Omnitrix Tyrant: The Strategist of Universe 7

Chapter 24: An Uneasy Alliance

The rocky valley was silent, save for the occasional gust of wind that kicked up dust and debris. Caulifla sat on a jagged boulder, arms crossed, her eyes locked onto Ben with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

She had agreed to hear him out, but that didn't mean she trusted him. Not yet.

Ben, on the other hand, remained calm. He had played his cards right—just enough truth to spark her interest, just enough mystery to keep her guessing. Now, he had to solidify his position before she changed her mind.

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Testing Each Other

Caulifla leaned forward slightly. "Alright, let's say I believe you," she said. "You claim to know how this universe plays out, right? Then tell me—where do I end up?"

Ben smirked. "You? You're a fighter, a leader. You're not the type to follow orders—you make your own path. But you've never had the right push to reach your full potential."

Caulifla scoffed. "And you think you can give me that push?"

Ben shrugged. "I know opportunities when I see them. And right now, you're looking at one."

Her eyes narrowed. "If you're so smart, then prove it. Fight me."

Ben's smirk didn't fade. He had expected this. Saiyans weren't the type to take words at face value—they trusted strength above all else.

"Fine," he said, cracking his knuckles. "But don't hold back. I'd hate for this to be too easy."

Caulifla grinned. "You're gonna regret that."

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The First Clash

The moment she moved, Ben knew he had to take her seriously. Caulifla was fast—brutally fast.

She closed the distance in an instant, her fist cutting through the air as she aimed a punch at his face. Ben barely managed to sidestep, feeling the wind pressure from her strike pass by his cheek.

She didn't let up. Her knee shot toward his ribs, forcing him to block with his forearm. The impact rattled his bones.

"Not bad," Ben muttered.

Caulifla grinned. "Not done yet."

Her other fist swung in a tight arc, aiming for his jaw. Ben ducked, rolling to the side before flipping back to create distance. He needed to be careful.

Caulifla was strong, but she wasn't as powerful as she would be in the future. That gave him an edge. But if he let his guard down, she could still break him in half.

Ben reached for the Omnitrix, pressing down as green light engulfed him. His form shifted, muscles stretching, bones strengthening. In a flash, he took on the form of Tetramand, his red-skinned, four-armed alien warrior.

"Let's even the playing field," he said, his deep voice rumbling.

Caulifla's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Now that's more like it."

She charged again, but this time, Ben was ready.

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A Saiyan's Respect

The battle raged for minutes, neither side willing to give an inch. Caulifla was relentless, her blows coming from all angles, each one testing his limits. But Ben wasn't a slouch, either.

With his Tetramand strength, he blocked her strikes, countered with his own, and even managed to land a few clean hits. Every time she tried to overwhelm him, he pushed back with equal force.

Eventually, they both leapt back, breathing heavily. The rocky terrain around them was cracked, dust rising from the sheer force of their attacks.

Caulifla wiped some sweat from her forehead, a grin spreading across her face. "Not bad. You actually made me try a little."

Ben smirked. "Same here."

She studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. You're strong. Stronger than most chumps I've met. And you don't just fight with brute force—you think."

Ben didn't respond, letting her come to her own conclusions.

After a moment, she extended her hand. "Fine. You've got my attention. I'll hear you out."

Ben took her hand, shaking it firmly. He had won her over—not completely, but enough to take the next step.

Now, the real game began.

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