Chereads / Dragonball: DW / Chapter 17 - Shattered Illusion

Chapter 17 - Shattered Illusion

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The peaceful days spent with Rack had given the Z Fighters a renewed sense of hope and camaraderie. However, as the sun set on another tranquil evening, a tension hung in the air, thick and palpable. Goku and Vegeta were training hard, their bodies glistening with sweat, pushing each other to new limits.

"Come on, Vegeta! You can do better than that!" Goku called out, dodging a powerful punch from his rival.

"Don't get cocky, Kakarot! I'm just warming up," Vegeta shot back, his smirk revealing his competitive spirit.

Just then, Rack appeared on the horizon, a friendly smile plastered across his face. "What a sight to behold! Two Saiyan warriors, training tirelessly. It warms my heart," he said, stepping closer.

"Thanks, Rack! Want to join us?" Goku offered, always eager for more sparring partners.

However, Rack's smile faded slightly as he watched them spar. "Actually, I've come to deliver some news," he said, his voice shifting in tone. "It's time to end this little charade."

Goku and Vegeta exchanged confused glances, the friendly atmosphere evaporating as they sensed a sudden shift in Rack's energy. "What do you mean?" Goku asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

Before either Saiyan could react, Rack's demeanor transformed completely. His once warm presence morphed into something cold and calculating, the air around him crackling with purple and red energy. "You were never meant to be my friends. I've come to eliminate you, starting with the strongest warriors in the universe."

Goku's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why would you do that?"

Rack let out a chilling laugh. "Because I can! I've learned all I need to know from you pathetic fools. Your strengths, your weaknesses… it's all too easy."

Vegeta clenched his fists, fury igniting within him. "You deceived us, Rack! I should have known better than to trust a stranger!"

Rack shrugged, his smirk reappearing. "You were all too eager to believe in friendship, and now it's time to pay the price."

With a sudden movement, Rack unleashed a wave of purple and red energy that slammed into Goku and Vegeta, knocking them both to the ground. "Now, let's see just how strong you truly are!"

Goku quickly got to his feet, adrenaline surging. "We won't let you win, Rack! We'll fight together!"

Vegeta nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Right! Let's show him the true power of Saiyans!"

The two warriors charged at Rack, their auras flaring to life. Goku powered up to Ultra Instinct while Vegeta unleashed the full force of his Ultra Ego. They attacked simultaneously, launching a barrage of punches and kicks aimed at their betrayer.

But Rack stood firm, effortlessly dodging their attacks and retaliating with strikes that sent Goku and Vegeta crashing to the ground. "Is this the best you've got? Pathetic!" he taunted, unleashing a series of powerful energy blasts that pushed them further back.

"Come on, Kakarot! We can't let him get the upper hand!" Vegeta yelled, gritting his teeth as he struggled to get back on his feet.

"Let's combine our powers!" Goku suggested, determination flooding his voice. "We can push him back together!"

The two Saiyans took a moment to regroup, channeling their energy into a unified attack. "Kamehameha!" Goku shouted, launching his signature technique alongside Vegeta's "Final Flash."

But Rack smirked, raising a hand to absorb the attack with a swirling shield of purple and red energy. "Is that all you have? I expected more from the legendary Saiyans."

Realizing they were outmatched, Goku and Vegeta fell back, panting heavily as they attempted to catch their breath. "This isn't working," Vegeta admitted, frustration boiling within him.

Suddenly, a powerful presence filled the area, causing Rack to pause. A familiar figure materialized before them—Beerus, the God of Destruction, his eyes narrowed in anger. "Enough of this nonsense, Rack! I won't let you harm my friends!"

Goku and Vegeta looked at Beerus with a mix of relief and determination. "Beerus! You're just in time!" Goku shouted.

Beerus glared at Rack, his aura flaring ominously. "You think you can just come to my universe and attack my warriors without consequence? You've underestimated what it means to be a God of Destruction!"

Rack chuckled darkly, unfazed. "Ah, the legendary Beerus. How quaint. But you're too late to save your friends. They're nothing compared to the power I possess!"

"Let's find out, shall we?" Beerus replied, his voice low and threatening. He charged at Rack, their energies colliding in a dazzling display of power.

Goku and Vegeta watched, knowing they had to trust Beerus to handle this fight. The battle between the two powerful beings unleashed shockwaves that shook the very ground beneath them, and the sky darkened with energy.

As the fight raged on, Goku and Vegeta exchanged glances filled with hope and worry. They had faced many foes before, but this one was different. Would Beerus be able to protect them, or was Rack a challenge unlike any they had faced before?

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