The Effects of Transformation

Reke floated in the air, looking utterly exhausted. He withdrew the aura he had sensed across a radius of ten thousand li.

A wry smile crossed his face. "That really is terrifying! Everything within a thousand li has been wiped out. I let my guard down—didn't dodge in time."

The lingering stench of blood in the air kept assaulting Reke's sense of smell and nerves.

"As expected, I can't afford to take chances. The idea that transmigrators can stay rational is a load of crap. Should I...?" As he spoke, Reke slowly turned his gaze to the tail behind him, his expression hesitant.

Yes, unlike other Saiyans, Reke didn't wrap his tail around his waist. Like Kakarot, he let it sway in the breeze.

Over the past five years, he had overcome the tail's weakness. Now, it could even serve as a weapon.

He truly couldn't bear to give it up. Super Saiyan 4 held a place in his heart equal to Super Saiyan.

Though he didn't know whether this world had anything like an ape-like Super Saiyan transformation, he was willing to give it a try.

Unfortunately, his Low-Class Warrior bloodline had a profound influence on him.

The fact that he lost consciousness when he transformed into a Giant Ape had deeply shaken him. He didn't know whether he should keep trying.

In the end, he still couldn't bring himself to attack his tail.

But he had already made up his mind.

Until he learned how to retain his consciousness, he would never show himself on a full-moon night again.

"Maybe I should just go destroy the moon?" Before long, another strange idea popped into Reke's head.

He figured that instead of avoiding the full moon himself, it would be simpler to make the moon disappear and eliminate the problem for good.

In the end, he shook his head and dismissed the idea. He wasn't the sort to throw his weight around, and he wouldn't destroy something just to make things easier for himself.

Reke felt sleepiness creeping over him. He found a huge crater, lay down, and didn't worry about wild beasts coming near.

He knew that after last night's slaughter, no living creature would dare approach within a thousand li for the next few days. Animals had much stronger instincts than intelligent beings.

While Reke slept soundly, the consequences of his actions continued to unfold.

Ten thousand li away, an adventure team had spent a night full of fear and unease. Now its members gathered again, their eyes bloodshot.

The group sat in a circle, staring at the meat roasting over the fire. Not one of them felt like eating.

A heavy, oppressive atmosphere hung in the air.

At last, the leader broke the eerie silence.

"Let's hear what everyone thinks. Should we still head into the Wild Grasslands?"

Fifth was the first to respond, forcing down his trembling. "Boss, I suggest we turn back immediately and report the situation to the government. This isn't just a matter for the few of us. It's a question of whether our entire planet lives or dies."

Fifth's words seemed to open the floodgates.

"Fifth, aren't you exaggerating a little?"

"Fifth Brother, be honest. Are you pulling our leg?"

"Boss, I think Fifth is right. This isn't the time for an adventure. We have to report what happened."

"Fifth Brother, you're such a coward."

"Fifth, how are your injuries from yesterday?"

"I don't mind either way. It's up to you."

The group grew noisy. Some mocked Fifth, some worried about his condition, and others agreed with him.

The leader watched them, then pressed both hands down. "All right. We'll split into two groups."

"Let me start with my own decision. I'm heading toward the source of yesterday's roar. Anyone who wants to come with me can stay."

"The rest can return with Fifth and report what happened."

As soon as he finished speaking, no one made a choice. They all lowered their heads and stared at the ground, as if something there had caught their attention.

Seeing that this wouldn't do, the leader relaxed his furrowed brow. His voice no longer carried the weight it had before. Keeping his tone light, he said, "Don't feel pressured. Whichever group you choose, you'll still be members of the Budaso Adventure Team."

"And the people returning have an even heavier responsibility. You must make sure the message gets through."

"Tell the government to bring a much larger Energy Detector, and to prepare for the possibility that the planet could be destroyed."

Fifth was the first to speak up again. He stood, his voice no longer trembling, and answered with determination, "Boss, don't worry. I'll make sure the message gets back."

With that, he didn't wait for the others to decide. He turned and went back to his tent to pack.

"Boss, I'll go with you," Eighth Sister said.

She was filled with curiosity about the roar from the day before.

"Then I'll go with Fifth. I wish you all a safe journey, and hope you make it back in one piece." Worried about Fifth's condition, Sixth declared his choice and offered the leader's group his best wishes.

The others began making their decisions too. Those who chose to stay put remained where they were, while those returning went to pack their things.

The six who remained decided to press on.

They were the leader, Fourth, Seventh, Eighth, Thirteenth, and Fourteen.

They all looked to the leader, waiting for his orders.

"Little brothers and sisters, I don't know if this is the right decision."

"But I can't live with not knowing. I'd rather die with the truth clear to me. I have to find out what could put our planet at risk of destruction."

"There's a hundred percent chance of dying on the road ahead. All I can promise is that if anyone has to die, I'll be the first."

"Until I'm dead, I won't let any of you get hurt."

"Let's go pack our things too!"

The leader spoke with a grave expression. Determination was all that remained in his eyes.

The group split into two, each wishing the other well before turning to leave.

The two groups gradually went their separate ways, each with a different purpose.

Reke slept through the day and night. The next morning, he stretched comfortably.

His waist tightened, and his body straightened in an instant.

He rubbed his empty stomach, rose slowly into the air, glanced around, and flew toward the water.

He didn't know that a group of intelligent beings was heading his way.

If he had known, he would have been so happy he'd have leaped into the sky.

He flew along at an easy pace, looking at the destruction caused by his transformation into a Giant Ape. The more he saw, the more alarmed he became.

It had been indiscriminate destruction. Even the grass had been torn up, again and again.

He couldn't understand why Saiyans became so destructive when they transformed into Giant Apes. And how could he still lose consciousness with a battle power of a hundred thousand?

"Whoosh!"

Reke picked up speed and flew two thousand li in a flash. Only then did he spot a few scattered living creatures.

Without hesitation, Reke plunged toward the beasts.