Training became my life. Day and night, for two relentless months, I wore the weighted bands, even as I slept.
My muscles ached, my bones groaned, but each step forward became a small victory, every rep bringing me closer to reclaiming my full strength.
When the day finally came, I could feel it—a new depth in my power, sharper control, and heightened endurance. I'd earned every bit of it.
Master Roshi looked me over, sensing the changes in me, and after a pause, his gaze softened with pride. "Kairos," he said, "I think it's time you learn the Kamehameha."
I blinked. The Kamehameha. I'd seen him use it in practice—how he'd generated a brilliant, crackling wave of energy that could cut through mountains. This was a legendary technique, something few had mastered. I nodded eagerly, feeling my heart pound with anticipation.
---
In just an hour, I felt the technique click into place. My hands moved in perfect sync, and as I channeled my energy, the Kamehameha burst from my palms with a power that took even me by surprise.
It felt… effortless, as if my body had already known how to do it. I glanced over at Master Roshi, who stood there, his mouth open, his eyes wide with shock.
The difference between learning and mastering a technique had always been vast—but somehow, I'd managed to close that gap.
....
Later, I checked my status panel, grinning as I saw the results of my training.
---
**No Pain No Gain**
Name: Kairos
Year: 743
Power: 2735
Life Stage: 0.001
Intelligence: 330
Endurance: 2003
Ability: None
Techniques: Floating Technique (Level 3), Ki (Level 6), Afterimage Fist (Level 4), Kamehameha (Level 2)
Bloodline: Saiyan
Physique: Saiyan
Evolution Stage: 0.006
Talents:
Mechanical Engineer (Level 7)
Biological Researcher (Level 8)
Mathematician (Level 8)
Cellular Biologist (Level 9)
Researcher (Level 7)
Accounting (Level 4)
Programming (Level 4)
Coding (Level 7)
Genetic Engineering (Level 6)
Gene Expression Data Analyst (Level 5)
---
Master Roshi sighed as he looked at me. "Kairos, I have nothing more to teach you. Your skill… it's beyond what I imagined."
I could hear the reverence in his voice, and he gestured up toward the sky. "There's only one place left for you to train—Korin Tower."
---
The next day, I flew towards Korin Tower, my destination clear. When I arrived, I could feel the sacred energy humming in the air, as if the place itself recognized the presence of a warrior.
I landed softly on the platform and looked up to find Korin staring back at me, his eyes narrowed with both curiosity and wariness.
Korin blinked, his feline eyes wide with surprise. He began sizing me up, and I noticed a slight twitch in his whiskers, as if sensing the depths of my power. It took him a moment, but he finally regained his composure.
"Well, well," Korin said, his voice smoother than I expected. "You've got some serious energy there, kid. What brings you to my domain?"
I nodded, feeling a touch of respect. "Master Roshi told me you were an immortal master of the martial arts. I came here to train."
At my words, Korin visibly relaxed, nodding in approval. "I see… Then you've come to the right place." He raised his paw, sweeping it towards the heights above. "This tower is filled with unique energy—a place of discipline and enlightenment. Only the worthy make it here."
I was intrigued, and Korin seemed to sense it, a proud gleam in his eyes as he continued. "And since you're here, I can offer you something special—Senzu Beans."
I raised an eyebrow. Senzu Beans… I knew about them. I knew they'd play a crucial role in future battles. But I also knew their scarcity was a problem.
I spoke up, trying not to sound too eager. "Could I trade for some of those Senzu Beans?"
Korin's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he seemed about to refuse, so I quickly pulled out a capsule. "I'll trade a ton of fish for them."
That caught his attention. Within half an hour, I had a capsule of fresh fish ready. Korin's mouth watered, and he finally relented, giving me four full bottles of the beans. I could only grin as I pocketed them. I knew the role these would play down the line.
Before leaving, I gave Korin a bit of advice, urging him to replant and store the beans. "In the future, these could help someone in dire need."
He nodded slowly, considering my words. Then, he looked up, his expression turning serious. "So, Kairos, what's your goal?"
"To become stronger," I said simply. "To protect this world, I'll need to reach new heights."
Korin scratched his chin, then nodded. "There are two ways to reach that power, Kairos. You could venture into the Demon Realm, or you could climb further—to God's Tower, above this place."
I felt my blood surge with excitement at the prospect, though I kept my face calm. "What's the highest power in the Demon Realm?"
He shrugged. "You're already stronger than the Demon King himself."
I processed that information quickly, realizing that the Demon King was likely around 2000 in power level. Already, I'd exceeded that. The decision was easy.
"Then God's Tower it is," I said.
Korin hesitated, clearly wary. "You'd need permission from God himself to climb further."
Just as he spoke, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the air, as if answering from the heavens. "He may proceed."
I grinned, the path forward finally clear.
---
I looked up, feeling the weight of what lay ahead. With each step, my power grew, but so did my responsibility.
The God's Tower was calling me toward a new stage of strength, a place where only the worthy could tread.
With Korin's blessing and the divine permission granted, I took my first step on this path toward unimaginable power.