The beacon emitted a faint green glow, humming steadily on the console. After days of adjustments, it was finally operational. I leaned back in the pilot's chair, satisfied with my progress. Monitoring the frequency for several hours had yielded results—there was indeed a scout ship passing near Earth.
Its power signature was low, barely above 1,200. Weak, but not harmless. Intercepting it wouldn't just be a test of my strength—it could be a turning point. A faster ship with advanced systems might make the difference between survival and annihilation.
Yet, as tempting as it was, I hesitated.
---
The Weight of Risk
The scout ship wouldn't arrive for another two days, giving me precious time to strategize. A direct attack was risky; if the pilot sent a distress signal, Frieza's forces would know I was alive. My ability to suppress my ki was improving, but I'd never tested it against scouter technology.
Instead of rushing in blindly, I decided to use this time to refine my approach. First, I needed a contingency plan. If the scout detected me or managed to escape, I'd have to disappear immediately. The thought of abandoning my training grounds frustrated me, but survival came first.
---
Training Escalates
I returned to the forest, the evening sun casting long shadows over the clearing. My training had to push past my limits if I was to face real threats.
This time, I focused on integrating martial arts techniques from my past life. Boxing wasn't exactly a Saiyan specialty, but the idea of using footwork, angles, and precise strikes intrigued me.
I imagined a sparring partner, throwing punches and weaving between imaginary attacks. My movements became sharper, faster. Each strike felt more intentional, more efficient.
"Strength isn't enough," I muttered. "I need skill to match it."
---
A Simulated Trial
Back at the ship, I activated the training module. This time, I set the simulation to mimic a scout's power level. The hologram appeared, its features humanoid but alien, with an energy reading just shy of 1,200.
I approached cautiously, suppressing my ki as much as possible. The hologram scanned the area, its head swiveling as though searching for a target.
When I struck, it was with speed and precision. A sharp jab to the ribs, followed by an uppercut that sent the hologram sprawling. But it wasn't over.
The simulation adjusted, counterattacking with surprising ferocity. I blocked its strikes, weaving and sidestepping, before delivering a spinning kick that shattered the projection into pixels.
---
Preparing for the Encounter
The scout ship's approach wasn't something I could avoid anymore. The clock was ticking, and I needed to be ready.
I loaded a few supplies into my ship—just enough to survive a quick escape if things went south. Then, I mapped out the scout's trajectory. It would pass low over Earth's atmosphere, likely scanning for resources or signs of resistance.
It's a small fish in a big pond, I thought. But even small fish can bite if you're careless.
I decided to use the element of surprise. Luring the ship into a trap would be my best chance. A high-energy blast from a concealed position could disable its systems without destroying it completely.
---
The Plan in Motion
As night fell, I sat in the forest, watching the stars. Somewhere out there, the scout ship hurtled toward Earth. I clenched my fists, my resolve firm.
"I'll take the ship, learn what I can, and disappear before anyone knows I was here," I said to myself. "And if I fail…"
I didn't finish the sentence. Failure wasn't an option.
The universe wasn't kind to the weak, and I couldn't afford to hesitate. Whether I stayed on Earth or left for Namek, I needed every advantage.
For now, my focus was clear. The scout ship would be my first true test—and I intended to pass.
The scout ship's signal grew stronger as it approached Earth. My scouter, now modified to operate in passive mode, confirmed its power reading—a faint 1,200. It was an advantage, but not enough to let me lower my guard.
From my concealed position within a rocky ravine, I watched the sky. The ship's silhouette became visible against the backdrop of stars, sleek and angular with glowing thrusters.
Now or never.
I suppressed my ki to near-zero and steadied my breathing. The moment the ship descended low enough, I launched myself upward, cutting through the air like a missile. My energy surged at the last second as I struck its underbelly with a concentrated blast.
The ship lurched violently, its thrusters sputtering as it spiraled toward the ground. I followed it, landing a few hundred feet away from the crash site.
The Crash Site
The ship smoldered, its hull dented and sparking. I approached cautiously, suppressing my energy once more. The pilot emerged, staggering out of the wreckage.
He was humanoid, short and stocky, with pale green skin and a battle scouter strapped to his face. His power level matched the earlier reading—1,200. Weak by Saiyan standards, but he still carried a blaster rifle, which he aimed shakily in my direction.
"You—you'll regret this!" he stammered.
I said nothing, rushing him before he could react. My fist connected with his gut, sending him sprawling to the ground. He groaned but remained conscious.
"Who do you work for?" I demanded, my voice low and threatening.
The pilot hesitated, his eyes darting nervously. "Frieza… Lord Frieza."
Of course. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
A Dangerous Gamble
The pilot's scouter beeped, scanning me despite my suppressed energy. I ripped the device off his face and crushed it underfoot.
"Big mistake," he muttered, coughing. "They'll come looking for me."
"Not if they think you're dead," I replied coldly.
The pilot's eyes widened as I raised my hand, ki glowing faintly in my palm. But instead of finishing him off, I fired a small blast near his head, knocking him unconscious.
Killing him would be cleaner, but the idea of spilling unnecessary blood didn't sit right with me. I didn't want to be like the Saiyan Raditz I once was.
I turned my attention to the ship. Its systems were damaged but salvageable. With enough repairs, it could serve as my escape route—or as a decoy to throw off Frieza's forces.
Power Through Training
The encounter with the scout pilot had solidified one thing: I wasn't strong enough yet. Even with my power level pushing 5,000, I was painfully aware of the gap between myself and Vegeta, let alone Frieza.
Power levels weren't just numbers—they were the difference between life and death. I had to keep pushing.
Back at the forest clearing, I resumed my training. My strikes were sharper, my ki control more refined. I practiced combining techniques from my past life with what I'd learned here. Boxing footwork blended with Saiyan ferocity, creating a hybrid style that felt uniquely mine.
By the end of the night, my body ached, and my energy was nearly depleted. But I felt stronger.
Weighing the Options
As I sat by the campfire, I thought about Namek. The dragon balls were a tempting prize, but the risks were astronomical. Frieza's forces would arrive eventually, and Vegeta wouldn't be far behind.
But what if I could beat them there? With a ship and a head start, I might reach Namek before the chaos unfolded. If I secured the dragon balls, I could make a wish to level the playing field—or escape Frieza's wrath altogether.
On the other hand, staying on Earth had its merits. Goku's return was inevitable, and with the Z-Fighters' help, we might stand a chance against Vegeta and Nappa. But trusting them wasn't a luxury I could afford yet.
Either way, I need more power.
I clenched my fists, determination flaring within me. My path wasn't clear, but I wouldn't stop until I carved my destiny out of this chaotic universe.