"What do you mean by that?" Tien instantly asked with urgency. "Is there still some hidden crisis on Earth?"
"That's right. It's like this…"
Levos gave a brief explanation about Dr. Gero and the existence of his numerous secret laboratories scattered across Earth.
"So, even though that old man Gero might not actually come back to life, because Earth was restored to how it looked twenty-five years ago, it's likely that his computer systems rebooted as well… and may be conducting even more insane biological experiments," Krillin muttered, scratching his head with a troubled look.
"Seems like our mission here won't be easy either," Yamcha sighed. "In that case, yeah… we really should stay behind to defend Earth."
Tien nodded seriously. "Levos, leave Earth to us. You go fight without worries."
"Oh right, here. These are communication devices connected to Frieza's army. I'll instruct the soldiers to follow your orders and help with the search effort."
Levos handed over three scouters taken from Cooler's armored squadron.
Then, he solemnly warned, "Stay alert. If you find anything suspicious, don't try to handle it on your own. Contact me immediately."
"If it's got you this worked up, the danger on Earth definitely isn't simple…" Tien said grimly, glancing at Chiaotzu. "Chiaotzu, you probably won't be much help staying here. Why not head to the Sacred World of the Kai with Levos?"
"No, Tien! I'm not afraid of danger. I want to stay with you!" Chiaotzu shook his head furiously and clung to Tien's arm.
Tien gently stroked his head, his eyes softening. "Chiaotzu, be good. Once peace returns to Earth, we'll reunite."
Chiaotzu pouted, holding back tears. "Okay… but you have to come back safe!"
"I will. I promise." Tien smiled.
Seeing this, Yamcha turned to Puar and said something similar.
"Yamcha-sama…" Puar's eyes were slightly red, but he nodded vigorously, clearly understanding.
Levos took one last deep look at the Earth's defenders before turning and walking away.
This time, he didn't plan on wasting another second. He was just going to grab some food before heading back to the Sacred World of the Kai.
What kind of food to bring…?
Levos thought for a moment, then chuckled inwardly.
Candy, chocolate, cream cake… and cola!
These were the treats he'd carefully chosen to present to Champa.
Everything was packed into a few handy capsules.
As for the rest of Earth's delicacies… those could wait for another time.
Before long, Levos had gathered the Cooler Armored Squadron, Kikono, Berryblue, as well as Captain Ginyu (still stuck in frog form), Chiaotzu, and Puar.
"Mr. Kibito, everything on Earth is more or less settled. We're ready to go."
"Understood. Everyone, hold hands and form a circle," Kibito said sternly, expression serious as always.
The group followed his instructions.
And in the next moment
With Kibito leading the way, everyone teleported to the Sacred World of the Kai.
"Lord Champa, I brought you a gift from Earth."
Levos pressed the capsule and tossed it into the open plaza.
Boom!
A puff of smoke erupted as the capsule popped open.
When the smoke cleared, Champa's eyes lit up.
"So much?!" he exclaimed, gulping, staring greedily at the unfamiliar pile of Earth delicacies.
"I didn't have much time, so I only prepared this for now. Hope you like it."
Levos smiled and personally poured two glasses of cola, handing one to Champa and the other to Vados.
Champa sniffed suspiciously and asked, "This bubbly black drink… it's not some bitter gourd vegetable juice from Planet Balsam, is it?"
Levos answered earnestly, "It's called 'cola.' It's a drink that makes people feel happy the moment they drink it."
Still doubtful, Champa took a sip.
"Hmm!" His eyes widened, staring at the cup in astonishment. "It's sweet and sour, and it feels like a thousand bubbles are dancing on my tongue! This is incredible!"
Vados followed with a delicate sip of her own.
As the cool, sweet liquid slid down her throat, her eyes curved into crescent moons. "Unbelievable… this is a sensation my taste buds have never experienced before."
Champa gulped down the rest of his cola in one go and sighed with delight.
"So refreshing! This stuff is amazing!" He patted his belly in glee. "From now on, I want this every day!"
Then he turned excitedly to the other treats from Earth.
Licking his lips, he grabbed a piece of chocolate and popped it in his mouth.
"…Huh?" Champa paused mid-chew, before his expression slowly changed. "A bit bitter at first, but the more I chew, the more fragrant it gets. Then it transforms into this deep, mellow sweetness… and the texture, so smooth!"
"Incredible! This is amazing!" he said, eyes gleaming with joy.
Vados took a piece as well, nibbling it elegantly.
"Mmm~ So good…" she said, cheeks flushed with pink, eyebrows dancing in delight.
Watching the two, Levos finally relaxed.
As long as Champa and Vados were satisfied, they'd be more inclined to protect Earth within the limits of the rules, of course.
"Please enjoy at your leisure. I have other business to take care of for now."
"Mmm." Champa responded while stuffing a mini cake into his mouth, barely understandable.
Levos turned and leapt down from the plaza, heading toward the old Supreme Kai.
"Elder Kai, may I ask… how much longer until the ritual is complete?"
The Elder Kai was sitting under a tree with his arms outstretched, nodding off with a loud snore.
He seemed to be dozing!
Hearing Levos's voice, the old man snapped awake.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he yawned. "About… twenty hours left."
The four seated nearby instantly showed signs of frustration.
"Elder Kai, why is it taking so long?" Piccolo asked, clearly annoyed.
"You pervy old man, weren't you just asleep?!" Android 18 shot him a glare.
"Nonsense, young lady! I wasn't sleeping at all!" Sweat rolled down the Elder Kai's forehead as he denied it. "I've been awake the whole time!"
Gohan frowned in disbelief. "You really don't look awake, grandpa…"
"Hmph! To an untrained eye, it might seem like I was sleeping…" More sweat trickled down the old man's forehead. "But I promise you, I wasn't!"
Then he scolded them with a stern face, "Alright, enough chatter. Time's ticking. Back to work!"
A moment later… the unmistakable sound of snoring filled the air again. Drool trickled down the corner of his mouth.
Everyone stared in silence.
Then they all turned to Levos, eyes pleading.
Levos… could only sigh helplessly.
Even knowing the original storyline, he couldn't tell if the Elder Kai was genuinely asleep or if this was some kind of mysterious technique.
On one hand, his hands really did stay outstretched the whole time.
On the other… that snoring and drooling said otherwise.
All Levos could do was return their looks with a wordless, I got nothing expression.
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