The Frost Demon of Universe 7

After their conversation, Nashi graciously offered Zero a place to stay within the overseer's sprawling compound. The room assigned to him was an impressive blend of comfort and cutting-edge technology. Soft lighting adjusted automatically to his preferences, and every surface seemed to be a multifunctional device ready to accommodate his needs. A sleek, automated assistant provided food and water at a mere gesture, and the room's temperature adjusted seamlessly to his liking. Despite the luxuries, Zero found it difficult to fully relax. He sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed, deep in thought.

The silence of the room was broken only by the faint hum of distant machinery as Zero began organizing his plans.

"In this world," Zero thought, his mind racing, "power is not just a tool—it's a necessity. Battle is the anvil that forges strength, and in order to gain the power I need, I'll have to fight. But I can't disrupt the natural course of events too much, my knowledge is only useful that way. The timeline needs to remain similar to the original, at least in broad strokes. The events that unfold here are critical to shaping the balance of power in the future. I can't afford to destabilize that."

He stood, pacing the room as his thoughts became more focused. "This era works to my advantage," he continued, "because there are more planets inhabited by mortals now than there will be in the future. Frieza's invasions, the Saiyans' campaigns, and other disasters haven't wiped out entire civilizations yet. This is the perfect time to make my move."

Zero's gaze drifted toward the holographic interface on the wall, displaying an orbital map of Planet Plant. His mind began piecing together his strategy. "I need two critical things to set my plan into motion," he thought, clenching his fist. "First, I need a suitable planet. A place where I can relocate the Tuffles. If they remain here, they're doomed to be annihilated when the Saiyans rise to power. I need their technology—they're my edge in this universe. But in return, they'll need my strength to protect them."

His thoughts shifted to the second part of his plan. "The second thing I need is the power to defend what I build. That means the Zenkai boost of the Saiyans, the ability to grow stronger after every near-fatal encounter. I'll have to find a way to unlock and harness that without relying on Saiyan biology."

He paused, smirking slightly as the next piece of his plan crystallized. "And then there's the Instant Transmission technique of the Yardrats in the Northern Galaxy. If I can learn that, it'll give me the mobility I need to stay ahead of my enemies and protect the Tuffles from any threat. Finally, I'll need a supply of Senzu Beans. With them, I'll be able to recover from battles quickly, ensuring I can push myself to the brink and beyond without risking death."

Zero sat down again, leaning back and staring at the ceiling. "This is going to take time," he thought, his mind calm but determined. "But I have the advantage of knowing what's coming. If I play this right, I can carve out a place for myself in this chaotic universe. And maybe, just maybe, I can change the future enough to tip the scales in my favor."

With a deep breath, Zero allowed himself a moment of stillness, his plans laid out in his mind. "One step at a time," he whispered to himself. "First, find the planet. Then, secure the power. And finally, ensure the Tuffles' survival. It all starts here."

Zero's thoughts crystallized as he mapped out the next steps of his plan. "The only requirement for a new home for the Tuffles is that it must have breathable air," he mused, pacing the sleek room provided to him. "Everything else—climate, terrain, resources—can be terraformed using their advanced technology. They're brilliant enough to turn even the most inhospitable environments into livable spaces. Planet Shamo fits the criteria perfectly. There's already life on the planet, meaning it has the basics needed to sustain life. However..."

He paused, his expression darkening slightly. "The problem is its location. Planet Shamo is within the future sphere of influence of Frieza. That's a risk. But by the time it becomes an issue, I'll have built enough power to handle him—or at least make him think twice about interfering." Zero's lips curled into a smirk. "Frieza's cautious when it comes to those he perceives as equals or threats. If I plan this right, I can maneuver around him for now."

Having settled on something feasible, Zero turned his attention to the next part of his plan. He sought out Nashi in his office, where the Tuffle overseer was engaged in another session of reviewing data on his tablet-like device. The old man looked up as Zero approached, his scarlet eyes reflecting curiosity.

"Nashi," Zero began, his voice steady but carrying a note of urgency. "I need your help with something crucial."

The overseer set down his device and gestured for Zero to continue. "Go on," he said, his tone calm but attentive.

"I need you to help me locate a race of primates known as the Saiyans," Zero said bluntly, his tail swaying behind him as if echoing the importance of the request.

Nashi's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he composed himself. "The Saiyans," he repeated, leaning back in his chair. "We've already encountered these creatures. However, the sector of the galaxy they inhabit is in constant turmoil due to their existence. They are... not the most cooperative species."

Zero couldn't hide the bright smile that spread across his face at those words. His Cyan eyes lit up with excitement, and his tail moved with a lazy, satisfied rhythm behind him. "Perfect," he said, almost to himself.

Nashi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Zero's reaction. "Why are you so interested in them?" he asked, his tone cautious but curious.

Zero's smile widened as he locked eyes with the overseer. "I need to go to that planet," he said, his voice resolute. "The Saiyans are the key to the next step of my plan."

The planet Nashi spoke of turned out to be none other than the original homeworld of the Saiyans, Planet Sadala—a name that sent a ripple of excitement through Zero's mind. The mention of it piqued his interest further, as Sadala wasn't just the birthplace of the Saiyan race but a place of great chaos, where the raw power and ferocity of its inhabitants were unrestrained. It was the perfect stage for Zero's next challenge.

Nashi, however, was puzzled by Zero's desire to visit such a volatile place. The old overseer had spent much of his life studying, innovating, and safeguarding his people from unnecessary risks. Planet Sadala, with its perpetual battles and destructive tendencies, was the antithesis of everything the Tuffles valued. But the opportunity to study the Saiyans up close—to gain firsthand data on one of the most enigmatic and powerful races in the universe—was too valuable to pass up. Reluctantly, he agreed to Zero's request and made swift preparations.

For two months, the Tuffle engineers worked tirelessly to prepare for the mission. Nashi ensured that every detail was accounted for, combining the Tuffles' technological ingenuity with an abundance of caution.

When the day finally came, Zero made his way to the space dock, a sprawling facility bustling with activity. Tuffle engineers, scientists, and robots moved about with precision, overseeing the final checks on a massive battleship that loomed before him. The vessel was sleek and intimidating, its metallic surface gleaming under the red skies of Planet Plant. Its design was unmistakably Tuffle—efficiency and power wrapped in an elegant, almost artistic frame.

Nashi awaited him at the entrance to the dock, his scarlet eyes scanning the battleship one last time before addressing Zero.

"Planet Sadala, the world you've requested to visit, has been the subject of many discussions and concerns," Nashi began, his voice calm but carrying a note of warning. "The battles that take place there are so intense that we can feel the residual energy of their attacks from here, even across the vast expanse of space. It is a chaotic, unpredictable environment—far more dangerous than I suspect even you are prepared for."

Zero smiled faintly, his tail swaying lazily behind him. "That's exactly why I need to go there," he said confidently. "The Saiyans are at their strongest in chaos. If I'm going to grow stronger, I need to experience it firsthand."

Nashi nodded, though his expression remained serious. "I've made every effort to ensure your safety—and the success of this mission. This battleship has been equipped with the best defenses and systems we can provide. Onboard, you'll find a fully staffed crew to support you, including a medical team, cooks, engineers, and a recon unit tasked with collecting samples of the planet's environment and its lifeforms."

Zero raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

"As much as possible," Nashi replied. "I may not fully understand your motives, but I respect the potential value of what you aim to achieve. However, I must emphasize one thing: your safety is paramount. If the situation becomes untenable, the crew has strict orders to retreat and bring you—and any gathered data—back to Planet Plant."

Zero gave a small nod, appreciating the old man's thoroughness. "Understood. But I don't plan on retreating unless absolutely necessary."

Nashi regarded him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he extended a hand, his voice softening. "Good luck, Zero. The fate of this mission—and possibly much more—rests with you."

Zero shook the overseer's hand firmly. "Thank you, Nashi. I won't let you down."

As he boarded the battleship, Zero took one last look at the bustling dock and the red skies of Planet Plant. This was a turning point—a journey into the heart of Saiyan chaos, where survival would demand everything he had.

As the engines hummed softly in the background, Zero sat alone in the navigation room, his mind racing with a storm of thoughts. Outwardly, his expression was calm and unreadable, but inside, he was wrestling with the full implications of his decision to travel to Planet Sadala. Around him, the Tuffles worked with their usual precision, moving efficiently to finalize the ship's preparations for departure. The room was filled with the faint sounds of machinery, data consoles, and quiet voices, but Zero's focus was entirely inward.

"The fact that Planet Sadala was destroyed due to internal turmoil tells me a lot," Zero thought, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his chair. "First and foremost, the Saiyans on Sadala were far more powerful than the ones who ended up on Planet Vegeta. A race capable of destroying their own home world must have possessed strength that bordered on uncontrollable. This means the Legend of the Super Saiyan they talk about on Planet Vegeta in the future isn't just a myth on Sadala—it's reality."

His cyan eyes narrowed slightly as he considered his own strength. "In my final transformation, I have a power level of 66 million—a fraction of the estimated 300 million a Super Saiyan wields. This trip is, without a doubt, a dangerous one. But the potential gains outweigh the risks. As long as I don't encounter some random Super Saiyan, I should be able to maneuver as needed. Advance when necessary, retreat if things get out of hand."

But as he thought deeper, a sudden realization made his stomach drop. "Wait... if the Legend of the Super Saiyan originated on Sadala, then it's possible that the Legend of the Super Saiyan God also began here."

The idea sent a chill through him. He clenched his fist tightly, his expression remaining outwardly stoic even as his mind spiraled. "If that's true, then the current King of Sadala might not just be some powerful Saiyan. There's a real chance he could be a Super Saiyan God."

His fist tightened further, the faint sound of his knuckles cracking lost in the ambient noise of the room. "Shit... Fuck!" Internally, he was screaming at himself for his rash decision. The magnitude of the risk had suddenly become far more daunting than he initially anticipated. And yet, he couldn't back out now. The ship was minutes away from launch, and the Tuffles were depending on him to make this mission a success.

Steeling himself, Zero leaned back in his chair, he had decided to go, and now he had to see it through. "This trip isn't just about my power or my survival," he reminded himself. "This is a test—not just of my capabilities but of my worth to the Tuffles. They're watching me closely. I promised them knowledge in exchange for their cooperation. This mission is a down payment on that promise. If I succeed, it will solidify our partnership. If I fail..."

His thoughts trailed off as he considered the consequences of failure. The Tuffles were pragmatic and logical; they wouldn't waste resources on someone who couldn't deliver results. Failure could mean not only the end of their cooperation but also his descent into irrelevance—a path he refused to walk.

"No," he thought, his resolve hardening. "Failure isn't an option. I'll succeed."

As the final countdown for takeoff began, Zero closed his eyes for a brief moment, centering himself. The hum of the engines grew louder, and the ship shuddered slightly as it prepared to leave Planet Plant's atmosphere. When his eyes opened again, they were filled with a fiery determination.