Chapter 17: Heavenly Star Palace
Years passed, and Celesterra continued to grow into an unshakable powerhouse, a beacon of progress and power in the cardinal world. Its influence spread across nations, and no kingdom could rival its might, wealth, or innovation. It was a utopia for its people and a land of awe and fear for those who looked upon it from the outside.
As Beerus watched his vision take form, he decided it was time to extend his influence beyond the mortal world. His next objective: the Heavenly Palace, the divine domain that once served as the seat of Veldanava's authority. To Beerus, it wasn't just a symbol of supreme power but also a place he felt destined to claim—a second home befitting his divine nature.
However, in the celestial realm, Feldway, Veldanava's most loyal servant, struggled with the thought of Beerus's ascension. Even after witnessing the Voice of the World announcement that proclaimed Beerus as Veldanava's successor, Feldway could not accept him. His loyalty to Veldanava was absolute, and the idea of someone stepping into his lord's place was unthinkable.
Beerus, fully aware of Feldway's defiance, chose not to act hastily. Instead, he enjoyed the calm before the storm, preparing for the inevitable confrontation with the angels of the Heavenly Palace.
One day, Beerus called upon Velzar, his closest and most loyal companion. He told her of his plans to take over the Heavenly Palace and asked her to accompany him. She agreed without hesitation, her excitement evident in her expression. This was more than just a mission for her—it was a return to a place filled with cherished memories.
In an instant, Beerus and Velzar teleported directly into the throne room of the Heavenly Palace. The room was a marvel of divine craftsmanship: golden walls adorned with celestial symbols, a shining floor that reflected the light of the heavens, and an atmosphere so pure it felt like breathing in divinity itself. The weather was perpetually perfect, as though the heavens themselves refused to allow imperfection.
Velzar's eyes glistened as she took in the familiar sight. She turned to Beerus and began recounting memories of her time in the palace with her brother Veldanava and her sister Velgrynd. Her voice carried both warmth and nostalgia as she shared stories of the laughter, the challenges, and the unity they once shared. Beerus listened silently, a soft smile on his face as he nodded to her words.
Meanwhile, the immense surge of divine energy radiating from Beerus's presence did not go unnoticed. In the palace, Feldway, along with Cornu, Zalario, and Garasha, felt the overwhelming power and rushed toward the throne room. They knew something was amiss, and their instincts were proven correct when they arrived.
There, on the throne once occupied by Veldanava, sat Beerus, his divine aura filling the room. His presence exuded authority, and the air around him felt heavy with power. Beside him stood Velzar, her confidence unwavering as she watched the angels enter.
Feldway's eyes widened in disbelief, his emotions boiling over into rage. "How dare you defile this sacred place!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "This throne belongs to Lord Veldanava and no one else! You have no right to be here!"
Turning to his subordinates, Feldway commanded, "Attack him! Remove this usurper from the throne!"
The angels hesitated. Beerus's presence was unlike anything they had ever encountered—it was suffocating, overwhelming, and undeniably divine. Yet, Feldway's authority as their leader pushed them forward. They charged at Beerus, their weapons and powers aimed to strike him down.
But before any of their attacks could land, everything stopped. In an instant, their movements ceased, their bodies frozen in place as though trapped in an invisible vice. Their eyes darted around in confusion and fear, but they were powerless to move or even speak.
Beerus, still seated on the throne, raised a single finger, his voice calm yet commanding. "You dare raise your hands against me? I am not here to harm you, but your insolence demands correction."
The angels felt the weight of his power crush down upon them, and even Feldway, for all his pride and defiance, could do nothing but watch as Beerus's authority made it clear—this was no mere intruder. This was the new ruler of the Heavenly Palace.
Beerus sat on the throne, his gaze cold and unyielding as he watched Feldway and the other angels frozen in place. His divine aura filled the room, making even the air heavy and suffocating. For a moment, he simply observed, his expression unreadable, allowing the silence to hang like a blade over their heads. Then, without a word or gesture, the angels collapsed to the floor, their consciousness fading.
While the outside world remained blissfully unaware, within the Heavenly Palace, Feldway, Cornu, Zalario, and Garasha were plunged into an abyss of unimaginable torment. It was a void unlike anything they had ever encountered—an endless, darkexpanse filled with nothing but despair. Echoes of agonized screams surrounded them, though they could not determine whether the cries were their own or from some unseen source.
In this void, time seemed irrelevant. Their senses were assaulted by a pain so profound it felt as though their very souls were being ripped apart. They experienced a cycle of death and resurrection, their bodies torn asunder and reassembled over and over again, each time with an intensity greater than the last. Their skills, their powers—everything they relied on as angels—were completely locked away. They tried to cry out, to plead for mercy, but no soundescaped their lips.
To Feldway and the others, it felt like an eternity of suffering, a descent into a nightmare from which there was no escape. But in the real world, only ten seconds had passed.
With a mere thought, Beerus released them from their torment. The angels awoke on the floor of the throne room, gasping for air, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. They clutched their chests, their faces pale with fear, as they struggled to process what had just happened. Their pride, their resolve—all of it had been shattered in those brief yet endless moments of despair.
Beerus leaned forward on the throne, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Let this be a lesson," he said, his golden eyes glowing with divine power. "You will not defy me again. Your loyalty to Veldanava is admirable, but he chose me as his successor. If you truly serve him, you will serve me as well."
The angels, still shaken, could do nothing but bow their heads. They had witnessed a power far beyond anything they could comprehend, and for the first time in their existence, they felt true fear. Beerus stood from the throne, his divine aura shimmering with an undeniable presence of authority. With measured steps, he approached Feldway, who remained on his knees, trembling from the memory of his recent torment. Without a word, Beerus placed his hand on Feldway's head, and in an instant, a flood of memories surged into Feldway's mind.
Images, voices, and sensations overwhelmed him—a vision of Veldanava standing before Beerus, radiant and majestic. Feldway saw his master bestowing the keys to the universe upon Beerus, entrusting him with his divine legacy. Veldanava's voice echoed with conviction and warmth, naming Beerus his chosen successor and charging him with the care of the worlds he had created.
The sheer weight of the truth brought Feldway to tears. His loyalty to Veldanava had been absolute, and now, faced with undeniable proof that his master had chosen Beerus as his heir, his resolvecrumbled. A tear streaked down Feldway's cheek, followed by another, as he lowered his head in submission.
"Master Veldanava… I understand now," Feldway murmured, his voice trembling. "Forgive my arrogance."
He bowed deeply, his forehead touching the polished floor of the throne room. One by one, the other angels followed his lead, their resistance replaced with reverence. Cornu, Zalario, and Garasha knelt in unison, their wings folding behind them in a gesture of humility.Beerus regarded them with a calm expression, his golden eyes radiating power and understanding. "You have served Veldanava well," he said, his voice firm yet not unkind. "Now, you will serve me in his stead. Together, we will honor his legacy and guide this world to a future worthy of his vision."
The room was silent, save for the sound of the angels' unified acknowledgment. At that moment, the Heavenly Palace truly became his second domain, and its former guardians pledged their unwavering loyalty to the God of Destruction.At that moment, the Voice of the World echoed across the Cardinal World, resonating with divine authority:
"Welcome to the Heavenly Palace, Beerus, God of Destruction. The Heavens have recognized Beerus as the rightful successor of Veldanava."
The announcement reverberated through every corner of the world. In bustling cities, quiet villages, and even in the farthest reaches of uninhabited lands, everyone heard the declaration.Those unaware of Beerus's rise were puzzled, asking each other what this could mean, while those who remembered the previous proclamation years ago understood immediately. This was a monumental moment.
On the Ice Continent, Guy Crimson stood on the balcony of his grand castle, sipping a glass of rich crimson wine. As the words echoed in the air around him, he smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, well," he murmured, swirling his wine. "Things are about to get entertaining. Let's see where this leads."In the Eastern Empire, Rudra sat upon his throne, Velgryn by his side. Both turned their attention to the Voice of the World. Rudra's expression was one of surprise but also understanding. He leaned back thoughtfully, murmuring, "So the successor has fully claimed his place. The balance of power shifts again."
Velgryn, his fiery sister, crossed her arms, a spark of curiosity in her golden eyes. "Veldanava's successor, huh? I wonder if he truly lives up to my brother's legacy."
Meanwhile, within Rudra's soul, the Archangel Michael—the Ultimate Skill that had governed him for so long—felt something unfamiliar. A tremor ran through its essence."What… is this feeling?" Michael's voice echoed in Rudra's mind. "This… fear? Why am I feeling this? Who is this being that even I cannot comprehend?"
Elsewhere in the world, in countries where churches and temples dominated the culture, priests and worshippers alike fell to their knees. Realizing the significance of the announcement, they began praying fervently. Some even broke into hymns, singing praises to Beerus, the God of Destruction, who had now been recognized by the heavens themselves.Back in Celesterra, the reaction was entirely different. The citizens erupted in celebration, already aware of their lord's greatness. They cheered, danced, and sang in the streets, reveling in the divine acknowledgment of their leader.
The generals and subordinates of Beerus, stationed throughout the country, wore proud expressions, their faith in their master now confirmed on a cosmic level. Beerus had not only earned their loyalty but also the recognition of the heavens.In the Heavenly Palace, Beerus sat back on the throne, his gaze steady and unyielding as he absorbed the significance of the announcement. Velzar stood by his side, smiling softly as she felt her master's power resonate even stronger than before.
This was no longer just the rise of Celesterra. This was the dawn of a new era, with Beerus firmly at the helm—a God of Destruction recognized by all realms and destined to shape the world in ways no one could yet foresee.