The smoke had not yet cleared from the ruins of West City. Emergency alerts screamed through every device. Civilians were being evacuated en masse, and the world's mightiest protectors were already in motion.
Inside the remains of Capsule Corp's underground bunker, Bulma activated every remaining satellite and defense protocol. Sweat dripped from her brow.
> "We need Goku and Vegeta. Now."
Elsewhere, Piccolo held a trembling Pan in his arms, shielding her from the residual fallout.
> "This isn't the same Frieza. He's been... enhanced."
Meanwhile, on a distant divine battlefield between dimensions, Goku and Vegeta stood battered, locked in intense training against shifting projections of divine beings generated by Whis' newest training dimension—a test meant to prepare them for anything.
But that "anything" had now arrived.
King Kai's voice thundered again, clearer this time, panic in every syllable:
> "Frieza's not acting alone! He's gathered fragments of gods... someone helped him shatter the chains of mortality!"
Vegeta clenched his fists, sparks flying.
> "Tch. That bastard never stays down."
Goku looked downward, silent for a moment, before smiling slightly.
> "Then I guess training's over."
Suddenly, Whis appeared, a grim expression replacing his usual carefree tone.
> "I'm taking you both back. Earth doesn't have time for you to perfect yourselves anymore. Frieza's attack wasn't just a show of power—it was a message."
With a flick of his staff, reality twisted.
Goku and Vegeta were gone.
Back on Earth, Gohan hovered over the ruins of the city, his eyes blazing red with fury as his Beast form ignited, tearing apart his lab coat.
Below, Frieza looked up calmly, unfazed.
> "Ah... Son Gohan. The boy with hidden potential. Come, then. Let's see if you're still your father's shadow."
With a roar, Gohan launched himself forward, fists glowing, the sky tearing from the speed.
But just as their clash was about to happen—
A massive hand blocked Gohan's punch mid-air.
It wasn't Frieza.
It was one of the new beings, cloaked in shadow, dripping with divine energy, its voice echoing like thunder through a canyon.
> "The new era does not begin with you."
Frieza chuckled behind him.
> "Meet Archon. The first of my 'gifts.'"
Gohan's eyes widened.
> "What… what are you?"
Archon's smile sent chills through every soul watching.
> "I am what remains of fallen gods… forged in vengeance."
The battle hadn't even truly begun.
And Earth… might not survive its beginning.
To be continued...