Chapter 88 - The Empress's Wrath and the Descent of Heavenly Tribulation - Part 2

As the voice echoed and the mark materialized, everyone present was stunned. The mark pulsed with immense power, radiating an energy surpassing even Orach's formidable presence. While Orach's pressure had instilled fear across various entities, this new force struck terror into their very cores.

Rachel, at the epicenter, was enveloped in a layer of rich God Ki. She was astonished by its purity. 'It's even purer than Dad's!' She noticed her internal injuries healing. Looking at Zeus, who had been forced to prostrate by the pressure, she gulped and stared at the mark. She recognized the voice as belonging to a woman and felt warmth, love, and care from the Ki, but the unknown source made her wary.

From the mark, an ethereal figure began to materialize. A woman with long, flowing black hair and mesmerizing ocean-blue eyes took form, exuding the regal presence of an Empress. She wore a sleek, form-fitting dark blue battle suit adorned with metallic silver armor pieces on her shoulders and chest. Draped over her shoulders was a cloak with the word 'Captain' emblazoned on it.

Rachel's heart raced as she watched the figure take form. Her emotions were a tumultuous mix of awe, fear, and curiosity, tinged with an inexplicable sense of familiarity. 'Who is she? Why does she seem so familiar?' she wondered. She felt an overwhelming love and care emanating from the woman, but the uncertainty of the situation kept her on edge. She also detected a fierce, unfiltered wrath aimed at Zeus. When the woman's face finally became clear, Rachel, seeing her right side, was stunned and whispered, "Mother… Empress?"

The imposing figure faltered slightly at the name, her face twitching visibly. Though she knew the little girl had mistaken her for the AI in her terminal, this particular title irked her. She wanted to scold her child, Orach, for it and even contemplated spanking him for his poor naming sense. Reflecting on it, she remembered that even his father was bad at names. She thought it might be a good idea to give her future daughter-in-law, Diana, a message so her future grandchildren wouldn't suffer from their father's poor naming sense. Reaching this conclusion, she nodded to herself.

Turning to Rachel, she smiled gently, "Rest, child. Let Grandmother handle everything."

Rachel's jaw dropped, her mouth open in shock, and she instinctively covered it with her hands. Her eyes widened in disbelief. This figure had called herself her grandmother! That meant standing before her was Empress Gula, a legendary figure from the God branch of Sadala and one of the thirteen Division Captains, specifically the Captain of the Strategic Division her father belonged to. Rachel watched in awe as her grandmother stood protectively before her, exuding an aura of unmatched power and grace. "Grandmother..." she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Zeus, still bowing under the immense pressure, managed to lift his head just enough to see the woman. His eyes widened in disbelief, a rare expression of vulnerability and terror crossing his face. He barely managed to ask, "Who... who are you?"

"I am Gula, Empress Gula, and the Division Captain of the Strategic Division of Sadala from the higher realms. And you, a mere ant from this lower realm, dared to harm a member of my house, my own granddaughter!"Her voice reverberated like thunder, shaking the very heavens. Her eyes, glowing an ominous red, radiated an intense chill capable of freezing entire worlds. In an instant, a wave of pure, crimson God Ki erupted from her, enveloping Zeus and forcing him into the ground with an overwhelming force.

"Tell me, ant. What gave you the audacity to even think you could lay a finger on my granddaughter?" she demanded, her voice echoing with unassailable authority. With a casual flick of her wrist, she sent Zeus hurtling across the battlefield, crashing into distant mountains with a thunderous impact.

"Pathetic. It can't have been your power. After all, your power level is nothing but trash," Gula sneered, her disdain palpable.

Zeus, battered and bruised, struggled to his feet, his pride refusing to let him stay down. His eyes blazed with a mix of rage and humiliation. "I am Zeus, King of the Gods! I will not be humiliated by anyone, especially not a woman like you!" he roared, his voice trembling with defiance.

Gula's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. "So, it's your pride and arrogance that drive you," she sighed, shaking her head. "I don't understand why so many beings in the lower realms confuse pride with strength." She clapped her hands, a mocking smile spreading across her lips. "Very well, ant. Rejoice, for this empress is feeling generous. I will allow you to attack me with all your might. Do try to entertain me."

Zeus's eyes burned with a mix of fury and desperation. He summoned every ounce of his divine power, his aura flaring with raw, celestial energy. The sky darkened, and the air crackled with electricity as he prepared his most powerful attack. "Behold the wrath of a god!" he bellowed, his voice booming across the battlefield. Between his hands, a massive sphere of divine lightning formed, pulsating with destructive energy.

With a triumphant roar, Zeus hurled the sphere at Gula. The ground trembled, and the air vibrated with the force of the attack. The sphere raced toward Gula, promising utter annihilation.

Yet Gula remained unfazed, her expression calm and indifferent. As the sphere neared, she raised a single hand, her fingers glowing with ethereal crimson God Ki. The sphere collided with her hand, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.

With a mere flick of her wrist, Gula dispelled the sphere, reducing it to nothingness. The battlefield fell silent, the echo of Zeus's roar still lingering in the air.

Zeus stared in disbelief, his confidence shattered. "Impossible..." he muttered, his voice trembling. "How...?"

Gula's eyes locked onto him, her gaze icy and unrelenting. "Your power is nothing compared to the might of the higher realms," she declared. "You are a mere ant, and you will be crushed as one."

Zeus's eyes flickered with desperation. Mustering every ounce of remaining strength, even at the cost of his life force, he launched himself into the air. He summoned a colossal bolt of lightning from the heavens. "I refuse to accept this! I am the KING OF THE GODS. By my divine right, you will kneel!" he screamed, his voice tinged with hysteria, as he hurled the lightning bolt at Gula.

Gula's expression remained unchanged, her eyes filled with disdain. "You still don't understand, do you?" she said softly, almost pityingly.

She raised her hand and pointed a finger at the incoming lightning bolt, gathering a small crimson Ki blast. She fired it at the lightning bolt, absorbing its energy upon contact, and the blast struck Zeus.

"AAARRRGGGGGHHHH!"

With a painful howl, Zeus crashed to the ground, his arm torn off and destroyed by the blast. Struggling to get up, his eyes burned with rage and indignation. "No, my arm! What have you done, you wench? I refuse to believe this. This can't be happening. I AM THE KING! I AM THE KING OF THE GODS. BITCH, I'LL KILL YOU!" He glared hatefully at Gula, resembling a cornered, injured feral animal. To the people of this world, he would be dangerous, but he was up against an Empress of the higher realm.

Gula, hearing his words, simply shook her head. "Very well. Let me show you the face of true despair," she said. Closing her eyes, her luscious hair transformed into a smooth, refined silver. When she opened her eyes, they too were now silver. Her aura felt sublime, as if it were woven into the very fabric of this lower realm.

She ascended into the sky, looking down upon Zeus, and raised her right hand. Manifesting a sword from her Ki, she pointed it toward the heavens. The dark clouds above churned ominously, and the air grew heavy with impending doom. The ground trembled under the weight of her divine retribution, and the very fabric of reality seemed to buckle.

This scene drew the attention of all entities. Feeling the gathering might, god-kings from their respective divine domains stood up from their thrones in alarm. The power they witnessed was unlike anything they had ever seen. Whether it was Odin, Amun-Ra, Amaterasu, or the demon kings of hell and angels from the Silver City, they all felt pure terror. This truly looked like the wrath of the heavens.

"Since you like playing with lightning, witness true lightning. The Heavenly Tribulation," she announced, her voice carrying the weight of inevitability. Thunder roared, and lightning danced across the firmament, each bolt a testament to Gula's unrelenting anger. "A phenomenon feared by gods and mortals alike. Feel its wrath."

The first bolt of tribulation lightning struck with a deafening roar, splitting the heavens and crashing into the earth with devastating force. Zeus, caught in the epicenter, screamed in agony as the divine energy tore through him, reducing his confidence to ashes.

"Your pride blinds you, Zeus. You refuse to see the truth of your insignificance," Gula intoned, her voice unwavering amidst the chaos. "Your existence ends here. For daring to harm my granddaughter, you will face the ultimate punishment."

With a decisive gesture, Gula brought down her sword and unleashed a second wave of tribulation lightning, choosing to end the farce once and for all. "This is the end," she declared.

The lightning hurtled toward Zeus with unstoppable force, engulfing him in a blinding explosion of divine might. As the light faded, Zeus's form was no more, utterly obliterated by heaven's wrath.

The battlefield fell silent, the air heavy with the aftermath of divine retribution. Whether Amazons or goddesses, those on the battlefield became numb and fell to their knees, staring in fear and reverence at the figure standing tall in the sky, commanding this divine wrath. Her image was forever etched in their minds and souls.

Diana and Rachel stared in awe at the figure in the sky. Diana gulped and whispered, "That's... Orach's mother... my mother-in-law?" Rachel, equally awestruck, murmured, "Grandmother... beautiful." Her voice was a blend of relief, pride, and reverence.

Gula, in her perfected Ultra Instinct state, caught both Diana and Rachel's comments. Rachel's remark, in particular, left her wide-eyed and stunned. She turned to Rachel, her expression softening but now carrying a hint of confusion. With a wave of her hand, she dispersed the dark clouds and her aura sword, descending gracefully in front of Rachel. "Child, did you just call me beautiful?" she asked, bewildered.

Rachel, stunned by Gula's sudden appearance, instinctively tried to kneel in respect. However, she found herself unable to complete the action, instead being gently lifted. Gula's serious expression softened as she spoke, "You are my granddaughter. Unless it's a formal occasion, you don't have to kneel to me. Understood?" Rachel, still taken aback, nodded, "Yes, Grandmother."

Gula nodded in approval and asked again, "Now, can you answer my previous question?"

Rachel, though confused by the question, replied honestly, "Yes, Grandmother. You really are beautiful like this. May I ask, what is that form? It looks so cool and grand."

Gula stared at Rachel in silence, her expression unreadable, which flustered Rachel, making her wonder if she had said something wrong. After a moment, Gula spoke, "How strange. You are so similar yet so different from your father in some aspects." She then gave Rachel a gentle smile, placing her hand on Rachel's head and patting it. "This form is called perfected Ultra Instinct. That rascal son of mine, when he was five years old and saw this form for the first time, called me ugly. He said he preferred my red hair and eyes better. I still remember that brat's innocent yet defiant expression as he complained and demanded I change back to my Super Saiyan God form, or else he would cry." Gula chuckled, reminiscing about her beloved son's antics. "Since then, I've only used this form in battles. That's why I expected something similar from you since, in many ways, you are so much alike."

Rachel was wide-eyed and stunned, thinking, 'What's wrong with Dad? She looks so cool like this. I have to make a note to grill Dad about this.' Unknowingly thinking about teasing her dad, a smirk formed on her face. Observing the smirk creeping in, Gula truly felt as if she were seeing a young, mischievous Orach.

Rachel, coming out of her thoughts, said, "I don't know what Dad found ugly about this form of yours, but you really look beautiful to me, Grandmother."

Gula, who usually paid no mind to flattery from anyone but family, felt warmth as Rachel continued to grow more on her. "You really know how to flatter. But thank you; I appreciate the compliment. Let's chat more after I take care of the pest running away," Gula said, smiling. At the end of her statement, she turned to look at the ocean, which was calming down, the tidal wall receding, and Poseidon underwater, fleeing after witnessing Gula's devastating power and his brother's miserable demise. He had a feeling he had made the wrong move by participating in this mess. He should have heeded his wife's advice.

With a wave of her hand and mastery over the laws, Gula froze the part of the ocean where Poseidon was, effectively giving him a taste of his own medicine. She sealed his existence, drowning him in the depths of this world's ocean without killing him. Unless rescued by Orach, Poseidon would now spend his lifetime sealed in eternal ice, lost in the annals of history, sinking to the deepest part of the ocean.

Although Rachel didn't fully understand who her grandmother was referring to, seeing her grandmother nod and drop her transformation to her base form, she realized that whoever it was, was either dead or in a fate worse than death. She now understood where her father's attitude came from. 'So, Dad's ruthlessness comes from her. Hmmm… I wonder if she can teach me some of her ways. It would be fun to shock Dad, and with a powerhouse like her guiding me, I should progress faster.'

"Now," Gula looked at Diana, who was standing at a respectful distance to not disturb the first meeting between Rachel and her grandmother. Diana was content to keenly observe and listen to the conversation. The more Diana heard, the more her tense nerves calmed. She began to understand that, like Orach, Gula's ruthlessness was reserved for her enemies, while her love and kindness were for her family.

Gula, observing Diana, smiled with interest, "Why stand at that distance, foolish future daughter of mine?"

Hearing these words, Diana was stunned but then smiled wryly. She nodded at Gula and approached the two. A while ago, she felt awe and fear because of Gula's power. Now, she felt the same due to the fact that this was her first meeting with her mother-in-law, and she knew first impressions last long. Despite her exhaustion, she decided to soldier through, determined to present her best self, especially after being called 'future daughter' by Gula.

Gula's smile widened as she noted the effort Diana was making despite her obvious fatigue. She was impressed by Diana's determination to present her best self. When Diana finally stood before her, Gula had to look down due to their height difference. Diana took a deep breath, placed her right hand over her heart, and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Empress Gula. I am Diana Prince, Princess of Themyscira, an island nation on this world. And," she rose, meeting Gula's eyes with clear determination, "the partner of your son, Orach, the young master of your house."

Gula silently observed Diana's confident introduction and declaration of being Orach's partner. She admired Diana's courage, especially after witnessing her display of power.

Closing her eyes, Gula sensed traces of her son's Ki. 'Found it.' She opened her eyes and, with a wave of her hand, created a tear in space. "Come, let's go to a more suitable place to talk."

Both Rachel and Diana were stunned by this display of power. Rachel realized her grandmother had torn the fabric of space itself rather than just manipulating space laws. She wondered if her grandmother didn't fully understand space laws. Despite her curiosity, seeing her grandmother walk through the portal, both Diana and Rachel nodded at each other and followed. As they stepped through, dark clouds rumbled in the sky of Azarath, sensing a breach in its defenses and preparing to attack.

Gula, observing this, commented with a smile of appreciation, "Initial stage of spirituality. Not bad, son of mine!" Just as she was about to transform and bring the realm under control, she heard Rachel speak out, "Azarath, she is family. STOP!"

Hearing her words, the dark clouds slowly dispersed, and the realm began repairing the tear in space.

Gula, slightly disappointed, shook her head, understanding that she had more pressing matters to attend to. She found a nearby flat area shaded by a tree, sat down, and gestured for the two to join her. Once they were all seated, she turned to Diana and, with a smile, said, "You are not worthy of him! Not yet, at least."

Her words shocked both Diana and Rachel. Rachel felt troubled and sad that her grandmother didn't seem to approve of Diana. She knew the place her grandmother held in her father's heart and feared that if Gula asked Orach to break relations with Diana, her father might ultimately obey despite his feelings. She wanted to speak up but couldn't think of anything to say in front of the legendary Empress Gula.

Diana felt similarly, sad and hurt by Gula's lack of recognition and became worried about her future with Orach.

Seeing the impact of her words and the troubled faces of both her future daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Gula decided to clarify before their thoughts spiraled negatively.

CLAP

Gula clapped her hands, capturing their attention. "Now, don't let your imagination run wild. I said you aren't worthy of him yet! The key is 'yet.' Your current self, your present strength, your mindset, your wisdom, and lack of an imposing regal presence make you unworthy. But I know you were chosen as his partner by the primordial Goddess I worship, so I firmly believe you'll grow to be worthy of him. Understood, future daughter?"

Hearing this explanation, Diana and Rachel sighed in relief. Diana now understood that her mother-in-law wasn't rejecting her but highlighting her current shortcomings and expressing her belief in Diana's potential to grow. She nodded and listened intently.

Gula then continued, "My son is more than just a science officer and the young master of our house." Her expression became solemn as she recalled painful memories. "Let me ask you this, has he ever told you about the three great wars of our higher realm?"

Rachel and Diana exchanged glances and nodded before each responding, "Yes, Mother." "Yes, Grandmother."

Gula, receiving their confirmation, nodded and continued, "Orach wasn't even born for two of those conflicts, but unfortunately, he and his squad, who just wanted to explore and help lives throughout the different lower realms, were pulled into one. The great Android War."

Gula looked up at the now serene skies, recalling the war and the events that had changed her son from a mischievous and adventurous spirit who wanted nothing more than to explore other realms to a serious, mission-oriented officer, scientist, and renowned inventor who now stayed away from the battlefield as much as possible, locking himself in his lab or serving as a science officer aboard her ship.

Diana and Rachel saw the pain, sadness, and melancholy in Gula's expression. They realized something terrible must have happened during this 'Android War.'

Gula's eyes grew cold, a fierce killing intent emanating from her as she continued, "Unlike the other two wars where the enemy wanted to conquer and rule, the Android War was unlike anything our realm had ever faced. The enemies were relentless, devoid of mercy, and driven by a singular purpose to annihilate all life. They believed the possibilities of each soul that we Saiyans cherish and protect would be the very reason for the destruction of all, and thus decided to eliminate all organic life."

She paused, took a deep breath to contain her killing intent, before continuing, "When the war began, Orach and his squad were unaware and were on a mission of exploration of unknown lower realms, lending aid wherever needed. Their goal was noble and supported by us. The squad members were not just comrades; they were friends who believed in his vision and shared his dreams. Unfortunately, before they could be warned, they were pulled into the conflict when the lower realm they were in was attacked by the enemy. They faced horrors that would break the strongest of warriors as they saw those Androids eradicate all life on every planet they came across. When they returned and reported their engagement, I presented them with the option to support the effort from the rear. But after what they had seen, they were out for vengeance, and with Orach among their group, on paper they met the basic requirements. Despite my reluctance, they were given the green light to be deployed."

Her voice took on a steely edge as she continued, memories flooding back with vivid clarity. "During the war, throughout the many missions they undertook, they aided three lower realms. Countless worlds, teeming with life, owe their existence and prosperity to their efforts. These achievements turned my initial reluctance into pride; I was both a mother and a Division Captain, filled with pride. But, our enemies were Androids, and their unpredictable movements caught us off guard."

She paused, her eyes growing colder, emanating a terrible killing intent that made the entire realm's temperature drop. After a moment, she looked at Diana and Rachel before continuing, "Two of his comrades were from the lower realms like you two. They transcended their origins and were welcomed into our higher realm and alliance. Eager to join Orach's noble endeavor, they understood the struggles of the lower realms firsthand. Despite our best efforts, their squad became targets after thwarting the enemy on three occasions. One comrade lost his entire lower realm to the enemy. They all suffered during the conflict in one way or another. But, despite the pain, loss, and despair that seeped into their hearts, Orach and his squad fought with everything they had."

Gula gritted her teeth as she continued, "In the final days of the war, when we were on the verge of victory, the Alacrity Alliance command failed to notice a fleeing enemy's movements. Their squad, relying on the uncanny intuition of one comrade, made a split-second decision. Trusting each other after enduring the crucible of war, knowing the potential resurgence if even one enemy escaped, they deployed in their ENDIVE class ship on their own accord. They found the fleeing enemy in a sector of space our analysts would never have considered and engaged it. But, the enemy was too powerful; it was an early true god class android. Orach was only an early Super Saiyan God, at best a king class cultivator in those days. Even with his mecha suit in full destroyer mode, he could only match the power of a Super Saiyan God Blue or an emperor-class cultivator. Despite giving his all, he watched his comrades fall one by one, each sacrificing themselves to ensure his survival, believing in the possibilities that lay within him. Their screams and final wishes echoed in his ears during their last moments."

Gula closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them and continuing in a serious tone, "But, as it turned out, their trust in my son's potential was justified. We still don't know the reason, but in that one moment, Orach created an unexplainable phenomenon. He resonated with the entire realm. It was as if all celestial bodies pulsed with his will and cries; all primordial laws, even the most obscure law of darkness, obeyed him in that one moment. All of us fighting in other sectors against the enemy's main force halted. We all felt it—his pain, his anger, and heard his cries. In that single moment, despite being just an early Super Saiyan God, with his mecha as a conduit, he transcended his limitations and momentarily unleashed a power that should only be possible from a primordial God."

Diana and Rachel were overwhelmed by the depth of Orach's power and the arduous journey he had endured. Rachel felt a deep sorrow for her father, whom she had always seen as a symbol of strength and resolve. Learning about his past struggles and the immense weight he carried was heart-wrenching. Diana, too, was profoundly affected, feeling a deep empathy for the man who had become her husband and protector. Understanding the origins of his steadfast beliefs, she clenched her fists with a mix of anger and determination, vowing to become stronger.

Gula's eyes reflected both profound sorrow and immense pride in her son's accomplishments. "With his power, he obliterated the android. When we arrived at the scene, we found his mecha severely damaged, three limbs lost and half its face destroyed. Astonishingly, the mecha was covered in law crystals from various laws. Seeing the extent of the destruction, we immediately rushed to rescue him, fearing the worst. Inside the cockpit, we found him bloodied but still alive, sustained by basic life support. The AI of his suit had prioritized his survival to the very end, diverting all power to life support. Despite its own destruction, it ensured he remained alive. However, Orach fell into a year-long coma."

Rachel had tears streaming down her face. She couldn't fathom the extent of her father's suffering. Diana's eyes burned with a chilling killing intent, her resolve to protect and strengthen her family intensifying with each passing moment.

Gula continued, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and anguish. "Once he was rescued, we called in doctors throughout the alliance. Even my father and his eccentric friend came to see him, using various methods to help him wake up. But any attempts were repelled by a power inside of him that stumped even them. While they returned to research a way to help, those BASTARD doctors actually dared to say my son was brain dead!" She gritted her teeth, her anger flaring as she remembered their faces. "I threw those doctors out and, together with his father, we watched over him as he silently stayed in the med pod of our home, recovering. But, Diana, do you know how my son ultimately woke up?"

Diana and Rachel, hanging on to every word, looked up at Gula as she posed the question. Diana, after a moment, silently shook her head.

Gula nodded and continued, "Look," waving her hand as she used her Ki to project images of different worlds, each teeming with various races. The images zoomed in on tall statues, some enshrined in temples, others standing majestically in open spaces.

The scenes were breathtaking. People from countless worlds were kneeling, prostrating, and offering prayers to the statues. Some of these statues depicted a group of ten individuals, while others portrayed a menacing red mechanical being with green wings.

Diana and Rachel were spellbound, marveling at the diversity of worlds and races. As they studied the statues, their eyes locked onto one figure among the group of ten. Recognition dawned on them, and they exclaimed in unison, "ORACH!" "DAD!"

Gula observed their reaction and continued, "These images show some of the worlds in the three lower realms that the squad saved. The sacrifices of those brave souls were not in vain. To these races, they are more than heroes. Some see them as warriors sent by their gods, while many regard these ten as gods who appeared in their darkest hours, saving them from devils who despise all life. Now, look at that red statue in most of those worlds. What do you both think it represents?"

Diana and Rachel had never seen this particular statue before, but Rachel recalled her father's tales of piloting a mecha. Her eyes widened as she gasped, "Dad's mecha suit!"

Gula smiled and nodded. "Correct. Rachel, did your father ever tell you why we God-branch Saiyans, who have a transformation that allows us to survive in space for a while, still need a mecha suit?"

Rachel nodded. "Yes. Dad explained that while God-branch Saiyans can transform into their God modes and survive in space, they will eventually run low on their Ki reserves. For prolonged battles in space, Saiyans prefer using specialized mecha suits equipped with a Ki drive. These suits can connect with the Ki of a Saiyan, essentially becoming an extension of their body, and can also draw in Ki from celestial bodies, allowing Saiyans to fight in space unhindered."

Gula nodded approvingly. "Good. You are right. That is your father's personally designed suit." She paused, her expression becoming more complicated as she looked at the image of the statue of Orach's mecha. "Originally, it was designed by him as a tool for exploration, incorporating his inventions based on his research of the primordial laws. But because of the war, he redesigned it. It became this... his sword. With it, he became extremely effective on the battlefield, even rivaling a fully powered Super Saiyan God Blue when it went all out. It gained a reputation as the 'Scarlet Reaper' after it successfully killed three emperor-level androids in various deployments. Do you know what this suit represents to Orach and me?"

She paused to look at Rachel and Diana, before releasing a sigh and continuing, "For the two of us, it represented his sadness over lost lives, his pain of not being strong enough, his grief from losing connections in the lower realms decimated by the androids, his wrath against the androids for starting that senseless war, and finally, it is his will of vengeance personified."

Rachel and Diana could only listen silently, both gritting their teeth and clenching their fists, their anger boiling from hearing what their loved one had to endure.

Gula then turned to look at the images of various people prostrating and praying to the statue of the mecha and pointed with her finger as she continued, "But for them, it represented hope. It was a fierce protector god that descended to save their lives and became a legend. Now, imagine the sheer amount of faith energy generated from the three lower realms with countless worlds and lives praying and believing in the suit as a god."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "Back when we rescued Orach, I had the suit sealed. It was dangerous since we couldn't understand the reason behind the phenomenon and why law crystals grew on it. But nearly around a year mark, I was informed of something amazing. The suit showed signs of activating and started to perform basic repairs on itself using the law crystals as raw material.

But what truly shocked us was when it kept screaming, 'Partner.' The suit was already one of a kind since it was Orach's personally designed suit, but now it showed signs of sentience. This was more than alarming. All thirteen of us captains, including the Saiyan God himself, moved out. Our movement caused a stir among the populace, but we didn't care. What was happening with the suit was more important.

When we arrived at the hangar, we heard its voice. Orach had based the AI on himself, but after almost a year, hearing my son's voice again, yet knowing it wasn't him, filled me with a surge of anger and confusion. But then it called out to me, raised its one remaining limb—its left hand—and created a crystal of pure faith energy, stunning us all, before shutting down once more. I immediately caught the crystal but, at first, didn't understand what it wanted me to do. But a wild hope emerged in me, and without a second thought, I returned home to my son's med pod and inserted the crystal in it. While it was a long shot and not something anyone had tried before, I desperately wanted to believe in the possibility, and it paid off. The crystal's energy flowed into Orach, and I finally saw movement. The equipment started to pick up brain activity.

When the others arrived and saw what I had done and witnessed Orach's signs of recovery, we immediately classified all information regarding the suit. We had it transferred to my new flagship, fully repaired with the best materials our realm could produce, all in secret. Later, as we investigated the source of this faith energy, we discovered what was happening in these three lower realms."

Gula's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a deep well of emotions. She sighed before continuing, "When he finally woke up on his own after the one-year mark, it was a moment of profound relief and joy for all of us. But his awakening brought with it a transformation that none of us could have anticipated. The man you see now relentlessly dedicated to his training, immersed in his research, and fiercely protective of those he loves, emerged from that change."

Her voice wavered slightly, as she continued,"The scars he carries, both visible and hidden, are reminders of the inner demons born from that devastating war. These demons have made him cautious, reluctant to step in the natural flow of a lower realm unless absolutely necessary. He avoids forming new connections and often locks himself away in his lab, not out of fear, but because he understands the true cost of war. He knows the pain of losing comrades all too well."

Her gaze then shifted to Rachel, her eyes brimming with warmth and affection. "However, Rachel, because of you, he is slowly rediscovering his genuine smile. Raising you is gradually bringing back his innocence. You are helping him heal in ways none of us could have ever imagined."

Gula then turned her gaze directly to Diana, her eyes compassionate. "You too, daughter. You have helped him open up. You both are healing him in your own ways. For that I am eternally grateful to you both. But, after knowing all this, do you still doubt my earlier statement that you are not yet worthy of him? You need to grow stronger. You will be the next mistress of my house, and that means countless lower realms will fall under your jurisdiction. How can you be his empress and share his burdens if you continue with this same mindset? So, become an empress in your own right. I know you can. I believe in you."

Diana's eyes reflected her determination as she took a deep breath, absorbing Gula's words. "I understand," she whispered firmly. "I will grow stronger—for him, for Rachel, and for myself. I will face the challenges ahead and become the empress you believe I can be."

Gula's expression softened with pride. "Good. Remember, strength is not just about power or control. It is about wisdom, compassion, and the ability to stand tall amidst adversity. You have all these qualities within you. Let them guide you."

With renewed resolve, Diana nodded. Just then, Rachel noticed Gula's body beginning to fade. Alarmed, she exclaimed, "Grandmother, you…!"

Gula smiled reassuringly at her granddaughter. "It's fine, Rachel. I am but a soul shard of my true self, meant to live within the mark and await the right candidate to impart my techniques to. I want you both to continue looking out for each other. I won't always be able to help and will likely go into slumber for a while." She turned to Diana. "You use a sword, so you can inherit my sword style and techniques. Grow strong, daughter. I look forward to meeting you both within the mark. Cultivate, and once you reach the necessary level, you'll feel the mark's calling."

Rachel, seizing the moment, asked, "Grandmother, can you help bring Father back?"

As Gula was about to fade into the mark, she smiled at them both. "I can't, but the answer lies within you, Rachel. Continue to cultivate, and you'll discover what your doting father left behind for you. It was wonderful finally meeting you both. I only get glimpses from the mark, so it was nice getting to talk to you both. I look forward to your growth and teaching you both." With that, she closed her eyes and disappeared.