Dragon Ball Super: Infinite Ascent
Chapter 1: A Quiet Day… Or Is It?
The sun cast its warm glow over Capsule Corporation as Vegeta stood motionless in the training yard, arms crossed, staring intently at the horizon. His royal blue training suit clung tightly to his frame, a testament to the relentless training he undertook daily. Across from him, Goku stood in his iconic orange gi, limbering up with exaggerated stretches.
"Hey, Vegeta," Goku called out, grinning. "You look like you're waiting for something. Don't tell me you're afraid I'll show you up again!"
Vegeta scoffed, his trademark scowl deepening. "Tch! You're delusional, Kakarot. I've been honing my skills while you waste time shoveling food into your mouth. The gap between us has only grown, and I assure you, it's not in your favor."
Goku laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, there's one way to find out! Come on, let's have a quick sparring match. You know you wanna!"
Before Vegeta could respond, Bulma's voice cut through the conversation. She stepped out onto the patio, holding a tray laden with iced drinks. "Oh no, you don't! If you two start fighting here, you'll destroy my entire lab again!"
Vegeta waved her off impatiently. "Don't blame me for the weak construction of your buildings, woman. Besides, sparring with this clown isn't worth the effort."
"Hey!" Goku protested, pointing at himself. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
Before the argument could escalate further, the ground trembled beneath their feet. A distant rumble echoed across the city, followed by a sharp burst of energy that made even Goku pause.
"What the heck was that?" Goku said, his expression shifting from playful to serious in an instant.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his body tensing as he focused on the disturbance. "That energy... it's unlike anything I've felt before. Dark, heavy, and suffocating. Whatever it is, it's not friendly."
Bulma paled, setting down her tray. "You two better not wreck the city again trying to save it! Do you know how many favors I had to pull after the last time?!"
"Stay here, Bulma," Goku said, his voice unusually firm. "We'll check it out. Don't worry, we'll keep the damage to a minimum!"
Vegeta smirked as his aura flared around him, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. "Speak for yourself, Kakarot. If this is the enemy I think it is, I'm not holding back."
With that, the two Saiyans rocketed into the sky, leaving Bulma shaking her head in exasperation. "Those idiots. Can't they go one week without stirring up trouble?"
The once-quiet outskirts of West City were now unrecognizable. A massive crater marred the landscape, smoke billowing into the sky. In the center stood a lone figure cloaked in a swirling black aura, his presence oozing malice.
The figure was tall and lean, with sharp, angular features and glowing crimson eyes. His dark armor shimmered faintly, etched with runes that seemed to pulse with their own sinister energy.
"Hmm... so this is Universe 7," the figure mused, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. "How quaint. I expected more from the realm of the so-called champions."
He raised a hand, his fingers crackling with black energy. With a simple wave, a devastating shockwave erupted, flattening the nearby forest and sending animals scattering in terror.
Two orbs of energy floated lazily beside him, their dim light flickering like dying stars. "Soon," the figure muttered, his smirk widening. "Soon, my master's will shall consume this pitiful realm."
Goku and Vegeta landed a few yards away from the edge of the crater, their expressions grim as they took in the destruction.
"Man, this guy sure knows how to make an entrance," Goku said, his tone light but his eyes focused.
Vegeta stepped forward, his aura flaring briefly as his gaze locked onto the figure at the center of the crater. "You there! Who are you, and what's your purpose here?"
The figure turned slowly, his crimson eyes locking onto the two Saiyans. A toothy grin spread across his face. "Ah, the Saiyan warriors. I was hoping we'd meet. I've heard tales of your strength."
"And you are?" Vegeta demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
The figure chuckled, his aura flaring menacingly. "I am Klyrus, Vanguard of the Shadowverse. My master has sent me to test this universe's champions and judge whether it is worthy of salvation… or annihilation."
"The Shadowverse?" Goku asked, tilting his head. "Never heard of it. Sounds creepy, though!"
Klyrus's grin widened. "You'll learn all about it soon enough… assuming you survive."
Vegeta clenched his fists, stepping forward. "Enough talk. If you've come to challenge us, then you'll regret it. Prepare yourself, Klyrus!"
Klyrus's dark aura exploded outward as he raised a hand. "Brave words. Let's see if you can back them up!"
Before Vegeta could move, Klyrus vanished in a blur of speed. He reappeared directly in front of Vegeta, his fist colliding with Vegeta's crossed arms. The impact sent the Saiyan Prince skidding backward, leaving a trench in the dirt.
Goku jumped in, powering up to Super Saiyan Blue in a flash. "My turn!" he said, darting forward and throwing a flurry of punches.
Klyrus dodged each blow with ease, his movements fluid and precise. "Is this really the strength of Universe 7's finest? I'm disappointed."
Goku smirked. "We're just getting started!" He spun around, delivering a powerful kick that connected with Klyrus's side and sent him flying into a nearby cliff.
The dust settled, revealing Klyrus unharmed. He brushed off his armor with an annoyed expression. "Impressive. You're not completely worthless."
Vegeta powered up, his energy surging as he transformed into Super Saiyan Blue. "Kakarot, stay out of my way! This one's mine!"
Goku grinned, stepping back slightly. "Alright, Vegeta. Don't let him off easy!"
Vegeta charged, his fists glowing with energy as he engaged Klyrus in a high-speed brawl. The two warriors exchanged blows, each strike creating shockwaves that echoed across the landscape.
Klyrus blocked a punch and countered with a knee to Vegeta's midsection, but the Saiyan Prince shrugged it off, delivering a devastating uppercut that sent Klyrus hurtling into the sky.
"Don't get cocky, Saiyan," Klyrus growled, his aura flaring as he stopped himself mid-air. "I haven't even begun to show you my true power."
Vegeta smirked, his fists crackling with energy. "Good. It wouldn't be fun if you broke too easily."
To Be Continued…