Levos and the others quickly turned their heads away, pretending they hadn't heard or seen anything.
Champa glared at Vados.
Vados, utterly fearless, met his stare with calm indifference.
Champa immediately backed down.
He then barked at the group:
"Oi! Hurry up and summon the dragon already! Revive your universe's Supreme Kai!"
Dende hesitated, glancing toward Levos.
Levos gave him a subtle nod.
Reviving Shin, the Supreme Kai of Universe 7, was already part of his plan.
If Shin returned, then Beerus whose life was bound to Shin's should also revive.
Champa clearly knew this too, which was why he was so impatiently pressing the matter.
The only question left was whether Earth's Shenron had the power to resurrect a Supreme Kai.
Back in the Majin Buu saga, Shenron was able to revive all those killed by Babidi's forces. That resurrection even included Kibito, who technically held the status of an apprentice Kai.
By that logic, reviving a Supreme Kai shouldn't be impossible.
If this worked, then not only could they bring Shin and Beerus back, but Levos would also gain a favor owed by Champa. It would be killing two birds with one stone.
As for the two remaining wishes, Levos intended to restore Earth and resurrect humanity.
Dende opened the ornate case containing the Dragon Balls.
With reverence, he gazed upon the seven glowing orbs, their soft orange light radiating hope.
"Come forth, Shenron! Grant my wish!" Dende shouted.
The next moment, the Dragon Balls erupted in dazzling brilliance.
It was as though the very light of the universe had been snuffed out, plunging the surroundings into darkness.
The ground trembled faintly.
Seven beams of light shot upward, crossing and intertwining as they pierced through the heavens.
From within the columns of light came a deep, resonant roar.
An overwhelming pressure descended, weighing on everyone present.
The entire Lookout was bathed in divine radiance.
The beams gradually dispersed, revealing the colossal form of Shenron coiling above the temple.
The dragon's long, serpentine body was covered in gleaming green scales, its visage fierce and imposing.
Its immense presence instilled awe, reverence, and dread all at once.
Lowering its massive head, Shenron's crimson eyes swept across those below with icy detachment.
His voice thundered across the heavens, echoing like a storm, shaking the hearts of all who heard it:
"Speak your wishes! No matter what it may be, I shall grant three!"
The Earth warriors held their breath, gazing upward in tense anticipation.
Dende stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Honored Shenron, please revive the Supreme Kai of Universe 7!"
Shenron's eyes flared red, his booming voice rumbling:
"A simple wish… Very well…"
But then, silence.
The dragon shifted uneasily, his massive coils writhing slightly.
At last, Shenron spoke again, his voice tinged with awkwardness:
"…I am sorry. That wish cannot be granted. The Supreme Kai's station is far too high."
Shock spread through the group. Dende's face paled with disbelief.
"What… how can that be?!"
Shenron sighed heavily.
"My power is insufficient to resurrect one who stands at the pinnacle of the gods."
A cold snort cut through the air.
"Tch! Fake is fake. You're nothing compared to the true Super Dragon Balls' dragon. And here I thought you'd be worth something."
Shenron's eyes snapped toward the speaker.
In an instant, a suffocating silence fell over the Lookout.
Then, Shenron's voice trembled with panic.
"L-Lord Champa?! What are you doing here?"
Before Champa could even respond, Shenron hurriedly groveled:
"My apologies, I did not know you graced us with your presence. Forgive my insolence!"
Champa snorted dismissively, too lazy to argue.
Cold sweat trickled down Shenron's face as he continued:
"It is entirely my failing. Speaking down to you from such heights is an unforgivable insult!"
Champa waved his hand, plopping down cross-legged on the tiles with a sullen huff.
"In that case… please allow me to take my leave…"
What?!
Shenron was trying to flee?
Sensing something amiss, Levos quickly called out:
"Wait, Shenron! You haven't granted our wishes yet!"
The dragon froze, unwillingly forced to remain.
But the mood among the group was grim.
The failure to revive the Supreme Kai had dealt a crushing blow to Levos's plans.
Without Shin's return, Beerus's revival was impossible. That path was closed.
As for the other two wishes restoring Earth and reviving humanity what good would they do if the Dark Trio couldn't be stopped? It would only mean watching the planet die a second time.
"Lord Champa… you truly can't intervene?" Dende asked carefully.
"No!" Champa barked, firm and absolute.
Bulma turned anxiously to Levos.
"Levos, what do we do now?"
As expected, relying on others was useless. Levos could only rely on himself.
"Dr. Hedo," Levos said seriously, "I need your insight into Cell Max's potential for evolution."
Time was short. Shenron couldn't linger forever.
The only path forward was for Levos to grow stronger himself.
If Cell Max could evolve further, perhaps there was still a slim chance for victory.
There were so many questions Levos wanted to ask: about Cell Max's design flaws, why absorbing enemies didn't grant special abilities, and more. But with Shenron present, there was no time for a leisurely discussion.
Hedo had just finished recharging Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. Stroking his chin, he replied:
"I had thought Cell Max was already the pinnacle of perfection. I never expected he could evolve further."
He paused, then added:
"In that case… why don't you try absorbing my Gamma androids?"
Levos's gaze flicked to the two androids, conflicted.
They weren't true lifeforms. Once destroyed, they couldn't be revived.
Gamma 1 seemed to sense his hesitation and stepped forward firmly.
"Levos, we were created for justice to protect humanity. If this helps, do it."
Gamma 2 struck a dramatic pose, his expression fierce with resolve.
"For the sake of world peace, we gladly offer ourselves! Don't hesitate. For a hero, this is the best way to go out!"
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