Rudra took a deep breath before continuing, his voice steady but tinged with unease. "Michael, Lord of Justice, was a skill I desired because it aligned with my ideals. As a hero, I believed justice was the ultimate virtue, and I thought Michael would grant me the power to enforce it. When Veldanava offered me the chance to exchange Uriel for Michael, I didn't hesitate. I thought it was a gift...a blessing."
Beerus listened intently, his expression calm, though his golden eyes glinted with sharpness. Velzar stood beside him, her arms crossed, her gaze fixed on Rudra, quietly assessing the situation.
Rudra continued, his tone growing more somber. "But over time, I began to realize that Michael had his own will—his own plans. It wasn't just a skill; it was a force of its own, with ambitions that went beyond my understanding. At first, I thought I could control it, but now..." He hesitated, glancing down at his hands. "Now I feel like I'm the one being controlled."
Michael, who resided within Rudra, was silent, but his fear was palpable. He could feel Beerus's presence as if it were a blinding light piercing through every corner of his existence. It wasn't just intimidation—it was as if Beerus's very gaze was unraveling him, exposing every hidden intention he had ever harbored.
Beerus leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but carrying the weight of authority. "Michael is no mere skill. He is a fragment of something far greater, a being born of divine will with his own sense of justice. But justice without understanding or balance is nothing more than tyranny in disguise."
Rudra swallowed hard, his mind racing. "What...what should I do, Lord Beerus? If Michael has his own agenda, how can I regain control?"
Beerus closed his eyes for a moment, as if considering. When he opened them again, his gaze locked onto Rudra, sharp and unyielding. "You don't regain control. Michael's ambitions are no longer something you can handle. He's already manipulated you, and left unchecked, he will consume you entirely."
Rudra stiffened, fear flickering in his eyes. "Then...what do you suggest?"
Beerus stood, his aura radiating an overwhelming sense of power. "I will deal with Michael myself. He is no longer your burden to bear." He raised his hand, a small orb of radiant energy forming in his palm. The room seemed to darken as the light from the orb grew more intense, its divine energy filling the space.
Michael, now fully aware of Beerus's intent, began to panic. "No! You cannot erase me! I am justice itself!" his voice echoed within Rudra's mind, desperate and defiant.
Beerus smirked faintly, his tone cold. "Justice without wisdom is nothing but chaos. You've overstayed your welcome, Michael."
With a flick of his hand, the orb of energy surged forward, piercing through Rudra's body without harming him. Rudra gasped as the divine energy enveloped him, and for a brief moment, Michael's form began to manifest, his figure glowing with golden light as he was forcibly extracted.
Michael's voice roared in protest, but Beerus's power was absolute. "Begone," Beerus said, his voice resonating like a divine decree. With a final flash of light, Michael's form shattered, his presence erased from existence.
Rudra collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. Velgrin rushed to his side, her eyes wide with concern. "Are you all right?" she asked.
"I...I feel free. He's gone."
Beerus turned, his aura calming as he addressed Rudra. "You are fortunate, Rudra. Not everyone gets a second chance after making a deal with powers they cannot control. Do not waste it."
Rudra bowed his head deeply. "Thank you, Lord Beerus. I will not forget this."
Velzar stepped forward, her voice firm but kind. "Remember, Rudra, power is not just about strength—it's about responsibility. Use this freedom to lead wisely."
After erasing Michael completely, Rudra felt lighter, as if the chains that had bound his soul for so long had finally been broken. The relief was visible on his face as he looked up at Beerus, who stood towering above him with an air of calm authority.
Beerus observed Rudra for a moment before speaking. "Rudra, Michael's corruption over the years has left scars on your soul. While I've eradicated his presence, the damage to your essence was significant. However, I have mended what was broken. You are whole again."
Rudra's eyes widened in gratitude, his voice trembling. "Thank you, Lord Beerus. I can feel it—I'm...myself again."
Beerus nodded slightly, then continued. "But with Michael gone, your Ultimate Skill has vanished as well. To ensure you remain as capable as before—and more—I will grant you a new Ultimate Skill. It will embody balance and justice without the risk of corruption. A power that is yours and yours alone."
Rudra knelt without hesitation, humbled by the offer. "I am honored, Lord Beerus. Please guide me."
Beerus placed his hand on Rudra's head, his divine aura flaring with an intense yet soothing light. "I bestow upon you Adam, Lord of Order. This skill embodies balance, justice, and the ability to uphold the structure of the world without bias or corruption. It is a creation of my own, far superior to Michael."
As the words left Beerus's mouth, Rudra's body glowed with a radiant light. The air in the throne room became dense with divine energy, and everyone present watched in awe. Velgrin's eyes widened. Even Beerus's generals, watching from afar through Velzar's link, were impressed by the sheer magnitude of the skill being bestowed.
Rudra's body shook as the power coursed through him, merging with his very being. His senses expanded, and he felt as though he could perceive the very fabric of reality. When the process was complete, he rose to his feet, his eyes glowing with a golden hue, his presence more commanding than ever.
Velgrin stepped forward, her voice filled with admiration. "Rudra...your power—it's incredible. You've surpassed even what you were before."
Rudra clenched his fists, feeling the immense strength within him. "Yes...this power—it's unlike anything I've ever felt. Thank you, Lord Beerus. I will use this gift to create a better future."
But as the power settled, a thought crossed Rudra's mind, and a smirk formed on his lips. "Guy Crimson..." he muttered, his tone carrying a mix of excitement and determination.
Velgrin raised an eyebrow. "What about Guy?"
Rudra turned to her, his eyes blazing with newfound confidence. "For years, I've dreamed of settling things with him. Now, with this power, I know I've surpassed him. It's time to finish what we started and prove who's stronger."
Beerus chuckled lightly, his voice calm but filled with authority. "Do as you wish, Rudra. But remember, power is not just a means to prove strength—it is a tool to uphold balance and order. Use it wisely."
Rudra nodded, bowing deeply. "I will not forget your words, Lord Beerus. Thank you for everything."
Before leaving, Beerus fixed his piercing gaze on Rudra. "Rudra, I am aware of the game you and Guy Crimson have been playing for centuries. This childish rivalry of yours has gone on long enough. It is time to end it."
Rudra froze, the gravity of Beerus's words weighing heavily on him. His new power surged through him, but even so, he felt a twinge of uncertainty. "Lord Beerus, what do you mean?"
Beerus smirked slightly, his aura radiating finality. "In two years, you and Guy will have a match—one that will settle this once and for all. A battle to the death. There will be no ties, no excuses, and no rematches. The stronger of you will emerge victorious, and the game will end."
The room fell silent. Velgrin and Velzar exchanged surprised glances, their usually composed expressions betraying a hint of unease. Even Rudra, despite his newfound confidence, flinched. But as the words settled in, his uncertainty turned into resolve. "If that's your will, Lord Beerus, then so be it. With this power you've granted me, there is no way I can lose."
Velgrin opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself, knowing there was no point in protesting. Velzar simply folded her arms and nodded slightly, trusting Beerus's judgment.
Without another word, Beerus snapped his fingers, and Zerna, one of his swiftest messengers, appeared kneeling before him. Her sharp features and calm demeanor reflected her readiness to serve. "Lord Beerus, how may I serve you?"
Beerus's voice was firm yet composed. "Go to the Ice Continent and deliver a message to Guy Crimson. Inform him that in two years, he and Rudra will have a battle to the death. This match will decide who is truly stronger and put an end to their rivalry. Make sure he understands there will be no avoiding this."
Zerna nodded without hesitation. "It will be done, Lord Beerus." In the blink of an eye, she disappeared, teleporting to the Ice Continent.
Beerus turned back to Rudra, his gaze unwavering. "Prepare yourself, Rudra. You have two years to master your new power and prove your strength. Don't waste this opportunity."
Rudra knelt deeply. "I will not disappoint you, Lord Beerus."
With that, Beerus and Velzar vanished in a flash of light, leaving Rudra and Velgrin in silence. The declaration had been made, and the clock was now ticking toward the ultimate confrontation that would shake the foundations of the world.