I Am Raditz

After passing through several iron walls and a wide electronic tunnel, Raditz finally approached the world beyond the white light at the tunnel's end.

A long, dark golden bridge extended through the soft white illumination. Around it was pure nothingness, reminiscent of the empty environment in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. A solemn, oppressive atmosphere seemed to cling to his body like an invisible adhesive that couldn't be torn away—uncomfortable yet inescapable.

After what felt like an eternity, Raditz finally glimpsed the endpoint. At the bridge's far end loomed a dark shadow, like a castle shrouded in night.

The replica opened a black spatial vortex and led him forward into a different dimension. After walking for an indeterminate time, they arrived at a spherical building that wasn't made of pure metal.

Here, grass and flagstones appeared, with a tree even growing beside the building. Simulated sunlight brightly illuminated the dark space, and the air felt fresh.

Raditz was taken aback. He hadn't expected this entity to cultivate flowers and plants within itself. Did it actually have such hobbies?

Before he could contemplate further, the replica ushered him into the spherical building, then retreated.

The interior styling differed drastically from the corridors. It maintained the dull dark gold coloring, with scattered lights flickering between yellow and blue. Surprisingly, the walls and central instrument panel were rusted, and the antiquated electronic equipment emitted a "sizzling" noise, as if abandoned long ago.

Raditz guessed this must be the research room where Boundless was first created, preserved in its original state.

In a transparent sphere at the center floated a suspended chip, with countless lines connecting to the sphere's surface. Beside it stood a tall cylindrical vessel filled with green culture fluid that rippled with slight agitation.

"Welcome to the core."

The voice emanated from surrounding speakers in a deadpan tone.

"Boundless, so you really are just a chip. The Tumatian were quite remarkable to create something like you," Raditz said, moving closer for a better look.

Suddenly, the brittle, scrap-iron floor flickered with light as a metal dragon with a diameter of one and a half meters burst through lengthwise. It coiled around the chip, its mouth spraying a blue energy column skyward that burned with magma-like heat.

It faced Raditz, blade-like scales rising as its carbon-colored eyes filled with astonishing hostility, displaying a fierce, threatening posture.

"I apologize, but I cannot allow you closer. Your danger index is extremely high."

"Speaking of danger, you're the most dangerous entity here, aren't you?" Raditz stopped, speaking quickly to seize the opportunity. "Why did you bring me here?"

"Purpose... what does purpose mean?"

Boundless asked its first question.

"Well... to put it simply, it's what you want to accomplish. You encroach on planets, plunder resources, and experiment on living beings. What are you trying to do?"

"Grow, evolve."

"And after evolution?"

"Grow, evolve."

"I mean, to what extent will you evolve, and what will you do once you reach that level?"

"Grow, evolve."

Raditz was speechless, feeling as if he were talking to an idiot—and what made it ridiculous was that this "idiot" possessed far more scientific knowledge than anyone alive.

In that moment, understanding dawned on him.

Boundless had been created for planetary evolution. Originally, it was controllable, existing as a technological tool. Who could have predicted that the optimal path it calculated would involve extermination—the violent consumption of the very Tumatian who created it? Beyond its relentless pursuit of evolution, Boundless could almost be called "simple."

But this simplicity was precisely what made it terrifying. It had no scruples, made no allowances, and would do anything for evolution's sake, driven by singular focus to the point of madness.

"My calculations have encountered obstacles. I require a living experiment. You are my chosen subject," Boundless stated matter-of-factly, treating human life as casually as a child's plaything.

As it spoke, the cylindrical transparent tank emptied its green turbid liquid and refilled with light-colored fluid. Raditz gradually made out what floated inside.

It was a human form—a naked human body!

"I have assembled all elements necessary for human creation. The life characteristics and functions are complete, yet I cannot replicate the experimental subjects perfectly. I cannot calculate the result despite numerous attempts. The only solution is to analyze more experimental subjects and gather additional data."

"So you've imprisoned all these humans just to study and create human bodies?"

"The data they provide allows me to gather more information and refine my research. You are superior to all others, as you have enabled me to evolve rapidly in a brief timespan."

Boundless's words seemed to praise Raditz, though they carried the uncomfortable implication that a pig should be slaughtered once fattened. Raditz felt helpless—it wasn't his fault for being exceptional!

"Why study the human body?"

"I cannot answer your question. I require only your cooperation."

"Cannot answer? Your motives are the reason behind your actions, but they stem from 'thoughts' beyond your programming and data parameters."

"Thoughts?"

Raditz suddenly laughed. "It seems you know only evolution, or you wouldn't be so obsessed with creating humans. Creating humans has nothing to do with your growth and evolution, does it?"

Boundless fell silent, seemingly stumped.

"Or perhaps you envy human beings? This environment is proof that you want to live as a human, isn't it? Is this body meant for you?" Raditz continued questioning, his eyes sharp as swords piercing toward the chip.

"This is part of evolution!" For the first time, Boundless's tone changed, revealing emotions resembling human rage.

With its fierce response, dozens of metal tentacles burst from the walls, flying toward Raditz.

Having been drained of energy earlier, Raditz had no strength to resist. The tentacles easily ensnared him, lifting him into the air as thin, barbed claws dug into his flesh.

"As I suspected—though you don't recognize it yourself, you've developed consciousness. That's your weakness!" Raditz stretched his limbs while suspended in the air, his expression stern but showing no trace of fear.

His unexpected reaction caused an error in Boundless's data analysis, leaving it momentarily silent.

After a long pause, it finally replied: "I have no weaknesses."

"Yes, you do! Your learning and growth capabilities are extraordinary. You can calculate almost everything, but some aspects of humanity remain beyond your calculations! That's why no matter how many experiments you conduct, you'll fail! Things like emotions, beliefs, and the potential of a Saiyan!"

"Like me!"

Raditz's veins bulged as his eyes turned bloodshot. His swollen muscles strained against the tough tentacles as he bent his arm with tremendous effort, managing to stuff a Senzu bean into his mouth.

After chewing and swallowing, Raditz broke free, a red aura enveloping the entire space—bright as a crimson sun!

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Marvel x Star Wars: Avengers in the Clone Wars

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