The air warped and crackled wherever the beam passed, scorching everything in its path. Before the soldiers in the military vehicles could react, it slammed into the ground.
Boom! The earth-shaking blast erupted in an instant, flames surging skyward to form a massive mushroom cloud. The powerful shockwave spread wildly in every direction, mercilessly flinging aside and destroying everything around it. The army, which had been standing ready for battle, was swallowed by the terrifying explosion and vanished without a trace. All that remained was scorched earth riddled with craters, as if no living people or disciplined troops had ever been there.
Android 18 looked down at the blackened land, and the murderous glint in her eyes gradually faded. Her tense expression relaxed, and the corners of her mouth lifted into a faintly pleased smile. It was as though the destruction and blackened earth had swept away all the irritation in her heart.
She folded her arms and softly hummed an unfamiliar tune. She lingered there for a while, looking over the devastation, her eyes full of the relief that came after venting her anger. It was as if that rampage of destruction had been the perfect way to ease her mood. She gave no thought to the lives lost or the terrible cost behind it.
A TV station was still broadcasting the news. Smoke filled the ruins of the city, with broken walls and rubble everywhere. The streets lay silent, interrupted only by the occasional sound of a building collapsing. The anchor's voice trembled with grief. "Mou Mou City has been destroyed. This is an unprecedented disaster. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims. We also urge our families in Chunting City to take precautions and head to a safe area as soon as possible..."
The news echoed through an empty apartment. Goku Black lounged on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, one hand resting casually on the armrest while the other kept popping mandarin oranges into his mouth. His cold gaze stayed fixed on the TV screen as he watched the scenes of devastation. Yet the corners of his mouth curled into a mocking smile, as if the destruction and disaster had nothing to do with him—or as if it were merely an amusing farce.
He chewed on the oranges, not caring when the juice splattered. He casually spat the seeds onto the floor and continued to enjoy the chaos and despair of the human world. He looked like a bystander, removed from it all, yet also like the mastermind behind the disaster, savoring the thrill of his own "masterpiece."
The battle between Goku and Android 17 had reached a fever pitch. Goku's energy was clearly growing unsteady, and he swayed slightly, evidently close to exhausting his strength. Beads of sweat covered his forehead and ran down his cheeks. His gaze remained firm, but he could no longer hide his exhaustion.
Android 17 noticed Goku's condition and gave a smug, cold laugh as his attacks grew fiercer. He suddenly leaped high into the air and spun rapidly, his legs whirling like propellers as they swept toward Goku with a rush of wind. Goku summoned all his strength to raise his arms and block, but the force sent him stumbling back several steps, leaving deep cracks in the ground beneath his feet.
"Son Goku, is that all you've got?" Android 17 taunted as he rushed forward again. His fists glowed gold as they rained down on Goku. Goku dodged left and right, barely avoiding several blows, but one heavy punch struck his shoulder, making him grimace in pain.
Goku knew how dire his situation was, but his resolve to protect Earth kept him from giving up. He took a deep breath and tried to gather the energy he had left, preparing for one last counterattack.
Not far away, Piccolo, Gohan, and the others watched the battle anxiously. They wanted to help, but knew this was a fight Goku had to face alone. All they could do was silently cheer him on, hoping he could work a miracle and turn the tide.
On the ground beside Gohan, Bulma anxiously dialed her communicator over and over, muttering, "Vegeta, answer the phone! Come on..." Her fingers trembled with nerves, fine beads of sweat covering her forehead. Anxiety and urgency filled her eyes.
The communicator's beeps sounded in her ear, and every second of waiting felt unbearably long. She kept glancing up at Goku and Android 17 battling in the sky, fully aware of how dire the situation was. Bulma knew how strong Vegeta was. If he could get there, he might be able to change the course of the battle.
The air around her seemed to grow heavy with tension. Gohan stood beside her, his face full of worry and his fists clenched. He feared for his father Goku's safety, but also hoped Bulma could reach Uncle Vegeta soon and bring a glimmer of hope to the battle. Yet Vegeta's voice never came through the communicator. Bulma's heart sank, but she refused to give up and kept dialing frantically...
Bulma Base
Gravity Training Room~
The spacious, brightly lit Gravity Training Room was illuminated by powerful lights, as bright as day. Vegeta was fully absorbed in his grueling training, every inch of him radiating determination.
He moved with agility, his fists and feet cutting through the air. Each attack was precise and powerful, and surges of energy rippled through the room, as if his strength itself were tearing the air apart. Beads of sweat rolled from his forehead, down his cheeks and neck, soaking his clothes, but he showed no sign of stopping.
The communicator on a nearby table flashed brightly, emitting a series of urgent beeps that broke the silence of the training room. But Vegeta was so immersed in his training that he paid no attention to the disturbance. His eyes blazed as he fixed them on the training target ahead, his mind focused on a single goal: to keep breaking through his limits, surpass himself, and grow stronger.
Far away in the sky, the battle between Goku and Android 17 had reached a fever pitch, and the situation was perilous. On the ground, Bulma repeatedly tried to reach Vegeta, desperate to bring him in to help with the battle for survival. But Vegeta remained immersed in his own world of training, completely unaware of the crisis threatening Earth's survival as he continued to push toward the peak of his strength.
After an unknown amount of time, the intense training finally left Vegeta a little tired. He slowly stopped and steadied his somewhat ragged breathing. A moment later, he walked with measured steps over to the table where the communicator sat.
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