In Dragon Ball: A brutal beating of Frieza at the start

Page 222

On the evening of the third day, an elderly scientist in charge of the deciphering suddenly ran excitedly to find Lin Ye and the elders. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes were bloodshot, but he was unusually excited.

"Success! We've cracked the first layer of encryption!" the old scientist exclaimed excitedly, almost dangling the data tablet in his hands. "It doesn't store coordinates, but a...list!"

"A list?" Lin Ye took the data panel with a puzzled look.

"It's a list of 'Spark' candidates!" the old scientist exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "It seems that Dr. Camilla didn't just send away one 'Spark' back then! According to this list, including you, Mr. Lin Ye, at least three other 'Sparks' were secretly sent to different timelines to evade the observers' pursuit!"

This news was like a bombshell, taking everyone by surprise.

Is Lin Ye not the only "spark"? Are there three other people like him, carrying the variable engine and Camilla's hopes?

Elder Ex jumped to his feet, his wrinkles deepening with excitement: "This...this is astonishing! If this is true..."

“Absolutely true!” the old scientist affirmed. “Although not all the data has been fully deciphered, this layer of information is very clear. Dr. Camilla made multiple preparations; she diversified her investments, increasing her chances of survival by at least double!”

A brief silence fell over the scene as everyone processed the astonishing news.

Trunks broke the silence first: "So, we might have three potential allies?"

“If they’re still alive,” Number 18 added calmly.

Vegeta snorted: "It's good to have a few more helpers, so we don't have to rely on ourselves for everything."

Lin Ye stared at the three blurry names and incomplete information on the data panel, a complex emotion welling up inside him. On one hand, the possibility of finding his companions greatly increased his hope; on the other hand, a strange sense of urgency also arose within him.

"Do the Observers also know about this list?" He looked up at the elders and asked the crucial question, "Are they also searching for other 'sparks'?"

Elder Ex's expression turned serious: "Very likely. The Observer's intelligence network is far larger than we imagined. If they learn that there are other 'Sparks', they will definitely pursue them with all their might."

The atmosphere in the conference room immediately became tense.

“We must find these people faster than they can.” Lin Ye gripped the data panel in his hand, his eyes resolute. “This is our greatest opportunity, and it may also be our greatest crisis.”

The new clues brought new hope, but also greater challenges. Searching for three scattered "sparks" in the vast expanse of time and space while evading the observers was an almost impossible task.

But looking at the three barely visible names on the data panel, Lin Ye knew they had no other choice.

Chapter 479: The Mystery of the List

The Elders' Hall was eerily quiet, save for the old scientist's heavy breathing and the faint hum of the data panel in Lin Ye's hand. An indescribable tension hung in the air, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the shimmering data panel.

“The other three ‘sparks’…” Trunks broke the silence first, his voice filled with disbelief, “Just how many backup plans has Dr. Camilla prepared?”

“To counter the Observers, no amount of preparation is too much.” Elder Ex slowly sat down, his fingers rhythmically tapping the table, his sharp eyes sweeping across the data panel. “What specific information is on the list? Names? Locations? Characteristics?”

The elderly scientist quickly manipulated the data panel for a few moments, and three incomplete entries appeared:

【Entry 01: ■■■·Dragon (Code Name: Hidden Dragon)|Last Beacon Feedback: Seventh Generation, Martial Arts Prosperity Side Dimension|Status: Active (Weak)|Notes: Extremely High Adaptability, Alertness ■■■】

【Entry 02: Ayla (codename: Star Core) | Last Beacon Feedback: No. ■■■ Technological Wilderness Realm | Status: Hibernation (Forced) | Note: Rejection occurred during the fusion process, urgently needing stabilizer ■■■】.

【Entry 03: K-07 (Codename: Iron Body) | Last Beacon Feedback: Edge of the Mechanical Realm Ruins | Status: Unknown | Notes: Logic core may be damaged, behavior pattern ■■■】

The information is incomplete; the key parts have been encrypted or damaged.

"The Seventh Generation... Martial Arts Flourishing... This sounds a bit like where we came from." Vegeta crossed his arms and frowned. His battle suit was still covered in dust from recent training, indicating that he had rushed over as soon as he heard the news.

“It’s similar, but definitely not the same,” Xi said with certainty, her fingers unconsciously tracing across the star map. “The ‘Sea of ​​Nothingness’ connects to countless branches of spacetime. Some are similar, but their historical trajectory and power systems may be completely different. The seventh generation where ‘Hidden Dragon’ is located is said to be a spacetime where ‘qi’ and physical strength have been developed to their extreme.”

“This ‘Ella’ is a bit of a problem,” Number 18 pointed to the second line. “Forced hibernation, and she needs a stabilizer. The environment she’s in sounds very dangerous.” Her tone was as calm as ever, but her slightly furrowed brow betrayed her worry.

“Mechanical Realm…” Trunks looked at the third one. “It sounds like a world of pure mechanical civilization. This K-07 doesn’t even sound like a purely biological being.” His gaze held the curiosity and wariness characteristic of a researcher.

Lin Ye's gaze swept over the three documents, feeling the foundation stone in his hand slightly warm, as if it were resonating with this distant information in some subtle way. The variable engine also appeared on its own, and the blue-gold light flowed faster.

"Can the Variable Engine and the Foundation sense them?" Lin Ye asked, raising his hand, the engine's light reflecting on his serious face.

The elderly scientist peered closer, his prosthetic eye constantly adjusting its focus: "There seems to be a faint resonance! But the distance is too far, the interference too strong, making it impossible to pinpoint the exact location; we can only roughly determine the direction. This might be some kind of 'spark' recognition mechanism pre-designed by Dr. Camilla."

“We must find them.” Lin Ye’s tone was firm, his grip on the foundation stone tightening. “Not only for the sake of uniting forces, but also if they fall into the hands of the Observers…”

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone present understood the gravity of the consequences. Observers could potentially leverage the variable engines or knowledge of other "sparks" to refine their control systems, or even directly crack the secrets of the foundation.

Elder Ex exchanged glances with the other elders and said in a deep voice, "Finding the 'Fire Seed' is of utmost importance, but the 'Safe Haven' cannot be left undefended. We need to develop a meticulous plan. Pilot Tide, you are most familiar with the 'Sea of ​​Nothingness,' which one do you think we should begin with?"

Xi walked to the star map and pointed to three blurry areas, which corresponded to the approximate directions where the three beacons last appeared.

"The Seventh Generation, where 'Hidden Dragon' is located, is relatively the closest, but that route is close to the regular patrol area of ​​'The Arbiter,' posing a significant risk. The technological wilderness where 'Star Core' Ayra is located has an extreme environment, requiring special protective equipment, and we have no clue what 'Stabilizer' is. 'Iron Body' K-07's mechanical realm... it's a graveyard for many out-of-control machines and AIs, with a complex and bizarre environment, and the beacon's status is 'unknown,' making it the most unpredictable."

She looked at Lin Ye with a serious expression: "The decision is yours, Lin Ye. You are the core of the 'Spark'."

All eyes were on Lin Ye. Vegeta clicked his tongue impatiently but didn't say anything; Android 18 waited quietly; Trunks clenched his fists nervously.

Lin Ye remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between the three documents before finally pointing to the coordinates of "Hidden Dragon": "Let's go here first. It's the closest, and its status is 'active,' so the chances of finding him are the highest. Besides... a world where martial arts are flourishing might be more suitable for us to quickly recover and understand the situation."

Vegeta snorted but didn't object, a hint of curiosity even flashing in his eyes about this so-called "flourishing martial arts" land. As a Saiyan warrior, he had an instinctive interest in powerful martial arts civilizations.

"Good!" Elder Ex slammed his hand on the table. "It's settled then! Xi, you immediately begin planning a safe route to the Seventh Generation. Just let us know what supplies and equipment you need. The Elder Council will fully support you!"

“We need to thoroughly overhaul the ‘Star Shuttle’ and strengthen its shield,” Xi began listing items without any hesitation. “We also need at least three high-energy supplies, as well as as much detailed information as possible about the Seventh Generation, even if it’s just legend.”

“No problem! I will have the archives fully cooperate.” Elder Ex immediately agreed.

“Lin Ye,” the elder looked at him again, “before you set off, you should familiarize yourself with the power of the foundation stone. Perhaps it will help you sense the existence of another ‘spark’ more clearly.”

Lin Ye nodded: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

After the meeting ended, everyone got busy. The hall was suddenly filled with instructions and conversations, and the once quiet space came alive.

Lin Ye found a quiet cabin, held two fragments of the foundation stone in his hands, closed his eyes, and tried to sense the resonance in the darkness. The variable engine slowly rotated around him, emitting a soft blue-gold light. He could feel a faint pull, as if something in the distance was calling to him, but the specific direction was still unclear.

Meanwhile, Vegeta went to the fighting arena to spar with the best fighters in "Safe Haven." The huge training ground echoed with the sounds of fists clashing and the explosions of energy colliding.

"Again!" Vegeta wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and roared at his opponent. It was a tall warrior with scars from long battles.

"You've fought three battles in a row, don't you need a rest?" the soldier asked, his tone respectful.

Vegeta grinned: "Rest? I've only just warmed up. In this damn place, my power recovers too slowly. I have to find a way to break through in battle."

Meanwhile, No. 18 assisted Xi in inventorying and preparing supplies. Her efficiency and composure ensured that the logistical work was carried out in an orderly manner.

"The energy battery inventory is insufficient; three additional sets are needed," Number 18 calmly pointed out, tracing his finger across the inventory list.

Xi sighed, "I knew it would turn out like this. 'Safe Haven' has always been short of resources. I'll go to the Elders' Council to apply for an additional quota."

Trunks plunged deep into the archives, trying to find more clues about the "Seventh Generation" and the "Hidden Dragon" from the vast sea of ​​fragmented information. He was surrounded by piles of data boards and ancient books, his eyes bloodshot from reading for so long.

Hours later, Trunks excitedly rushed into Lin Ye's room: "Mr. Lin Ye! I've found something! Look at this!" He held up an ancient stone rubbing with blurry patterns and illegible characters.

Lin Ye opened his eyes, and the light from the variable engine gradually faded: "What is this?"

"This was taken from an ancient ruin, and it's said to describe a legend from the Seventh Age!" Trunks pointed to a blurry dragon-shaped figure in the center of the pattern. "Look at this! 'A dragon lies hidden in the abyss, its blood is black and yellow, starlight suddenly appears, and it reigns supreme in martial arts'! Could this refer to the 'hidden dragon'? And does the 'starlight' refer to the light of the variable engine?"

Lin Ye took the rubbing, and the base stone in his hand suddenly warmed up. The dragon pattern on the rubbing seemed to glow slightly for a moment. A thought struck him: "Very likely! Is there any other information?"

Trunks shook his head: "Only this vague statement. But at least it proves that there are indeed legends like 'Hidden Dragon' circulating in the Seventh Era. The people in the archives say that the Seventh Era is a place where martial arts are revered and the strong are kings, with various martial arts schools constantly vying for supremacy. It is said that the strongest can tear stars apart with their bare hands. Although that may be an exaggeration, it is enough to show that the level of martial arts there is extremely high."

Lin Ye pondered, stroking the foundation stone: "Martial arts supremacy... If we can find this 'Hidden Dragon,' it might greatly enhance our strength."

Just then, a commotion and alarms suddenly came from the direction of the port!

Lin Ye and Trunks' expressions changed, and they immediately rushed out. In the corridor, people were running around in panic, and the alarm lights cast a blinding red glow.

There was some panic among the crowd at the port. Shio and Vegeta were already standing next to the "Star Shuttle," looking solemnly towards the port entrance. Android 18 also rushed over, carrying an energy pistol that appeared out of nowhere.

"What's going on?" Lin Ye asked as he strode forward, his variable engine automatically activating and going into alert mode.

Xi pointed to the swirling, colorful nebula outside the harbor: "The covert detectors on the outer perimeter have been triggered! Something has intruded into the 'Camouflage Nebula' and is rapidly approaching! It's not the 'Arbiter,' the energy signature is unfamiliar... but it's highly aggressive!"

Vegeta grinned and cracked his knuckles: "Whatever it is, it's just in time to stretch my muscles! I feel so uncomfortable staying in this suffocating place."

Lin Ye felt a slight vibration in the foundation stone in his hand, and looking into the depths of the nebula, a sense of foreboding rose in his heart. The light of the variable engine became unstable, sometimes bright and sometimes dim, as if responding to an unknown threat in the distance.

"All personnel to combat positions!" Elder Ex's voice echoed throughout the port via the broadcast system. "Defense system activated. Non-combat personnel to evacuate to the safe zone immediately!"

The port was instantly thrown into orderly chaos. Warriors quickly took their positions, and energy barriers unfolded layer by layer at the port entrance. In the distant nebula, several dark figures could be vaguely seen rapidly approaching.

“Three…no, four!” Xi stared at the detector screen. “Extremely fast speed, estimated contact in two minutes!”

Lin Ye gripped the foundation stone, and the variable engine sprang into action. The new journey hadn't even begun, yet trouble seemed to have already arrived. He took a deep breath, preparing for battle. Whoever came, they couldn't allow the location of "Safe Haven" to be exposed.

The dark shadow in the nebula drew closer, and everyone held their breath...

Chapter 480: The Hound in the Nebula

The port alarm sounded like a broken tin bucket, so piercing it could cut to the bone, instantly tearing the rare tranquility of this "safe haven" to shreds.

Trunks' hand slammed onto the hilt of his sword, staring at the blindingly bright energy barrier at the port entrance, his voice strained: "What's going on? Have the Arbiters caught up with us?"

Xi's eyes were glued to the control panel screen, her fingers flying across the keys as she spoke at a machine-gun pace: "It's not the Arbiter's energy signature! It's something else... The signal is erratic and incredibly violent! There are four of them, moving at an absurd speed; nebula interference is completely ineffective against them!"

Vegeta grinned, revealing a ruthless smile, and golden flames began to emanate from his body. However, due to the suppression of the void sea's environment, he wasn't as aggressive as usual: "Whatever it is, if it dares to come in, I'll just smash it to pieces!"

Number 18 took two steps forward, his eyes showing no sign of panic: "How long can the port defenses hold out?"

"I don't know!" Xi Meng shook his head, his fingertips trembling. "The energy reaction of these things is very strange, unlike conventional weapons... more like they're alive!"

"Alive?" Lin Ye's heart skipped a beat. The cornerstone fragment in his hand suddenly started to heat up, and the variable engine hummed and popped out on its own. The blue-gold light flashed erratically, as if it had a grudge against the thing outside, and kept pushing it outwards.

Elder Ex's voice suddenly came over the loudspeaker. Though old, his composure was enough to quell any panic: "Listen up, everyone! Non-combatants, get to the inner shelter immediately! Combatants, take your positions! Activate all close-in weapon systems! Buy our friends some time!"

Although the port was in chaos, the "survivors" were clearly not new to this kind of situation. The elderly led children, and the young helped the wounded, running along the passageway towards the shelter; no one was making a fuss. Soldiers dressed in all sorts of clothes and carrying various modified weapons also rushed to the defensive nodes. Some squatted behind dilapidated gun emplacements tightening screws, while others tinkered with energy emitters.

Lin Yechao called out, "How's the Star Shuttle?"

"The basics have just been repaired, and the energy has been replenished a bit!" Xi's fingers flew across the portable control panel, the screen light making her face appear pale. "The shield has recovered to 65%, but we can still fly! Should we retreat now?"

"No retreat!" Lin Ye declared decisively. "Going out now would just make us sitting ducks. Let's see what's coming first! Vegeta, Android 18, Trunks, get ready to attack! Xi, try to memorize as much data as possible about them!"

"I've been waiting for this!" Vegeta was the first to rush out, and with a push of his feet, he floated inside the energy barrier, his eyes fixed on the colorful nebula churning outside, as if he were watching his prey.

Number 18 remained silent, leaping up from the turret base and landing steadily at the highest point, the energy ports on his arms beginning to glow faintly. Trunks drew his sword with a "whoosh," standing beside Lin Ye, his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap a mosquito.

Lin Ye took a deep breath, pressed down hard on the trembling foundation stone in his hand, and channeled the energy of the variable engine throughout his body. He knew perfectly well that he had probably used the power of the foundation stone in the Echoing Maze to summon these things.

coming!

Suddenly, a hole was torn open in the colorful nebula, and four dark shadows shot down like arrows, crashing heavily into the outermost energy barrier with four loud thuds!

The entire port was shaking, the explosions were deafening, and the energy barrier was flickering like a light bulb about to run out of power, turning on and off in an instant, clearly on the verge of collapse.

"The impact was too powerful!" one of the survivors couldn't help but shout, almost crushing the turret control lever in his hand.

By the light of the explosion and the swaying barrier, everyone was finally able to see what the incoming object looked like.