Chapter 32: Lucifer's Divine Resurrections

"Welcome back to the realm of the living, Frieza," Lucifer's lips curled into a subtle smile, his omnipotent aura gracefully cloaked in a veil of silent arrogance.

Frieza stood there, utterly dumbfounded. Resurrection? Who was this enigmatic figure, and how could a mere gesture from his staff bestow such a miracle upon him?

With a casual flick of his staff, Lucifer questioned, "Do you recall your ability to survive in space?"

Perplexed, Frieza stammered, "What do you mean?"

Lucifer's scepter tapped the fabric of reality, causing a violent tremor. Suddenly, a swirling vortex resembling a cosmic black hole materialized in the sky.

"What... what is this phenomenon?" Frieza's eyes widened, a mixture of awe and shock on his face.

Lucifer revealed a faint smile. "This is the gateway to space."

"Can you open a passage from Hell to the living world?" Frieza inquired.

"Train diligently in the living realm. If, in four months' time, you find yourself unable to defeat Son Goku, then return," Lucifer advised, his confidence thinly veiled.

Frieza, his pride unshaken, retorted, "Hmph, defeating that Saiyan is child's play for me."

With a nonchalant attitude, Lucifer delivered a swift kick to Frieza, sending him hurtling out of the vortex with a resounding whoosh.

As Frieza vanished into the distance, the vortex gradually sealed, returning to normal. Cell, observing the scene, couldn't help but marvel at the enigmatic being before him.

Cell was torn between astonishment and hope. Desperate for Lucifer's attention, he coughed loudly in an attempt to draw him nearer.

Lucifer, however, remained indifferent, his focus unyielding. Cell's frustration reached a boiling point.

"Hey, I'm Cell!" he shouted, anxiety evident in his voice. "Did you resurrect me too? Give me a month to train, and I'll surpass Son Goku for sure!"

Lucifer finally glanced at Cell, his demeanor unimpressed. "You? You're a genetic hodgepodge, depleted of potential. Your future is bleak."

Cell protested vigorously, "But I possess Saiyan and Frieza's cells! I can exceed their abilities!"

Lucifer shook his head dismissively, abandoning Cell. With a flicker of flames, he vanished into thin air.

Cell's resentment surged, his frustration palpable. "I'm stronger than Frieza, why won't he believe me?"

"Stop right there!" Cell yelled.

Once more, Lucifer casually gestured, prompting Cell to find himself consuming an unpleasant chunk of frog excrement. Cell's words were silenced by this bizarre experience.

Resentment simmered in Cell's eyes as he watched Lucifer's departure. He was left with unanswered questions, unable to voice his frustration.

The little ghost accompanying Frieza intervened, advising Cell, "You better undergo the trial."

Meanwhile, Son Goku and Piccolo remained locked in their struggle, attempting to bridge the gap between the realms of Hell and Earth. Their efforts, however, proved futile as their energies clashed relentlessly.

"Come on, Dende!" Piccolo's sweat glistened with exhaustion.

Dende nodded obediently. "Yes, Uncle Piccolo."

Amidst their struggle, Goku's stomach growled, reminding him of his appetite. Oblivious to the situation, he commented, "I haven't eaten since I returned from Lord Lucifer's realm."

Piccolo's patience wore thin, and he snapped, "Goku, can you please be quieter? I can't focus like this."

Ignoring Piccolo, Goku's eyes suddenly brightened as he spotted Lucifer approaching in the distance. Excitedly, he called out, "Lucifer! Have you come to Hell too? I need to get back to Earth!"

Lucifer smiled faintly, his staff lightly tapping the void. A vortex materialized with ease.

"Snapped!"

A black vortex appeared above the sky, leaving Piccolo in bewilderment. Had Lucifer effortlessly opened a passage between Hell and Earth?

"Hahaha, as expected of Lord Lucifer, much more reliable than Piccolo!" Goku exclaimed with delight.

Lucifer replied, "I'm here to take you back."

Goku eagerly entered the vortex, disappearing in an instant. Left behind, Piccolo sighed in resignation.

"Piccolo, the former Earth's guardian," Lucifer addressed him.

"Who are you?" Piccolo inquired.

"I can be considered a deity even greater than Supreme Kai," Lucifer responded with a faint smile.

Piccolo's expression shifted as a realization struck him. "Are you the one who defeated Baby?"

Lucifer acknowledged, "You seem well-informed."

Piccolo, overwhelmed by the revelation, bowed in respect. "I didn't expect such a powerful deity to exist in our universe."

Lucifer contemplated for a moment before offering, "I could revive you, if you wish."

Piccolo hesitated, concerned about the impact of his resurrection on Earth. "Wouldn't the return of Black Star Dragon Balls pose a threat?"

Lucifer reassured him, "With me around, Earth will remain safe. So, would you like to be resurrected?"

Piccolo's decision was clear. "If my resurrection won't endanger Earth, then yes, I'd prefer not to linger in this desolate place."

Lucifer's smile deepened. "Very well, I shall grant your wish."