Dragon Ball: I Became Cell in a Doomed Future

"Sir, Dr. Hedo has arrived," the man with glasses reminded in a calm voice.

A short, chubby man walked into the office. He was dressed in a white lab coat, his body tightly wrapped from head to toe, even his hands covered. Only part of his round face was visible, always carrying a self-assured smile that made him seem approachable.

This was Dr. Hedo, a scientist and the grandson of Dr. Gero's late second son.

Magenta had already hopped back into his office chair before Hedo entered.

Adjusting his posture, Magenta asked directly, "Dr. Hedo, when will Cell Max be completed?"

"That's hard to say. Perfecting him will still take a lot of time," Hedo said, resting his chin on one hand.

"Didn't you say you were almost done?" Magenta frowned.

"I've only completed his body. If you just want a mindless monster driven solely by destruction and carnage, his power right now would absolutely blow your mind."

"But if you want to fully control him, we'll need to invest more resources to complete the mental control system."

Hedo crossed his arms and casually sat on the guest couch, picking up a sandwich cookie from the coffee table and taking a bite.

"Cell was your grandfather's life's work and his greatest creation! His power is undeniable! You must understand this," Magenta snorted, clearly displeased with Hedo's attitude. "That critical research was stolen by Dr. Bulma from Capsule Corp! This is a global-level crisis! Our mission to develop an even more powerful Cell Max is to deal with that threat!"

"You say that, but I really can't speed up the process. Besides, to deal with the ordinary Cell, my Gamma androids are more than enough." Hedo shrugged and, after requesting a glass of milk from the man with glasses, sighed dramatically. "Ah, what a shame! Your Red Ribbon Army's two rogue androids vanished, which robbed my Gamma units of their big chance to shine."

Magenta downed his coffee in one gulp, his tone sharp. "If you hadn't wasted so much time on those two Gamma androids, Cell Max might have been completed by now!"

"Cell's growth required the fusion of countless cells it was bound to take time." Hedo patiently explained, then confidently added with a smile, "Instead of calling it a waste of time, I'd say I made excellent use of the wait to develop Gamma 1 and Gamma 2."

"Enough! I don't care! I just want Cell Max activated!" Magenta roared, his composure finally breaking. "Or I'll cut all your research funding!"

"I know you're in a hurry, but isn't there a perfect chance tomorrow to prove the strength of the Gamma androids?" Hedo shrugged and calmly sipped his milk, his confidence unwavering. "Once they show their true strength, maybe you won't be so obsessed with Cell."

"That Babidi's Martial Arts Tournament is attracting a lot of attention," Magenta muttered, slightly calming down as his sharp eyes narrowed. "All the more reason to send Cell Max to that tournament! We'll show the world our power and declare the return of the Red Ribbon Army!"

"Sorry, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 have already set out to participate," Hedo said as he casually stirred his milk with a cookie. "Don't worry. They're both wearing the Red Ribbon Army insignia. Their victory will still bring glory to you."

…

West City.

In a dimly lit residential district, two figures emerged one tall, one short both draped in black cloaks that completely obscured their faces, leaving only their outlines faintly visible.

"Who are you?" Levos asked warily.

He could sense that their power wasn't weak. He faintly felt a pressure from the two of them.

"The armor you're wearing… looks familiar. Are you part of Frieza's army?" the tall figure rasped, his voice low and hoarse.

As he spoke, he suddenly launched a direct assault!

His speed was lightning-fast, his movements sharp as thunder within a blink, he was already at Levos's side, his right arm shooting out to grab Levos's chest!

Levos's face changed slightly, quickly twisting his body to evade.

But his opponent was extremely skilled, instantly accelerating to his limit.

Just as Levos thought he had dodged, the man's left hand suddenly shot out, clamping tightly onto Levos's shoulder.

"Ugh!"

Levos grunted, pain exploding from his left shoulder, the overwhelming force nearly crushing it.

He immediately activated his energy shield with full power, blasting the attacker's grip away from his shoulder!

Levos fired a quick energy blast at the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, and quickly pulled back to create distance.

He never expected his first real fight would come so suddenly!

His mind raced should he fight? Or flee?

Who was this towering figure?

"How do you know about Frieza's army uniforms?" Levos asked coldly, gathering energy in secret.

He wasn't willing to retreat from his first battle without even understanding his opponent's strength.

"You answer my question first. Then I'll answer yours." The tall figure who had injured Levos spoke in a low, calm tone.

This time, the man didn't immediately attack. He simply stood his ground.

Levos thought for a moment, then slowly replied, "My name is Levos. I was recruited by Frieza's army on Earth."

"Oh? Levos, which division do you serve in? Who is your commanding officer? Which planet is your base stationed on?"

The smaller figure's voice was eerie, with a sinister, almost demonic edge.

"I'm under Sorbet, the chief officer of the Third Star Sector. Our base is currently on Earth. I've been ordered to find a way to resurrect Lord Frieza and King Cold."

For some reason, a deep sense of danger suddenly surged within Levos, but he forced himself to remain calm.

After a long, unsettling silence, the smaller figure finally spoke again.

"In that case…"

The man slowly lifted his head, a cruel smile forming at the corners of his purple lips.

"Lying to me will only get you killed by my own hand."

Giao!

With a sharp shout, the smaller figure vanished in a flash, lunging straight at Levos!

Levos's expression darkened. He stomped on the ground, using the rebound force to propel himself backward, narrowly dodging the ferocious strike!

But as if he had predicted Levos's move, the man instantly transformed into a black blur and relentlessly pursued him, throwing a merciless punch!

Levos barely managed to block, but pain shot through his right arm it felt like his entire arm was about to explode!

This guy was insanely strong!

Levos's face turned pale, cold sweat dripping from his brow. The enemy was closing in again, he couldn't think of a way out!

Just then, the smaller figure suddenly halted his attack, squinting his eyes at Levos with a cold smile.

"Heh, Levos… are you ready to tell me the truth now?"

"I already told you the truth!" Levos gritted his teeth.