Chapter 43: Why? Just Because I’m Old, I Can’t Grab a Task?!
As Beerus spoke, Piccolo's previously sour mood began to lift.
That's right. He might not have earned enough points yet to afford the Saiyan bloodline from the multiverse store, but compared to others, he was doing quite well. After all, he had already completed a mission and earned 150,000 points, while many others hadn't completed—let alone accepted—a single task!
Thinking about it that way, he felt a lot better.
Piccolo: "Lord Beerus is right. I should be content with what I've achieved so far."
Piccolo: "And as long as I keep working hard and completing a few more missions, I'll eventually gather enough points to buy whatever I want."
Beerus: "Well, you say you're content, yet you're planning to do a few more tasks. That's not contentment, that's ambition."
Beerus: "Also… if you keep completing missions, what happens to those of us who haven't even gotten the chance to try yet?"
Goku: "Haha, Piccolo, you've already completed a mission, but I haven't even managed to grab one yet!"
Vegeta: "Hmph! Kakarot, I won't let you beat me to it. The next mission is mine!"
Goku: "Sure, Vegeta! Let's see who gets the next one first. Race you to it!"
Vegeta: "Heh. I'm not losing to you this time!"
Master Roshi: "You two are acting like children… competing over missions like they're candy. Can't you show a little maturity?"
Master Roshi: "Look at me. I don't rush. If a task is meant for me, I'll get it. If not, it's no use trying to force it."
Tien: "As expected from Master Roshi. Your perspective is deep. I still have much to learn."
Master Roshi: "Exactly. That's why the next mission should be mine. So don't even try to snatch it away from me."
Tien: "..."
Vegeta: "Old man, you're already ancient, and your strength is nothing compared to ours. If you take a mission and can't complete it, wouldn't that be an embarrassment to our group?"
Master Roshi: "Tch. What's age got to do with it? You think because I've got wrinkles and a cane I'm not up to the task?"
Master Roshi: "Don't underestimate the old man. My strength might not be the highest, but I'm more than capable of handling some of these earlier missions."
Vegeta: "Yeah? And what if the mission's too hard for you? You'll die of old age mid-task. Better leave the difficult ones to us younger fighters."
Beerus: "Hold it, Vegeta. I'm not liking your tone. What are you trying to say—that old folks can't accept missions?"
Beerus: "If that's the case, I, who have lived for hundreds of millions of years, should retire too?"
Vegeta: "Lord Beerus, that's not what I meant! You're a god of destruction. Your power is unmatched. Of course you can take any task you want."
Vegeta: "But Master Roshi is different. He's… well, fragile. He shouldn't be risking himself like this."
Beerus: "Hmmph. Careful with your words. Everyone here is in the Thug Group because they're capable in their own way."
Beerus: "Jack, our group leader, made it very clear: Everyone has the right to take on missions. If someone encounters a mission they're clearly not ready for, they should know to stay out of it."
Beerus: "But that doesn't mean we go around telling others they're not allowed to try."
Just then, Jack, the group's mysterious leader, appeared in the chat.
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Jack: "@Everyone. Beerus is absolutely right."
Jack: "You're free to discuss and joke about missions in this chat, but let's be clear—no one has the authority to forbid others from attempting a mission."
Jack: "That said, I will issue penalties to anyone who tries to bully or coerce others out of a mission."
Jack: "However, I also advise members who know their strength isn't up to par to choose wisely. Start with lower-level missions to build up your power."
Vegeta: "I understand, Mr. Jack. I wasn't trying to stop him from doing any mission, just suggesting that he avoid missions above his limit."
Master Roshi: "Don't worry about me, kid. I'm old, not brain-dead. I know my limits."
Master Roshi: "But I'm not going to sit here and watch you young bucks hog all the missions either."
Master Roshi: "For the first time in decades, I have the chance to truly improve again. I'm not letting that slip away."
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At that moment, a new system alert popped up:
Jack: "There is only one more mission remaining before the Thug Group levels up."
Jack: "Once we level up, new items in the mall will be unlocked. Mission rewards will also increase, giving you more points and rarer items."
Jack: "So stay sharp. The faster we complete missions, the faster we evolve as a group."
King Zeno (Grand Zeno): "Jack, what you said sounds great, but it's pointless if there are no missions at all!"
Jack: "Haha, I expected that response."
Jack: "Don't worry, more missions are coming. I'm telling you all this now so you'll be ready."
Jack: "Also, while you're waiting for missions, don't just sit around staring at the quest board. You can still train."
Jack: "Remember, not all power-ups come from the mall. You have your own worlds. Use them. Cultivate your strength."
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Jack's words made many members pause and think.
Unlike some other universes, the Dragon Ball World allowed for explosive growth through training. A few months of serious effort could result in massive gains in power. Time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, fusion techniques, gravity rooms, and spiritual training were all legitimate paths to improvement.
It wasn't always about buying something from the store.
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Krillin: "Jack's right. Remember how much stronger we got just by training with Goku or in the chamber? That's free XP, guys."
Tien: "Exactly. I've already started doubling my training routine since joining the group."
Goku: "Haha! Then I better step it up too! Vegeta and I can't let you guys catch up."
Vegeta: "You were already behind me, Kakarot. Let's not pretend otherwise."
Beerus: "Hmph. You two do what you want. I'll nap until the next mission."
Master Roshi: "Napping sounds tempting, but this old man still has some fire in him."
Piccolo: "Well said, Master Roshi. I think I'll meditate while waiting. Time to refine that new doubled Special Beam Cannon."
Goku: "Still jealous of that, by the way."
---
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Jack prepared for the next batch of quests. He was carefully sorting which missions to send to the chat group—some suited for elite warriors like Beerus and Goku, others tailored to members like Krillin or Roshi who needed experience but weren't as powerful.
In truth, Jack wasn't just assigning missions randomly.
He was watching each of them—measuring growth, observing personalities, and balancing fairness with challenge.
The group would level up soon, and when it did…
Everything would change.
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