A Fellow Captive

Groups of clones lined up in neat square formations, like a well-trained army. Their marching feet kept a rhythm that shook the corridor, making it seem as if it would collapse at any moment.

Their solemn, cold expressions were like frost, their azure eyes calm and lifeless, yet they exuded an aura of despair that enveloped the entire space.

Amidst the desolate white light, vast and ethereal hymns seemed to resound, accompanied by the clanging of metal, sending shivers down one's spine.

Bundless had unleashed its true capabilities, using Raditz and others to forge a more powerful army. The Battle Power of every clone here exceeded one hundred thousand, and their regenerative abilities were extremely potent. Raditz now believed he couldn't defeat them.

Defeating one might be possible, but dealing with such a massive army was out of the question. Their backing was the entire planet; he couldn't possibly go against the entire planet! To defeat Bundless, the only method was to directly destroy the chip. Tumartians had managed it many years ago, which meant there had to be a way to stop it.

First, he had to see the chip…

"Damn it!" Goku braced himself, gritting his teeth tightly.

Raditz took a deep breath and walked forward. "Bundless, it's impossible for you to stop me from leaving. I can tear this place apart anytime you want. Try me if you don't believe me!" As he spoke, he raised one hand, gathering an energy ball.

"My calculations indicate that you will reduce your resistance for the sake of your comrade's life. Therefore, please abandon your resistance, or I will kill this person and the other test subjects."

It could even threaten them?! Raditz had thought that seeking advantage and avoiding harm was its instinct. He believed that mentioning the destruction of its core would force it to comply, but instead, it had turned the tables on him.

Goku froze for a moment, exchanging a look with Raditz, and finally relaxed his fists.

Facing the swarms of clones, Raditz and Goku surrendered meekly. Piccolo didn't resist either; going head-to-head with them would be hopeless, so he had no choice but to surrender. Nappa struggled briefly before being easily captured, while Tien Shinhan and the others were rounded up in one go.

The group was escorted into another sealed room for prisoners. Their energy was completely drained, and they were then shackled with electronic restraints before being placed in individual compartments. Raditz and the other test subjects in separate compartments received different treatment, housed in a large cage with iron walls on three sides and a transparent one on the fourth.

Everyone felt their spirits plummet as they were captured again along with Raditz. They had hoped for a hero to break free from their confinement, only to find that their fate was still to be controlled. However, they felt immensely guilty for having implicated Raditz and the others.

The Tumartian sighed endlessly, the light in its eyes dimming once more, like a dying candle.

But then, a child among the Tumartians' eyes lit up. Pointing at Raditz, she exclaimed, "Look, that uncle is smiling."

Even though they were separated by thick metal walls, they could still hear the child's voice. They looked over and indeed saw Raditz smiling.

He can still smile now?

"Is... is he okay?"

"Maybe his head got hit too hard."

"But he looks so comfortable..."

Of course, he was comfortable. Raditz was leaning against the side of the cage, enjoying the hospitality of the orange-haired girl.

When he had rescued her, Raditz had casually unlocked her electronic restraints. This time, the machine mistakenly identified her as part of Raditz's group and locked her up with them.

This was exactly what the girl wanted. From the beginning, she had said she wanted to thank Raditz for saving her life, and now the opportunity had presented itself. Leaning against the wall, the girl said she would help Raditz relax and began to massage his thigh, much to Raditz's surprise. He wondered if people in the universe were so open these days. Even if she wanted to thank him, did she have to do something so intimate in public…

While his mind was racing, the girl's fair fingers began to knead his thigh. Her technique was skillful, her slightly cool fingertips pressing and massaging his tired leg, bringing him a sense of relaxation.

Huh? It's a massage.

Raditz's excited emotions temporarily calmed down a bit as he enjoyed it.

Those in the same cage as him didn't receive such treatment. Tien Shinhan thought of Chiaotzu, then Launch, and his face turned slightly red. As for Piccolo and Goku, they didn't care at all, and Vegeta was utterly dismissive.

Beyond them, people from other planets had vastly different reactions. Seeing Raditz enjoy himself so much, they sat on the ground, gazing enviously, propping their heads up with one hand.

We're all prisoners, why is the treatment so different?!

We want a big room too! We want a beautiful woman! We want a massage!

Raditz saw their expressions and struck a smug, relaxed pose, making them even more jealous.

"Yes, yes, right there. It hurt a lot when I fell earlier."

"Here? I'll be gentle." The girl carefully massaged Raditz's waist.

"Mmm… not bad, not bad. Press my shoulders later. Don't get too tired. We'll continue tomorrow," Raditz said casually, while the girl, delighted, worked even harder.

Some people heard this and couldn't help but laugh and cry, thinking, Tomorrow? Does he plan to stay here long-term?

Raditz had just said it casually. In fact, the moment the door opened, his eyes changed. The playful, smiling expression vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp glint in his eyes. "They're here again."

Passing through the door was a squad of blue, primitive-form robots, with a clone at the very end. They marched past many cages and finally stopped in front of Raditz.

"Test Subject Zero proceeding to unknown area! Test Subject Zero proceeding to unknown area!"

"Zero?" Everyone could hear the message, but they had never heard of Test Subject Zero before. It wasn't until the mechanical soldiers took Raditz out of the cage that everyone realized Raditz had been designated as Zero!

Each person's electronic restraints had a number as an identifier, and on Raditz's ankle, the electronic screen within the black buckle flashed the bright yellow number zero.

"Bundless, do you want to see me?"

"Yes."

The clone spoke on behalf of Bundless, placing a hand on Raditz's shoulder and escorting him out. The moment the door opened, Raditz was startled. Besides the one clone who entered, dozens more were waiting outside.

Bundless knew well that Raditz's strength was not to be underestimated, and the blue machines alone were no match for him. Sending out so many clones to prevent his escape showed great foresight.

However, Raditz had no intention of escaping. Instead, he wanted to meet Bundless and crack it!

If Bundless hadn't sought him out, he would have caused a commotion and gone to confront it directly.