Chapter 130: The Rules or TOP
The vast, shimmering halls of Zeno's palace echoed with laughter and conversation as Bell, Zeno, and the Grand Priest sat around a glowing, circular table. The topic of discussion was as monumental as it was complex: the rules of the Tournament of Power.
Zeno leaned forward, his wide eyes sparkling with excitement. "Bell, what should we make the rules? I want it to be super fun, but also super fair!"
Bell chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "Fun and fair, huh? That's a tall order, Zeno-sama, but I think we can manage. Let's start with the basics: no killing. A tournament is about proving skill, not wiping out competitors."
The Grand Priest nodded approvingly. "A wise suggestion. We want this to be a test of martial ability, not a battle to the death. I'll ensure that any techniques that could result in a kill are monitored closely."
Zeno clapped his hands. "Yes, no killing! But what about weapons? They're cool!"
Bell smirked. "Weapons are tricky. If we allow them, they need to be integrated into a fighter's skill set, not something that gives an unfair advantage. What do you think, Grand Priest?"
The Grand Priest stroked his chin. "Perhaps we can allow weapons that are part of a warrior's techniques or culture, provided they aren't inherently dangerous by themselves. For example, Master Roshi's containment bottle should be acceptable."
Zeno grinned. "Oh, that technique is so cool! Let's allow it!"
Bell leaned back, his arms crossed. "Next up: fusions. They're powerful but come with risks. What if we allow them but make it so if the fused warrior gets knocked out, both fusees are eliminated?"
The Grand Priest raised an eyebrow. "An intriguing balance. It makes fusion a strategic gamble. Agreed."
Zeno looked thoughtful. "What if someone's attack bounces back and they get eliminated? Or they self-destruct?"
Bell nodded. "Good point. If someone's technique has a flaw or is redirected, that's on them. Same with self-destruction—it's their choice. No penalties for those kinds of eliminations."
The Grand Priest added, "And unconscious fighters? Shall we make it so they remain in play until they're thrown out of bounds?"
"Perfect," Bell agreed. "The fight should focus on skill and strategy, not just brute force."
Zeno's eyes lit up. "The arena should be huge! And fighters can't fly unless they're born with wings."
Bell laughed. "That's a great idea, Zeno-sama. Grounding the fighters will make it more interesting. And how about adding natural gravity fields? Each fighter will experience the gravity of their homeworld. That way, everyone fights at their best."
"Brilliant," the Grand Priest said, conjuring a visual representation of the arena in the air. "A circular stage in the World of Void. No edges, just a drop into infinite nothingness."
"And a time limit," Bell added. "100 takks—48 minutes—should be enough. Fighters need to act quickly but not recklessly."
The Grand Priest nodded, waving a hand to finalize the design. "A single match with all 80 fighters at once. Universes will compete until one has the most survivors or is the last standing."
"What about penalties?" Zeno asked, tilting his head.
Bell frowned. "If someone tries to cheat, like attacking from outside the ring, they should face immediate erasure. This is a battle of honor."
Zeno clapped his hands gleefully. "Yes! If anyone cheats, they're gone. And if a universe cheats twice, we erase the whole universe!"
The Grand Priest bowed. "A harsh but fair deterrent, Zeno-sama. And the prize?"
Zeno's expression turned serious. "The winner gets a limitless wish from the Super Dragon Balls. But if they're selfish…" His voice trailed off, and both Zenos spoke in unison. "We'll erase everything!"
With the rules finalized, the Grand Priest turned to Bell. "These are well-thought-out, Bell. I'll announce them to the destroyers immediately."
Bell stood, stretching. "Good. Let them know the stakes. I'll get the fighters ready on my end."
The Grand Priest vanished, and moments later, his voice echoed across the multiverse, delivering the rules and summoning each universe's strongest warriors to the World of Void.
On Beerus' world, Goku was deep in thought as Beerus loomed over him. "Goku, we need ten fighters. Think carefully. The fate of the universe depends on it."
Goku nodded, his eyes lighting up. "I've got it. Bell, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Android 17, Android 18, Krillin, Master Roshi, Tien Shinhan, and me. They've all been training hard."
Beerus grumbled. "Fine. Just make sure they're ready."
Meanwhile, Bell prepared to leave Zeno's palace with the Omni-King, the Grand Priest, and the guards. He couldn't help but smile. "Fighters from all across the multiverse. This is going to be fun."
As they arrived at the World of Void, the colossal arena stretched endlessly before them, its stark emptiness a fitting backdrop for the impending battle. Bell felt his energy surge with excitement.
The Tournament of Power was about to begin.
Bell stood with the Omni-King and the Grand Priest on the edge of the massive arena in the World of Void. The platform stretched infinitely in all directions, a marvel of otherworldly craftsmanship. Its simplicity was deceptive—this battlefield was built to handle powers that could shatter galaxies.
Across the platform, teams from the twelve universes assembled, each a collection of their strongest warriors. Bell scanned the crowd, his emerald eyes locking on Universe 7 as they arrived. Goku waved enthusiastically, his orange gi a beacon among the group.
Bell flashed into their midst, his energy radiating in calm waves. "Good to see you all. Ready for this?"
The team gathered closer, forming a loose circle. Goku grinned. "Bell! You've been hanging out with Zeno, huh? We've been training like crazy to keep up with you."
Vegeta folded his arms, smirking. "Not that Kakarot's training ever puts him ahead of me."
Gohan, standing between Piccolo and Krillin, chuckled. "We've all pushed ourselves. I even unlocked a new form—something I'm calling 'Beast.'"
Bell raised an eyebrow. "Beast? Sounds impressive. How does it work?"
Gohan's aura flickered faintly, a deep, primal energy seeping out. "It's similar to Mystic, but it taps into my inner rage and potential. I've learned to channel it without losing control. The multiplier is staggering—4,000 times my base power."
Bell's curiosity was piqued. "And you achieved this even after Mystic? That's impressive, Gohan. I might need to give this form a shot myself, even if I've got stronger transformations."
Piccolo interjected, his tone serious. "We've all pushed our limits, Bell. This tournament isn't just about strength—it's survival. We can't afford to be careless."
Bell nodded. "Agreed. But remember, this isn't just a fight for survival. It's a chance to show what Universe 7 is capable of."
The group turned their attention to the colossal arena. Fighters from every corner of the multiverse gathered on the floating platform, their energies forming a kaleidoscope of power and intensity.
Android 17 glanced around, his expression unreadable. "This place... it's different. The gravity adapts to each fighter's homeworld. No advantages."
Master Roshi adjusted his sunglasses. "I like it. Reminds me of the old martial arts tournaments, but on a whole new level."
Tien nodded. "No flight, no shortcuts. This is going to be a true test of skill."
Bell took a deep breath, his senses attuned to the subtle shifts in energy. "This arena is perfect. No distractions, just pure combat."
The Grand Priest floated above the center of the arena, his presence commanding. His voice resonated across the platform, addressing all participants.
"Warriors of the multiverse, hear me! The Tournament of Power shall now begin. The rules are as follows:"
No Killing: Techniques designed to kill are strictly forbidden. Violators will face immediate erasure by Zeno-sama.
No Dangerous Items: Weapons and healing items are prohibited, though techniques like Master Roshi's Evil Containment Wave are permitted if deemed non-lethal.
Fusions Allowed: Fusion items and techniques are permitted, but if the fused warrior is eliminated, both fusees are also disqualified.
Eliminations: Fighters are eliminated when thrown out of bounds. Unconscious or incapacitated fighters remain in play until removed.
Flight Restrictions: Fighters may not use flight unless they possess natural wings or abilities.
Time Limit: The match will last for 100 takks (48 minutes). At the end of this time, the universe with the most survivors will be declared the winner.
Erasure Penalties: Any fighter attempting to attack from outside the ring will be erased. Repeated violations by a universe will result in the erasure of that universe.
"The prize for the winning universe," the Grand Priest concluded, "is a limitless wish from the Super Dragon Balls. But be warned: a selfish wish will incur Zeno-sama's wrath."
The warriors stood in stunned silence as the gravity of the situation sank in. The stakes were clear.
The Grand Priest raised his hand, signaling the Zeno Guards. The towering figures stepped forward and struck a massive gong, its sound reverberating across the World of Void.
"Let the Tournament of Power begin!" the Grand Priest declared.
The platform erupted into chaos as warriors lunged at one another. Blasts of energy lit up the void, and the air buzzed with the clash of fists and techniques.
Bell turned to Gohan as the battles commenced. "Let's see that Beast form in action. Stay sharp—this is just the beginning."
Gohan smirked, his aura flaring. "You got it, Bell."
Bell moved to the edge of the skirmishes, observing the battlefield with a calm intensity. His presence alone sent ripples of unease through the opposing universes. As fighters tested their strength and strategies, Bell mentally prepared himself. He could feel it—a storm was brewing, and Universe 7 would need every ounce of power to weather it.
The Tournament of Power had begun, and the fight for survival was underway.