Mount Paozu loomed in the distance, its peaks wreathed in clouds. The air was crisp and clean—the opposite of the Red Ribbon's dust-choked tunnels. Piccolo stood waiting at the base, arms crossed. He didn't say anything—just gave them a slow nod as they approached. The second catalyst awaited: a fragment of Namekian Soulstone… buried deep within his old palace.
Goten: Am I correct to assume that this isn't as simple as going in and fetch it? *Goten asked as soon as his feet touched the ground.*
Piccolo: *The Namekian's expression darkened slightly.* No. The palace is unstable—caved in during a quake years ago. The Soulstone is deep in the rubble. *He turned, leading them up the mountain path.* I'll guide you to the entrance… but digging it out? That's your problem.
Trunks: Just like the red ribbon tunnels, just without the tunnels. *Trunks said with a deep sigh.*
Goten: *He snorted.* Great. So we're trading one pile of rocks for another.
Melody remained silent, but her eyes were fixed on the mountain—they had to get that Soulstone. No shortcuts this time. Piccolo led them to a collapsed section of the mountain—the entrance to his old palace was barely visible, half-buried under tons of boulders and dirt. A cold wind howled through the rubble.
Piccolo: *He stopped, gesturing ahead.* The Soulstone is in the central chamber. Good luck getting there.
Piccolo took to the sky, leaving the trio behind, to figure it out on their own. The trio watched Piccolo fly off—no help, no guidance. Just… good luck.
Trunks: *He cracked his knuckles, surveying the wreckage.* Alright. This is gonna take a while.
Goten raised a fistful of ki—ready to start moving rocks with brute force if needed. Melody scanned for weak spots in the debris wall.
Melody: This is going to take more than elbow grease. *Melody stated in a matter of fact kinda fashion.*
Trunks: *He sighed, then turned to Goten.* Wanna try blowing a hole through?
Goten smirked—finally, something simple. He took a deep breath, charging ki in his palms. With a BOOM, he unleashed a controlled explosion on the weakest part of the rubble wall.