"Buzz."
The Time Machine shuddered violently.
The bands of light outside the window began to contract, the warped colors gradually fading away and giving way to—gray gloom.
"My world!" Trunks said heavily. "We're here!"
The machine passed through the final curtain of light and hovered above a field of ruins.
Son Goku leaped out of the Time Machine, his feet landing on cracked concrete.
He looked around. Everywhere he looked, there were broken walls and collapsed buildings.
The once-prosperous city had become scorched earth, its skyscrapers reduced to twisted steel skeletons.
The streets were covered in craters and scorch marks, while the air reeked of gunpowder mixed with decay.
The sky was gray, its clouds as heavy as lead, without a trace of sunlight.
The surroundings were utterly silent.
An occasional gust of wind swept past, carrying a few tattered newspapers and making them rustle.
"Uncle Goku—"
Trunks spoke again.
"This—is my world."
"The Androids have destroyed the world beyond recognition. Ninety percent of humanity—was killed by them. The survivors—can only hide underground like rats."
As he spoke, his fists clenched until they cracked. His blue eyes brimmed with anger and sorrow that could not be dispelled. "They—they never wanted to conquer the world! They only—wanted to enjoy the thrill of killing!"
Son Goku said nothing.
He stood quietly, sensing the lingering aura within these ruins.
The stench of despair, fear, and death blanketed the entire world.
So this was—the future world—
The hell Trunks had faced alone in the original story—
He took a deep breath, turned to Trunks, and comforted him. "Trunks, there's no need to be angry anymore."
"I'm here."
"Now there's hope."
He reached out and placed a hand on Trunks's shoulder, his tone steady. "As long as you train seriously, you'll definitely be able to