The early morning sun had just begun to fill West City, and the aroma of breakfast was already drifting through the dining room of the Briefs' estate.
Whitley was up exceptionally early today, and appearing with him in the dining room was his new wife, Marcarita.
But... his new Angel wife seemed to have already been corrupted by the easy life on Earth.
Marcarita, who was supposed to be the picture of poise and elegance, let out a huge, unladylike yawn. Her beautiful silver twin-tails were still somewhat fluffy and messy.
She rubbed her drowsy eyes and looked at the energetic Whitley, her gaze filled with naked dissatisfaction and resentment.
"What is it... You wore me out so much last night, and now you're dragging me up this early..."
She mumbled, her voice husky with sleep.
"Could it be... that 21 and I didn't satisfy you last night, so you have all this excess energy this morning with nowhere to vent it?"
Whitley looked at this Angel, who had only been on Earth for two days but had already deeply grasped that sleeping in was one of life's great joys. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
He picked up a sandwich and, while eating, said helplessly:
"I mean... you're an Angel, right? A being whose lifespan is calculated in the billions of years. How have you become so lazy in just a few days? Your ability to adapt is a little too strong, isn't it?"
His gaze then fell on a very expensive-looking, latest-model handbag that Marcarita had casually tossed on a chair. He couldn't help but palm his face, unable to bear watching.
"And this... are you learning from Bulma a little too fast?"
It was a strange thing.
Ever since that day Marcarita and Bulma had "confirmed their relationship" with Whitley under Vados's guidance, they had woken up the next afternoon and, somehow, hit it off.
One was a spoiled heiress, the other an arrogant, high-and-mighty Angel.
These two women, who by all rights should have clashed like fire and ice, had managed to build a deep, sisterly bond through a series of "corrupting" activities like shopping, spa days, gourmet food, and "accepting guidance" together.
Bulma had enthusiastically shown Marcarita all the luxuries and pleasures of Earth, and Marcarita had accepted them all with astonishing speed, and was even enjoying herself.
In just two days, she was already acting just like a native-born Earth heiress who knew how to enjoy modern life, to the point where Whitley often had the illusion that she was human.
Marcarita just snorted, seemingly unbothered by Whitley's teasing.
But she still picked up the designer bag Bulma had given her. With a faint glow, her fashionable Earth clothes vanished, replaced by her elegant Angel attire, which perfectly accentuated her fine figure and noble temperament.
"How's this,"
She lifted her chin slightly, giving Whitley a beautiful, slightly smug eye-roll.
"Are you satisfied now? Do I fit your image of an Angel now?"
As she spoke, she stepped forward, giving Whitley no chance to comment further, and grabbed his wrist.
"Enough nonsense. Finished eating? Let's go!"
Whitley nodded, his playful expression turning serious.
He'd been back from the future for two days now. It was indeed time to go to Lord Zeno's Palace and report on the mission's status to the Grand Priest.
And while he was at it... see if he could collect his promised reward—the advanced training methods for Ultra Instinct.
"Alright, let's go," Whitley said.
The words had barely left his mouth when a dazzling light burst from Marcarita, enveloping them both. With a swoosh, their figures vanished from the dining room, instantly blasting past Earth at a terrifying, faster-than-light speed, heading toward the supreme palace that lay beyond the universe.
...
In the solemn, seemingly eternal Palace of Lord Zeno.
The petite Kusu stood nervously in the center of the great hall.
After waiting in Universe 10 for her replacement—a junior who looked very capable and calm—she had, with complex and reluctant feelings, returned from Universe 10 to this palace at the apex of all creation.
The Grand Priest stood on the dais, looking at his simple-minded, and frankly... unpromising, eldest daughter. A rare, imperceptible flicker of annoyance and helplessness crossed his face.
He rubbed his brow and asked:
"Kusu, I have a question I've always been curious about. Back then... how did you pass the Angel certification exam?"
Every Angel dispatched to a universe had to pass an extremely rigorous and comprehensive series of tests to ensure they had sufficient ability, temperament, and wisdom to guide the Gods of Destruction and Supreme Kais in maintaining the universe's balance.
Only after passing and receiving Lord Zeno's final approval could they officially take their post.
But...
Looking at this daughter, who had so thoroughly botched Toppo's training and remained blissfully unaware, the Grand Priest truly couldn't imagine how she had passed Lord Zeno's inspection.
Hearing her father's question, Kusu's little body trembled. She quickly lowered her head, her index fingers fidgeting nervously.
Seeing her father staring at her seriously, she timidly raised her eyes, first peeking at her father's unreadable face, then quickly glancing at Lord Zeno, who was swinging his little legs on his high throne.
Kusu was just about to speak when Lord Zeno himself couldn't sit still.
"Ahem... ahem..."
Lord Zeno's childish voice, laced with obvious guilt, rang out. He scratched his round cheek with a small finger, his little eyes darting left and right, pointedly avoiding the Grand Priest's gaze.
"Um... that... that... Grand Priest... it... it was me... I let Kusu pass..."
"Sigh..."
The Grand Priest let out a deep, powerless sigh.
He had already suspected as much. Who else but his willful and soft-hearted superior could bypass the rules and let a clearly immature Angel like Kusu take such an important post?
"Lord Zeno."
The Grand Priest's tone was still respectful, but it held an edge that would not be trifled with.
"This time, you were indeed a bit... preposterous. Please, tell me the truth. What 'favors' did Kusu give you that made you willing to look the other way?"
Lord Zeno immediately shook his head like a rattle, his eyes glued to the patterns on the ceiling, adopting an "I know nothing, I did nothing" pose, determined to keep quiet.
In the end, it was Kusu who couldn't bear her father's silent pressure and stammered out the truth:
"Um... Father... it... it was like this..."
It turned out that Kusu's exam score back then had indeed not met the standard. She was just short of the passing line.
But Lord Zeno was quite fond of this Angel, who would sneak him little novelties, like candy from a certain planet.
On account of her being the Grand Priest's eldest daughter, and adding in their little "private friendship," Lord Zeno... on the final report card...
...used his supreme power to secretly... add a single stroke to her score, giving her one extra point.
Just one point! No more, no less. It was just enough for the unqualified Kusu... to skim by, just barely crossing the passing line!
"Th-That's... that's what happened, Father."
Kusu's voice got smaller and smaller, her head nearly buried in her chest.
"But, it was all Kusu's fault! Kusu just wasn't good enough! Lord Zeno was only... just..."
"Alright, alright."
The Grand Priest held his forehead, cutting off Kusu's attempt to defend Lord Zeno.
"At this point, saying all this is useless."
Lord Zeno, seeing the Grand Priest's troubled look, hesitated, but then slid down from his tall throne and "patter-patter-pattered" over on his short legs.
He reached out his small hand and gently tugged on the sleeve of the Grand Priest's magnificent robes, whispering in a volume only they could hear:
"Um... Grand Priest, it was my fault, okay... so please don't be mad? I promise I won't do it again!"
His tone was just like a small child who had done something wrong and was afraid of being scolded.
The Grand Priest looked down at Lord Zeno, who was trying so hard to console him. The serious expression on his face finally broke, melting into a gratified smile, mixed with fondness and exasperation.
He gently patted Lord Zeno's little hand.
"I am not angry, Lord Zeno. It's just..."
He was about to say, "Don't let it happen again."
But before he could, he and Lord Zeno both sensed something. They turned their heads in unison, their gazes fixed on the grand entrance of the palace.
"Grand Priest! Grand Priest!"
The guilt on Lord Zeno's face was instantly replaced by excitement. He clapped his small hands happily.
"It's Whitley! Whitley's here!"
The Grand Priest smiled and nodded. He looked back at Kusu, who had quietly let out a breath of relief, and his tone returned to its usual authority:
"Kusu, we will discuss your matter later. You don't need to leave. Marcarita is about to arrive with Whitley to report on their mission. You will remain and observe. See how a truly qualified, outstanding Angel conducts herself in front of her superiors."
Kusu, stunned, immediately straightened up as if she'd been given an important task, and nodded vigorously.
"Y-Yes! Father! Kusu understands! Kusu... Kusu will learn diligently from my sister Marcarita!"
Under Lord Zeno's expectant gaze, and as the Grand Priest was instructing his daughter, in less than ten seconds, two streaks of light crossed space and landed on the mirror-smooth floor of the palace.
The light faded, revealing Whitley and Marcarita.
The moment she arrived, Marcarita saw the Grand Priest and Lord Zeno standing right there. Forgetting everything else, she quickly grabbed Whitley, pulled him forward a step, and bowed elegantly, her voice clear and respectful.
"Marcarita greets Lord Zeno and Lord Grand Priest."
Whitley followed her lead. "Lord Zeno, Lord Grand Priest."
"You've returned."
The Grand Priest's expression was gentle. His gaze swept over them both, finally resting on Whitley.
"The matter, I presume, has been resolved?"
As he spoke, he discreetly shot a look at Kusu, as if to say, 'Watch and learn.'
Marcarita stepped forward first, adopting a standard, professional posture.
"Yes, Father. The rogue trainee Supreme Kai, Zamasu, has been personally eliminated by Lord Whitley. His body, soul, and all lingering will have been completely annihilated. This has been personally verified by me, Marcarita, and confirmed."
A pleased smile touched the Grand Priest's lips. He nodded at Whitley.
"You've worked hard, Whitley. You did this well."
Whitley waved his hand humbly. Marcarita had been a huge help, after all, especially at the end when he'd almost lost control of his own power.
"No, Lord Grand Priest, you flatter me. This was all thanks to Ms. Marcarita's assistance. If not for her at the critical moment..."
Before he could finish, the Grand Priest's gaze suddenly sharpened. His eyes, which seemed to see through all mysteries, bored into Whitley, then shifted to Marcarita, who was trying to look calm but whose ears were faintly red.
A knowing, profound smile slowly spread across his face, and he cut Whitley off:
"You two... your auras seem... more intertwined. It seems... you are together now?"
Whitley's heart thumped!
Crap! I knew it! I couldn't hide it from him! He can even tell that?!
Marcarita's face "swooshed" bright red, her carefully maintained composure shattering instantly.
She shyly lowered her head, her hands unconsciously gripping her staff, her voice an octave lower than when she was reporting:
"Y-Yes, Father. I... and... Whitley-san... we... we are together now."
Hearing Marcarita's personal confession, the Grand Priest could no longer contain his joy. His smile truly bloomed, and his gaze on Whitley softened even more.
It was the look of true family.
Whitley's union with Vados, while decreed by him and Lord Zeno, and holding supreme authority, was, in the end, something of an arrangement—an investment in Whitley's potential.
But this was different!
This was the result of Whitley and Marcarita developing feelings on their own! The significance was completely different!
"Hehehe..."
The Grand Priest couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle, his gaze shifting happily between Marcarita and Whitley.
"Good. Very good."
Kusu, standing in the corner, saw the genuine satisfaction on her father's face. She thought about her sister Vados marrying Whitley, and a lightning bolt of realization flashed through her mind!
'I see! I get it!'
Kusu was enlightened.
'So, to become an outstanding Angel in Father's eyes, the key is... to marry Whitley-san!'
She felt she had grasped the shortcut to becoming an outstanding Angel!
(If anyone else had known her thoughts, they would have said: Child, your comprehension skills are truly... unique!)
At this, the Grand Priest composed himself and turned back to Whitley, getting down to business.
Kusu quickly shook her head, clearing the random thoughts, and listened intently.
"Whitley!"
The Grand Priest's voice held a note of authority.
Whitley immediately straightened his back, at full attention.
"Please, give your orders!"
He couldn't help it! This was his father-in-law twice over! The pressure was immense!
The Grand Priest smiled at his nervous state and waved his hand.
"No need to be so tense, Whitley. I previously promised you that your reward for this mission would be the advanced training for Ultra Instinct, which I will give you. But now, I have another matter for you."
Whitley froze, his mind racing.
"Uh... What is it?"
The Grand Priest spoke slowly, unhurriedly:
"As I mentioned, the God of Destruction of Universe 11, Belmod, has repeatedly expressed his desire to retire. My proposal was for you to take his post. What have you decided?"
Whitley screamed internally.
He truly didn't understand why the Grand Priest was so fixated on him for this God of Destruction job.
His life on Earth in Universe 7 was so comfortable! A warm bed, wives... well, the child was still in the planning stages... but he could fight and eat good food. It was perfect!
Being a God of Destruction? It sounded like a hassle. Destroying planets, maintaining balance... no thanks! He had zero interest.
He mentally scrambled for a way out.
Suddenly, he had an idea: feign a retreat!
He put on a troubled expression and said earnestly:
"Lord Grand Priest, it's not that I don't want to serve the multiverse! It's just... Toppo has been the designated trainee for Universe 11 for so long, and Belmod has trained him. As soon as his god ki improves, he is fully capable and qualified for the post. If I jump in, wouldn't I be stealing his chance? That... doesn't seem right, does it?"
Hearing this, the smile on the Grand Priest's face widened, as if he had been expecting this.
"Oh?"
He looked at Whitley with great interest.
"So you're saying, it is out of 'humility and concern for the bigger picture'—not wanting to steal Toppo's chance—that you are reluctant to take the post. Is that right?"
Seeing that "I-see-through-you" smile, Whitley's heart leaped. An ominous premonition washed over him.
He felt like he was walking right into a trap!
But he'd already said it. He had to steel himself and answer, his voice a little uncertain:
"Uh... Yes... I guess?"
The Grand Priest nodded immediately, so fast it was as if he was afraid Whitley would take it back.
"Good! Well said! I accept your 'request'!"
The Grand Priest's voice was filled with the pleasure of a successful scheme.
He then turned and called to Kusu, who had been trying to make herself invisible in the corner.
"Kusu, come here."
Whitley looked at the petite, slightly dazed Angel, and alarm bells went off in his head. What was the Grand Priest pulling now?
"Kusu,"
The Grand Priest instructed his daughter, who had stepped forward:
"From today, you will follow Whitley. Learn from your two sisters, Vados and Marcarita. See how they... assist Whitley in his work."
"Eh?! Y-Yes! Father!"
Kusu was stunned, but then accepted as if it were a glorious mission, even stealing a curious, expectant glance at Whitley.
Whitley was now completely dumbfounded!
What?! Another one?! Weren't Vados and Marcarita enough?! Is he trying to send the whole Angel family to my house?!
He was about to ask what was going on, but the Grand Priest cut him off, announcing the final, non-negotiable decision:
"Whitley. Based on your 'humility and deference' and your noble character, as well as your outstanding ability in completing your mission, Lord Zeno and I formally appoint you as the official God of Destruction for Universe 11! We hope that you will diligently perform your divine duties, work hard, and actively raise the mortal level of Universe 11, making another outstanding contribution to the balance of all universes!"
Whitley was instantly petrified, his mind blank.
He stared, wide-eyed, at Marcarita, who was standing there with a "don't-look-at-me" (but slightly happy) smile.
He looked at the dazed Angel Kusu, whose face clearly said, "Please take care of me."
He felt like he had fallen into an elaborate, interlocking trap, and for a moment, he forgot how to react.
Finally, as if that weren't enough, the Grand Priest looked at Whitley's "struck-by-lightning" expression and added one more thing, his tone full of a prankster's glee:
"As for Toppo, whom you were so humbly concerned about... you needn't worry at all. Because..."
The Grand Priest's smile was clearly triumphant as he slowly announced:
"Toppo, after his arduous training, is now about to be promoted to the official God of Destruction for Universe 10."
He paused, looking at Whitley's completely broken expression, and asked with a grin:
"So, Whitley? Are you happy with this arrangement?"
Whitley: "..."
Looking at the Grand Priest's "kindly" smile, Whitley had only one thought echoing in his mind:
'The old ginger... is still the spiciest!'