Chapter 104: Returning to the Main Timeline
A flash of white light appeared as Franklin vanished. Watching the now-empty room, Bulma suddenly felt an emptiness in her chest. Thinking back on the past year, her cheeks flushed, and her legs rubbed together unconsciously.
"Hmph, that heartless man! After doing all that, he just runs off, leaving everything for me to deal with alone. Next time we meet, I'll make sure to teach him a proper lesson…"
But as she thought of something, Bulma's face grew even redder. Her delicate hand slid downward, and her blush deepened as a faint pink aura began to spread through the room.
When the white light gradually faded away, Franklin reappeared in the outskirts of Cainan City. The ground around him was scorched black, and nearby trees were still smoldering.
He expanded his divine sense—instantly, everything within a two-kilometer radius appeared in his mind like a holographic projection. With a thought, he manipulated spiritual energy, and the forest fire was immediately extinguished.
[Talent Awakener has successfully returned to the main timeline of the Treeborn World. Beginning mission reward calculation.]
Mission World: Dragon Ball World
Mission Difficulty: SS+
Mission Objective: Ensure the Dragon Ball main storyline proceeds smoothly; defeat the Corrupted Demon King Piccolo.
Worldline Integration Level: 80%
Mission Completion Rating: S+
Mission Reward: 1,000 Supreme Spirit Stones
[Mission reward has been deposited into the Dimensional Heavenly Tome's Spirit Stone page. The Talent Awakener may check it at any time.]
[Supreme Spirit Stones: 1,650 pieces]
With a burst of power beneath his feet, Franklin shot into the sky. Boosted by his initial velocity, his flight speed was astonishing. As he ascended, he noticed a blue-glowing Zastin slowly descending from above.
"My lord son-in-law, welcome back! Congratulations on your incredible power-up—looks like the chance of me becoming one of your subordinates in the future has gone up again."
Feeling the powerful aura radiating from Zastin, Franklin was somewhat surprised. Channeling spiritual energy into his eyes, he instantly saw Zastin's data appear before him:
Spiritual Energy Level: Deep Blue Energy Core
Overall Battle Power: 7,560
Franklin's mouth fell open slightly.
"Your power increased this much just from changing your energy core?" He paused, then suddenly thought of something. "Don't tell me… you can control even stronger energy cores?"
Zastin gave a mysterious smile. "It's better to leave a bit of suspense for now. Besides, His Majesty has ordered me not to disclose certain matters."
Franklin didn't press further. He glanced at the dragon still hovering in midair but didn't pay it much mind. Together, he and Zastin flew toward the manor on the outskirts.
When they landed, Franklin was immediately surrounded by several girls.
"Lin, I knew you'd be fine!"
Lala, face full of worry, rushed forward and hugged Franklin tightly. Feeling his warm body, she finally smiled in relief.
"You really made me worry for so long. I'm so glad you came back safe."
Franklin gently patted her back. "Sorry for making you worry."
Watching Franklin and Lala embrace, Bulma didn't interrupt. She simply stood quietly, looking at him.
The moment their eyes met, the memories of the passionate night they had just spent together flashed vividly in Franklin's mind.
Sensing what Franklin was thinking, Bulma's cheeks reddened again. She gave him a quick, reproachful glare, then stepped back slightly to give him and Lala some space.
Seeing her gesture, Franklin quickly composed himself. "Alright, Lala, I'm fine. Let's talk about everything else when we get back."
"Mhm. Actually, I also have something I want to discuss with you once we're home."
Although Franklin tried to calm his thoughts, the memories of that entire year still lingered in his mind. He didn't notice the faint blush spreading across Lala's cheeks.
When the two separated, Lala immediately stood beside him, wrapping her arms around his arm.
At that moment, Shenron lowered his massive head slightly. Goku, Krillin, and Tenjōin Saki all turned toward him.
"You have already achieved your breakthrough, and I did not aid you. Therefore, the wish you made before is void. Would you like to make another wish—or forgo it altogether?"
Hearing this, Franklin quieted his mind, thinking deeply. But after a long moment, he still couldn't think of anything he truly needed to wish for.
"Do any of you have a simple wish you want to make? I feel like I don't really need one."
As soon as he said this, Tenjōin Saki, Kujō Rin, and Fujisaki Aya exchanged glances. Seeing that Bulma remained silent, they also chose not to speak.
After thinking for a bit, Lala looked up at Franklin. "Lin, may I make a wish?"
Seeing her earnest expression, Franklin smiled and nodded. "Remember, Shenron's power has its limits. You have great vision, so make sure your wish doesn't exceed what he can do."
Lala nodded lightly, then looked up at the dragon in the sky. "I wish that, whenever Lin is in mortal danger, you will protect his life. Is that possible?"
Hearing her wish, warmth filled Franklin's heart. Tenjōin Saki and Kujō Rin looked surprised but nodded approvingly.
Shenron's crimson eyes flickered slightly. "It can be done—but only once. Is that your wish?"
Lala nodded firmly. "Yes, that's my wish."
With that, Shenron's eyes glowed red as a golden light enveloped Franklin's body.
"Your wish has been granted. Farewell."
In the next instant, Shenron's form vanished, and the seven Dragon Balls shot into the sky. Just as they scattered in all directions, Goku leapt up and caught the Four-Star Ball.
The sky cleared completely, sunlight spilling across the manor grounds. Bulma walked up to Lala and took her hands.
"Thank you for thinking so much about Lin. I think your suggestion was a good one. I'll move in and live together with you all. Lin mentioned before that your scientific talent surpasses even the best in the galaxy. I'm also quite skilled in science myself, so I believe we'll get along just fine."
Sensing Bulma's goodwill and hearing that she also loved science, Lala's eyes lit up. She hugged Bulma excitedly.
"That's wonderful! You're more than welcome to join us!"
Standing nearby, Franklin clapped his hands to get their attention. "Are you sure about this?"
Lala nodded quickly. "Of course! Bulma likes you, and she loves science too. Plus, she'll be transferring to Cainan High soon. We have so much in common—I just know we'll become great friends."
Catching the implication behind Franklin's words, Bulma nodded slightly.
"It's true that it might have been inappropriate before—and I did have some concerns. But now that you've returned to the past, what was meant to happen has already happened. Since Lala invited me to live with you all, I think moving in sounds like a good idea."
Hearing their responses, Franklin turned to Zastin. "Is that alright?"
Zastin was about to answer when a message came through his earpiece. After listening, he nodded seriously, though his expression turned oddly complex.
"It's fine, but please remember, my lord son-in-law—Lady Lala is still your fiancée. Don't let small things cause greater trouble, or I'll have to apologize in advance."
From his tone and the way he said it, Franklin could clearly sense a warning—but judging by Zastin's strange expression, he couldn't quite tell whether it was meant as a threat or simply a reminder to be cautious.