The choice regarding Dr. Gero?
Seeing the three options appear, Lynx fell into deep thought.
There was no denying that Dr. Gero was an exceptionally rare genius in the Dragon Ball world.
One might even say he was the true defender of humanity's dignity within that universe.
Not to mention the android 11 Lynx had just faced.
If nothing unexpected happened, Dr. Gero would still create androids 16, 17, and 18—beings who surpassed even Super Saiyans!
And not to mention Cell, whose perfect form could rival Super Saiyan 2 in power.
Such a genius... it really would be a pity to kill him.
So Lynx didn't choose immediately but continued to ponder.
"System, can you explain the rewards? What's the difference between Time Stop and Time Skip?"
"Time Stop is an ability that stops time. Unlike Time skip, Time Stop lasts two seconds, but during the stopped time, no energy (ki) can be used."
Time Stop?
That was an appealing ability. Lynx remembered that in the original Dragon Ball, only Hit and Guldo from the Ginyu Force had similar abilities.
But this Time Stop sounded like Guldo's skill—no ki use during the stop would be a big limitation, making even flying impossible.
"What about the training robot in option two?"
"The training robot can transform into Super Saiyans, Frieza's race members, or Namekians for realistic combat simulation. Its power level can be adjusted from 100,000 to 100 million."
Lynx nodded. This reward was an excellent training tool, especially combined with the 1000x gravity chamber.
Since creating the 500x gravity chamber, Dr. Brief had told Lynx that due to energy and material constraints, making higher multiplier gravity chambers was nearly impossible without major tech breakthroughs.
So this 1000x gravity chamber was likely unobtainable by normal means for at least a decade.
"And what about option three's advanced Instant Transmission?"
"Host already possesses Kaioshin's Instant Transmission, so this advanced version is combat-ready Instant Transmission."
Combat-ready Instant Transmission?
Lynx immediately understood.
This had to be like Metal Cooler's Instant Transmission.
In the Dragon Ball world, aside from Zeno's ability, there were mainly three types of Instant Transmission:
Yardrat's Instant Transmission
Kaioshin's exclusive Instant Transmission
Metal Cooler's combat Instant Transmission
This advanced version must be the last type.
It could be activated anytime, and while the range wasn't far, it allowed instantaneous movement within visible sight range.
Lynx's current Instant Transmission took some time to activate, making it almost unusable in fast-paced fights.
Gaining this advanced version would be a massive boost to his combat effectiveness.
All three rewards had their unique strengths, making the choice difficult.
In the end, the main factor was how each choice would affect the future.
After thinking, Lynx finally made his decision.
"System! I choose option three!"
Ding! Choice confirmed. Please complete the mission quickly. Rewards will be given once Dr. Gero submits.
After confirmation, Lynx asked Dr. Brief, "Do you know where Dr. Gero's base is?"
"Hmm..." Dr. Brief pondered, "I recall his lab is somewhere in the mountains near the northern city."
Lynx nodded. "Good. Hannah, come with me. Tights, stay here and take care of the doctors."
"Lynx, you're going after Dr. Gero?" Dr. Brief hesitated. "If possible, can you spare his life? He's a genius; it'd be a shame if he died."
"I'll consider that." Lynx replied.
...
Meanwhile, at the World Martial Arts Tournament, the 22nd competition officially ended with Goku's victory.
While Goku and friends celebrated, Bardock prepared to leave with Gine.
"Our child has grown again," Bardock said.
"Yeah, still weak, but you're right—he's full of potential."
As the couple got ready to leave, Bardock suddenly sensed a killing intent nearby.
As a seasoned warrior, Bardock was highly sensitive to such auras. Though faint, it was definitely close.
What's going on?
"Bardock? What's wrong?"
"Gine, wait here." Bardock pulled out his power scouter and scanned the area.
Sure enough, he detected someone backstage at the tournament with a power level around 160.
Seeing that level, Bardock relaxed—just a minor character, no threat to his son.
Still, their plans to leave were postponed.
"Gine, let's stay a while longer. Looks like our son is about to face a challenge again."
"Alright."
They held their breath, flying to a hidden vantage point to watch.
Soon, they witnessed Tambourine, one of King Piccolo's minions, steal the Dragon Balls and kill Krillin.
Not long after, an enraged Goku chased after him but was defeated due to hunger.
Bardock and Gine silently observed, letting Goku face the trial on his own—even when Goku fainted, they held back.
But then, when a Namekian appeared, they were stunned.
"A Namekian? How is there a Namekian on Earth?"
Bardock and Gine knew well that Namekians were a powerful warrior race rivaling Saiyans. Though this Namekian's power was only about 230—still higher than Goku.
Though Goku had grown stronger than in the original, he still narrowly lost to King Piccolo, whose power and techniques outmatched him.
When Goku's heart stopped, Gine almost rushed down to kill King Piccolo but was held back by Bardock.
"Don't be impulsive—check your scouter. Goku still has signs of life."
Gine saw this was true.
"Bardock, don't you have Senzu Beans? Let me give Kakarot one!"
"No! We can't interfere with his growth." Bardock forced calm. "King Lynx said that Goku's current training on Earth is laying the foundation for his future. I agree."
"Maybe after this trial, Goku's power will increase again… Look, his companions are here!"
Under their watch, Yajirobe rescued Goku, then helped him head to Korin Tower.
Though now Goku could ask Tambourine for help, he chose not to.
"Krillin! I will avenge you myself!"
A Dr. Gero.
A King Piccolo.
Lynx and Goku—unknown to the world—each began their own journeys to save it.