Talismans

As for whether anyone might try to take advantage of him or harm him…

That was the last thing on Broly's mind. It wasn't something he worried about at all. If anyone even thought about it, they'd have to deal with Frieza first.

And by that point, Broly wouldn't even need to lift a finger—Frieza would handle it all.

As always, Broly preferred to take things easy.

Meanwhile, the chef and his apprentices worked diligently to prepare a table full of food.

Dish after dish was brought out, allowing Broly, Cheelai, and Lemo to eat as they waited for the next course.

When the meal was finally over and the chefs and their apprentices had left, Broly sat back on the couch and gave his verdict.

"It was good… but nothing special."

Cheelai nodded, her eyes lighting up as she remembered their meals on Vampa.

"Yeah, it was okay, but the last time you cooked, Broly, everything tasted amazing!"

Lemo, ever the objective one, nodded in agreement. "I'd say it's acceptable, but it doesn't compare to the massive feasts Broly prepared last time. Now that was a real banquet."

Broly sighed lightly.

"Forget it. Let's just get some rest."

Cheelai and Lemo probably thought the food tasted better out of nostalgia, something Broly understood well. It was like how he remembered cartoons from his childhood—the protagonists always seemed so impressive, almost perfect.

But when you rewatch those shows as an adult, everything looks… different.

If he thought about it, it made sense.

If Frieza's ingredients were really as delicious as everyone claimed, they'd already have been offered to Beerus as a tribute.

How was it that Beerus and Whis still considered Earth the paradise of gastronomy?

Why did they have such a special affinity for Earth's food?

Perhaps he'd simply expected too much.

The three of them had started the evening hoping for a memorable feast, but in the end, it hadn't lived up to their expectations.

There was a faint sense of disappointment in the air.

Only Lemo seemed truly satisfied, heading to his room with a grin from ear to ear.

Broly and Cheelai went to their respective rooms—he to the master bedroom, and she to the guest room.

Once in his room, Broly didn't go to bed right away.

First, he opened the chat and glanced at what was happening in the group.

At this hour, most of the members had finished discussing Jackie Chan.

The general opinions were positive.

Except for Jackie himself, who kept repeating: "What rotten luck!"

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "What rotten luck! I'm just a normal archaeologist! Why the hell do the gods keep dragging me into these crazy adventures?"

Valkyrie: "If I had the talismans, I wouldn't complain so much. Although gathering them must be a nightmare… Still, maybe we don't even need Broly. I could handle it all myself."

I Know How to Use a Hammer: "If I had the talismans, I'd wipe out all the cursed spirits in my world in one go…"

Exterminating all cursed spirits…

Then, she could stop being a sorcerer and just live peacefully in a big city, enjoying the urban atmosphere.

Wouldn't that be beautiful?

Bloody Habanera: "It sounds nice, but Hilde and Nobara have their own goals, don't they? And Uncle Jackie… well, he just wants to stick to archaeology without all the adventures."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "Exactly! I just want to be an archaeologist!"

Valkyrie: "That's easy—just don't pick up the shield. Problem solved."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "Well… I already picked up the shield. Otherwise, I wouldn't be complaining about my bad luck."

That's how it all started. The shield had a talisman attached to it.

Valkyrie: "..."

Valkyrie: "What a coincidence… Anyway, accept your destiny. At least you're in the group, so you can see what's coming and locate key places. It'll be easier for you than for others."

Bloody Habanera: "If you're uncomfortable with it, Uncle Jackie, why not hand the shield over to Zone 13?"

The Strongest Man on Earth: "Or better yet, give it to the government and let them deal with it."

I'm Not the Flower of the School: "I hate to burst your bubble, but… if you've seen what happens in Zone 13 in the cartoons, you know they can't be trusted."

I'm Not the Flower of the School: "Come on, Jackie, you know they can't even keep their defenses in order, let alone move the main plot forward!"

The Legendary Super Saiyan: "Zone 13 can't be trusted. I completely agree."

Of all the things he remembered from Jackie Chan Adventures, Zone 13 was always at the forefront of his mind. Not because they were strong or impressive, but because they were ridiculously incompetent.

In the series, Jackie Chan, being the protagonist, had almost managed to collect all 12 talismans. But he made the mistake of leaving them with Zone 13.

And what happened?

They got stolen.

Not once, but three times. By villains, by allies—it didn't matter. They were completely useless.

The Strongest Man on Earth: "Looking at it that way… you're right."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "So, what do I do now? None of the options seem good."

Bloody Habanera: "If nothing works, just get rid of the talismans. Out of sight, out of mind."

Valkyrie: "That won't work either. The Black Hand already knows what's going on, and they'll be watching him."

I Know How to Use a Hammer: "Exactly. If they don't find the talismans, they'll come after you—and not peacefully."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "Aaaah! My rotten luck!"

The Legendary Super Saiyan: "@I'm Really an Archaeologist, this is your destiny, so accept it. My advice is to keep the shield and talismans safe, avoid unnecessary trouble, and think long-term. Don't let the mafia try to fix this with brute force."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "…Alright, I'll try."

I'm Not the Flower of the School: "Cheer up, Jackie. Gather the talismans. Maybe this really is your destiny."

I'm Really an Archaeologist: "No! Archaeology is my destiny!"

I'm Not the Flower of the School: "…"

I'm Not the Flower of the School: "Fine, whatever you say…"

________

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