A strange scene unfolded between dimensions. The energy wave, while modest in size compared to the massive dimension it targeted, radiated an immense sense of impending doom. Both the beings within the dimension and the dimension's very consciousness felt the looming threat.
With a loud hum, the dimension's awareness began to awaken. The beings within, despite their individual will, found themselves uncontrollably channeling their power toward their dimension's strongest entity.
This was not voluntary. Under the influence of the dimension's consciousness, the creatures became conduits for its defensive mechanisms.
This behavior starkly contrasted with lifeforms from planetary or cosmic civilizations. For example, Earth's consciousness, even if highly developed, could not forcibly control Earth's naturally evolved life. Those lifeforms didn't rely on Earth's energy to exist.
In contrast, beings within dimensions were fundamentally tied to their dimension. They were born from the dimension's consciousness and energy, existing primarily to refine and strengthen its rules.
Thus, a dimensional consciousness held absolute control over its inhabitants, utilizing them as tools when necessary.
With another hum, energy from the dimension's beings began to coalesce around its strongest champion, a demonic figure with imposing horns and an aura of intense malice. The demonic being scarcely had time to appreciate its newfound strength, immediately channeling all its power into a single attack.
A blast of terrifying energy surged from the demon's hands, aimed at the brilliant energy wave descending from the dimensional sky.
The clash was anticlimactic.
The demonic blast vanished the instant it struck the energy wave, dissipating like a drop of water falling into the ocean. The wave continued its approach, undeterred.
"What?! Impossible!" the demon exclaimed, frozen in disbelief. It stared at the oncoming wave, unable to move. The overwhelming difference in power left it paralyzed, its sense of dread escalating as the energy wave drew nearer.
In that moment, the dimension took action. A sinister aura enveloped the entire realm, forming an intangible barrier.
The demon felt its body begin to crumble, turning into dust and vanishing.
This phenomenon wasn't limited to the demon; every being within the dimension suffered the same fate.
Strangely, this wasn't caused by the energy wave, which had yet to reach the dimension's surface. Instead, it was the dimension's consciousness that had decided to recall all its beings and their energy, reducing potential losses.
For the dimension's creatures, it was a tragic end. But to the consciousness, sparing its energy was a necessary, pragmatic choice. Letting the beings die in combat would deplete the dimension further, a risk it could not afford.
BOOM!
The energy wave finally struck the dimension, generating a deafening explosion that reverberated through the space. The impact obliterated nearly all matter within the dimension, leaving behind only its spatial shell.
"Huh? All dead? Not even a proper counterattack?" Robert muttered from outside the dimension, his eyebrows raised in surprise. He could sense that the dimension was now devoid of life, reduced to a domain of pure energy.
Robert had expected this dimension to put up a fight. From its size alone, it should've possessed considerable strength, capable of at least posing some challenge. Instead, it had crumbled with barely any resistance.
Unbeknownst to him, this dimension had suffered catastrophic losses in the past. As a negative-energy dimension, it had been targeted by stronger dimensions, which had decimated its powerful champions. To survive, the dimension had adopted a strategy of avoiding contact and slowly rebuilding its rules through cycles of weaker lifeforms.
Unfortunately, its rebuilding efforts required eons—time it didn't have when Robert arrived.
Now, Robert stood before the hollowed-out dimension, momentarily conflicted. His goals were twofold: to test a dimension's strength and capture two dimensional lords. Normally, both objectives could be achieved simultaneously.
But with the dimension now lifeless, achieving both would require visiting at least two more dimensions.
As Robert deliberated, the unexpected occurred. The dimension began to collapse upon itself, shrinking rapidly into a compact space.
"What's this?" Robert snapped to attention, realizing the dimension was attempting to flee.
Dimensions could move, much like planets drifting through space, but with far greater intentionality. This mobility was why dimensional incursions on Earth often occurred.
"Think you can just leave?" Robert smirked, vanishing in an instant.
Whoosh!
Robert reappeared inside the collapsing dimension. Though it had compressed externally, its internal space remained vast.
Gone were the physical constructs of the dimension, leaving only its rules and raw energy.
"Sayian! What is the meaning of this?!" a booming voice echoed. It was the consciousness of the dimension, addressing Robert directly.
Recognizing Robert's identity, the dimension's voice carried a mix of anger and trepidation. In the interdimensional realms, Robert's reputation as a formidable Saiyan warrior preceded him, rivaling even the Ancient One.
"I'm just testing my strength," Robert replied casually. "Your dimension annoys me, so I thought I'd see if I could break it."
The dimension's consciousness faltered. If it had a physical form, it might have clenched its teeth in frustration.
"You intend to destroy me over mere annoyance?!"
"Exactly." Robert shrugged, his expression calm but unnerving. "And since you're already empty, I may as well push things further and test your core resilience."
"You are insufferable!" The dimension's voice trembled with rage, its energy and rules surging in chaotic waves. Though intangible, the energy felt like crashing tides, pressing against Robert.
"Now that's more like it!" Robert chuckled. "But this scattered approach won't work. If you don't focus your power, you'll never scratch me."
Pausing, Robert scanned his surroundings. "Don't you have a champion or avatar to channel your power? Or are you just planning to keep tossing random waves of energy at me?"
As Robert spoke, the dimension's rules and energy intensified, converging into an oppressive force. Yet it lacked the cohesion to harm him.
After a moment of silence, the dimension withdrew its energy, seemingly reconsidering its approach.
"Say your terms, Saiyan," the consciousness said at last. "What will it take for you to leave my dimension intact?"
"Finally ready to negotiate?" Robert smirked, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Let's talk, then."
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