In the luxurious hall, wealthy cosmic merchants who spent money like water mingled with notorious space pirates. Though unwelcome in circles of justice, they were welcomed by commerce. The Universal Chamber of Commerce accepted the pirates' business to a certain extent—they could always provide massive amounts of funding and resources.
Raditz and Zangya wandered under Renso's guidance, encountering all varieties of races, some never seen in Universe Seven.
People chatted animatedly with courteous manners. Light and shadow from crystal glasses floated between toasts, while a live band played in the distance, enhancing the atmosphere.
"It's quite lively. Won't it be too chaotic?" Raditz observed the crowds and wondered if the auction itself would prove disorderly.
Renso shook his head. "During the auction, each representative party can only enter the designated seating area with no more than four people. The auction is held in a separate venue, though I've never been inside." He shrugged. "No money."
"Then in a while, let's go in together and see what happens!" Raditz laughed heartily.
At that moment, several figures hurried past Raditz and the others, wearing black cloaks with hoods pulled low to conceal themselves completely.
"That's..." Raditz suddenly tensed, a familiar sensation crossing his mind.
"Oh, those are workers who maintain order. They're quite common here," Renso explained.
"No—I recognized that person's ki. It felt like Frost!" Raditz pulled Zangya forward, closely following the hurrying figure. Renso was stunned for a moment, calling out that it couldn't be, but immediately followed.
The three tracked the figure forward, and unexpectedly spotted another black-cloaked person approaching Rukon!
The scene was somewhat chaotic. Android 18 had her heel firmly planted on the back of a middle-aged fish-man with protruding lips, gripping his wrist with both hands and pulling back hard. The tremendous force had nearly broken the man's arm. If not for being in public in Universe Six, 18 would have killed him already.
Rukon shouted from the side while Broly stood there like an iron wall, blocking the fish-man's bodyguards. Quite a few onlookers had gathered, some applauding, others simply watching the spectacle unfold.
The reason was simple. The fish-man had been attracted to Android 18's beauty and wanted to "get to know her better," but 18 had naturally refused. So this drunken fish-man uncle had begun groping 18—as if that would be acceptable?
In an instant, 18 had countered, kicking him to the ground with her high heels, causing his rough face to scrape violently against the red carpet before creating the current scene. The fish-man kept crying out in pain and screaming for his bodyguards, but Broly's overwhelming aura held them at bay. Their legs had gone so weak they couldn't even move.
This kind of harassment being violently countered wasn't uncommon. It was inevitable that some people would drink and cause small disturbances during Chamber events, though it wouldn't affect the serious activities. When such incidents occurred, they were typically handled by the Chamber's order maintainers.
Frost was one of them.
"Miss, please release this gentleman. The Chamber of Commerce does not permit violence." Frost revealed half his face, and the moment his scarlet eyes appeared, Raditz was 100% certain of his identity.
No wonder someone had reported seeing him at the Chamber—it was true after all.
Android 18 snorted coldly. "I've already made my move, so what now?" As she spoke, she applied more pressure with her heel, eliciting another scream from the fish-man.
She wasn't easily convinced, and words like "not permitted" were provocations to her. In her opinion, not killing this uncle was already showing restraint.
The onlookers were eager for drama, discussions spreading among them.
"We simply want to resolve disputes as peacefully as possible. This gentleman may have acted inappropriately, and we can settle this privately. The auction will begin shortly—it would be unfortunate if it were delayed over this matter, wouldn't you agree?" Frost wore his former peace ambassador's face, gentle and polite, his smile appearing sincere.
Android 18, not wanting to interfere with Raditz's business, found herself persuaded by Frost's reasoning.
"Clap. Clap. Clap!" Suddenly, loud applause rang out, cutting through the tension. Both 18 and Frost focused their attention on the source—Raditz.
"As expected of a consummate actor. You can play any role, even here at the Chamber of Commerce." Raditz's words dripped with sarcasm, his eyes burning with recognition.
The moment he saw Raditz, Frost's blood ran cold. How could he forget that face? He would never forget it! The man who'd beaten him until he questioned his very existence had returned like a nightmare made manifest.
And the one next to Raditz was also an old acquaintance—Renso, whom he'd framed... Damn it! How could they be here?!
Frost's face went pale, losing all the elegance he'd displayed moments before. He took a step backward, his legs trembling so badly he nearly collapsed to his knees.
"Dad, do you know him?" Rukon looked at Raditz in surprise.
"We met once before." Raditz smiled as he approached.
After a brief silence, Frost finally managed to tremble out his first words after seeing Raditz. "You... you..."
Raditz ignored him, instead looking at the sweat-drenched fish-man. "Android 18, let him go. Just break his arm—don't hurt him too badly."
"Hmph, that was my plan anyway." Android 18 spoke lightly and pulled slightly. The man's arm dislocated with a sickening pop. The severe pain finally made him pass out, and blessed quiet descended. If treated with advanced medical technology, it could heal—at tremendous cost and after prolonged suffering.
This kind of punishment excited those who loved drama, but proved too violent for the weak-hearted.
Android 18 glanced coldly across the crowd. Everyone felt a chill run down their spines and immediately looked away, dispersing rapidly. This woman was not to be trifled with—people could only admire her from a safe distance.
Zangya came to Rukon's side and listened to him complain that while Universe Six's food looked good, it tasted terrible. Meanwhile, Raditz walked toward Frost and his subordinates. Each step fell like a hammer on Frost's heart, making sweat pour from him in layers.
If it were just Renso's group and the Sadala Defense Force, Frost wouldn't be afraid—he might even swagger. But Raditz made him lose all momentum, reducing him to trembling fear. Who would have thought Android 18 and Raditz were together? He'd walked straight into the lion's den.
"It's inconvenient for me to deal with you within the Chamber of Commerce, and there's no need for me to act personally. But you owe me your life." Raditz spoke indifferently as he passed Frost, his quiet voice carrying perfectly to the Frost Demon's ears.
Inaudible to others, yet deafening to him.
"Zangya, let's go. Let them handle things here." Raditz quickened his pace toward the other side.
Android 18 and Renso followed, with Zangya, Rukon, and Broly bringing up the rear.
Once they'd all disappeared into the crowd, Frost collapsed to one knee with a heavy thud. The pressure Raditz had exerted while passing was unimaginable—as if the entire sky had pressed down on him, threatening to pulverize every bone in his body. If he hadn't clung to his last shred of willpower, he would have collapsed completely!
Fortunately, he still wore his hood. No one could see his drenched face and trembling muscles in the darkness. But he remained frozen on the ground, unable to rise for a long time, his terrifying blood-red eyes filled with pure fear.
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