Chapter 162: Life in the Celestial Realm
Following the defeat of Artemis and the revival of the Cardinal World, Beerus, the God of Destruction, and his five celestial wives—Zerna, Erza, Velzar, Beta, Sigma and Delta—returned to their own divine realm. Though Beerus could have chosen to simply watch from afar, he and his wives had taken a more active role in shaping the future of the Cardinal World, ensuring the lessons from the battle against Artemis would not be forgotten. Their actions over the decades reflected their divine purpose, wisdom, and unmatched strength, making their presence felt even if they rarely interfered directly.
Beerus's realm, an ethereal plane that existed outside time and space, was a place of unparalleled beauty. Vast gardens of shimmering cosmic flowers sprawled across the landscape, rivers of golden energy coursed through the air, and the sky was an ever-changing kaleidoscope of stars. Each of his wives had a domain within the realm that reflected their essence, and together they maintained harmony in their celestial sanctuary.
Zerna, the most analytical and tactical of Beerus's wives, spent her time refining the strategies that had been used against Artemis and ensuring the mistakes of the past wouldn't be repeated. She delved deep into the archives of cosmic knowledge, unlocking secrets of the multiverse and perfecting the arts of war and diplomacy. Zerna also maintained communication with key leaders in the Cardinal World, often offering subtle guidance through cryptic dreams and whispers of inspiration.
Her domain within Beerus's realm was a massive library that held the knowledge of countless worlds. Scholars from across existence occasionally visited, seeking her wisdom, though few had the courage to meet her directly. Zerna often reflected on the fragile nature of mortals and their endless potential, balancing her strategic mind with an appreciation for their resilience.
Erza, the most protective and nurturing of Beerus's wives, had taken it upon herself to oversee the defenses of their divine realm. She erected powerful barriers that ensured no external force could penetrate their sanctuary. Her innate power to manipulate space and matter allowed her to create training grounds where Beerus's generals, and occasionally chosen mortals, could hone their skills in an environment tailored to push them to their limits.
Erza was also responsible for keeping an eye on the lingering remnants of Artemis's minions. She personally scouted the multiverse for any sign of their activities, sending warning signals to Beerus or Tempest whenever she detected suspicious movements. Her protective instincts extended to the Cardinal World, as she secretly shielded it from cosmic threats too dangerous for mortals to handle.
Velzar, the most creative and ambitious of the wives, focused her efforts on developing new forms of energy and power. Her mastery over creation allowed her to enhance the magical and technological advancements of the Cardinal World without direct intervention. Velzar's subtle influence could be felt in the innovations of Tempest and other nations as she inspired their scientists and engineers to dream bigger.
Her domain in Beerus's realm was a grand forge surrounded by pulsating stars. Here, Velzar crafted weapons, tools, and artifacts of unimaginable power. Occasionally, she gifted these creations to mortals or divine beings who proved their worth, ensuring they could tip the scales in their favor when facing overwhelming odds.
Beta and Delta, the youngest and most unpredictable of Beerus's wives, represented the balance of chaos and order. Beta thrived in unpredictability, while Delta maintained control and structure. Together, they acted as Beerus's enforcers, ensuring balance across the worlds under his watch.
Beta enjoyed observing mortals and testing their resolve by creating small, controlled disturbances in their lives. Whether it was a sudden storm or a twist of fate, Beta's actions often spurred growth and resilience in those affected. Meanwhile, Delta restored balance, subtly guiding mortals back on track and ensuring Beta's chaos didn't spiral out of control.
Their domain was a swirling vortex of light and shadow, where opposing forces clashed and blended in perfect harmony. They were often seen sparring with each other, their battles a representation of the delicate balance they maintained across existence.
Sigma, had a profound connection to nature. She was the caretaker of the floating gardens and worked closely with Beta to maintain their beauty. Sigma possessed a unique ability to communicate with the flora and fauna of the celestial realm, and her gardens flourished under her care.
Despite her gentle nature, Sigma was a formidable combatant. She trained under Erza and Velzar, blending their techniques with her own style. Sigma's duality of nurturing and strength made her an indispensable part of the family.
While his wives were busy with their individual tasks, Beerus had taken on the role of a cosmic overseer. Though his demeanor was as laid-back as ever, he was more vigilant than he let on. He spent much of his time observing the Cardinal World, his sharp golden eyes missing nothing.
Beerus occasionally descended to the Cardinal World, disguising himself as a wandering traveler to experience the changes firsthand. He visited the rebuilt nations, engaging with mortals to understand their struggles and triumphs. His interactions were often brief, but his words left lasting impressions on those fortunate enough to meet him.
One memorable visit was to Tempest, where he spent time with Rimuru and his generals. Beerus admired Rimuru's leadership and growth, often teasing him about his continued humility despite his immense power. He also took a liking to Veldora, engaging in mock battles that shook the skies but ended in laughter.
Beerus, alongside his six wives—Zerna, Erza, Velzar, Beta, Delta, and Sigma—was living in a dynamic and harmonious balance within his celestial realm. Yet, for all their joy and duty as cosmic arbiters, there was one thing Beerus missed: the exhilaration of competition. The battle against Artemis and his minions had reignited his love for battle—a thirst for thrilling encounters that went beyond maintaining balance.
One day, as the family gathered in the floating palace gardens, Beerus voiced his thoughts while sipping on a cup of divine nectar.
Beerus: "The universe has grown peaceful again. A little too peaceful for my liking."
Velzar: (raising an eyebrow, smirking) "You're bored, aren't you?"
Beerus: (chuckling) "Perhaps. The mortals have rebuilt their world, and while I enjoy watching their progress, I crave something… more exhilarating."
Zerna: (placing her chin on her hand, intrigued) "Are you suggesting a return to the tournaments, my love?"
Beerus: (grinning) "Exactly. Those tournaments were a blend of chaos, excitement, and sheer talent. I want to revive that tradition—right here, in this dimension."
The wives exchanged glances. They knew this was not just idle talk. Beerus had made up his mind, and his love for competition was infectious.
Sigma: "It would also be an excellent way to keep the strongest beings in shape. Even peace needs preparation."
Delta: (nodding thoughtfully) "And a way to foster alliances. Competition unites people as much as it divides them."
Beerus: (grinning wider) "Exactly why it's time for me to revisit my old dimension and bring some of the greatest fighters into the fold. Sangoku, Vegeta, Gohan, and others—they'll be perfect for this."