Chapter 11: A Saiyan Beyond Limits

The battle with Jiren had escalated into something far more than a mere clash of strength. Each strike, each collision of power sent shockwaves throughout the Null Realm.

But despite the intensity of our fight, something felt… off.

A chill ran down my spine, something I hadn't felt in years.

It wasn't fear. No, fear was for the weak.

It was instinct.

A warning.

Then, I felt it—killing intent.

But it wasn't coming from Jiren.

I glanced around, my senses sharpening.

The gods in the stands—one by one—rose to their feet.

Their expressions were a mix of shock, awe, and something close to fear.

I scowled. What the hell are they looking at?

My eyes flickered to Jiren—he was still in his stance, still radiating strength, but… he too was staring at me.

Then it clicked.

It was me.

Curiosity piqued, I materialized a mirror out of thin air. The second my reflection came into view, my lips parted slightly.

Oh.

My ashen-gray hair had taken on an even purer silver-white sheen. My pupils, once a dull grey, now gleamed with clarity.

My muscles—normally tensed from combat—were in a state of half-relaxation, half-overdrive. A strange heat surged through my body, but instead of discomfort, it felt like I was bathing in the hottest of springs—a perfect balance of power and control.

I clenched my fists.

This feeling… I know it. But from where?

Then, a grin spread across my face.

"Hahahaha!"

I turned my gaze back to Jiren, cracking my knuckles.

"Oi! Are you gonna stand there starstruck, or are you gonna get ready to get your ass handed to you?! Let's do this!"

Without another thought, I launched myself forward.

---

Clash of Power – Jiren vs. Akuma

Jiren dodged my first few strikes, but I could tell—he was struggling.

This form… whatever it was, made my body move on its own.

I weaved through his counterattacks effortlessly, my body dodging like it was instinctively reading his movements.

Jiren gritted his teeth, his aura surging violently.

"You're annoying!" he spat, and before I could react, a devastating uppercut slammed into my gut.

GUH!

The impact rocked my insides, but something strange happened.

Normally, a hit like that would have sent me flying. But instead, my body absorbed the force, and my feet dug into the ground.

Jiren's red eyes widened slightly.

I smirked.

"Nice punch," I muttered before grabbing his wrist and twisting it violently.

CRACK!

Jiren let out a rare grunt of pain, but he didn't back down.

Instead—his entire body flickered, and he channeled all of his energy into his fist.

His aura burned brighter, shaking the very fabric of space.

"Now you can't escape, Akuma!" Jiren roared. "I'll end this here and now!"

A punch containing his full power came straight for my face.

And in that moment—time seemed to slow.

I had two options.

Dodge… or risk it all.

An insane thought crossed my mind.

I grinned.

Risk it all.

---

Gambling with Destruction and Creation

As Jiren's fist neared, I lifted both hands.

In my left palm, I conjured Destruction Ki.

In my right palm, I conjured Creation Energy.

The gods gasped in horror.

"STOP HIM!" one of them bellowed.

"If those two forces combine, this dimension could collapse!" another warned.

"Tch!" Vegeta clenched his fists. "Kakarrot, do something, dammit!"

Goku, still panting from his fight, wiped his forehead.

"Sheesh, you guys act like I have all the answers," he muttered. "I dunno, maybe he's got a plan?"

Krillin nearly fainted. "A plan?! He's playing with cosmic destruction!"

The Supreme Kai collapsed to his knees. "We're doomed…"

Above it all, the Grand Priest watched silently.

And then—

The Zenos stood up.

For the first time, they spoke in unison.

"Sigh How useless you mortals really are," they murmured.

Then—they began to transform.

Their child-like bodies matured, shifting into teenage forms.

Their eyes—once playful—now glowed with cold authority.

Jiren's punch collided with my palms.

BOOOOM!

The Null Realm shattered violently, cracks of golden light forming in the very fabric of existence.

My energy—Destruction and Creation clashing—was at its limit.

I laughed hysterically.

"This is it!! CHEW ON THIS!!!"

---

The Zenos' Intervention – A Divine Decree

"ENOUGH."

The power suddenly stopped.

It was like the universe itself had issued a command.

The clashing forces in my palms vanished instantly.

A pulse of divine energy overtook my body, and I felt my form revert slightly.

I staggered back, my breath coming out in short gasps.

What… just happened?

The Zenos floated down, their eyes locked onto me.

"Ehhh? You can stop that?" I scoffed, shaking my arms. "And here I thought you two were just kids."

The Grand Priest finally spoke.

"You've forced their hand, Akuma," he said. "They've had to reveal a fraction of their true power."

Zeno 1 smirked. "It's time to erase you."

Zeno 2 nodded. "Bye-bye, monkey-devil!"

I clenched my fists, preparing for one last stand.

But before I could move—

A blinding white light engulfed me.

---

Elsewhere…

I awoke to darkness.

Not the Null Realm.

Not the Tournament stage.

Somewhere else entirely.

A voice echoed.

"Hello, Dark Lord. How are you feeling?"

I sat up, my body aching.

I opened my eyes—only to see a humanoid figure sitting on a throne.

His face… was eerily familiar.

His aura… suffocating.

And behind him, an army of cosmic entities knelt before him.

The Apex Realm.

And sitting on the throne…

Was someone who looked dangerously similar to Zeno.

I grinned, despite my exhaustion.

"Well… this just got interesting."

---

Next Time on Ancient Legends…

Who is the mysterious ruler of the Apex Realm?

Has Akuma truly escaped erasure?

What is the true nature of his power?

Find out next time on Ancient Legends!