Omnitrix Tyrant: The Strategist of Universe 7

Chapter 12: The Price of Survival

Ben stood in the wreckage of his stolen ship, eyes scanning the group of warriors in front of him. The scar-faced alien at the front was built like a tank, his muscular frame covered in worn battle armor. His men weren't as imposing, but they carried themselves like seasoned fighters.

Hostile. Dangerous. Not the kind of people Ben wanted to fight while the Omnitrix was still on cooldown.

Scar-Face stepped closer, eyes narrowed. "You're stalling."

Ben smirked. "What gave it away?"

The alien's fist lashed out faster than Ben expected. Pain exploded across his jaw as he staggered back, barely keeping his footing. He wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, wincing.

Alright. That hurt.

"Not in the mood for jokes, huh?" Ben muttered.

Scar-Face cracked his knuckles. "You're an outsider. No ships come near this planet unless they're lost or looking for trouble."

Ben raised his hands in mock surrender. "Lost. Definitely lost. Just a humble traveler looking for a place to—"

The alien grabbed him by the collar and yanked him forward. "Try that again. Without the lies."

---

Ben's mind raced. He needed information—who these guys were, what this planet was, and most importantly, how he could use them to get stronger.

He let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine. Truth is, I pissed off someone I shouldn't have, and now I'm on the run."

Scar-Face's eyes flickered with interest. "Who?"

Ben hesitated. "Ever heard of Frieza?"

The warriors around them went silent. A few exchanged uneasy glances. Scar-Face's grip tightened.

"You're lying."

Ben shook his head. "I wish. Let's just say I… annoyed him, and now he's probably tearing the galaxy apart looking for me."

The warriors murmured among themselves. Scar-Face studied Ben for a long moment before finally letting him go.

"If that's true, you just brought death to our doorstep," he growled.

Ben dusted himself off. "Or… I just brought you the opportunity of a lifetime."

Scar-Face narrowed his eyes. "Explain."

---

Ben stepped forward, voice dropping to a lower tone. "You guys don't like Frieza, do you?"

One of the warriors scoffed. "Nobody likes Frieza. But fighting him? That's suicide."

Ben smirked. "Maybe. But what if you had a way to fight back? A chance to level the playing field?"

Scar-Face folded his arms. "And you're saying you can give us that?"

Ben nodded. "I know things. Things Frieza wouldn't want anyone knowing. Weaknesses. Future events. Ways to win."

That got their attention. The warriors looked at each other, whispering. Scar-Face's expression remained unreadable, but Ben could tell he was considering it.

---

The Omnitrix beeped softly.

Ben's heart leaped. It's back online.

But he didn't transform. Not yet. He had a different play in mind.

Scar-Face finally spoke. "If you're lying, we'll kill you."

Ben grinned. "Wouldn't be my first death threat."

The alien gestured toward the others. "Take him to the outpost. Let's see if he's worth keeping alive."

Ben exhaled, relaxing slightly. He had a foot in the door. Now, he just had to figure out how to make these guys useful before Frieza found him.

---

Frieza's Hunt Begins

Meanwhile, deep in space, Frieza stood aboard his command ship, staring at a star chart. His golden form had faded, but the anger in his eyes remained.

A soldier bowed before him. "My lord, we've traced the trajectory of the stolen ship. It crash-landed on a small backwater planet—"

Frieza's tail flicked. "Then why are we still here?"

The soldier swallowed hard. "The planet isn't under your control, Lord Frieza. It's occupied by… remnants of Saiyans."

Silence.

The air grew thick with tension as Frieza's fingers curled into a fist.

"…Saiyans?"

The soldier nodded quickly. "Yes, my lord. Survivors from long ago. Low-level fighters, but dangerous in numbers."

Frieza turned slowly, his expression dark.

"Then we'll burn them along with that miserable insect."

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