Chapter 3: The Dragon Balls of Planet Cereal
Saiyans, the race of Son Goku, the main character in Dragon Ball, possess immense potential and a variety of transformative powers.
However, the system didn't respond verbally. Instead, a screen popped up in front of Zuke, displaying information relevant to him.
Current World: Dragon Ball
Main Mission: Defeat Frieza at 100% Power
Player's Power Synchronization: 0%
Please advance the main mission to unlock power synchronisation
"No AI response, huh? Seems like it's just a program that runs on pre-written code," Zuke thought as he observed the system's silent response.
"But more importantly, this isn't just for entertainment. This 'power synchronisation' likely means I can bring some of my strength back into the real world."
To be honest, Zuke hadn't expected to be this lucky. Right from the start, he was transported into the world of Dragon Ball.
And this was Dragon Ball, after all—a universe where battles later on reach planet-shattering levels. While the original series may not have depicted it as vividly, the lore states it outright.
With only a few hundred power levels, a Kamehameha wave could be launched from Earth to obliterate the Moon. Imagining this, Zuke was already a little envious.
The good news was that synchronising a few hundred power levels would be easy. If Zuke's power level reached tens of thousands, then even with a 1% synchronisation rate, he'd be unbeatable in the real world.
"Still, my power level must be nowhere near the tens of thousands right now…"
Once he cooled down, Zuke quickly realized the predicament he was in.
"As a Saiyan, I'm still alive, which means Frieza hasn't destroyed Planet Vegeta yet… So, right now, the strongest Saiyan would be King Vegeta, who likely has a power level slightly over 10,000."
Vegeta once said he surpassed his father's power level as a child, which means that King Vegeta is actually far weaker than adult Vegeta. Estimating generously, Zuke guessed around 10,000 for King Vegeta.
If King Vegeta's power level is just over 10,000, Zuke's must be lower. To complete the main mission of defeating Frieza at 100% power, Zuke would have to raise his power level to at least 120 million.
That's no small feat. Zuke knew he'd have to plan carefully.
"Yo, Zuke, all healed up?"
Just as Zuke was mulling over his mission strategy, a voice called out to him. He turned to see a plain-looking male Saiyan approaching with a few others.
Zuke didn't recognize this Saiyan, probably just a background character with no role in the original series. But he immediately recognized the man leading the group.
"Bardock…"
Indeed, it was Bardock, the father of Dragon Ball's main character.
"... Glad you're well."
Bardock walked up to Zuke and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat, showing a familiar camaraderie.
Although he was a low-class warrior, Bardock was among the best of his rank and known for his calm disposition and loyalty to his comrades. Many Saiyans held him in high regard.
In the ruthless Saiyan race, Bardock was a rare exception.
"Heh, if it were me, I'd use this chance to lounge in the healing pod a little longer," another Saiyan commented, smiling slyly.
"Zuke, have you heard? Frieza's given us a new mission to clear a planet called Cereal. If you stayed in the pod, you wouldn't have to go."
"Idiot, call him Lord Frieza."
"Haha, right, Lord Frieza's orders."
One female Saiyan playfully corrected him, and the male Saiyan chuckled in response.
It was obvious the Saiyans didn't truly respect Frieza. From King Vegeta down to low-class warriors, none of them genuinely submitted to him.
Although they were compelled to obey Frieza due to his power, it was clear that once the Saiyans gained the strength to resist, they would undoubtedly rise against him.
It's no wonder Frieza had a constant disdain for the Saiyans and was ever eager to eliminate them along with their planet.
Ignoring the playful banter, Zuke asked, "Cereal?"
"Yep, apparently it's a valuable client's target, so they want to make sure nothing goes wrong and asked for us," the male Saiyan replied.
"They even calculated the moon's full phase. A few hours from now, Cereal will enter nighttime, and the full moon will rise. So we're heading out shortly."
Hearing this, Zuke's eyes gleamed. If he remembered correctly, Cereal was a plot point in the Dragon Ball Super manga.
"What do you say, Zuke? Are you coming with us? If you're not feeling well, you can stay."
Unlike the others, Bardock didn't tease him. He was one of the few Saiyans capable of calm, rational thought and genuinely cared for his comrades.
It was clear that if Zuke wanted to stay behind, Bardock could arrange it—his reputation among the low-class warriors was high enough that no one would object.
"No, I'm nearly fully healed. I'll go."
Zuke declined Bardock's offer because he absolutely wanted to go; Cereal held things of immense value.
He had been worrying about how to locate Earth's coordinates without drawing attention from Frieza's forces, but now, Cereal would serve as a suitable alternative.
After all, his main purpose in going to Earth was to find the seven Dragon Balls and summon Shenron to grant his wish.
But since Cereal had Dragon Balls too—just two to summon its Shenron—he could settle for that.
To be continued…
(T/N: For reader's convenience, Zuke will be used as his name overall(Inner monologue etc. etc.) in the dream world meanwhile Shin will be used when he is in the real world)