Chapter 216: Grand Priest's Confidence

Beerus: "Lord Grand Priest, I wasn't aware of your arrival in the Seventh Universe. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."

(Beerus said, his voice trembling with unease.)

(He glanced up nervously at the Grand Priest, hoping his fears weren't about to be confirmed.)

Beerus: "Excuse me, but may I ask why you've come to the Seventh Universe? Do you have any instructions for us?"

(Beerus added, his tone cautious.)

(Deep down, he dreaded the possibility that his recent skirmishes with mortals had drawn the Grand Priest's-and possibly Zeno's-wrath.)

(The thought of being punished for such a trivial matter was unbearable.)

(However, the Grand Priest's gaze didn't linger on Beerus or Whis.)

(Instead, his eyes settled on Goten, who stood nearby.)

(The familiar, overwhelming energy he had sensed earlier-a power reminiscent of Zeno's-emanated unmistakably from the young mortal.)

(Up close, the sensation was even more pronounced.)

Grand Priest: "Beerus, this matter doesn't concern you."

(the Grand Priest said calmly, his voice smooth and composed.)

Grand Priest: "As for your battles with mortals within your own universe, such actions aren't forbidden by the gods."

(Beerus let out a quiet sigh of relief.)

(At least the Grand Priest wasn't here to reprimand him.)

(But that raised another question: why was he here? Could it be because of Goten? The idea seemed absurd.)

(Why would the Grand Priest and Zeno take an interest in a mere mortal?)

(Whis, however, had already pieced it together.)

(The Grand Priest's focus on Goten, coupled with the strange energy radiating from him, suggested something extraordinary.)

Whis [in mind]: "It seems Goten is truly remarkable."

(Whis thought.)

Whis [in mind]: "Even Lord Grand Priest and Zeno have taken notice of him."

(The Grand Priest, who rarely left the Temple of Zeno, had come personally to seek out a mortal.)

(This was unprecedented.)

(Whis couldn't help but wonder just how significant Goten's power was to warrant such attention.)

(In an instant, the Grand Priest appeared directly in front of Goten, his gentle smile unwavering.)

(But Goten wasn't fooled.)

(He had encountered the Grand Priest before, and he knew that smile was often reserved for those the Grand Priest considered beneath him.)

(It was the smile of someone looking down on an ant.)

(In Goten's own timeline, he had seen the Grand Priest's demeanor shift dramatically when faced with someone stronger.)

(That polite smile would vanish, replaced by a predatory grin.)

(It was a reminder that, for all his calm demeanor, the Grand Priest was not to be underestimated.)

Grand Priest: "I've reviewed Whis's memories."

(the Grand Priest began, his tone courteous.)

Grand Priest "Your name is Goten, correct? It's a pleasure to meet you."

(Goten nodded calmly.)

Goten: "Yes, I'm Goten. I must say, your ability to read memories is impressive. I didn't know you had that skill."

(The Grand Priest chuckled softly.)

Grand Priest: "It's merely a minor ability, nothing compared to the power you possess. I must admit, I'm surprised. You're a mortal, not even a god, yet you've mastered the power of Erasure-a rule-based ability far beyond the reach of most."

(Beerus and Whis exchanged shocked glances.)

(The power they had sensed earlier was the power of rules? And not just any rules-something far superior to the abilities of a God of Destruction.)

(Could it be that Goten had somehow tapped into a power akin to Zeno's? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.)

(Whis quickly dismissed the idea.)

(No one but Zeno could wield such power.)

(Not even the Grand Priest himself had that capability.)

(And yet, here was Goten, a mortal, standing before them with an energy that defied explanation.)

Goten: "You're right."

(Goten replied, his voice steady and confident.)

Goten: "The power I possess is indeed beyond comparison."

(His words carried no arrogance, only certainty.)

(In another timeline, he had absorbed the full divine power of the Grand Priest.)

(To him, the being standing before him now was no longer a threat.)

(This wasn't boasting-it was a simple fact.)

Beerus and Whis: "What?!"

(Beerus and Whis were visibly shaken by Goten's bold declaration.)

(They couldn't believe what they had just heard.)

(A mortal, no matter how powerful, daring to speak so arrogantly in front of the Grand Priest? It was unthinkable!)

(Neither Gods of Destruction nor Angels would ever dare to speak like that in the Grand Priest's presence.)

(Such disrespect could lead to their complete annihilation.)

(Out of respect-and fear-they always maintained a humble demeanor.)

(Yet here was Goten, a mere mortal, acting as if he were on equal footing with the Grand Priest. It was baffling.)

(To Beerus and Whis, Goten's behavior reeked of ignorance.)

(He clearly had no idea of the Grand Priest's true power.)

(It was like a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger-fearless only because it didn't know any better.)

(But such ignorance often came with a heavy price.)

(No matter what rule-based power Goten had mastered, Beerus and Whis were certain he stood no chance against the Grand Priest.)

(To them, Goten's words were nothing short of suicidal.)

Beerus [in mind]: 'That idiot!'

(Beerus thought, his face twisting in frustration.)

Beerus [in mind]: 'I admit he's strong -stronger than any mortal I've ever seen. But to act so presumptuously in front of the Grand Priest? He's digging his own grave! I just managed to avoid disaster, and now this fool might drag me down with him!'

(Whis, too, was deeply concerned.)

Whis [in mind]: 'This level of arrogance won't end well.'

(he thought.)

Whis [in mind]: 'No matter how impressive his power is, the Grand Priest won't tolerate such disrespect. Goten's lack of reverence for the gods will be his downfall.'

(While Beerus and Whis were reeling from Goten's audacity, Goku and Vegeta stood nearby, completely clueless about the gravity of the situation.)

(They had no idea who this "Grand Priest" was or why Beerus and Whis were so terrified of him.)

(All they knew was that this small, unassuming figure radiated an overwhelming sense of power.)

Goku: "Vegeta, I can't feel how strong that guy is."

(Goku said, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern.)

Goku: "But Goten seems so confident. Do you think he can really take him on?"

(Vegeta shot Goku an annoyed look.)

Vegeta: "Of course he's strong, Kakarot! Can't you see how Beerus is trembling like a scared dog? That alone tells you everything you need to know. This Grand Priest is on a whole different level."

(Goku scratched his head, unfazed by Vegeta's sharp tone.)

Goku: "I was just saying, Vegeta. No need to get so worked up."

(Vegeta rolled his eyes.)

Vegeta: "Tch. Talking to you always feels like my IQ drops a few points. Just shut up and watch."

(Piccolo, standing nearby, chimed in.)

Piccolo: "Goku, do you really think Goten is stronger than the Grand Priest? That little guy seems... intimidating, to say the least."

(Goku shrugged.)

Goku: "I don't know, Piccolo. But Goten doesn't usually joke around. He said he was stronger than Beerus, and he proved it. Maybe he's got something up his sleeve."

(Vegeta snorted.)

Vegeta: "A little stronger? Kakarot, he crushed Beerus like an insect. If he says he's billions of times stronger, I'm inclined to believe him. The question is whether that's enough to take on the Grand Priest."

(Piccolo and Goku chose not to engage further with Vegeta.)

(His prickly demeanor was exhausting, and they had more pressing matters to focus on.)

(Meanwhile, the Grand Priest finally spoke.)

(his voice calm but laced with authority.)

Grand Priest: "Goten, there's no denying that you're extraordinary. Among mortals, you stand at the very top. The fact that you've comprehended the power of rules is truly remarkable. However, your claim that you're stronger than me is... misguided."

(He paused, his gentle smile never wavering.)

Grand Priest: "In this universe, there is no one stronger than me-except for Lord Zeno. That is a truth that has held for hundreds of billions of years. It has never been challenged, and it never will be."

(The Grand Priest's confidence was unshakable.)

(To him, the idea of a mortal surpassing him was not just improbable-it was impossible.)

(The natural order of the universe simply didn't allow for it.)

[To Be Continued...]