Dragon Ball: The Strongest Training

Krillin's expression suddenly shifted, and he said, "Here's how you should report back: 'While patrolling, I encountered subordinates of King Cold. They're now stationed at the central oasis and have ordered all subordinates of the Earth Mound Star to assemble there for important operational instructions.'"

Hearing Krillin's words, Shaz looked puzzled. Was he being told to lure all his comrades to the central oasis? But his boss had a battle power of 10,000. When the time came, wouldn't Krillin be doomed? Shaz's mind raced. Could he be testing me?

Shaz immediately wailed loudly, "I would never dare lead my comrades to the central oasis! I swear I've never even met you, Lord Krillin!"

Krillin's tone grew impatient. "Cut the nonsense! If you can't lure the rest of the aliens to the central oasis, don't expect to keep your head!"

Shaz shrank back, thinking to himself, If you're looking to die, don't blame me for what happens next. Out loud, he reluctantly agreed to Krillin's demand.

Krillin signaled to Shadamou with a glance. Reluctantly, Shadamou stepped forward and released Shaz, though he still didn't understand why Krillin wanted to let him go.

Krillin smirked inwardly. It's all part of making you look good in front of your millions of people. If you're not the leader, how will I have someone to work under me?

Once the aliens were on the move, Krillin would quietly teleport to their base, collect the already-mined ores, and disappear without a trace. Then, he'd pin the blame on the aliens, letting everyone praise him for defeating the invaders.

If Shadamou knew what Krillin was thinking, he'd surely shout, "Lord Krillin, you're so devious!"

By now, Shaz was flying through the air, glancing back nervously at Krillin every so often, afraid the latter might suddenly blast him with an energy attack. But that wouldn't make sense—if Krillin wanted him dead, he'd have killed him already. Once this thought crossed his mind, Shaz relaxed slightly and sped up.

Flying through the sky, Shaz suddenly wore a regretful expression. "I was so stupid—so stupid! When Krillin first captured me, I actually thought about ending it all. Good thing I didn't go through with it. Look at me now—escaping with my life!" He burst out laughing, filled with relief at having survived.

"Get ready to move out!" Ian had already informed his people to prepare for their journey to the central oasis.

Krillin had calculated the Earth Mound Star people's traveling capabilities. With an average battle power of 30, they could cover at least 300 kilometers per day, meaning they would reach the central oasis in about five days.

A massive army of 100,000 began their march toward the central oasis. Flying overhead, Krillin glanced back at the piles of ore and said, "System, absorb."

Ding! Total energy absorbed: 10,000.

Krillin couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. That's it? Back on Earth, one chunk of Perseus Ore could yield several thousand energy units.

The system chimed in, "These are only energy-irradiated ores, not true Perseus Ore. Getting 10,000 energy units is quite lucky."

"What? So, I should be grateful for this measly amount?" Krillin said, exasperated.

"In theory, yes," the system replied cheekily.

"Damn it, why didn't you say so earlier? If I'd known, I wouldn't have gone through all this trouble—I would've absorbed it directly!" Krillin grumbled. "Just shut down already! You're annoying!"

System shutting down.

Krillin: …

On the fourth day of the journey…

Shadamou hovered in the sky, shouting to his people below, "Just hang in there! We'll reach the oasis tomorrow!"

Hearing this, the Earth Mound Star people seemed to gain a second wind, as if victory was within reach.

Shadamou descended to the ground and walked over to Avila. "Are you holding up okay, Avila? Want me to carry you there?"

Avila's cheeks turned slightly red, and she replied in a voice barely above a whisper, "Brother Shadamou, you've already asked me four times!"

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Shadamou muttered, "Oh… right." He had indeed asked her every day since they set out. Once, Ian had caught him in the act, and Shadamou had fled in a panic, tumbling over himself.

Putting on a determined expression, Avila quietly said, "I'll be fine. If everyone else can manage, so can I!"

Before Shadamou could respond, Ian coughed nearby. Shadamou quickly stammered, "Alright, Avila, I'll check on you tomorrow!" Then, he took off hastily.

Watching him flee, Avila chuckled. "But we'll arrive tomorrow…" she murmured, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Why did Father have to show up just then?

Ian glanced at his daughter's expression, chuckled softly, and walked away.

Two days earlier…

Shaz neared Slave Zone 1, a look of excitement on his face. He was close to seeing his boss, Rick, and he couldn't wait to ask him to avenge him.

As he approached the perimeter of the zone, a guard appeared, aiming a cannon at him. "Who's there?"

"Are you blind?" Shaz snapped.

The alien guard immediately adopted a fawning expression. "Ah, it's Lord Shaz! My apologies, Lord Shaz!"

Satisfied, Shaz asked, "Is Boss Rick here?"

"Yes, he's at the base," the guard replied eagerly. Mentioning Rick seemed to energize him—after all, he prided himself on being one of Rick's most loyal lackeys.

Ignoring the guard, Shaz flew straight toward Rick.

Inside the base, Rick was speaking with someone over the communicator.

"Yes, Lord Shaviza. I promise to deliver the ore to headquarters this year," Rick said nervously.

From the other end came a sinister voice. "If you fail, you'll have no value to me."

"Yes, Lord Shaviza. I'll see it done!" Rick wiped the cold sweat from his brow as the call ended.

Shaviza, the leader of the mechanized army and one of King Cooler's top generals, always made Rick break into a cold sweat during their conversations. One misstep could mean his end.

"Boss Rick!" Shaz called out tearfully as he approached.

Rick frowned. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at Mine Zone 5? If something goes wrong there, I'll never complete this year's quota!"

Crying, Shaz replied, "Boss Rick, you have to avenge me! Mine Zone 5 was attacked by surviving Earth Mound Star people! I barely escaped with my life!"

"What?!" Rick's eyes widened in fury. If Mine Zone 5 was compromised, his mission would surely fail. Fear gripped him as he thought of Shaviza's wrath.

"Where are they now?" Rick demanded.

"They escaped to the central oasis," Shaz answered truthfully.

Hearing this, Rick felt a wave of relief. At least they didn't escape entirely. They're still within reach.

"What's their highest battle power?" Rick asked.

"About 10,000," Shaz replied, deliberately exaggerating Krillin's power, which he estimated at only 3,000 to 4,000.

Suspicious, Rick used his scouter but detected only Shadamou's power level of 900, with no sign of anyone stronger.

Still, he hesitated. Shaz wouldn't dare lie to him, but the claim of 10,000 seemed questionable. After some thought, Rick decided not to take any chances.

"Summon all our main forces. We're going to wipe out the central oasis."

For 20 advanced chapters: https://www.patreon.com/c/Ely225