Dragon Ball: The Strongest Training

It was fortunate that Krillin had met Ciel early on. A person's transformation takes time, but no matter how much someone changes, their core personality rarely shifts completely. With enough time, she might have become unrecognizable.

Clearly, Ciel was in the middle of such a transformation.

Krillin wanted to see the lively and adorable Ciel she used to be—not the Ciel who pretended to be strong while shouldering the weight of responsibility. Someone as ethereal as her shouldn't bear such immense pressure alone.

"Why is your mental state so damaged?" Krillin couldn't help but ask.

"Shaviza spread rumors about the Twilight Star," Ciel began, her clear voice gradually explaining to Krillin. "I knew it was likely a trap, but I had no choice but to investigate. Despite taking every precaution, I still encountered Shaviza."

Her tone was steady, but Krillin could feel the weight behind her words.

"Shaviza's strength exceeded my expectations. Even his team members were incredibly powerful. Not long into the fight, I was gravely injured. Fortunately, Shaviza seemed momentarily distracted during the battle, which allowed me to use my spatial ability to escape. However, while the ability saved me, it caused severe mental strain."

Her voice carried a penetrating clarity, and Krillin's imagination conjured the scene of a battered Ciel fighting against Shaviza. His heart ached.

"If you knew it was a trap, why go?" Krillin pressed. He needed to understand.

Ciel's glassy, jewel-like eyes flashed with resolve. "I had to."

"Knowing it's a trap, you still had to go? Is this what responsibility means?" Krillin thought to himself, feeling deeply moved.

"I managed to escape, but the combat squads providing cover suffered devastating losses. If not for you saving Skar and his team, they likely would have…" Ciel gritted her silver teeth, her fair face filled with pain and hatred.

"Princess, please don't blame yourself. To die for Perseus is our honor," Skar said, his voice filled with guilt.

"Ciel, don't worry. One day, I'll personally destroy Shaviza," Krillin said firmly, looking into her crystalline eyes.

Hearing this, Ciel smiled faintly—a rare expression of emotion. It wasn't that she doubted Krillin; on the contrary, there was something deeply reassuring about his words.

Seeing her smile, Krillin was overjoyed. "If there's a beginning, the end can't be far behind."

However, Ciel's mental damage hadn't fully healed, and after so much conversation, she seemed even more fatigued. Her fragile state didn't escape Krillin's notice.

Calling the System

"System! System! Are you dead? If not, say something!" Krillin called out inwardly.

"Ding! The system has been offline for a while but woke up in response to the host's urgent summons," the system replied in its usual manner.

"Do you have any way to heal mental damage?" Krillin asked, knowing he needed to humor the system—for now.

"Mental damage, huh? Tsk, that's a bit tricky…"

"Even you can't help?" Krillin pressed.

"Of course I can. But there's a cost…"

"Why does this sound familiar? Damn, just like those shady doctors back in my previous life."

"Stop stalling and tell me how to fix it!"

"Ding! For a cost of 50,000 energy, the mental damage can be healed."

"Fifty thousand? Are you kidding me? Do you know how hard it was to collect that much energy? You're bleeding me dry!" Krillin raged.

"Calm down! Let me finish. Spending 50,000 energy doesn't just heal the damage—it'll also help her surpass her current mental energy limit."

"Hmm… That doesn't sound bad. Fine, let's do it," Krillin said, though his heart ached at the thought.

"There's more," the system added.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Krillin felt like crying. "Other systems are overpowered and limitless. Why is mine such a scam?"

"The healing wave emitted by the system will only work within a three-meter radius. Outside of that, it's ineffective," the system explained.

"Three meters? That's manageable. I'll just stick close to her."

"One more thing: the healing process takes about 30 minutes," the system added.

"This complicates things, but it also gives me an opportunity!" Krillin thought. He just needed a good excuse.

Creating the Opportunity

As Krillin glanced at the scenery outside, inspiration struck.

He spoke with a straight face, "According to Earth's martial arts grandmaster Master Mutaito, mental damage isn't suited to long periods indoors. Taking a walk outside is much better for recovery."

Ciel blinked, surprised. She found this theory strange. She had never heard of it, but recalling how she used to run around outdoors as a child, she remembered her mental state had indeed been better then. Gradually, she began to believe Krillin's words.

Skar, standing nearby, was more skeptical. "Krillin, is that true?"

"Theoretically, yes," Krillin replied solemnly, his serious demeanor adding a touch of credibility.

"Anyway, as long as I stick close to her and release the energy, it'll work regardless of whether it's true or not."

Ciel, somewhat convinced, decided quickly. "Alright, let's go for a walk."

She stood up and walked past Krillin, heading outside.

A faint, delicate fragrance drifted into Krillin's nose as she passed, soothing and intoxicating.

Krillin followed her without hesitation.

The scenery outside was beautiful, but few people paid it any attention. Most were busy with defense or production tasks.

Ciel turned her head slightly and said to Skar, "Skar, you're in charge of defense. There's no need to follow me—I'll be back soon."

Skar wanted to protest, but Krillin cut him off. "Don't worry. I'm here. Nothing will happen."

"Then I'll leave it to you, Krillin," Skar said, bowing to the princess before departing.

Now, the square was empty except for Krillin and Ciel.

Ciel walked ahead, while Krillin followed at a measured pace, keeping within three meters of her.

Ciel's mental fatigue was evident. After only a few steps, she felt a stabbing pain in her mind, as though needles were piercing her brain. Sweat beaded on her exquisite face, and her steps grew labored.

Seeing her pain, Krillin felt a pang of guilt. "System, start the process now!" he urged.

"Ding! Deducting 50,000 energy. Healing commencing!"

A ripple emanated from Krillin's body, spreading outward like a stone dropped into a calm lake.

Ciel suddenly felt a cool sensation wash over her. With each heartbeat, the soothing wave pulsed through her mind. Her mental energy seemed to recover at an astonishing rate, and the sharp pain gradually faded.

Her tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed.

Her steps became steadier, and as she admired the exotic flowers and plants lining the square, her mood brightened considerably.

Noticing her lightened steps, Krillin felt a surge of relief. "The system is pretty reliable after all." He quickened his pace slightly to ensure he stayed within three meters of her.

A gentle breeze carried a faint floral fragrance. It was the same scent Krillin had noticed when Ciel had passed by earlier—delicate, soothing, and unforgettable.

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