The crowds of replicas stood in a perfect square formation, resembling a well-trained army. They marched in perfect rhythm, their steps shaking the passageway as if it might collapse at any moment.
Their solemn, cold expressions were like ice, blue pupils calm and silent, yet an aura of despair invisibly shrouded the entire space.
In the desolate white light, there seemed to be a vast, ethereal hymn accompanying the rhythmic metallic beating of their footsteps, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Boundless had revealed its true capability, using data from Raditz and the others to build a more powerful army. Each replica's combat power exceeded 100,000, with extraordinary regenerative abilities. Raditz knew they couldn't defeat them all.
Taking down one might be possible, but facing such a massive army was undoubtedly impossible. Their backing was the entire planet—how could anyone oppose an entire planet? To defeat Boundless, the only solution was to destroy the chip directly. The Tumatian had created it years ago, which meant there must be a way to stop it.
But first, they needed to reach the chip...
"Damn it!" Goku widened his stance and gritted his teeth.
Raditz took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Boundless, you can't stop me from leaving. I can tear this place apart at any time. If you don't believe me, try it!" He raised his hand, gathering an energy ball.
"My calculations indicate you will reduce resistance to preserve the lives of your kind," the mechanical voice replied. "Please surrender, or I will terminate this subject and the other experimental specimens."
Still resorting to threats! Raditz had assumed its programming would prioritize self-preservation. He'd hoped that threatening to destroy its interior would force it to submit, but he'd been outmaneuvered.
Goku looked startled, glancing at Raditz before reluctantly unclenching his fists.
Facing the horde of replicas, Raditz and Goku were captured without resistance. Piccolo didn't fight either—confronting such numbers head-on would be hopeless, so he surrendered. Nappa struggled briefly before being easily subdued, while Tien and the others were quickly overwhelmed.
They were escorted to another holding facility where prisoners were kept. Their energy was drained, electronic chains fastened around their limbs, before they were placed in separate compartments. The other experimental subjects received different treatment—they occupied a huge cage with metal walls on three sides and only the front remaining transparent.
Everyone who had been recaptured along with Raditz felt their spirits plummet. They had believed these heroes would break their confinement, but in the end, they couldn't escape their fate. Still, they felt responsible for involving Raditz and his companions in this mess.
The Tumatian lamented continuously, the light in their eyes dimming again like extinguished candles.
Suddenly, a child among the Tumatian pointed toward Raditz, her eyes brightening. "Look, that uncle is smiling!"
Though separated by thick metal walls, her cry was clearly audible. All eyes turned to Raditz, who was indeed smiling contentedly.
How could he still laugh at a time like this?
"Is... is he alright?"
"Perhaps his head was damaged in the fight."
"But he actually looks comfortable..."
Of course he was comfortable—Raditz was currently leaning against the edge of his cage, enjoying the ministrations of the orange-haired girl.
When rescuing her earlier, Raditz had easily unlocked her electronic chain. This time, Boundless had mistakenly assumed she was with Raditz and locked them together.
This suited the girl perfectly. From the beginning, she had wanted to thank Raditz for saving her life—wasn't this the perfect opportunity? As they leaned against the wall, she offered to help him relax. Her hands touched his thigh, surprising Raditz. Was the universe so forward these days? Even gratitude didn't need to be so... public.
While his mind wandered, her pale fingers had already begun kneading his tired muscles. Her technique was skillful, cool fingertips squeezing and pressing his exhausted thighs, bringing waves of relaxation.
A massage. Of course.
Raditz calmed his excitement and settled in to enjoy the treatment.
The others sharing his cage received no such attention. Tien thought of Chiaotzu, then suddenly remembered Launch, causing him to blush slightly. Piccolo and Goku remained indifferent, while Vegeta merely sneered.
The prisoners in other cells reacted quite differently. Seeing Raditz enjoying himself so thoroughly, they sat on the ground watching enviously, heads propped on their hands.
Everyone was a prisoner—why was his treatment so different?
They wanted spacious accommodations too! And beautiful women! And massages!
Noticing their expressions, Raditz struck an exaggerated pose of contentment, making them even more jealous.
"Yes, right there. I hurt myself so badly when I fell earlier."
"Here? I'll be gentle." The girl carefully stroked his waist.
"Mmm... not bad, not bad. Do the shoulders later, but don't tire yourself out. We can continue tomorrow." Raditz spoke casually, but the girl happily increased her efforts.
Some prisoners couldn't help but smile bitterly. Tomorrow? Did he plan to live here forever?
Raditz had spoken offhandedly, but his eyes changed the moment the door opened. His playful expression instantly vanished, replaced by a cold alertness. "They're back."
A group of blue robots in their original form passed through the gate, followed by a replica. They marched past many cages in a straight line, finally stopping in front of Raditz.
"Experiment Number 0 to the unknown area! Experiment Number 0 to the unknown area!"
Number 0? Everyone heard this announcement but had never heard of a "Number 0" before. Only when the mechanical soldiers removed Raditz from his cage did they realize he had been designated as Zero!
Every electronic chain displayed a number on its surface, but on Raditz's ankle, a bright yellow zero flashed on the dark buckle's electronic screen.
"Boundless, you want to see me?"
"Yes."
The replica spoke for Boundless, gripping Raditz's shoulder with one hand as it escorted him out. When the door opened, Raditz was momentarily taken aback. Besides the replica that had entered, dozens more waited outside.
Boundless clearly understood that Raditz's strength shouldn't be underestimated. The blue robots alone would be no match for him, so it had thoughtfully sent numerous replicas to prevent any escape attempt.
But Raditz had no intention of running—he wanted to meet Boundless and destroy it!
If Boundless hadn't summoned him, he would have created a disturbance and gone looking for it himself.
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New Fanfic
Marvel x Star Wars: Avengers in the Clone Wars
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