CHAPTER 21

Shoo…

Only a few sharp cracks echoed, and no one could clearly see Linze's movements before they knew it, the heavy-hitting security personnel were already flung violently across the ground.

Though their faces were twisted in agony, it was obvious they weren't in any real danger of death.

"Wh…what the hell? Who is this guy?!"

The large orangutan-like man, who had just witnessed his fellow guards taken out in an instant, stumbled backward in shock, fearfully anticipating that he might be the next to fall.

On the far side of the room, someone had already started dialing for help.

"Hello? Is this General Casellar of the Pride Troopers?"

"Yes, yes! We've got two suspects one man and one woman who dined and then attacked us! They're both fighters, definitely. No one even saw how he struck!"

"Understood. We'll dispatch a team immediately…"

Click the call ended.

Linze had, of course, seen the clerk making the call.

But he didn't stop him.

Because…

Wasn't that General Casellar the so-called proud warrior who competed in the Tournament of Power on behalf of Universe 11?

This guy was supposedly the fourth-ranked fighter in the Pride Troopers of Universe 11, the elite force known across universes for their unwavering sense of justice.

But despite their reputation, readers of the Dragon Ball Super manga will remember how laughably ineffective they were in the actual tournament. In particular, Casellar along with several of his teammates was swiftly and embarrassingly eliminated by none other than Master Roshi, the elderly Earth martial artist, who outwitted them using tactics over raw power.

A proud warrior? More like a dish best served weak.

"I had hoped to quietly gather intel on Universe 11's internal structure," Linze muttered, "but it looks like that's not an option anymore."

"The showdown with the Pride Troopers is happening sooner than expected."

"Let's go. A fight's definitely coming we should pick the battlefield ourselves."

Linze turned to Android 18, who nodded. Together, they exited the restaurant.

The crowd, now fully aware of Linze's overwhelming power, parted in stunned silence, clearing a path for the two warriors without hesitation.

They soon reached a more open, less crowded area, ideal for the battle to come.

It wouldn't take long. The Pride Troopers had a reputation for punctuality, and Universe 11's justice squad was known for tracking opponents quickly.

Sure enough, within ten minutes, several powerful auras approached from the sky.

Shoo…

Three figures touched down before Linze and 18, the wind from their descent sweeping dust from the ground.

All three wore the iconic Pride Trooper uniforms black and red with white gloves and boots, the mark of Universe 11's enforcers of justice.

Standing at the front was Casellar, flanked by Boone and Quincy, all of whom held positions just beneath Toppo and Jiren in the chain of command.

But Linze knew better than to overestimate them titles meant nothing without results, and the manga had already shown how quickly these "heroes" could be brought to their knees.

"You're the two who just ate without paying at Overlord's restaurant, aren't you?"

Caselar stared at Linze and 18 with an upright and imposing expression, his tone severe as he questioned them.

"Yes, we ate it. So what are you going to do about it?"

This time, 18 stepped forward, arms crossed and lips curled in a mocking smirk as she answered Caselar with deliberate arrogance.

"Tch. You've got a lot of nerve to act so cocky after committing a crime."

"If that's the case, I have no choice but to bring you in. Once the debt's repaid, I'll let you go."

Caselar's words were, in principle, fair capture, repayment, and release but 18 clearly wasn't impressed.

"You? Take us down? Don't flatter yourself..."

She replied with open disdain.

The one-eyed guy before her didn't even look like he could take on Krillin, much less her.

"How arrogant and clueless. You dare to mouth off like that to members of the Pride Troopers?"

"Boone! Teach that woman a lesson. Make sure she lives."

Caselar barked, ordering Boone—recognizable by his dinosaur-like features and muscular frame—to engage.

"Yes, General. I'll hold back just enough."

Boone gave a confident nod, eyes locked on 18.

It had been a while since he'd had a proper fight. This might finally let him flex his combat muscles again.

"That guy seems to have some strength. Do you need backup?"

Linze asked, glancing at 18 with concern.

He didn't want her getting hurt not over something this trivial.

"Don't act like you're the only one who's trained these past three years. I've been training too, you know. I can take care of this clown."

18 said with a sharp glint in her eye.

"Alright. Just don't overdo it."

Linze reminded her gently.

He'd been so focused on his own growth, he'd nearly forgotten that 18 once a human-turned-android had also continued her training.

Just look at Android 17 in the Tournament of Power the guy had gone from background character to MVP of Universe 7.

That kind of leap requires serious strength.

"Let's do this!"

Boone suddenly shouted and charged directly at 18.

His speed wasn't bad, but to Linze, it was like watching a slow-motion replay.

"Way too slow. Try dodging this."

18 raised both palms and launched a rapid-fire barrage of energy blasts toward Boone.

Boone was immediately stopped in his tracks. Eyes wide, he frantically tried to dodge as the volley of glowing orbs came at him from all angles.

"This is worse than expected. Quincy! Assist Boone.he's outmatched."

Caselar ordered the thin, long-limbed Quincy standing beside him.

Quincy wasn't known for raw power, but his Light Binding technique was effective.

With Boone's Whip of Justice, they might stand a chance maybe.

"Alright, I'll keep her tied down."

Quincy said, his fingers splaying open as golden energy gathered and danced between them.

Shoo—!

Just as Quincy prepared to strike, Linze appeared in a flash, materializing directly in front of both Caselar and Quincy.

In each hand, an energy sphere crackled to life and with ruthless precision, he placed the glowing orbs inches from their foreheads.

"Try anything again… and I'll erase you both."

Linze's voice rang out, cold and deadly serious, laced with killing intent.

"Wh…what…?"

The two Pride Troopers froze in place, as a chill ran through them and sweat soaked their backs in an instant.

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