Merus knew Ken probably wouldn't cause trouble, but Broly was another story. That legendary Super Saiyan could stir up who knows what chaos.
At least for now, Broly had returned to his base form, nodding obediently.
Merus said nothing further. He tapped a few controls on the ship and explained, "We'll leave the ship floating in this space, and then we'll enter the Underworld."
"Sounds good." Ken nodded.
Broly nodded as well.
"We can depart now," Merus called.
"Hold on." Ken suddenly spoke.
Merus: "???"
He turned to Ken, confused about what he was up to.
"I'm going to purify," Ken said.
Merus blinked in surprise.
Ken said no more. A dazzling light, like starlight itself, erupted from his body.
Merus stiffened, his eyes widening as he stared.
Ken's angel power flared out, though still impure—yet wrapped in brilliant light.
Then the unthinkable happened.
The radiance flickered—and in that instant, the brightness intensified by a full degree.
Merus' eyes filled with disbelief.
What was that? Was this purification of angel power? But hadn't Ken said once his angel power purity hit nine, it would be nearly impossible to advance further?
"All right. Success." Ken smiled broadly.
Merus: "..."
"How did you do that?" Merus asked.
"How else? That book Whis gave me finally paid off. The insights inside helped me reach a deeper understanding. As a result, my angel power purity advanced to the next level." Ken grinned. "I'm now at purity level ten."
"You—you said after nine it would be nearly impossible to advance!" Merus exclaimed.
"Exactly. I hit nine and stayed there for ten days with no progress. I was getting anxious." Ken shook his head.
"Ten… days?" Merus wiped his brow. "Shouldn't you mean ten months?"
Ten days?! And here I was, running myself ragged helping him!
Merus felt pierced right through the heart.
"You've already reached purity level ten. Do you even need me to guide you anymore?" he asked.
"Of course! Like they say, you never stop learning. And I'm only five years old—the perfect age for study."
As Ken's aura faded, he reflected on his efforts these past days.
Unlike Broly, who grew stronger just by eating, he had to train hard to keep from being surpassed. Otherwise, how humiliating would it be for his own would-be God of Destruction to overtake him?
Through that effort, he had just advanced to purity level ten.
Merus was left speechless.
Broly, meanwhile, kept nodding along like he understood everything.
"…Fine. Let's head for the Underworld. And… congratulations, I suppose. Your angel power has finally been purified." Merus sighed.
"Wait again." Ken cut in.
Merus: "???"
What now?
"I'll try transforming." Ken's eyes sharpened.
"Transforming?" Merus blinked.
"Yes. I've had a theory. Time to test it." Ken's expression turned solemn.
By his calculations, once his angel power purity reached ten, he should be able to transform into a Super Saiyan God.
It was all theoretical—until now.
"Silence. Don't speak. I need absolute focus," Ken instructed.
Broly nodded eagerly, anticipation in his eyes.
"Shouldn't you step outside first?" Merus suggested. "If the reaction is too strong, the ship could be destroyed."
"No problem. Angel power is gentle. As long as I don't convert it into raw force, the ship will be fine." Ken waved him off.
Merus: "..."
Are you teaching me how angel power works? Which of us is the angel here? Why do I feel like you're more of an apprentice than I am?
"This… but still—" Merus started.
"Shut up! Ken says quiet." Broly pointed at him and made a ripping gesture with his hands, threateningly.
Merus sighed heavily. Even the legendary Super Saiyan was bullying him now.
Well, at least he had patience.
"Crack!"
Ken's body blazed with angelic radiance.
Merus leaned in, curious to see if this so-called transformation was possible. Angels had no such ability, after all.
Let's see what you can do.
Seconds passed.
"Fwoosh!"
Ken let his energy fade, exhaling deeply.
"Transformation failed."
Merus and Broly both collapsed backward.
"As I thought. Theory and practice are worlds apart. A beautiful idea, but harsh reality." Ken sighed.
"There's never been any record of angels transforming," Merus consoled.
"But I'm not an angel. I'm a Saiyan," Ken corrected.
Merus fell silent again.
Now he says he's a Saiyan? What am I supposed to do with him?
"Let's go. To the Underworld." Ken said at last, flying into his robot.
"To go to the Underworld, you don't need to control that thing, do you?" Merus asked.
Happy weekend!
(End of Chapter)
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/BellAshelia]
[Thanks for your support!]