The ceremonial hall fell silent as King Cold placed his massive hand on Toji's shoulder.
The green-skinned rebel leader lay unconscious at their feet, her scarred face twisted in pain even in her unconscious state.
"My esteemed court," Cold announced, his voice effortlessly filling the vast space, "witness the triumph of Lord Toji Fushiguro, who has not only retrieved the Terror World intact but has captured the entire rebel leadership without a single casualty."
(The King having sensed from even here the Ki of the rebels since Toji left, knowing he killed none.)
Murmurs of astonishment rippled through the assembled dignitaries. Grand Marshal Talon's scales shifted to a brilliant gold color, signifying deep admiration.
"A bloodless victory?" Lady Crystallis whispered, her crystalline form reconfiguring with excitement. "The statistical probability of such an outcome was merely 0.0073%! I must recalculate all my diplomatic projections immediately!"
"Efficiency rating: exceptional," Arch-Scientist Neuron declared, his brain pulsing in the green fluid of his dome. "Capture-to-destruction ratio optimal. Data suggests strategic brilliance."
King Cold raised his hand, silencing the growing chatter. "The Terror World, once the greatest technological achievement of our empire before its theft, has been returned to us. This represents not merely a military victory but a strategic masterpiece."
He turned to Toji, whose masked face revealed nothing of his thoughts, the mechanical breathing providing a steady rhythm to the emperor's words.
"What say you, Lord Toji? You have earned the right to address the court."
The mechanical breathing continued for two cycles before Toji spoke, his modulated voice resonating throughout the hall.
"Your Majesty," he began, "I would formally request jurisdiction over both the rebels and the Terror World."
The request hung in the air, unexpected and bold. Several courtiers gasped at the audacity, while others leaned forward in anticipation.
King Cold's expression revealed nothing as he studied Toji thoughtfully. After what seemed like an eternity, a smile slowly spread across his face.
"Interesting," Cold remarked, genuinely intrigued. "Most would request wealth, territory, or power. Yet you ask for responsibility over those who would destroy us and a weapon of immense destructive potential. Your reasons?"
"Every tool has its proper use, Your Majesty," Toji replied. "The rebels possess knowledge and skills that could benefit the empire if properly directed. The Terror World represents not just destruction, but potential."
Vegeta, standing with the other companions, narrowed his eyes. "What is he doing?" he whispered to Nappa- the older Saiyan more experienced in the affairs of the Empire.
"No idea," the massive Saiyan replied, "but he's got some plan brewing."
"I think it's brilliant," Bulma whispered back. "He's establishing himself as a power player while also gaining control of valuable assets."
"Or he just wants a really big toy," Goku suggested with a grin, earning a sharp elbow from Vegeta.
King Cold circled Toji slowly, considering the request. The court held its collective breath, aware they were witnessing a pivotal moment in imperial history.
"Very well," Cold finally announced. "The rebels and the Terror World shall fall under your jurisdiction, Lord Toji. I am curious to see what you make of them."
With a gesture, Cold summoned a servant who approached bearing a small obsidian box. The emperor opened it, revealing a medallion of dark crystal inlaid with what appeared to be fragments of stars.
"Kneel," Cold commanded.
Toji complied, dropping to one knee before the emperor. The mechanical breathing continued uninterrupted as Cold lifted the medallion.
"By the authority vested in me as Ruler of the Cold Dynasty, Sovereign of seventy percent of the known universe, I hereby name you Lord Duskborn, third mightiest power of the Empire, ruler of one-fifth of its territories."
He placed the medallion around Toji's neck, the crystal seeming to pulse with red light as it settled against his chest.
"Rise, Lord Duskborn."
Toji stood, towering in his black armor beside the even taller King Cold. The emperor gestured toward the distant Terror World, visible through the shattered skylight.
"The Terror World shall be made operational under your command, to do with as you see fit within the parameters of imperial law. Its weapons, its resources, its potential – all yours to direct."
Lord Aurum stepped forward, his golden body flowing like liquid metal as he moved. "My Lord Duskborn! Please accept these tokens of your new status!" He thrust forward several cases containing what appeared to be ceremonial weapons, armor, and various treasures.
"These represent only 0.0001% of the resources now under your jurisdiction! I've already established development funds for a thousand worlds in your territory!"
"The Terror World's systems are at 73.4% operational capacity," Arch-Scientist Neuron interjected, hovering closer. "Restoration timeline: approximately 72 hours. Request permission to examine your cellular structure while systems restore."
"I've prepared forty-seven different diplomatic strategies for your new position," Lady Crystallis chimed in, her crystalline form shifting nervously. "Though I fear twelve of them may already be obsolete given the unprecedented nature of your appointment and the statistical anomalies you represent!"
As the court officials crowded around, Toji raised one hand, silencing them instantly. He began reaching up and release the clasps of his helmet.
A collective gasp rose as he removed the mask, revealing his face to the entire Imperial Court for the first time. His dark eyes swept over the assembled dignitaries, his expression calm but intense.
"I thank you for this honor... father," Toji said, addressing King Cold directly, mirroring Cold's earlier use of "son."
Cold's eyes widened slightly at the address, a genuine smile spreading across his face. The emperor had hoped Toji would understand the message behind calling him "son" earlier – a public display to show the court how much he valued his son-in-law.
This acknowledgment confirmed Toji's political acumen.
"The ceremony is concluded," Cold announced, suddenly seeming bored with the proceedings. "Lord Duskborn has had a trying day and surely requires rest."
The court members recognized the dismissal for what it was – Cold himself had grown tired of the formalities – and began to disperse, though many lingered, hoping to make connections with the newly appointed Lord Duskborn.
Toji replaced his helmet, the mechanical breathing resuming as the mask sealed. He turned toward where Freeza stood, still holding Megumi in her arms.
The infant had remained surprisingly quiet throughout the ceremony, occasionally reaching for the shining objects that caught his attention.
Without a word, Toji extended his hand toward Freeza, silently requesting their son. The empress hesitated, her violet eyes meeting the expressionless mask.
After their conversation in the garden, something had changed between them, but her pride still warred with her emerging feelings.
Finally, she complied, carefully transferring Megumi to Toji's waiting arms. The baby made happy gurgling sounds as he recognized his father, tiny hands reaching up toward the familiar mask and the mechanical breathing that had become a comfort to him.
Toji nodded once to Freeza, then turned and strode from the ceremonial hall, his cape billowing behind him as he carried his son toward his quarters.
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An hour later, Toji sat on his throne in the Lord's Chamber of his palace quarters, Megumi sleeping peacefully in a floating ki bubble beside him.
Before him, seated at the large table, Vegeta, Nappa, Goku, and Bulma were finishing their explanation of what King Cold had revealed during his absence.
"...and that's basically it," Bulma concluded. "Three interconnected legends that became confused over time: the Super Saiyan, the Legendary Super Saiyan, and the Saiyan God."
"I still can't believe it," Nappa grumbled, his massive arms crossed over his chest. "A faction of Saiyans that weren't conquerors? That goes against everything I was taught."
"It makes some sense though," Goku said thoughtfully. "I mean, I was raised on Earth and turned out different from most Saiyans."
"You're an exception because you hit your head as an infant, Kakarot," Vegeta snapped. "Not because of some ancient peaceful Saiyan faction."
"Actually," Bulma interjected, "cultural influences can significantly affect development regardless of genetic predisposition. It's entirely possible that-"
"The anomalies," Toji interrupted, his modulated voice cutting through their discussion. "Tell me more about what Cold said regarding anomalies."
Vegeta straightened in his chair. "He called them 'Mistakes of the Gods' or 'Flaws of the World.' Beings born with extraordinary power that defies normal limitations."
"He specifically mentioned Freeza as one," Goku added. "Born with a power level of 120 million when most of her kind start much lower."
"And you," Bulma said, looking at Toji. "He called you 'the Flaw of Duskborn, the humans who were created at the later ends of Creation by the gods.'"
"That explains the title," Toji murmured, more to himself than the others.
"What title?" Nappa asked.
"Lord Duskborn. Did you not listen when I was bestowed it?" Toji replied. "I wondered why Cold chose that specific designation."
Internally, Toji's mind was racing.
The information aligned with much of what he knew from his previous life but with interesting differences.
Yamoshi, the first Super Saiyan God from Dragon Ball Super, was here simply called "Saiyan God," while the fight with the Legendary Super Saiyan was something completely new.
'More importantly... Beerus exists.'
If Beerus existed, then likely so did Whis, the Supreme Kais, the Grand Priest, and ultimately, Zeno himself. Which meant the mortal level system was also real – and Universe 7's danger of erasure.
Combined with what Bulma had told him during their week long trip to here, about the Dragon Balls generating negative energy with positive wishes, Toji was beginning to understand the picture.
This world seemed to combine at least some bits of GT, Super, and the movies – including the potential threat of Shadow Dragons if the Dragon Balls were overused.
"Toji?" Bulma's voice broke through his thoughts. "Are you okay? You've been silent for almost a minute."
Inside his helmet, Toji's expression had darkened considerably. He rose abruptly from his throne, startling everyone.
"I need to speak with King Cold," he announced, moving toward the exit.
"Now?" Vegeta questioned, rising from his seat. "We just came from a ceremony with him. What's so urgent?"
Toji reached the massive doors, placing his hand against them. "Something that can't wait," he replied simply, pushing them open and striding through.
The others exchanged confused glances before hurrying after him, Megumi's ki bubble floating alongside as Toji maintained his telekinetic control even while walking.
-------------------------
"Lord Duskborn requests an audience with His Majesty," Toji stated to the guards outside the Sovereign Chamber.
The guards exchanged glances before one nodded and disappeared inside.
Moments later, he returned and bowed deeply.
"His Majesty will see you now," the guard announced, stepping aside.
Toji entered with the four following, finding himself in a surprisingly more personal setting compared to the ceremony place from earleir.
It seems the Three Great Chambers were more for comfort than intimidation- something he didn't appreciate the first time he met King Cold here.
King Cold and Freeza sat at a large table laden with various dishes that Toji immediately recognized as Earth cuisine – sushi, steak, pasta, and various desserts.
"Lord Duskborn," Cold greeted, seeming genuinely pleased. "What a fortuitous coincidence. We were just sampling cuisine from your homeworld. Fascinating flavors – particularly this 'wasabi' substance."
Freeza appeared less enthusiastic about the interruption, poking at a piece of sushi with evident suspicion.
"Please, join us," Cold invited, gesturing to the empty chairs. "Your companions as well. There's more than enough for everyone."
Toji stood there for a moment, before he removed his helmet and took the seat opposite Cold, at the end of the table, with Freeza seated beside her father.
Goku immediately brightened at the sight of food and took a seat, while Vegeta hesitated before reluctantly sitting down as well.
Bulma and Nappa followed suit, creating a bizarre dinner party.
"I'll be direct, Your Majesty," Toji began, placing his helmet on the table. "I believe you prefer that approach."
Cold made an approving gesture with his wine glass. "Indeed. Directness is refreshing in a court full of sycophants and strategic half-truths."
"I've been informed of what you shared regarding anomalies, legends, and the Saiyan history," Toji continued. "It's made me consider something I learned from the Namekians that may be of interest to you."
'This may backfire eventually, but I'll need him on my side or at least to not stand in my way with what I'm planning to do with my part of the Empire. My plans will not only effect my parts but his 50% and Freeza's 30% also. I'm not... sure I can beat him if we were to fight.'
'Freeza when we lived on that planet together once told me her father was born with equal power to her, but the others just said that he dwarfed Goku in power.'
'That means he trained. And with how intelligent and wise he appears to be, and not arrogant unlike his children...
'I can't even imagine how powerful he is right now.
'I need him to agree. And I need it soon.'
"Oh?" Cold's interest was clearly piqued. "And what might that be?"
Nappa leaned toward Vegeta, whispering, "What's he doing? He never mentioned anything about Namekians to us."
"Shut up and listen," Vegeta hissed back.
Toji folded his hands on the table. "The Namekians possess ancient knowledge about their Dragon Balls – specifically, about the energy balance they maintain."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "When a wish is made using the Dragon Balls – particularly a positive wish that creates or restores life – negative energy is generated within the balls themselves."
"Fascinating," Cold murmured, setting down his fork to give Toji his full attention.
"Over time, this negative energy disperses naturally," Toji continued. "But if too many positive wishes are made in succession without allowing this dispersal, the negative energy builds up."
"And what happens then?" Freeza asked, speaking for the first time since they'd entered.
"The Namekians believe that eventually, this imbalance would cause the Dragon to become corrupted," Toji explained carefully. "It would break free from its creator's control and seek to 'balance' the universe through destruction."
"A self-correcting mechanism," Cold observed thoughtfully. "Nature abhors imbalance."
"Exactly," Toji agreed. "Which led me to... theorize about universal energy balance on a larger scale. As well as the... 'gods.'"
Goku, who had been happily devouring a plate of food, paused mid-bite. "What's that mean?"
"It means," Bulma explained, suddenly understanding where Toji was going, "that the universe itself... might have mechanisms to maintain balance between creation and destruction."
"Precisely," Toji nodded. "If the Dragon Balls generate negative energy to balance positive wishes, perhaps the universe itself operates on similar principles."
Cold's eyes narrowed with interest. "And how does this relate to the gods you mentioned?"
"Since earlier when my advisor explained to me about Lord Beerus the Destroyer, and your own mentions of the gods creating all, I've been wondering... about their purpose," Toji replied carefully.
"For example. Why do the gods create? Why is one confirmed to have the desgination to destroy, implying his inability to create? What if... What if they're not acting out of benevolence or malice, but... necessity?"
"You suggest they serve a function rather than acting on whim?" Cold asked.
"Any being that isn't all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect in every measure acts out of self-interest," Toji stated. "What we perceive as generosity is often investment – in future aid, strength, knowledge, or survival."
"A cynical but accurate assessment," Cold remarked, seeming pleased with Toji's perspective.
"These gods I theorise live within our universe," Toji continued. "Lord Beerus, as you mentioned, has physically appeared in this universe, having met King Vegeta. What if they need to maintain this balance for their own survival? Creation and destruction in proper measure to sustain the universe they inhabit?"
Freeza's tail twitched with irritation. "This is all very philosophical, but what's your point?"
"My point," Toji replied, looking directly at her, "is that I'm explaining my theory because I wish to improve the prosperity of my part of the Empire – to increase the positive energy in the universe to counteract the negative energy previously generated by you all and maintain this balance."
A heavy silence fell over the table. Cold set down his wine glass and rose from his seat, moving to stand before the massive window that overlooked the capital planet.
"An interesting theory," he finally said, his back still turned to the table. "Allow me to share my own philosophy with you, Lord Duskborn."
Cold's massive frame was silhouetted against the starscape as he began to speak, his voice taking on a professorial quality.
"I believe in 'Knowledge Above All.' After my... encounter with Lord Beerus, I came to understand that truth is the strongest force in the universe – it prevails whether one wishes it to or not. Regardless of how much one prides themselves in their own or their kind's strength and looks down on others."
He turned slightly, his profile visible in the starlight. "I provide equal opportunity without equal assistance. Those who rise do so through their own merit; those who fall simply lacked the necessary qualities."
"So you just let people figure it out on their own?" Goku asked, confused. "But what if they don't know where to start?"
"Precisely, Kakarot," Vegeta muttered. "That's the point."
Cold continued as if uninterrupted. "I create a system where advancement is possible but entirely self-directed. I provide no roadmap, believing that worthy civilizations will find their own path to greatness."
"But that means many worlds never discover how to improve," Bulma interjected, unable to contain herself.
"Indeed," Cold acknowledged without concern. "In my empire, information is the most valuable resource. I collect ancient texts, scientific discoveries, philosophical treatises from across the universe."
"And you hoard them," Toji reasoned based on his earlier words and what he's gotten to know of the King's personality.
"I make them available to those who ask the right questions, to those who actively seek strength and knowledge and have the courage to demand it of my Empire," Cold corrected. "It is not my responsibility to teach every being in the universe which questions to ask."
"That's messed up," Nappa grumbled, then immediately looked alarmed at his own boldness.
To everyone's surprise, Cold merely chuckled. "Perhaps from your perspective, warrior. I respect talent and potential where I see it, regardless of species or origin. Hierarchies are natural and inevitable."
He returned to his seat, fixing Toji with an intense gaze. "I value brutal honesty over gentle guidance. Hiding uncomfortable truths for the sake of feelings is a disservice to all involved."
"And my theory?" Toji prompted.
"Concerning, but without evidence," Cold replied dismissively. "Not sufficient to change my approach to ruling."
Toji leaned forward, his expression serious. "With respect, Your Majesty, I believe there's a fundamental contradiction in your philosophy."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Even Freeza looked surprised at Toji's boldness.
"While you personally believe in unlimited potential through knowledge and training – as evidenced by your own journey from a birth power of a hundred and twenty million that your daughter once told me - your current strength – your empire's structure communicates the opposite message," Toji continued, undaunted.
"By failing to actively encourage growth, you've created a universe that reinforces limitations rather than transcending them."
Cold's expression remained neutral, but his tail twitched slightly – a tell that Toji's words had struck home.
"You believe you're giving the universe the greatest gift – the opportunity to rise through its own merit," Toji pressed on. "Yet in practice, your hands-off approach has created a cosmos where potential remains largely unrealized."
"If one holds the hand of worlds," Cold responded coolly, "once they let go, those worlds will fall and be unable to get up by themselves. That is not the empire I desire."
"I'm not trying to dictate how things should be run," Toji clarified. "My theory may be true, or it may not. But does it not deserve at least to be taken into consideration, given the danger it poses?"
His voice took on a more urgent tone. "If Lord Beerus truly cares about balance, and if we're disturbing it, won't he eventually come after the Empire? Perhaps that's why he targeted the Saiyans – the most destructive race in your domain."
"He might have been trying to balance the energies without destroying the entire Empire, since such a rapid removal would cause even more chaos and imbalance."
At this, Cold's hands imperceptibly clenched for a brief moment before relaxing again.
"I will... consider your perspective," he finally said, his voice carefully measured. "And I will provide you with an answer at a later date."
Toji recognized the dismissal and stood, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your time, Your Majesty."
As the group prepared to leave, Goku turned back with his characteristic innocence. "The food was great! Can we do this again sometime?"
Freeza's expression of utter disbelief at the Saiyan's casualness was almost comical.
"Perhaps," Cold replied, seeming genuinely amused by Goku's directness. "Though next time, I suggest we avoid such weighty topics during the meal."
Toji nodded in agreement, retrieving his helmet but not putting it on. With Megumi's ki bubble floating beside him, he led his companions from the Sovereign Chamber, leaving Cold and Freeza to contemplate his words.
As they walked through the ornate corridors back toward their quarters, Bulma hurried to catch up with Toji.
"That was incredible," she whispered. "I wouldn't have dared to challenge him like that, so directly."
"It wasn't a challenge," Toji replied quietly. "Just an observation."
"A dangerous observation," Vegeta added, falling into step beside them. "Cold doesn't strike me as someone who appreciates having his contradictions pointed out."
"He values truth," Toji reminded them. "Even uncomfortable truths."
"Yeah, but there's a difference between valuing truth and liking it when it's about you," Nappa rumbled.
Goku, walking backward in front of the group, grinned. "I think it went great! And that food was amazing. Do you think they'll have more tomorrow?"
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Is food all you think about, Kakarot?"
"No! I think about fighting too," Goku protested, though Toji himself had the suspicioun that Goku understood far more than he let on. Simply acting this way to lighten the mood, which he appreciated.
"Speaking of which, when are we going to train in that gravity chamber again? I feel like I'm getting rusty!"
As they continued their banter, Toji glanced down at Megumi, who was watching him.
For a moment, the weight of his responsibilities felt... overwhelming.
He himself didn't fear death, not in his first life, and most definitely not in this one after transmigrating. Erasure by Zeno was something he did fear to a great extent, but he at least reasoned that even if he was erased, at least it wasn't suffering, just, no longer being.
He didn't want it, he wanted to live more, to enjoy more of all the pleasures in the world...
But if it happened, then well, it happened. He tried his best.
But that was before. That had now all changed.
For he now had a son- one so young, innocent, and with so much potential.
He didn't want his son to not have the chance to live his own life to the fullest.
He has to prevent the erasure of universe 7.
He has to.
There is nothing more important than that.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Do tell me how you found the chapter, Toji's title, and the conversation with Cold.
Before I forget, what do you think of Cold's philosophy? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)