A Saiyan's Journey

"…What a surprise. After so long, someone would actually come to see me."

Moro sat in his prison cell, grinning with a sinister curve of his lips as he looked at Zuke standing before him.

"And this aura… You possess quite decent magic power yourself."

As a wielder of magic, Moro could sense the magic emanating from Zuke—though from his expression, it was clear that it wasn't enough to truly impress him.

Despite his current powerless state, Moro, who had once devoured countless planets, possessed magical power far beyond what Zuke could compare to.

Zuke, on the other hand, scrutinized Moro. Through his ability to sense "Ki," he could tell that Moro's physical condition was terrible—like a decaying old man on the brink of death.

This wasn't far from the truth. In the original narrative, Moro himself admitted after escaping Galactic Prison that he was "lucky to recover some magic before his lifespan ended."

This implied that Moro didn't have many years left. Having lived for over ten million years, a few decades were but a fleeting moment for him.

Currently, Moro's combat power was negligible. His most threatening aspect remained his terrifying magic and his ability to absorb planetary energy.

"Since you can sense magic, that makes things simpler," Zuke said, directly stating his purpose.

"Let's make a deal, Moro—you teach me how to enhance and use magic, as well as how to manipulate and devour planetary energy. In exchange, I'll release you from Galactic Prison."

"Oh? So that's your plan?"

Moro was momentarily stunned, evidently not expecting Zuke to be after his mastery of magic.

Initially, seeing how the Galactic Patrol had respectfully escorted Zuke in, Moro assumed he was some noble from the Galactic aristocracy, simply curious about meeting a criminal from ten million years ago.

But now it made sense. While Zuke's combat power was leagues away from Moro's peak, it was far beyond what Galactic aristocrats could achieve.

"Haha… Interesting. But I don't quite believe you can pull it off," Moro sneered at Zuke.

The thought of escaping Galactic Prison was tempting, but he doubted Zuke's capability.

"Convincing the Galactic Patrol? Don't try to fool me with that nonsense. If you claim you can free me, then provide some concrete proof," Moro demanded.

Moro had been imprisoned by the Grand Supreme Kai at the cost of his divine power. Even though he was held in Galactic Prison, the Galactic Patrol had no authority to release him.

Unaware of Zuke's true background, Moro doubted that even close ties with the Patrol could secure his release. He needed something more convincing.

"Are you familiar with the Dragon Balls?"

Zuke revealed his pre-prepared argument.

"On certain planets, there exist Dragon Balls capable of granting any wish. When gathered, one can summon a dragon and make a wish—such as freeing you from Galactic Prison."

"Do I look like someone who'd fall for a child's fairy tale?"

Moro's expression was a mix of temptation and mockery. A story like that was hardly believable.

Even in the original story, Moro had been skeptical about the Dragon Balls. While Frieza's soldier Cranberry informed him of their existence, he pursued them with a "nothing-to-lose" mentality.

Moreover, in the original tale, seeking the Dragon Balls didn't cost him anything. Now, Zuke wanted to trade that "story" for his magical expertise, which made Moro even more doubtful.

"The Dragon Balls were modeled after the Super Dragon Balls, created by the Dragon God, Zalama."

Anticipating Moro's skepticism, Zuke continued his explanation.

"…Zalama, you say."

Hearing the name, Moro fell silent. He knew a great deal—enough to instantly recognize Divine techniques like Ultra Instinct in the original story.

The Super Dragon Balls, created by Zalama, featured special star patterns achieved through unique optical methods, even patented in Year 42 of the Divine Calendar.

While this was a humorous tidbit in the manga, it implied in reality that Zalama had been widely renowned long ago.

Having lived over ten million years, Moro naturally knew of Zalama and accepted that he might possess the power to create wish-granting artifacts.

"If it's the legendary Dragon God Zalama, then yes, it seems plausible he could create such items capable of granting wishes… Very well, I'm beginning to believe your tale."

Since Zuke had invoked the name of Zalama, Moro started to trust in the existence of the Dragon Balls.

"So, as long as I teach you magic, you'll use the Dragon Balls to wish me free?"

"That's your only viable option right now. Or do you plan to gamble on recovering some magic to escape before your lifespan ends?"

Zuke calmly looked at Moro, knowing he had no other choice.

While Moro would regain some magic and escape decades later, the current Moro wasn't aware of this, as he lacked the ability to foresee the future.

"Besides just learning magic… I also want to master controlling and absorbing planetary energy."

"Oh? Hahaha! You've got quite the appetite," Moro laughed, his shrill laughter and goat-like visage creating a chilling demonic aura.

But after his laughter, Moro lowered his head to gaze at Zuke.

"Unfortunately, while I can teach you how to use magic and manipulate planetary energy with 2.5% of its power… absorbing planetary energy is an innate ability of mine. Magic alone isn't enough to learn it."

Hearing this, Zuke felt a tinge of disappointment but wasn't surprised.

If absorbing planetary energy was Moro's unique trait…

Behind Zuke, the "Black Bird" manifested. Moro couldn't see the bird, but he instinctively sensed an eerie chill.

Zuke could feel the "Black Bird" fixating on Moro with a sense of "hunger."

Indeed, Moro could be devoured. His ability to absorb planetary energy and convert it into combat power could be seized by the "Black Bird."

But first, Moro had to teach him magic. After all, the "Black Bird" could only devour abilities, not knowledge or techniques.

To be continued…

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