The Earth warriors had just landed back on the Lookout, the air still crackling with the residual energy of the fierce battle between Goku and Kairos. Their expressions were a mixture of awe, admiration, and for Vegeta, a bitter sense of determination. Goku's strength had reached new heights, and even Kairos, who was already a formidable force, had been pushed to his limits. The crowd of warriors began to gather around, praising both of their incredible power.
"Goku! Kairos! That fight was unbelievable!" Krillin shouted, his voice full of reverence.
"I never thought I'd see the day when Goku would reach such power," Yamcha added, clearly in awe.
Vegeta, standing slightly apart from the others, crossed his arms, his usual scowl deepening. The raw energy of the battle had humiliated him, and despite the praise his comrades were showering on Goku and Kairos, Vegeta's mind was already fixated on one thing: improving himself. He had seen the power Goku had achieved in just two years, and it had stung him deeply. He couldn't allow himself to fall behind any longer.
---
Far below the surface, deep within a cold, dimly lit underground laboratory, Dr. Gero was watching the battle unfold on a series of monitors. His once proud creations, the androids he had poured so much of his genius into, now seemed like little more than ants compared to the overwhelming power Goku and Kairos exhibited. Gero's eyes flickered with a mix of admiration and fury.
"I… I underestimated them," Gero muttered to himself, his fingers tapping on the surface of the console. "Goku… to think he's become so strong in such a short time. These androids of mine—they are nothing compared to that power."
A dark smile twisted on Gero's lips as he began to formulate a new plan. "I will make them stronger. Much stronger." His fingers flew over the keyboard, initiating new data streams and design calculations, planning his next set of experiments. He would push his androids further, make them faster, stronger, and more dangerous than anything Goku or anyone on Earth could imagine.
---
Meanwhile, back on the Lookout, Piccolo turned to Kairos and gestured toward a simple wooden door. It blended so perfectly with the surrounding architecture that it was easily missed by the untrained eye, yet it held immense significance. A faint glow pulsed around the edges of the door, and the very air seemed to hum with power.
"Here it is," Piccolo said quietly, his voice tinged with respect for the chamber that Kairos was about to enter.
Kairos nodded in acknowledgment and placed his hand on the door. As it creaked open, an ethereal landscape revealed itself, one that seemed to stretch on forever. Endless swirling mists filled the air, shrouding the environment in an almost otherworldly glow. The ground beneath Kairos' feet was soft and spongy, like walking on a celestial cloud, and the atmosphere was thick with an iridescent light that shimmered and shifted with every movement.
The Hyperbolic Time Chamber was a place of endless potential, where time itself bent to the will of its users. Inside, one day outside was equivalent to a year of intense training, a realm where warriors could push their limits in ways unimaginable to most. The gravity within the chamber could shift, adapting to the needs of the person inside, simulating the most extreme environments to facilitate growth.
Kairos stepped inside, and as the door slowly closed behind him, he felt the temperature drop slightly, the air becoming thicker with power. He took a deep breath, the cool, crisp air filling his lungs. He could already feel the chamber's gravity taking hold. Kairos wasn't bothered by it, though—after all, he had trained in 10G environments before. To make the most of this chamber, he knew he'd have to push himself further.
With a swift motion, Kairos reached into his capsule storage and produced his Gravity Training room. He activated it and the familiar hum of powerful gravity generators filled the air. With weights on his arms and legs, Kairos began his training, feeling the pressure build around him as his muscles strained under the force of the chamber's gravity.
---
Outside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, the others were returning to their homes. Goku, with a weary but content smile, was already thinking about his family. The bond he had with his son Gohan, and the warmth of his wife Chi-Chi, were all that mattered. He missed them terribly, and despite the fierce battle he'd just fought, his mind was still with them.
"Time to go back and spend some time with the family," Goku muttered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips. The immense battle had been exhilarating, but he knew that his family needed him. He teleported home, eager to see them again.
Vegeta, however, was a different story. His heart was heavy with defeat, and the bitter taste of losing to Kairos gnawed at him. He clenched his fists, his anger building within him. "I'll never lose again," he muttered through gritted teeth as he walked toward Capsule Corporation.
Inside the Gravity Chamber, Vegeta activated the controls. He had already decided. After what had just transpired, he wasn't going to let himself fall behind. He would train harder than ever before. His desire for power, for dominance, burned even brighter now.
As the Gravity Chamber activated, Vegeta's body was enveloped in intense pressure. The heavy force of gravity pressed down on him, but it was a challenge he welcomed. This was the only way to become stronger—to overcome the limits of his body and mind.
He gritted his teeth and began his training, knowing that he would have to reach new heights if he ever hoped to face Goku or Kairos again.