The air atop Kami's Lookout was still heavy with the afterglow of Shenron's departure. The group was silent, each one processing the magnitude of what had just occurred. Then, Rudra stepped forward, his voice calm but carrying an urgency that demanded attention.
Rudra: "Everyone, listen carefully. If we want to stand any chance against Frieza, we cannot train as we have been. Vegeta, Nappa, Raditz, Goku—along with the rest of us—you all need to use the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Vegeta's brows furrowed in confusion.
Vegeta: "The… Hyperbolic? What nonsense is that? And where's Raditz? I don't see him here."
Rudra pointed toward the temple behind Kami.
Rudra: "Here, on this very Lookout, there is a chamber. One day spent outside equals one full year inside. The gravity is ten times Earth's, the air is thin, and the temperature shifts wildly between extremes. It is a place designed to push warriors to their limits."
Vegeta's eyes widened slightly.
Vegeta: "You mean… we can extend our training? One year in a single day?"
Rudra: "Exactly. And we must. If we are to defeat Frieza, our power levels must reach at least one million."
A collective gasp ran through the group.
Kami stepped forward, his tone stern.
Kami: "But it is not a place to take lightly. The environment inside is merciless. Breathing alone can become a battle. It is not meant for humans to endure."
Mr. Popo, ever calm, added with a low voice:
Popo: "And more importantly, the chamber can only be used twice in a single day. Only two people may enter at once."
Rudra nodded.
Rudra: "That's why I've decided the order. First, Goku and Vegeta. Then Piccolo and Gohan. After that, Nappa and Raditz. Finally, Krillin and myself."
Goku blinked in surprise.
Goku: "Wait—Gohan? Chi-Chi will never allow it!"
Rudra: "Goku, he only needs one day. That's all. He doesn't have to fight in the coming battle, but he must know how to fight. You know it too—his potential surpasses even yours."
Goku scratched his head nervously.
Goku: "You're right, but… I can't convince Chi-Chi. She'll kill me before Frieza does."
Rudra smirked slightly.
Rudra: "Then let Gohan decide for himself. He has a warrior's spirit, even if his mother wishes otherwise."
Nappa suddenly growled, his arms folded.
Nappa: "And why exactly do Raditz and I have to wait until the third slot? I'm not some low-class grunt waiting at the back!"
Before Rudra could answer, Vegeta snarled.
Vegeta: "And why should I go in with Kakarot? I refuse to train beside him!"
Rudra met Vegeta's glare without flinching.
Rudra: "Because I know you, Vegeta. Deep down, you want nothing more than to surpass Goku. Inside the chamber, you can fight him to your heart's content. Don't you want to prove you're the better Saiyan?"
Vegeta's teeth clenched, his pride wrestling with his logic. At last, he looked away, scowling.
Vegeta: "Tch. Fine. But don't think this makes us allies. The second I have the chance, I'll crush Kakarot."
Goku smiled sheepishly.
Goku: "Heh, no problem here. Training with Vegeta sounds exciting!"
The air grew heavier as Rudra's tone dropped, filled with foreboding.
Rudra: "And more importantly, if we don't train as I've said… the future I saw will become reality."
Piccolo's eyes narrowed.
Piccolo: "What exactly did you see, Rudra?"
The group leaned in, silent. Rudra hesitated for a moment, then spoke with grave seriousness.
Rudra: "I saw Vegeta, Nappa, Piccolo, Krillin, Master Roshi, even Bulma… all dead. Their bodies scattered in ruin. And Goku—on his knees, crying. His hair… it wasn't black. It was golden. Before him stood Frieza, and around them, only destruction remained. Earth… burning."
The Lookout seemed to fall into complete silence. Even the wind stilled.
Piccolo's fists tightened.
Piccolo: "Here? On Earth?"
Vegeta stepped forward, his face pale but voice sharp.
Vegeta: "Then it's true. Frieza's next destination is Earth."
Nappa growled.
Nappa: "Those cowards who escaped must've told him!"
Goku, however, was still caught on one detail.
Goku: "Wait… Rudra. You said my hair turned yellow? Why?"
Rudra shook his head.
Rudra: "I don't know."
Vegeta's eyes widened slightly at Goku's question, then narrowed.
Vegeta: "Wait. I do know. Or at least… I've heard of it."
Goku turned to him eagerly.
Goku: "You know? Then tell me!"
Vegeta looked conflicted for the first time.
Vegeta: "It's nothing but a myth. A legend passed down through Saiyan history. They speak of a warrior who appears once every thousand years. A Saiyan whose power is unrivaled. The… Legendary Super Saiyan."
Everyone gasped. Even Nappa blinked, his usual arrogance faltering.
Nappa: "The Golden Warrior…? You really think—"
Vegeta: "Hmph. Don't be ridiculous. It's only a myth. But even so…" his gaze flicked to Goku "…if it were true, it might explain what you saw."
Rudra frowned, trying to connect the threads.
Rudra: "Legendary or not, we can't waste time debating myths. All we know for sure is that Frieza is coming here. And if we want to stand against him, we must begin training in the chamber immediately."
The group exchanged glances. Fear, determination, and a silent acceptance filled the air.
Piccolo finally spoke, his voice steady.
Piccolo: "Then it's settled. We train. Every one of us. No excuses."
Goku grinned, clenching his fists.
Goku: "Alright then. Let's do this!"
Vegeta smirked, his pride reigniting.
Vegeta: "Good. Then inside that chamber, Kakarot, I'll prove once and for all who the true Saiyan elite is."
Rudra exhaled softly, watching the sparks of rivalry and unity ignite among them. For the first time since his arrival, he felt a sliver of hope—fragile, but real.
And so, with the shadow of Frieza looming closer than ever, the warriors of Earth prepared to step into the Chamber of Fate.