Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The Sleeping Android
There was no immediate threat from Dr. Gero's grandson just yet.
For now, Levos needed to focus all his attention on Babidi.
"Officer Merus, Earth is facing some serious trouble. I hope you can assist us."
Levos briefly explained the situation regarding Babidi and Majin Buu.
"I'll head to Earth right away, as quickly as I can, but only in the capacity of a Galactic Patrol officer. I hope you can understand, and please, don't reveal my true identity to anyone else."
Levos was already mentally prepared for this. Angels had to maintain their neutrality. He didn't know the exact reason, but it was a rule that couldn't be broken.
"I understand. I'm already incredibly grateful that you're willing to come."
"No need for thanks. I actually have my own reasons for going to Earth. To defeat Moro, I'll need Majin Buu's power. Please wait patiently. By Earth's time, I'll arrive in 70 hours."
Five million years ago, the Grand Supreme Kai hadn't been killed by Majin Buu. He had been absorbed, and he still slumbered within Buu to this day.
Merus could temporarily awaken the Grand Supreme Kai's consciousness inside Buu.
If that worked, Majin Buu might end up fighting Moro himself.
It would be the perfect outcome, a true win-win situation.
And Merus was even more reliable than that other Galactic Patrol officer.
"You can really make it to Earth within three days?"
"Of course. Babidi's hosting a martial arts tournament, right? Who knows, I might even make it in time to compete."
That was excellent news.
Majin Buu vs. Moro who would come out on top? Levos was genuinely curious.
But one thing was clear. Until Merus arrived, Levos absolutely could not allow Babidi to break the seal on Majin Buu.
Right now, he had no one else to rely on.
Help from afar couldn't solve an immediate crisis. There was only one option left.
After ending his call with Merus, Levos and Bulma immediately flew back to Capsule Corporation in West City.
They also packed the Galactic Patrol communicator into a capsule and brought it with them.
"Doctor, do you know where Dr. Gero's secret lab in the northern suburbs is located?"
"That place? Yeah, I remember where it is," Bulma said, brushing her long hair behind her ear.
"Really? I want to go there and take a look."
If Levos remembered correctly, that lab contained the blueprints for Android 17.
Android technology was one of the most powerful assets in the Dragon Ball world.
And the ultimate creation of Android technology was Cell.
If Bulma could master this technology, their chances of survival in the days before Merus's arrival would skyrocket.
"That place was already destroyed by Trunks."
"What?!" Levos was stunned.
"Relax. Before we blew it up, we salvaged everything of value."
"What exactly did you recover?"
"The blueprints for Android 17. I used those to build the controller that could shut down those two monsters."
Levos finally breathed a sigh of relief.Bulma never disappoints.
"Oh, and we also brought back Dr. Gero's computer and an unused android."
"An unused android? Who is it?"
Levos's curiosity was piqued.
Who could it be?
Android 16? Android 19? Android 20?
Or… Android 21?
He quickly dismissed the last one.
Majin Buu hadn't even appeared yet. There was no way it would be Android 21, who was fused with Majin cells.
"I'll show you."
Under Bulma's lead, they went to the underground cryogenic storage.
"I wanted to keep him for research, so I didn't let Trunks destroy him."
Inside a stasis pod lay a tall, muscular man.
As expected, it was Android 16.
For Dr. Gero, 16 was a complete failure.
Unlike 17 and 18, whose human bodies had been modified at the cellular level, 16 was a fully mechanical android modeled after Gero's late son.
His power core was entirely reliant on artificial intelligence and mechanical systems. He was essentially a robot.
Though Android 16 had incredible power and unlimited energy, he deeply loved nature.
His peaceful personality was the exact opposite of Gero's original intent when he created him.
"He's not a bad person. We can activate him."
Levos rubbed his chin.
"Really? I removed the bomb from his body, but isn't this still a bit risky?" Bulma looked hesitant.
"Of course, we won't activate him now. Only after we've gained the power to protect ourselves."
Levos had always been cautious.
"Power to protect ourselves? What do you mean by that?" Bulma didn't quite understand.
"I mean… we need to modify our bodies, just like Androids 17 and 18. Turn ourselves into androids with immense combat strength and unlimited energy."
"No way! I don't want to become that kind of monster! Levos, if you want to go that route, I can help you, but count me out!"
Bulma's rejection was firm, and there was a hint of bitterness in her voice.
How could she ever accept turning herself into something she hated?
After all, the androids had killed her parents, her friends, and so many of Earth's warriors.
"I'm sorry, Doctor. I didn't think it through."
Levos had originally thought that becoming an android would make him stronger and would give him a fighting chance against Babidi, but he hadn't realized how deeply Bulma despised androids.
If he pushed this, it might leave a rift between them, and Bulma might never fully commit to researching android technology again.
How could he persuade her?
Should he appeal to her sense of duty for the sake of humanity?
But she had already sacrificed so much for everyone.
Levos racked his brain but couldn't find a good enough reason.
Time was already running out. Now, his plan to become an android was likely to hit a serious snag.
"I hope you can understand my position…" Bulma said quietly, her tone laced with bitterness.
"That's what partners are for. We support each other." Levos smiled as if it didn't bother him.
Fighting was a man's romance. It was only natural that they wouldn't see eye to eye on this.
This little detour wouldn't affect Levos's next step. He quickly changed the subject.
"Doctor, West City is becoming more dangerous by the day. We should relocate for now."
Because of Babidi's tournament, more and more people would be flocking to West City.
Two ordinary people staying at Capsule Corporation would be way too conspicuous and extremely dangerous.
Capsule Corporation was a symbol of wealth and power. It would inevitably attract unwanted attention.
"Leave? Is there anywhere on Earth safer than my own home?"
Capsule Corporation had underground shelters that were extremely secure and fully equipped. Ordinary people would never be able to break in.
"The place I have in mind is even safer, and it holds something we desperately need."
"Something we need? Why don't you just tell me what it is?" Bulma blinked in confusion.
"Doctor… what we need… is time."