Earthling here and aide him in his growth, nurture him, train him... But not assist him in his suicide..."
"With all due respect Sir... I trust the judgment of Vados! And I don't exactly have the luxury of time either! Every second I waste increases the risk of someone on Earth getting hurt!
I need to grow stronger quickly!"
The Kais exchange a little look and the expression on their faces tells you exactly what they are thinking. "This mortal has no Us damned idea".
But Fuwa turns to you and yawns once more.
"What to do? What to do? Self sacrifice... such a noble quality. Yet so dangerous... Very well! I can't help but accept an angels request... But I do so begrudgingly. Earthling. Grab onto me."
You walk up to him and touch his shoulder.
"Like this?"
"Yes. Perfect. But before we go... If you die I don't want you to blame me... Kai Kai!"
In an instant you are whisked away and you find yourself in a... quite hellish landscape. Quite chaotic as well. But you don't exactly have the luxury of taking in the sights as Fuwa starts explaining the situation to you.
"I'm not allowed to remain here for long... technically I shouldn't even be here.
So I'll try to be brief. This is the Makai, also called the Demon Realm. It is the polar opposite of our half of the universe which is nice and orderly. There are no laws here... As you can see there are no planets and no space. These floating pieces of rubble and the murky fluid in the air are all there is."
"It's... so strange..."
"Yes. Our realm of rules is quite alien compared to this one. Space and Gravity are distorted. Up and down are relative, so is gravitational pull. Which ever object you are closest to will start attracting you, and whichever side you are standing on will be "down" so to speak. Similarly time is also... convoluted in here. While days and even weeks can pass on the outside in here they'll feel like years or months, depending on the whims of chaos."
"So wait..."
"Yes. This isn't the "fastest" way for you to train. It's the one that takes the least amount of time."
"But it's not the distorted space-time or even the deadly weather that you should worry about, no. It's the *ahem* locals. If I'm aware your species went extinct once so you must know about the denizens of hell. Well... these aren't them. The creatures of hell aren't... necessarily evil. They follow rules and aid the gods. These demons are chaotic, they follow no rules. The only thing that matters to them is strength and even then they constantly plot and scheme to kill those above them."
"So Devils vs Demons. Can't believe DnD is actually useful for once... But why does such a place even exist?!"
"For balance. Creation and Destruction. Good and Evil. Our universe is a sphere and the Makai serves as its bottom half. And..." Fuwa swallows nervously. "There is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"You are an outsider in this place... A being of light in a realm of dark. No matter what you do or where you go you are a shining beacon in here and as such... will most certainly attract the moths of this place."
You swallow nervously. "So... I have to survive against half of an entire universe... great.
So when will you come to get me?"
"That's the thing... I can't. Once I leave it's unlikely I'll be able to find you. You'll have to get out on your own."
"WHAT?! AND YOU'RE TELLING ME THIS NOW?"
"I warned you... But don't worry... There is a gate... It serves as a connection to the afterlife. Demons can't open the door. But you could. Reach the door and get back to our half of the universe... I think that should satisfy lady Vados... Oh and here comes your welcoming party."
Fuwa points you in a direction and you see a massive horde of demons making their way to you. Some fly on wings of nightmares, some fly like you or any other fighter you know and some simply jump from rock to rock as they run towards you. "Heh... shit..."
"Good luck Earthling. You'll need it. Kai Kai!"
And just like that he's gone in a flash of light.
You look at the horde of beings that are REALLY looking forward to meeting you and let out a nervous chuckle.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票