"What?!"
"Wasn't the Great Demon King Piccolo already eliminated? Why is Earth still in such danger?"
With a look of shock, the King abruptly stood up.
"Your Majesty, perhaps you thought the Great Demon King Piccolo was frightening enough, but compared to some truly terrifying enemies, he's merely a minor character."
"Tights."
Yuujin spoke, snapping his fingers.
Understanding the cue, Tights stepped forward, placing a projector on the table, and it began to display an array of holographic images.
"Your Majesty, have you ever heard of extraterrestrial civilizations?"
"Yes, our scientists have indeed detected the existence of some alien civilizations."
Yuujin smiled at the King's hesitant nod.
While the general public was unaware of alien civilizations, it was something the King was privy to. Though details about these civilizations, like their races or cultures, remained unknown, the fact of their existence was indisputable.
"Since you're aware, Your Majesty, it will be easier to explain."
"As Earth's Guardian, I have traveled to planets belonging to many different civilizations in the universe."
"Regrettably, we are incredibly behind by comparison."
Sighing, Yuujin spread out more of the projected images and continued:
"Earth resides in a remote corner of the Milky Way. Other extraterrestrial civilizations have long entered the space age, yet our civilization remains confined to our own planet."
"And it's not only in terms of civilization; in terms of physical strength, humans on Earth are very weak as well."
"Many powerful alien races possess the strength to destroy planets effortlessly. A being like the Great Demon King Piccolo would be considered insignificant on a universal scale."
"As the fight for dwindling resources intensifies, advanced civilizations continue to colonize weaker ones, and stronger races continuously exploit weaker ones."
"Earth has managed to avoid much of the cosmic conflicts due to its isolated location, but this advantage won't last forever. In ten to twenty years at most, we, too, will face an invasion from cosmic enemies!"
When Yuujin finished speaking, the entire room fell into a dead silence.
As the Guardian who once saved Earth, the King knew Yuujin wouldn't lie about such matters, and the images on display confirmed everything he'd said.
Alien civilizations abounded in the universe, and Earth was on the verge of an inevitable invasion!
At this thought, both the King and his officers turned pale and felt a chill from head to toe.
"Lord Yuujin, what can we possibly do?"
Like an ant in a hot pan, the King asked frantically.
If a single Great Demon King Piccolo almost destroyed Earth, then, as the Guardian suggested, Earth would stand no chance against a far stronger alien civilization or alien race!
Earth would be invaded, colonized, plundered, and perhaps even enslaved. Such a future was simply unimaginable!
"Please calm down, Your Majesty."
"Even if alien civilizations and races intend to invade Earth, it won't happen just yet. We still have time to prepare."
"My apologies, Lord Yuujin."
Although he managed to regain some composure, the King let out a bitter smile.
According to the Kami, the invasion could happen in as little as ten or twenty years. While this might seem like a long time to individuals, it was a mere blink of an eye for a civilization or a race, far too short to effect meaningful change.
"There's no need to worry too much, Your Majesty. Earlier, you asked why I founded the Dragon Ball Corporation. Well, this is the answer. I hope that by founding this company, we can help Earth strengthen quickly, so it may fend off future invaders."
"Perhaps you've already guessed, Your Majesty. All of the technology owned by Dragon Ball Corporation isn't derived from Earth's; it's actually the culmination of knowledge I gathered from alien civilizations."
"My aim is to use the scientific advancements of extraterrestrial civilizations to accelerate the development of Earth's civilization. However, given our time constraints, Dragon Ball Corporation alone isn't enough. We'll need your strength, Your Majesty, and indeed, the power of all of Earth."
"Your Majesty, for the future of humankind and for Earth's future, are you willing to join us?"
Facing the King, Yuujin posed the question.
After a lengthy, silent deliberation, the King gave his answer—
"I am willing, Lord Yuujin!"
...
Much later, after the King and his entourage departed, Yuujin watched them go, a satisfied smile of victory on his face.
"You schemer, Yuujin! This is all your ambition, yet you're making all of Earth serve your purpose. The King has fallen hard for your ploy this time."
Sitting in Yuujin's lap, Bulma murmured, her tone a mix of disbelief and humor.
"Ha! Even if I'm deceiving the King, you, Miss Bulma, are my accomplice!"
Yuujin teased her, tapping her nose lightly, then continued:
"Though it's for our own ambitions, it's also a good thing for Earth."
"If Earth's civilization were to develop slowly, it would inevitably face invasion and destruction. Earth's people would become subservient to those alien races as vassals and slaves."
"Rather than that, I'd rather harness all of Earth's power for myself and lead them to conquer the Milky Way! To conquer the universe!"
Yuujin's lips curled up with a mix of boldness and intensity that made Bulma almost mesmerized.
"Fine, you always have your way. Even if you, the great villain, want to destroy the world, we have no choice but to play along."
Returning to her senses, Bulma's cheeks flushed, and she sighed playfully.
After all, both she and her sister had long been captivated by this villain's charm, and no matter what he intended, they would support him unconditionally.
Looking at the girl in his arms, Yuujin felt both amused and touched—
"Thank you, Bulma."
"As thanks, let me show you my gratitude!"
He kissed her gently, then began undoing her clothes.
Bulma's thoughts raced, annoyed yet flustered: You rogue! Are you really thanking me or just taking advantage?
But as a familiar, blissful sensation washed over her, her eyes soon glazed over in a daze—
"Yuujin, no, not here..."
To be continued...
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