Dr. Hedo seemed to sense Levos's hesitation. Calmly, he said,
"At a time like this, you need to try first. Don't overthink it."
He plopped down on the ground, muttering to himself,
"After this… I probably won't create another android ever again…"
Levos turned to Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, staring at them with conflicted eyes. His voice was heavy.
"You two… are you really sure about this?"
Gamma 2 nodded with fierce determination.
"Of course we're sure!"
Gamma 1 followed, his tone firm.
"That's right. We're willing to give ourselves for the sake of Earth!"
Gotenks, Future Trunks, and the others were visibly moved by their resolve.
"Thank you…" Gotenks clenched his fists, his voice thick with emotion.
Mr. Popo quietly dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief.
Their selfless spirit touched everyone present. It was proof that androids weren't heartless killing machines inside them, humanity still burned.
"Then let's fight together!" Levos roared, his eyes blazing with fire.
He turned sharply to Vados.
"Miss Vados, please can you restrain Fused Zamasu for a while?"
Vados, who had been calmly gazing at the stars, gave a faint nod.
"A trivial matter."
Champa opened his mouth as if to object, then let out a heavy sigh instead.
Levos exhaled deeply, then summoned every ounce of his restored energy, activating his regeneration.
Splurt!
His wounds sealed instantly, his body whole once more.
But his energy reserves were completely drained. Even holding back the writhing Fused Zamasu trapped in his tail was difficult.
Levos steadied himself, his tail twitching and twisting.
Splorch!
A mass of twisted, pulsating flesh spilled onto the ground, slowly taking form.
The black aura of Fused Zamasu surged again, so dark and oppressive it made the Lookout tremble.
Even Shenron recoiled instinctively, his massive body stiffening.
The others braced themselves, faces grim.
Yajirobe's legs shook violently as he scrambled behind Levos.
"Levos! You mean to tell me you've been fighting monsters like this all along?!"
Levos ignored him, his breath ragged.
"Miss Vados… I'll leave it to you."
The words had barely left his mouth when Vados lightly tapped her staff.
A circle of pale blue light expanded outward, enveloping Fused Zamasu.
The monster shrieked as his body twisted grotesquely under the constricting radiance. In moments, his form was compressed into a writhing sphere, hovering helplessly in the air.
Vados's expression was calm, her tone as casual as if she'd just tidied a room.
"I can only hold him like this for a short while. Once you're ready, I'll release him."
"Thank you." Levos bowed his head in gratitude.
Then he turned to Gamma 1 and 2. His tail unfurled, the tip opening like a dark abyss.
Levos's lips trembled. He drew in a deep breath, steadying his heart.
The two androids exchanged a smile, utterly fearless, and stepped forward beneath his tail.
Thump!
In a single motion, the two Gammas were engulfed, swallowed whole.
Levos's eyes shut tight.
He could feel them dissolving within his tail, breaking down into streams of strange energy that coursed into his body.
Their power was unlike anything organic it was mechanical, crystallized into a core of artificial energy.
And yet…
His mind remained clear. His power level… unchanged.
"What?!"
Levos's eyes snapped open, disbelief twisting his face.
He turned toward Dr. Hedo.
"Doctor, I felt it Gamma 1 and 2 were completely absorbed. This wasn't just stealing energy, it was something different… But my strength hasn't increased at all! Why?!"
Hedo rubbed his chin, frowning.
"I don't know the details. Cell Max's evolution already exceeded all my expectations. I'd need time to study it properly to give you an answer."
But time was something they didn't have.
The disappointment weighed heavily on everyone.
Gotenks's expression was hollow, his spirit crushed.
Hedo sighed.
"Even if your raw strength hasn't changed, if your instincts are right, then something inside you has. It may not be obvious yet…"
"Ahem…"
At that moment, Shenron coughed awkwardly. His massive head lowered slightly, carefully flicking his eyes toward Champa as if begging forgiveness.
"Please, quickly state your wishes. Anything at all. If you delay further, I must depart…"
"Hmph!" Champa snorted angrily, sulking.
"Useless lizard! Just hold out a little longer!"
"Y-yes, Lord Champa!" Shenron stammered, bowing deeply.
Then, to everyone's shock, Bulma calmly stepped beneath Levos's tail.
"Levos," she said softly, "it's my turn now."
"Mom?!"
"Aunt Bulma?!"
Gohan, Future Trunks, and Kid Trunks rushed forward, panic written across their faces.
Bulma's smile was warm, her voice steady.
"I've been trying all my life to save this world. When I met Levos, I never imagined hope this great could exist again."
Her eyes softened with resolve.
"If even those androids knowing they couldn't be revived were willing to sacrifice themselves, then why shouldn't I?"
The others turned their eyes to Shenron hovering above. For once, even words failed them.
Levos's chest tightened painfully.
"Bulma…"
If absorbing her failed to unlock the power he needed… if she couldn't be revived… then this would be nothing but cruelty.
He couldn't risk it.
"Stop hesitating, Levos!" Bulma snapped, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Cell Max has already evolved once through absorption! Do it now! Even if I die, you can bring me back with the Dragon Balls!"
Her gaze shone bright with courage, unwavering.
"…Alright." Levos's voice was low, solemn.
"No matter what, I'll make sure you come back whole."
He spread his tail wide, the dark maw within surging with suction.
Bulma allowed herself to be drawn in.
Her eyes drifted closed, her last sight the grief burning in Levos's face.
Then came a cascade of memories: their battles fought side by side, the dangers braved, the laughter shared.
Moments of triumph, sorrow, and solidarity all etched forever in her heart.
They weren't just allies. They were partners, perfectly in sync, fighting to protect their world.
A peaceful smile graced her lips as her consciousness faded away.
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