Chapter 8: Finally Leaving
After thorough inspection, both ships checked out fine—they just needed power. According to the star charts in Turles's navigation system, the nearest technology planet was within reach if they split his ship's energy three ways.
The bad news? That technology planet was a Frieza Force outpost. Complications were practically guaranteed.
When Turles raised this concern, Paragus immediately objected. He couldn't wait another second. Now that escape from Vampa was finally possible, he refused to let the chance slip away.
Unable to change Paragus's mind, Turles had no choice but to teach them how to suppress their ki. Otherwise, Broly's 500,000+ power level would get detected the moment they landed.
Paragus was stunned by the ki control technique. Only now did he understand how Turles had fought him to a standstill with less than 10,000 battle power. He still didn't know current Turles measured 18,000—not far below his own 20,000.
But Broly was the real shock. In just one day, he could perfectly suppress his battle power, lowering his signature to around 100. From 500,000 down to 100—the Legendary Super Saiyan's monstrous talent was on full display.
Paragus struggled more. Though an elite-class warrior in his prime, age was catching up. By normal reckoning, he was over sixty now. While Saiyans maintained their physical peak for decades, bodily decline was inevitable. Vampa's harsh environment had accelerated his aging—he was already showing signs of deterioration.
His combat talent had never been exceptional anyway. His current 20,000+ power came from eighteen years of stable environment and sparring with Broly during training sessions. His potential was basically exhausted.
The day before departure, Turles couldn't resist—he decided to fight Broly one more time.
In the air, neither attacked first. The atmosphere felt heavy.
Turles studied Broly carefully. Since learning ki control, Broly's openings had drastically reduced. Turles didn't dare attack carelessly.
Lightning flashed across the sky. Turles struck first.
Learning from last time, he held nothing back. His speed far exceeded visual tracking, appearing behind Broly almost like teleportation.
A straight punch aimed at Broly's spine. The air pressure from his fist scattered clouds. A sonic boom cracked through the air—he'd broken the sound barrier!
"Damn, it's an afterimage!"
The moment his fist passed through Broly, Turles realized it was only a residual image. Without conscious thought, his body shot backward, creating distance.
The instant he stopped, cold danger pressed against his back. No time to turn. Turles could only blast forward at maximum speed. The killing intent brushed his spine. Cold sweat poured down his face.
Too fast!
Turles was fast, but Broly was faster. In a single moment of distraction, Broly's strike connected with his back. The devastating force punched through his body. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he plummeted toward the ground.
At the last instant before impact, Turles stabilized his trajectory, redirecting the momentum to create a crater instead of becoming paste.
Another mouthful of blood erupted. His legs finally gave out. He dropped to one knee.
One move. Just one move, and Turles was finished.
This time, Broly hadn't given him any chances, choosing complete domination. Clearly, he was afraid of losing control like last time.
Kneeling in the dirt, Turles couldn't snap out of it. Nearly 20,000 battle power, and he couldn't survive a single exchange with Broly. The blow to his confidence was devastating.
He'd thought his foreknowledge would let him dominate the Dragon Ball universe, sweeping aside all opposition. But reality had crushed him in one move.
Staring at his blood staining the ground, Turles felt mocked. Like the universe was telling him: You're still garbage.
Finally, Paragus—who'd been watching from the sidelines—recovered from his shock. He flew down, stopping in front of Turles.
"Terrifying, isn't it? That's the Legendary Super Warrior. The Super Saiyan who appears once every thousand years!"
Pride and melancholy mixed in Paragus's voice.
Pride in his son's overwhelming strength. Melancholy because he'd experienced this exact humiliation years ago—and back then, he'd been even weaker than Turles was now.
"Don't feel bad about losing to Broly. In the future, many people will experience defeat at his hands. You won't be the last!"
Paragus's attempt at comfort was still irritating, but it did pull Turles back from the brink of despair.
"Maybe. Perhaps you're right." Turles's voice had regained composure. He didn't comment further on Paragus's words.
Paragus didn't know they'd already fought once last week. Turles understood Broly's terror better than anyone.
Smiling at the guilt-stricken Broly, Turles wiped blood from his mouth, stood up, and flew toward his shelter.
Stopping Broly from following, Paragus shook his head.
Flying through the air, Turles's outward calm concealed inner turmoil. Knowing you'll lose and actually facing defeat were completely different experiences. His eyes flickered with wavering light before finally settling into determination.
"Super Saiyan," he whispered.
The words dispersed into the wind.
The next day, the three gathered. Three spherical pods sat side by side.
"Broly, stop staring. I'm fine!"
Broly had been watching Turles with worry all morning, even though Turles appeared perfectly healthy. Finally, Turles had to reassure him directly.
After speaking, Turles performed one final systems check, confirmed sufficient energy reserves, opened his pod's hatch, and climbed inside.
"See you both in a week!" With those parting words, he sealed the hatch and hit the launch button.
As the door closed, the pod rose slowly. Reaching sufficient altitude, it accelerated rapidly. Soon it had broken through Vampa's atmosphere, streaking toward the next planet at tremendous speed.
Seeing Turles depart, Paragus nodded at Broly. Their pods launched in succession.
All three had finally left the wasteland of Vampa behind, beginning the next leg of their unknown journey.