Chapter 218: Calling Zeno 'Little?' Absolute Madman!

Grand Priest: "Mr. Goten, you are indeed much stronger than I expected. However, I didn't use my full strength just now-by my estimate, I only exerted one ten-thousandth of my power. But for you to withstand even that much pressure proves your strength! Your talent shouldn't go to waste."

(The Grand Priest withdrew his aura, his expression returning to calm as he addressed Son Goten.)

(Even though he hadn't gone all out, Goten's composure made it clear-he wasn't using his full strength either.)

(If this continued, forcing the issue would be meaningless.)

(Taking him to Zeno's palace first would be the best course of action.)

(Beerus and Whis, meanwhile, grew more uneasy.)

(Did the Grand Priest withdraw because he couldn't overpower Goten so easily? Had he given up?)

(That thought was unsettling-far beyond their expectations.)

(A mere mortal, and even the Grand Priest couldn't do anything to him?)

(They consoled themselves with the possibility that the Grand Priest was simply showing restraint, choosing not to unleash his full power.)

(That had to be the reason.)

Goku: "That's amazing! It looks like the Grand Priest doesn't have much of an advantage over Goten. Otherwise, he wouldn't have backed off so easily."

(Goku spoke excitedly, realizing what had just happened.)

(If the Grand Priest had a significant power gap over Goten, he would've pressed his advantage, exerting more force to prove his dominance.)

(But the fact that he withdrew so quickly meant only one thing-Goten was far too strong, perhaps even beyond the Grand Priest's reach.)

Vegeta [in mind]' 'Hmph... This can't be real! That brat from Kakarot's family actually has this kind of power? He can casually defeat a God of Destruction, and now even the Grand Priest can't touch him?!'

(Vegeta scowled, deeply unsettled.)

(The idea that Kakarot's son had surpassed even the gods was frustrating enough.)

(But what stung even more was that his own son, Trunks, couldn't compare.)

Grand Priest: "Mr. Goten, if you're willing, come with me to Zeno's palace! I believe Lord Zeno would make you a higher-ranking god. With your level of power, it would be a waste not to take your place among the divine."

(The Grand Priest spoke directly, his tone shifting.)

(For the first time, he regarded Goten with genuine seriousness, rather than mere curiosity.)

(A mortal wielding such immense power was unprecedented-it demanded attention.)

(And from what Goten had said earlier, he didn't seem to be bluffing.)

Goten: "Sorry, but I already am the strongest god across all universes. I don't need Zeno's acknowledgment-or yours."

(Goten's response was flat, unwavering.)

(After all, in another timeline, he had already eliminated Zeno, the Grand Priest, and even the Dragon God Zalama.)

(In this universe, he was the ultimate being.)

(There was no need for anyone's approval.)

Grand Priest: "Goten, don't be so arrogant. Just because I withdrew my strength doesn't mean I fear you. I simply thought it would be a waste to kill you. So don't think you have the right to run your mouth!"

(The Grand Priest's expression darkened.)

(This mortal was becoming insufferable.)

(Just because he endured one ten-thousandth of his strength, he dared to speak so boldly?)

(The Grand Priest had encountered arrogant beings before, but none as audacious as this.)

(If Goten continued to show such defiance, he wouldn't hesitate to unleash his full power and erase him completely.)

(Goten, on the other hand, simply thought for a moment.)

Goten [in mind]: 'Honestly, I've got nothing better to do... And these idiots on Earth don't seem to appreciate me. Might as well go to Zeno's palace and have some fun. Teaching this version of Goku and Vegeta was pointless-they were too stubborn and foolish.'

(So, looking at the Grand Priest, he smirked and said.)

Goten: "Alright, alright, I was just messing with you. No need to get so worked up, Grand Priest. I'll go with you to Zeno's palace. To be honest, it's been a while since I saw that little guy, Zeno. I kind of miss him."

(Silence.)

(Beerus nearly collapsed.)

Beerus: "WHAT?! He actually knows Lord Zeno?! And he just called him... 'little guy'??"

(Beerus felt his entire worldview shatter.)

(This mortal was insane!)

(First, he casually provoked the Grand Priest, showing no fear.)

(Now, he had the audacity to refer to Zeno-the supreme ruler of all existence-as a little guy?!)

(No one dared to address Zeno like that-not even in their thoughts!)

(Even Whis had a grim expression.)

(Goten's arrogance had gone beyond anything they could comprehend.)

Grand Priest: "In that case, let's go."

(the Grand Priest said coolly.)

(With that, both he and Goten vanished into a swirl of purple light.)

(Leaving behind a stunned Beerus, Whis, and the others.)

(Beerus turned to Goku and Vegeta.)

(He had half a mind to obliterate these ignorant fools.)

(But then, a terrifying thought crossed his mind.)

(What if Goten took offense? If he destroyed these mortals, that lunatic might not spare him.)

(Destroying a single garbage planet wasn't worth provoking someone like Goten.)

Beerus: "...Let's go, Whis. I just hope that madman doesn't say anything reckless in front of Lord Zeno..."

(And with that, Beerus could only pray.)

[To Be Continued...]