Gamma 1 was unquestionably loyal to that so-called grandson of Dr. Gero, stubborn to the core.
Levos didn't care. "It doesn't really matter whether I have one more Dragon Ball or one less. Not until I've gathered them all."
"Carrying it on you now will only invite endless trouble," Levos calmly analyzed. "You saw that last enemy. There's no doubt they'll hunt us both down relentlessly. Wouldn't it be better to just hand that burden off to me?"
Gamma 1 shook his head. "No. Searching for the Dragon Balls is my mission. Even if it costs my life, I won't let it fall into the wrong hands."
Levos sighed. "If that's your answer, then let's fight."
The moment the words left his lips, Levos struck first.
Gamma 1 moved just as quickly.
Physically, he had the edge superior in every measurable attribute and blazingly fast.
Boom!
Their clash unleashed a deafening shockwave that rocked the ocean.
The surrounding waters surged violently, massive waves crashing out in all directions.
The two combatants were forced back three steps each.
Gamma 1 narrowed his eyes. "You're stronger than I expected. Especially the way you control energy. Those techniques of yours. But your physical strength is inferior to mine. I won't give you the chance to create distance."
"I'm aware," Levos replied coolly. "Let's take this fight elsewhere."
In the distance, the furious aura of King Cold could already be sensed, rapidly closing in on their location.
Without waiting for agreement, Levos grabbed Gamma 1 by the shoulder and vanished.
In the blink of an eye, the two reappeared in a distant stretch of ocean, thousands of miles away.
King Cold wouldn't be catching up anytime soon.
Once again, Levos and Gamma 1 clashed in close quarters.
Boom!
A fierce exchange sent another shockwave roaring across the sea.
Gamma 1 refused to give Levos a moment to breathe. He launched a brutal kick toward Levos's waist.
Levos blocked with one arm and immediately countered, slamming his knee into Gamma 1's chest.
Bang!
Both fighters trembled from the impact.
But it was clear. Levos had taken the upper hand in this exchange.
Frustration crept into Gamma 1's face. He lunged forward to attack again.
Boom!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A savage exchange of fists and feet erupted between them.
Gamma 1's strikes grew fiercer, every move sharp and precise, aimed squarely at Levos's vital points.
It wasn't an exaggeration. One wrong move, and Levos could suffer a devastating injury.
Yet Levos didn't back down. He met every blow head-on.
Their limbs clashed and tore through the air, each strike detonating like a grenade.
The entire region churned with towering waves, as if the apocalypse itself had arrived.
This level of brutal hand-to-hand combat was unlike anything Levos had ever experienced.
Every punch, every kick it set his blood ablaze, his whole body surging with exhilaration.
During his training with Mr. Popo, he'd grown used to holding back, winning with precision and control.
But right now, he cast all that aside.
He fought with pure instinct, throwing everything into every blow.
Letting loose like this felt incredible.
"So damn satisfying!" Levos couldn't help but roar skyward.
"Damn it! What kind of freak is this guy?!" Gamma 1 was beginning to buckle.
The fight against King Cold had already drained most of his energy. Now, he was nearly out.
Just as he faltered, Levos who had been on the defensive suddenly lashed out.
Bang!
A brutal elbow smashed into Gamma 1's face.
Splash!
Gamma 1 crashed into the sea with a massive splash.
"Damn…" Gamma 1 surged back into the air, but a cold chill raced down his spine.
Levos hovered behind him, a finger pressed to his temple.
"This move is called Special Beam Cannon."
Gamma 1's pupils dilated at the surge of overwhelming energy so close.
"Go ahead… do it." Gamma 1 stopped resisting.
But the concentrated beam of energy zipped past his ear, blasting clean through a distant island.
The moment it exploded, Levos smashed his fist into Gamma 1's gut, sending his back arching from the blow.
"Ugh… cough, cough…" Gamma 1 staggered, defeated. "I… don't understand… how did I lose…"
"Physically, you're superior," Levos said expressionlessly. "But when it comes to technique, I'm leagues ahead."
"Hand over the Dragon Ball."
Gamma 1 gave a bitter smile. "I'll say it again. Unless you kill me, you'll never get it."
"That so?" Levos began channeling energy in his palm, pointing it straight at Gamma 1's chest.
His eyes were ice-cold, completely devoid of emotion.
Just as he prepared to fire, Gamma 1's expression changed.
"W-Wait!" Gamma 1 swallowed hard. "The doctor just messaged me. He says I'm to hand over the Dragon Ball."
Levos nodded and calmly took the orb from his hands.
Within the crystal-clear ball, a single red star glowed brightly.
That made five.
Only two more, and he could summon Shenron.
Levos tucked the Dragon Ball into his backpack and turned to leave, not sparing Gamma 1 another glance.
The last two Dragon Balls were likely in West City.
In the hands of Frieza.
"Hold on." Gamma 1 suddenly called after him.
Levos paused, turning back. "What now?"
"Dr. Hedo would like to speak with you directly."
A flicker of surprise passed through Levos's eyes. "So that's his name. Hedo. Gero's grandson."
"That's right," Gamma 1 confirmed.
"What does he want from me?"
Levos narrowed his eyes, wondering. Had Hedo already created Cell Max?
If that monster was nearing completion, the entire planet was in danger.
Cell Max's power exceeded even Golden Frieza's.
No matter what, that research had to be destroyed.
"Well… he's run into some trouble. He's hoping you can help," Gamma 1 said.
"Let me guess… it's about Cell Max?"
Gamma 1's eyes widened. "How do you know about that?"
Then, realization dawned. "Right… you're an android. But our records show no mention of someone like you. That means… you must be one of Bulma's creations, right?"
"Are you asking that for yourself, or on behalf of Hedo?" Levos asked flatly.
"For Dr. Hedo, of course!" Gamma 1 answered. "Now he's sure of it. Only Bulma, who stole Gero's research, could've built an android like you!"
"Stole?" Levos's brow twitched.
"That's right. You even stole a finished Cell! Dr. Hedo created Cell Max as a countermeasure to defend against your Cell!"
Levos rubbed his chin.
Looks like there's been a serious misunderstanding between the two sides.
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