Chapter 5: Elite 5
"No, it's Sarada," Aria says with a knowing smile. "But I can see why you'd think so. It's quite the sight."
Kade's gaze shifts to Aria, his curiosity piqued. "Why did I get so strong, so fast?"
Aria stops, her eyes twinkling. "Because, my dear Kade, you're not just any god. You're a God of Destruction. Your role in the cosmic balance is pivotal, so your power grows at a rate unmatched by most deities."
Kade looks at her, his mind racing with questions. "But why me?"
Aria's expression turns thoughtful. "You see, Kade, in your previous life, you were born into a very special lineage. A bloodline of elite beings with power so vast, it was feared and envied across the cosmos. But as fate would have it, your lineage was eradicated, leaving you as the last vestige of their might. When the previous god of destruction perished, the universe sensed the potential within you and chose you to take up the mantle."
Kade nods, his eyes wide with wonder. "So, I'm like... the chosen one?"
Aria chuckles, her eyes never leaving the stunning landscape. "In a way, yes. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. You still have a lot to learn."
With a wave of her hand, she conjures an illusion around herself, morphing into a Saiyan warrior with a set of unassuming armor. Her white hair now a deep shade of auburn, she looks every bit the part of a seasoned fighter from a distant land.
"The Saiyans here are a different breed, Kade," Aria says, her voice now carrying the weight of a seasoned warrior. "They live by a code of constant improvement. To face them is to invite a challenge that could push your limits beyond anything you've ever experienced."
Kade's heart races at the thought. He's always dreamed of battling powerful foes, but this was real—no anime plot armor to save him. He scans the horizon, his gaze lingering on the distant figures of Saiyans training in the fields below. "Could I really beat one of them?"
Aria nods solemnly. "This isn't like your universe, Kade. Here, Saiyans are revered for their might. Many have reached Super Saiyan 2 and even 3."
Kade's confidence wavers, his heart racing. "But what if I can't keep up?"
Aria laughs, a sound like tinkling bells. "That's the beauty of it, Kade. You're not just any Saiyan. You're a god. And not just any god—you're the God of Destruction. Your power is unlimited, as long as you control it."
Her words hang in the air, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of distant battles and the promise of future conquests. Kade's heart swells with determination. He's been training these past three years for a challenge like this, mastering techniques that no mortal could dream of. He's studied under the tutelage of gods and angels alike, his power growing with every passing moment.
"You're right," Kade says, his eyes alight with excitement. "But I've learned so much. I can feel it, Aria. I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Aria, her angelic form now replaced by a sleek blue and white Saiyan outfit, arches a perfectly shaped brow. "Alright, then. Let's not keep these Saiyans waiting."
They teleport to a nearby field where five figures stand out against the backdrop of crystalline mountains and golden-dust trees. The air is charged with raw power, their laughter and shouts echoing through the valley as they share tales of valor and feasts on a spread of exotic alien foods.
The Elite Five, as Aria calls them, are a sight to behold. Their primal armor, a stark contrast to the sleek outfits of Universe 7's Saiyans, is a testament to Sarada's unique blend of ancient heritage and advanced combat technology. Ragna, their leader, is a towering figure with a fierce look in his eyes and a crimson fur cape billowing in the wind. Kael's dark bronze armor with swirling patterns speaks of his tactical prowess, while Boru's heavy beast-hide-reinforced gear hints at his love for up-close brawls. Lira, with her lightweight fur-lined armor, is a blur of speed and precision, and Seren, the calm guardian, exudes wisdom with her dark green plating adorned with feathers.
Their conversation halts as the two newcomers materialize, and Kade's heart thunders in his chest. He's studied these beings for years, but facing them in person is a different story. Boru, the bruisher, is the first to speak, his voice like the rumble of a volcano. "Who dares interrupt the Elite Five?"
Kade steps forward, his own aura pulsing with a mix of excitement and nerves. "I've come to test my strength," he declares, his voice steady.
Ragna's gaze narrows, assessing this unfamiliar Saiyan. "And why should we indulge you?"
Aria floats closer, her own energy mingling with Kade's. "This is Kade," she introduces, "the God of Destruction of Universe 14. He's looking for worthy adversaries to challenge his limits."
The Saiyans exchange glances, intrigue flickering across their faces. They hadn't expected to cross paths with a god today, especially one dressed so... un-godly.
"So, what do you say?" Kade asks, his hands on his hips. "Want to show me what Sarada's got?"
Lira, the fierce warrior, smirks at him, her purple hair fluttering in the breeze. "You're pretty full of yourself for a god. Maybe we'll teach you some humility," she says, cracking her knuckles.
The other four nod in agreement, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The banter between them is a dance of words and smirks, a prelude to the battle symphony about to unfold. Kade feels a thrill, a rush of adrenaline that's been missing from his divine life.
"Let's get started," Ragna says, his scar a stark reminder of his own battles.