The Brave Tapion Appears; Hoi Slips Away

After a brief complaint, everyone turned their lights back on and returned to their work.

The reason they remained completely unperturbed by this abnormal scene was due to Bulma's foresight.

In the past, she had seen many times that whenever the Dragon Balls were summoned, the sky would turn pitch black—so dark you couldn't see your own hand—regardless of whether it was day or night.

Furthermore, Shenron's massive body was prone to attracting the attention of other Earthlings.

Therefore, she had devised a plan: she publicly claimed that she was conducting a groundbreaking, era-defining experiment, and that the darkness was a normal side effect. She told the public there was no need to panic if they saw it.

That was why the ordinary people now acted like simpletons, believing this explanation and thinking that Capsule Corp was truly conducting some heaven-defying experiment.

However, sometimes ignorance was a blessing for them.

If the truth about the Dragon Balls—which could grant any wish—were to spread, the Earth would have descended into an era of chaotic warfare long ago, without even needing an external enemy to invade. There would be no such thing as the peaceful, prosperous scene they enjoyed today.

Returning to Bulma's Super Villa.

Once Shenron emerged, it struck a pose in the air for two seconds before delivering its classic entrance line.

"Lucky ones who have gathered the seven Dragon Balls, state your wish."

"I can grant any wish you desire, but you may only make three!"

Hearing this, Trunks and Son Goten below were not afraid at all; instead, their faces were filled with excitement.

"Shenron, please help us open this box and rescue the hero Tapion!" Trunks pointed at the silver box in Son Goten's hands and shouted.

Son Goten cooperated by holding the box up: "That's right, Shenron, it's the box in my hands. Please help us open it!"

Upon hearing this, the Earth Shenron glanced at the box, already confident, but still followed procedure and asked, "Are you sure you wish to make this request?"

The two little ones nodded their heads frantically.

"Yes, yes, that's the wish!"

"That's right, please help us open it!"

After confirming the wish was correct, the Earth Shenron spoke in a calm and majestic tone: "This wish is simple; it shall be granted at once."

As soon as the words fell, a flash of red light flickered within its scarlet eyes.

The next second.

The silver box in Son Goten's hands was suddenly enveloped in a mysterious halo of light and began to float slowly into mid-air.

"Click!"

With a crisp, short sound, the box slowly creaked open.

However.

The moment the box opened, a plume of thick smoke billowed out from within.

For a moment, everyone grew vigilant, their eyes fixed intently on the smoke that had appeared and refused to dissipate.

Furthermore.

At the exact same time the box opened, Tarble noticed with surprise that the old man had vanished in an instant.

His attention had never been on the smoke.

From start to finish, his perception and gaze had never left the sorcerer Hoi.

Seeing that old man suddenly disappear, Tarble couldn't help but frown slightly.

How could this be?

He vanished in an instant without a sound!

But I have already memorized your energy signature; you won't be able to escape!

Thinking of this, Tarble immediately pushed his sensory abilities to the limit.

In just a split second, he caught the scent of the sorcerer Hoi and let out a cold sneer: "Found you!"

The next moment.

With a "whoosh," he vanished as well.

At this time, Vegeta, Son Goku, and Licks also noticed the anomaly.

Almost simultaneously, they turned their heads to look at the spot where Tarble and the sorcerer Hoi had been standing.

The moment they saw no one there, they immediately realized that the old man was definitely suspicious.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for an ordinary person to disappear silently right under their noses.

In an instant, Vegeta and Licks flashed to Son Goku's side.

"Kakarot, do you know when Tarble and that old geezer left?" Vegeta asked with a hint of irritation.

He believed that the old man's sudden departure was definitely because Son Goku had revealed his strength just now.

Hearing this, Son Goku spread his hands, his expression a mix of confusion and innocence: "I don't know either. I only turned around to look after I noticed Tarble's energy signature had vanished."

"I didn't expect that old man to be gone, too."

"That old man must have seen your strength and slipped away!" Vegeta accused him bluntly. "Hmph, that old geezer was definitely hiding something from us. To be able to escape without a sound, he is certainly no ordinary person!"

Son Goku seemed to agree that he was the one who had scared the man off, scratching his head in embarrassment. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the startled cries of Trunks and Son Goten.

"Goten, look, is there a silhouette in the smoke?"

"Ah—Trunks, I, I see it too!"

Immediately after, they heard Son Gohan's panicked voice.

"Goten, Trunks, retreat quickly!"

Hearing this, the three of them—Son Goku, Vegeta, and Son Gohan—felt a jolt of alarm and whipped their heads around to look.

To their surprise, the outline of a figure was indeed emerging from within the smoke.

In an instant, they all grew vigilant, watching the figure in the smoke as it gradually became clearer while simultaneously preparing themselves for battle.

"Trunks, protect your mother!" Vegeta shouted quickly to Trunks, his expression grave.

Because he could not sense the strength of this mysterious person in the smoke at all.

Upon hearing this, Trunks immediately replied, "I understand, Father."

He then flashed over to Bulma's side.

By this time, the figure in the smoke had become very clear.

As a gentle breeze blew by, the person's true appearance was completely revealed.

A young man wearing clothes somewhat similar in style to those of the Kai was now fully displayed before their eyes.

He had long, fiery red hair in a mohawk, a long sword strapped to his back, and his entire being exuded a unique aura.

Could he be... the hero Tapion?

This was the only thought in the minds of Son Goku and the others at that very moment.

Tapion had been sealed in a dim box for years. Although the sky was still covered in dark clouds, the light emitted by the Dragon Balls was still bright enough to make him unable to open his eyes.

He squinted subconsciously, a natural instinct for self-protection.

At the same time, his thoughts gradually began to clear.

The moment his consciousness sharpened, he realized something was wrong!

How could there be light inside the box?!!

Oh no!

In an instant, he had a bad premonition, and in his panic, he suddenly opened his eyes wide.

The scene that met his gaze left him stunned and uncertain.

He saw a massive creature beyond his comprehension hovering in the air, its pair of intimidating crimson eyes seemingly looking down at him.

"Wh-what is this thing?"

Faced with the unknown, he displayed the fear any normal person would, even subconsciously taking a step or two back.

While terrified, his face was also filled with wariness.