As time dragged on, Butterfly Kanae's injuries worsened by the second. Blood flowed freely from deep wounds across her arms and shoulders. Her breaths grew shorter and more labored, and the strength in her limbs faded like sunlight at dusk.
She knew the truth—she wouldn't survive this fight.
The realization stung more than the wounds on her body. It wasn't just death she feared, but the fact that she would die without being able to take down this monster. She wasn't strong enough. She had failed.
Kanae dropped to one knee, her Nichirin blade stabbed into the dirt, barely supporting her trembling form. If it weren't for that blade, she would've collapsed completely. Even standing up now felt like trying to move a mountain.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in her ears—a calm, unfamiliar voice.
> "You're in danger. Do you need help?"
Kanae's eyes widened in surprise. Where was that voice coming from? Her heart raced. Was this one of Tong Mo's illusions? Another cruel trick?
> "Don't worry. I'm not your delusion, and this isn't a trick from the demon you're fighting," the voice continued.
> "I'm someone who's seen the danger you're in and wants to help. I can send someone to assist you—someone strong enough to deal with this threat. Do you want my help?"
Kanae hesitated, blinking sweat from her eyes. "Yes," she whispered. "The enemy is the Upper Rank Two of the Twelve Kizuki. His strength is overwhelming."
> "You don't have to worry. The one coming to help will be more than enough to handle him."
Despite the strangeness of the situation, Kanae felt a strange sense of calm. This didn't feel like a trap. It didn't feel like a hallucination, either.
Her intuition told her this wasn't from the demon. And if it was real—if there really was help on the way—then maybe… just maybe, there was hope.
"I don't know who you are," she murmured. "But if you can send help… then please. I accept."
At that moment, a system prompt rang out across the multiversal chat group:
> Ding! Mission Generated: Protect Butterfly Kanae and Eliminate the Upper Rank Two Demon!
---
Jack: "Alright, the mission is live. Get ready, everyone."
Turtle Hermit: "This guy went too far—beating up such a cute young girl like that. I'll take him on! Let this old man handle him!"
Vegeta: "You? Don't get in over your head. Make sure you don't collapse before landing the first punch."
Turtle Hermit: "I might be the weakest in the group, but I've still got a few tricks left. Don't underestimate me!"
Goku: "That's right, Vegeta. Grandpa Turtle Hermit may be old, but he's still strong!"
Beerus: "Enough chatter. Prepare to compete for the mission."
Champa: "You guys talk big, but this time, someone from Universe 6 is grabbing the mission!"
Jack: "Alright then, let's see who's fast enough. Releasing the mission now."
> Ding! Congratulations! The mission has been grabbed by Caulifla from Universe 6!
Krillin: "Caulifla? The female Saiyan from Universe 6? I can't believe someone from your universe actually snatched the mission!"
Champa: "Well done, @Caulifla! At last, someone from Universe 6 has stepped up!"
Champa: "You better finish the job properly and make Universe 6 proud!"
Caulifla: "Of course! The thugs from Universe 7 get five-star ratings, but I'm not going to lose to any of them!"
Beerus: "Didn't expect this… A Universe 6 fighter finally took the lead. Not bad, Champa."
Beerus was surprised for a moment but took it in stride. Though he didn't particularly like the idea of Universe 6 stealing a mission, he knew it was inevitable. There was no way Universe 7 could hoard every mission forever.
After all, despite the rivalry between universes, everyone in the mission group worked toward a common cause. They were all members of the same system, even if their home universes differed.
Champa: "It's a pity I didn't grab the mission myself. Would've loved to teach that demon a lesson."
Beerus: "Don't get greedy. Universe 6 got the win this time—that's a solid start. Be patient. You'll get your turn."
Beerus: "You can't possibly be so unlucky that you never grab any missions."
Champa: "Haha! You're finally saying something nice. I'll take those good wishes and run with them!"
Caulifla: "Alright, enough chatting. I'm going in!"
---
With determination shining in her eyes, Caulifla activated her portal.
She'd watched others take on missions and cross into different worlds before, but this was her first time. Now it was her turn to show her strength.
The portal flared with dark energy, and the entrance to the Demon Slayer world opened.
---
On the battlefield, Tong Mo stared at the broken, bleeding form of Kanae. She could barely lift her head anymore. He approached slowly, ready to "redeem" her in his own twisted way.
But before he could reach her, a swirling black vortex opened beside Kanae, sending chills down his spine.
His eyes narrowed. What now?
Out of the portal stepped a girl—young, confident, full of fire.
Caulifla.
Hands in her pockets, she gave Tong Mo a cold, sideways glance before turning to Kanae.
"Hey, you the employer?" she asked. "Want me to finish off this guy?"
Kanae looked at her in stunned silence.
The girl who appeared didn't look much older than her. Was this the one the mysterious voice had promised?
What kind of power could she possibly have?
"I… I don't think you can," Kanae said weakly, trying not to sound disrespectful. "He's… Upper Rank Two…"
Tong Mo looked at Caulifla and smirked. "Well, well… another young woman. What a delightful day."
He licked his lips, eyes shining with depraved joy. "At first I thought only Kanae here would receive salvation, but now I get to redeem two of you."
Caulifla's expression turned dark.
"So, you're the one who treats women like food?"
She cracked her knuckles and took a step forward, her aura flaring slightly.
"I really hate people like you."
---
Krillin: "@Caulifla—while you're at it, ask him why he thinks women are more nutritious than men! That guy's a total sexist!"
Piccolo: "He's probably just thinking, 'Why make things hard for your own gender?'"
Krillin: "No way! He clearly looks down on men too. It's chilling! When will men finally stand up?!"
---
Back in the field, Tong Mo chuckled. "Oh, don't be angry. It's just biology. Women are simply… tastier."
Caulifla didn't respond with words.
Instead, she launched herself forward, her fist crashing toward his jaw with blinding speed.
Kanae watched with wide eyes as Tong Mo—who had overwhelmed her with ease—was suddenly on the defensive.
This girl... she's faster than sound.
---
Meanwhile, the group chat exploded in cheers.
Turtle Hermit: "She's got fire! I like this girl already!"
Goku: "She's strong! Really strong!"
Beerus: "Let's see what Universe 6's pride can really do."
Jack: "This mission's in good hands. Let's sit back and enjoy the show."
---
Tong Mo tried to deflect the next strike with his fans, but Caulifla's aura flared again as she transformed into Super Saiyan. The ground beneath her cracked from the sheer energy. In that golden glow, she looked less like a teenage girl and more like an avenging goddess.
Redemption? No.
She was here to deliver judgment.
And this time, Tong Mo was the one trembling.
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