In the middle of the Destroyer's World, a sudden flash of white light appeared.
Beerus and Whis turned their heads at the same time.
When the light faded, Bardock stood there. The Grand Priest's power had sent him straight into the Destroyer's Realm of Universe 7.
Bardock looked around.
"So this is the Destroyer's Realm?"
The sky, the air, the floating islands—it all felt both strange and familiar. He took a deep breath. The pure air filled his lungs, easing the tension in his body.
For the first time in a while, he felt calm.
But Beerus wasn't calm at all. He scowled.
"Tch… just looking at your face, I can tell you've never been anywhere like this."
The God of Destruction was still furious. His realm had been intruded upon, and by Bardock of all people.
Truthfully, Beerus wished Bardock would just go back to Planet Sadala instead of standing here reminding him of his own shame. That fight earlier may have looked like a tie, but deep down Beerus knew—he'd been pushed.
And facing Bardock again now only made it worse.
Bardock smirked.
"What's wrong, Beerus? If you still wanna fight, I don't mind going another round."
Beerus' face darkened, his anger boiling, but he held back. He hated Bardock—hated him with every fiber of his being—but he couldn't deny the truth.
This Saiyan had grown into something beyond what mortals should be. Even without divine training, Bardock had reached a level that rivaled him.
Right now, Beerus was injured, and Bardock wasn't in perfect shape either. Another fight would only be trouble. Even at full power, beating Bardock wouldn't be simple anymore.
Beerus turned away with a growl.
"Hmph!"
Bardock chuckled.
"Heh, Beerus… you remember our little bet, right?"
At those words, Beerus froze. The memory hit him instantly. His face twisted, his fists clenched, and his teeth ground together.
"You bastard… don't think you can take my position! As long as I'm alive, no one will ever replace me as God of Destruction!"
Bardock only laughed. He knew he was getting under Beerus' skin.
Just then, Whis stepped in, smiling as always.
"Now, now, Lord Beerus. The Grand Priest already explained everything to me. Bardock isn't here to take your job. Please don't misunderstand."
Beerus grumbled but backed off.
"Hmph… fine. But I'll be watching."
He stormed off, disappearing deeper into his realm.
Whis turned his staff slightly and looked at Bardock.
"Mr. Bardock, continuing to argue with Lord Beerus isn't wise. Tell me—what is it you really want?"
Bardock crossed his arms.
"I don't care about his title. That bet's as good as forgotten. My real goal is simple—I need to get back to the future. That's all."
Whis nodded slowly.
"Yes… the Grand Priest mentioned that. There is a way. But, Bardock, there are conditions."
Bardock frowned.
"Conditions?"
Whis smiled.
"To return, you must keep surpassing yourself. Until you step into a completely new realm beyond what you've already reached."
Bardock's eyes narrowed. He understood immediately. He'd already broken into the eleventh dimension of power. What Whis was hinting at… was the twelfth.
And Bardock wasn't afraid. If anything, he was excited.
"Good. That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
Whis' eyes gleamed as his staff glowed faintly. Something reacted inside Bardock's storage box. A strange blue crystal floated out, pulsing with light.
Bardock grabbed it.
"This again… the crystal I got after killing that star-beast. Whis, you know what this is?"
Whis studied it carefully.
"Yes. This is no ordinary stone. It's a remnant of the last era—a fragment of law itself. Long before Gods of Destruction existed, the universe was ruled by giant beasts thatdevoured everything. When they died, they left behind these crystals."
Bardock's eyes widened.
"So this thing carries the power of law…"
Whis nodded.
"Correct. With enough of them, you could piece together an incomplete law for yourself. It could raise your strength to a whole new level."
Bardock's blood burned with excitement.
(If I gather more of these… if I master that power… not even Beerus will be able to hold me back!)
Whis smiled knowingly.
"So, Bardock, what will you do?"
Bardock clenched the crystal in his fist, his eyes blazing with determination.
"Simple. I'll hunt down every one of those star beasts in the universe… and claim their power."
Now that Bardock knew the true use of those strange crystals, he couldn't sit still. But rushing out now wasn't smart. He needed time.
He clenched his fist, then looked at Whis.
"Whis… I've got one more request."
Whis tilted his head with his usual smile.
"My father already explained everything to me. As long as it's within my ability, I'll help you."
Bardock took a breath.
"I want to stay here for a while. If I train in the Destroyer's Realm, it'll push me even further."
This place was far beyond the Supreme Kai's world. Just breathing here made him feel stronger. If he could train in this divine realm, the results would be many times greater than anywhere else. And with the lessons from his battle against Beerus still fresh, Bardock knew he had to digest them before they faded.
Whis nodded.
"Of course, Bardock-san. You can stay here without worry. Even if Lord Beerus dislikes it, the Grand Priest himself approved. Your presence is allowed."
Bardock bowed his head slightly.
"Thanks, Whis."
Whis chuckled and tapped his staff. A soft light wrapped around Bardock. His armor mended itself, and his body felt lighter. His deeper wounds, however, remained untouched.
Whis smirked knowingly.
"I'll heal the surface, but the pain inside is useful to your growth. You'll thank me later."
Bardock gave a small grin. Whis' power amazed him every time.
Whis then gestured forward.
"Come. I've prepared a room for you."
Bardock followed. They arrived at a chamber built within the roots of the great sacred tree at the heart of the Destroyer's Realm. It was quiet, timeless—like it hadn't been touched in centuries.
Whis spoke casually.
"Since this realm was created, only Lord Beerus and I have lived here. Bardock-san, you're the first mortal to ever set foot in this place."
Bardock smirked.
"Must get pretty boring with just the two of you."
Whis gave a light laugh.
"True. But with you around, things will be much more… entertaining."
Leaving him with that, Whis excused himself and vanished.
Bardock sat down, closing his eyes. His thoughts reached across space, connecting with Raiga—his son, waiting on Planet Sadala.
Planet Sadala
The universe had calmed after Bardock's clash with Beerus. Worlds shook, but life returned to normal. Most beings sighed with relief, while others—warriors hiding in the shadows—felt their blood boil. The fight had lit a fire in them. They wanted to rise, to break limits, to one day reach such heights themselves.
On Sadala, Saiyans too breathed easier, thankful the chaos had ended. But not all were at peace. A few had been waiting for this moment. With Bardock absent, they saw an opening. The old king was gone. A new age could begin.
At the palace, Raiga, acting king of the Saiyans, stood silently on the balcony, staring at the sky. He knew the truth. Unlike the others, he alone understood the source of this catastrophe: his father's battle with the God of Destruction.
And though Bardock hadn't returned, Raiga's heart held no doubt. His father lived. He was sure of it.
Then, a voice echoed in his mind.
[Raiga.]
His eyes widened.
"Father! Is it really you?!"
He looked around but saw nothing.
Bardock's voice came again.
[Don't bother looking. I'm not on Sadala. Listen carefully. For now, you must continue ruling as king. I'll be gone for some time.]
Raiga straightened, clenching his fists.
"I understand. But… there are those moving in the shadows. I don't know if I can handle them alone."
Bardock's laugh rang in his mind.
[That you've noticed them means you're growing stronger. Don't falter. You are my son. You're the king now. Protect your people—and protect your mother.]
The link faded.
Raiga's eyes hardened.
"Father… I won't let you down. If anyone dares rebel, I'll crush them myself!"
At that moment, Bardock's final gift poured into Raiga's mind—the training methods for Super Saiyan 2, and even hints of Super Saiyan 3.
Raiga's body shook with excitement. His path forward was clear.
Back in the Destroyer's Realm
Bardock opened his eyes, ending the telepathic link. He smiled faintly. His son would manage. Now it was his turn.
A week passed. Bardock's injuries healed, and his power settled at a new height. His base strength soared—his limits pushed further than ever. Yet, his hunger for power only grew.
"If I want to surpass even this… I'll need the power of law."
Whis appeared at his side again.
"So, Bardock-san, have you decided?"
Bardock clenched his fist, his aura flaring.
"Yeah. It's time. I'll hunt down those star-beasts and claim every last one of their crystals. Then I'll reach a new realm."
Whis smiled knowingly.
"Heh… very well. Let's see just how far you can go."