As the fight continues, the Grand Battlers observe Phoenix's escalating power and her mounting attacks against Baezel. The chapter also explores the limits of Baezel's Super Saiyan God form and introduces an intriguing twist as Phoenix reveals her complex relationship with her own strength.
Amidst the battle, the Grand Battlers notice a shift in Phoenix's attacks. Her punches become increasingly more forceful, and the concentration of ki behind them grows more potent. The weight of her blows starts to take a toll on Baezel, who finds himself struggling to maintain his advantage. Despite his determination, Baezel begins to show signs of exhaustion and weariness.
Phoenix's strategy becomes more evasive, as she employs her speed - which is slowly becoming superior - to keep Baezel off balance. The battle intensifies, with Baezel taking hits and Phoenix slowly showing off more and more of her true strength as the confrontation unfolds. Super Saiyan God Baezel, despite all his strength, was a little more than 53% of Phoenix's true power. At this point, Phoenix was at 70%, slowly creeeping up to 80% and beyond as the fight went on. Baezel's sweat and visible fatigue emphasize the physical toll the battle is exacting on him.
Amid the chaos of the fight, Baezel engages in a short dialogue with Phoenix.
"You seem kinda distressed. What's wrong?" Baezel asked Phoenix. He was exhausted, and was visibly sweating.
"...I'm too powerful, and I hate having this strength," Phoenix replied to him. "I've always hated this strength of mine."
"Seriously? I'd be elated to have the amount of power that you do!" Baezel said, a little confused as to why she'd hate it. "Wait...I think I understand. It's because your overwhelming strength makes fights boring, isn't it?"
Phoenix nodded, folding her arms in a display of her inner turmoil. Her immense power had indeed created a paradoxical situation. While she reveled in the thrill of battle and sought out powerful opponents to test her skills, her own strength often rendered those battles one-sided and unexciting.
Baezel's curiosity grew, and he couldn't help but blurt out his question with intensity. "Well, I absolutely need to ask...HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET SO STRONG?!" he exclaimed, his frustration and intrigue evident in his tone. "I - I don't understand how it's possible! Did you train from childhood? Are you a prodigy? A mutant like Freeza, with infinite potential? Did you get your potential unleashed? Just how did you become so strong?" he demanded, his voice echoing with a mix of awe and frustration.
Phoenix's reaction was a mixture of discomfort and unease. She knew that the truth behind her strength was both extraordinary and, in some ways, unconventional. A droplet of sweat trickled down her forehead as she considered how much to reveal. She was apprehensive about admitting that she had, in a sense, exploited a unique method to attain her level of power.
Gathering her thoughts, Phoenix finally spoke, her voice tinged with a mixture of hesitation and resignation. "To be honest, it's a bit complicated. My journey to this level of strength wasn't entirely...conventional, or true to the path of a martial artist. Once I thought I hit my limit, I sought out new avenues to achieve greater power. Th - there's a place, a planet I stumbled upon with a particular kind of...um...a - alternate-dimension room," she began, her words carefully chosen.
She continued, explaining how she had reached a point where her mortal strength seemed to plateau, and she yearned for even greater power. The revelation that she had discovered a planet with a unique chamber, similar to the Room of Spirit and Time, raised Baezel's eyebrows in astonishment. It was as though she had uncovered a hidden secret that offered an opportunity for unparalleled growth.
As Phoenix recounted her experience, Baezel's intrigue grew. He listened intently, his mind racing with the implications of her story. The idea of a place that could accelerate one's training and empower them beyond their natural limits was pretty familiar to him. If you have been keeping up with the story and paying attention, you would know that Baezel and the others are certainly no strangers to using the Room of Spirit and Time. They've used it twice on-screen...er, on-page.
Phoenix concluded her explanation, her expression a mix of vulnerability and uncertainty. "So, yeah. That's how I attained this strength that I despise. It wasn't just about training, but rather a combination of circumstances and determination. I - I know it might diminish the authenticity of my status as a martial artist, but I wanted to keep pushing my limits, to challenge myself even further."
Baezel nodded, absorbing the information. His initial frustration gave way to a newfound respect for Phoenix's unorthodox path to power. While his own journey had been marked by intense training and struggle, he could appreciate the uniqueness of her approach.
"Well, I have to say, finding a Room of Spirit and Time on another planet and training in it to get to this level is pretty damn impressive," Baezel admitted, a wry grin forming on his face. "Shit, I might need to explore that option myself someday, if push ever comes to shove."
Phoenix smiled back, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Who knows, maybe we'll have a rematch in there one day. But for now, let's continue this battle."
With renewed determination, Baezel and Phoenix resumed their godly clash, the intensity of the fight reaching even greater heights. The exchange of blows, fueled by their newfound understanding, painted a picture of two warriors striving to push their limits, to discover the full extent of their strength and potential. The rest of the useless fucks - I mean, Grand Battlers, continued to watch, their hearts racing with anticipation, as the battle continued to unfold before them.
As the battle raged on, Phoenix's dominance over the fight became increasingly apparent. Her punches carried an unprecedented force, each strike generating shockwaves that shook the very air around them. Baezel found himself on the receiving end of a relentless barrage, his attempts to counter and evade growing progressively less effective. Every movement he made was met with a precise and overwhelming response from Phoenix, as if she had predicted his every move.
Despite his best efforts, Baezel was unable to gain any significant ground. Phoenix's power was staggering, her aura ablaze with an intensity that spoke of her unrelenting strength. The Grand Battlers watched in awe and concern as their leader, the one who had guided and inspired them, found himself facing a foe of such overwhelming might.
The exchange of blows continued, each impact leaving its mark on Baezel's battered form. He gritted his teeth, refusing to yield to the onslaught, but the toll was evident. Bruises marred his skin, and his movements grew sluggish as the fight wore on. He had thrown everything he had into the battle, but against Phoenix's might, it felt like a futile effort.
As the battle progressed, Baezel's vision began to blur, his body protesting against the relentless punishment it was enduring. Phoenix's punches seemed to blur together, becoming an indomitable storm of force that he struggled to withstand. With every strike, he felt himself being pushed back, his footing faltering.
In the midst of the chaos, Phoenix's aura flared even brighter, a sign that she was now at maximum power. She had reached her full strength, and her attacks were heavy and relentless. Baezel was taking serious damage here; blood was being drawn and skin was tearing. The ground, even at the bottom of the sea, cracked and trembled as her ki surged, her determination and strength culminating in a display of unparalleled might.
With a final burst of ki to end it all, Phoenix launched herself forward, her fist connecting with Baezel's cheek with a bone-crushing impact. The shockwave of the blow rippled through the battlefield, and Baezel was sent hurtling backwards. His body crashed into the cold, hard ground where the rest of the Grand Battlers stood, their expressions a mixture of concern and shock. Baezel had been shoved head-first into the permafrost ground upon which his friends had been watching him. He had lost.
"Baezel, get up!" Radichio's voice rang out, his concern for his friend evident in his tone.
Baezel slowly pushed himself up from the ground, his body aching and battered. He wiped the blood from his mouth, his expression determined despite the pain. Looking up at Phoenix, he could see her aura blazing with an intensity that signified she was now fighting at her full power. He recognized the gravity of the situation, and a realization dawned on him.
His voice, as weak and exhausted as it was, resonated with a mixture of respect and determination. "Holy hell...Phoenix, you've got me beat," he admitted, his words carrying a sense of finality that hung in the air.
Phoenix's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and uncertainty in her eyes. She had expected the fight to continue, to push her limits even further. She hadn't anticipated Baezel's concession.
"I think my ears must be deceiving me, because I don't think I heard that correctly. You're...backing out of the fight?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief.
Baezel nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. "Yeah. I concede. I've pushed myself as far as I can go in this battle. You've proven yourself to be the superior warrior."
Phoenix's aura wavered, her flames of power flickering as she processed Baezel's words. She had sought out this challenge, this test of her strength, and now that she had emerged victorious, she found herself grappling with a mix of emotions. The thrill of battle was met with a sense of uncertainty and contemplation.
Baezel dusted himself off, a wry grin forming on his face. "But..." He hacked and coughed. "My boy Radichio here...is gonna turn into a Super Saiyan God as well, and face you in my place. He's almost as powerful as I am."
As the Grand Battlers watched, Phoenix's expression softened, a mixture of surprise and respect in her eyes. She had been ready to continue the fight, to push her limits further, but Baezel's decision to bow out left her with a newfound appreciation for his sportsmanship and wisdom. But another feeling had entered her body. A slight sense of worry.
"Um...Baezel, are you sure you want to continue fighting me? Even if you don't get a victory, you can walk away knowing that you gave me an amazing fight," Phoenix said, hoping that Baezel would listen.
"Hell no, Phoenix. Who do I look like, Goku?" Baezel said. "No, once we get all nice and healed up, and Radichio becomes a Super Saiyan God, we're going to 2v1 you once again."
"Anyone else feel like this is taking way too long to resolve?" Draft whispered to Lemogras. Draft took out the bag of Senzu, which Lemogras had lent to him for safekeeping, and opened it. He tossed Baezel and Phoenix a bean each, which they then swallowed. With this, they had been restored to full strength. Baezel cracked his neck and his knuckles, as he prepared for battle once more. Phoenix did some stretches, knowing full well that she was going to take one hell of a beating from two guys. Heh.
Baezel did a "come here" motion to Radichio, Parakress and Lemogras, and they did as asked. They burst forth their auras and flew back to Baezel's house, leaving Phoenix to have some time to think to herself. She looked down after watching the Saiyans leave, putting her hand on her chin - in a thinking position.
With the departure of Baezel and his companions, Phoenix found herself in a moment of respite. The air was thick with tension, her thoughts churning as she contemplated the events that had transpired. The battle had been intense, pushing her to the limits of her power, and yet it was now at an unexpected standstill. The silence allowed her mind to wander, reflecting on the journey that had led her to this point.
As the wind gently rustled her hair, Phoenix's gaze shifted to the horizon. The memories of her training, her struggles, and her determination flowed through her mind like a river. From the days when she was a self-proclaimed "weakling," she had tirelessly pushed herself to achieve greater heights. Every challenge, every obstacle, had been a stepping stone on her path to becoming the warrior she was today.
The thoughts of her past victories and defeats mingled with the present. Baezel's unexpected decision to step back from the fight had caught her off guard. It wasn't often that she encountered opponents who willingly admitted defeat, and the realization left her with a mixture of emotions. She respected Baezel's choice, but there was an undeniable feeling of unfinished business that lingered in the air.
Deep within herself, Phoenix acknowledged the exhilaration that came from the battle. The rush of power, the clash of energy, and the intensity of the fight were intoxicating. It was a feeling she had grown to crave, a way to measure her growth and strength. And yet, as she stood alone on the battleground, she couldn't ignore the other side of the coin – the toll that this insatiable hunger for combat took on her psyche.
With a heavy sigh, Phoenix's expression shifted into one of introspection. She had always reveled in the thrill of the fight, the sheer joy of pushing her limits and overcoming challenges. But as she gazed at the horizon, a question tugged at the edges of her thoughts: was there more to her journey than the pursuit of power? Did her strength serve a purpose beyond the thrill of victory?
In the distance, she saw the silhouette of Baezel's house, where the Super Saiyan God ritual was undoubtedly taking place. She knew that once Radichio had undergone the transformation, the battle would resume with even greater intensity. And yet, in the quiet of the moment, a newfound understanding began to take root within her.
It wasn't just about winning battles and proving her strength. Phoenix's journey was about self-discovery, about uncovering the true extent of her potential and finding her place in the world. The battles were a means to an end, a way to test herself and grow, but they were not the ultimate goal. There was a greater purpose behind her training, one that transcended the thrill of combat.
With a determined expression, Phoenix's eyes flickered with a renewed resolve. She would continue to push her limits, to strive for greater power, but she would do so with a newfound awareness of the broader significance of her journey. The battles were a part of her story, but they were not the entirety of it. She would find her purpose, her reason for fighting, and in doing so, she would truly come into her own.
As her thoughts settled, Phoenix's aura glowed with a calm and focused energy. The stillness of the moment was broken as Baezel and Radichio reappeared on the battlefield, both now adorned in the radiant aura of Super Saiyan Gods. The tension in the air was palpable, the stage set for the next chapter of their battle.
Baezel cracked a confident grin, his voice carrying across the field. "My win-lose ratio against you isn't gonna stay as 0-2 forever. I WILL defeat you!"
Phoenix's eyes met Baezel's, a mixture of determination and understanding passing between them. The battle was far from over, but with a newfound perspective, Phoenix was ready to face the challenges ahead. As they assumed their battle stances and prepared for the clash of power, the battleground was once again consumed by the energy of their confrontation.
And so, the story continued, the characters evolving and growing with each passing moment. The echoes of their struggles and triumphs reverberated through the landscape, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who sought to push beyond their limits and forge their own destinies.