MTLNOVEL Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Aftermath
Chapter 22: The Aftermath
The air was still. The battle had ended, but the planet around Ben was left scarred. The once lush landscape now lay in ruins, the earth cracked and charred from the earlier explosions and devastating energy blasts. Ben floated above the battlefield, taking in the devastation, his heart still racing from the brutal fight.
The silence that followed was almost suffocating. Dodoria's massive form had shattered under the onslaught of Ben's icy storm, and now all that was left was the faint mist of frost in the air. Ben couldn't help but feel a momentary twinge of guilt, but he quickly shook it off. There was no room for hesitation in this world.
Ben turned his attention back to the battlefield. He'd won, but the victory felt hollow. Every step he took forward in this new world brought him closer to a future he could only guess at. It was a constant game of strategy and power, and sometimes, the lines between right and wrong blurred.
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What's Next?
Ben's hand instinctively hovered over the Omnitrix. It pulsed softly under his touch, as if it were calling him. His mind raced with possibilities. Dodoria had been a powerful opponent, but there were still bigger threats on this planet. The battle with the Frieza Force was far from over. He could feel the tension building inside him.
Ben glanced down at the wasteland below. It had only been a matter of time before Dodoria's defeat would attract attention, and from what he knew about this universe, that meant someone far worse would come looking for him. The Frieza Force didn't take kindly to failure, especially from one of its own elite soldiers.
"I need to get out of here," Ben muttered under his breath.
Ben's instincts had led him here to face Dodoria, but now, he needed to think ahead. His first encounter with the Frieza Force had been a success, but he wasn't foolish enough to think he could take on Frieza or his other generals without careful planning. Ben needed to stay one step ahead. And he had a tool that could help him do that: the Omnitrix.
His eyes narrowed, his thoughts swirling. With the power of the Omnitrix, he had the ability to scan and transform into countless beings from across the galaxy. He had already begun to accumulate some of the most powerful DNA, but there were still so many options—so many possibilities. He needed more. More power. More options.
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A Plan in Motion
Ben flew toward the remains of the battlefield, picking through the wreckage left behind by their clash. His mind was focused, his eyes scanning for any trace of Dodoria's ship or any other signs of the Frieza Force. He knew they wouldn't let this defeat slide without retribution.
But even as he thought about the future, Ben was reminded of one simple fact: he didn't belong here. His mind, his memories, were of Earth. Of home. And yet, here he was, fighting for survival in a strange universe. But no matter the odds, Ben was nothing if not adaptable.
Ben landed with ease, his feet crunching the frozen earth beneath him. As he surveyed the wreckage of Dodoria's ship, an idea began to form. The Frieza Force was a massive empire. He had to infiltrate it, learn everything he could, and find a way to manipulate the situation. It was the only way to ensure his survival—and to ensure his eventual dominance.
The more he thought about it, the more certain he became. Frieza was the ultimate goal. Ben needed to bring down the emperor of this universe, but he couldn't do it alone. He needed allies, and he needed to keep his identity hidden. The Hollow Veil—his secret organization back on Earth—had taught him the value of staying in the shadows, of influencing events without revealing his true face.
Ben opened the Omnitrix and dialed in the DNA of a Namekian. He wasn't sure how the Namekians worked in this world, but their regenerative abilities could be invaluable for future battles. With a flash of green light, Ben transformed, his body elongating, his skin taking on a pale, green hue. He felt the familiar power surge within him, the Namekian's abilities settling into his form.
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Unexpected Visitors
As Ben adjusted to his new form, a shadow flickered in the distance. It was barely perceptible at first, but Ben's sharp senses picked up on it immediately. Someone was coming.
He quickly scanned the area, ready to defend himself, but then his eyes narrowed in recognition. The energy signature was familiar. Too familiar.
He wasn't alone.
Ben's hand hovered over the Omnitrix once again, ready to change his form if necessary, but he hesitated. The figure coming toward him wasn't an enemy. It was Caulifla.
The Saiyan woman's figure emerged from the smoky haze, her wild hair flying in the wind as she glared at Ben. Her fists were clenched, and her eyes were alight with curiosity and anger.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she demanded, her voice sharp, filled with suspicion.
Ben couldn't help but smile a little, even though the situation was tense. The Saiyan woman was an enigma. He'd been watching her for a while, studying her fighting style and her potential. Caulifla was strong, powerful, and full of pride, but she also had a lot to learn. Ben saw in her a rival, someone who could become more. But for now, she was just another obstacle. One he needed to deal with carefully.
"I'm just cleaning up a mess," Ben replied, his voice calm despite the tension in the air. "What are you doing here?"
Caulifla crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze unwavering. "I don't trust you," she said, her voice low. "I've been watching you, and you're not just some random fighter. Who are you really?"
Ben's heart raced for a moment. He'd expected this. Caulifla wasn't stupid. But he had a plan. He had to keep her at arm's length for now.
"I'm just a guy trying to survive," Ben said, giving her a nonchalant shrug. "I don't want any trouble."
Caulifla raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. She took a few steps forward, examining him closely. "You've got too much power for just some random guy. You're hiding something. I can feel it."
Ben's fingers brushed the Omnitrix again, but he didn't transform. Instead, he met Caulifla's intense gaze. He was walking a fine line. If he wasn't careful, Caulifla could become a powerful ally—or an even more dangerous enemy.
"I don't want to fight," Ben said, trying to keep the situation from escalating. "But if you push me, I'll show you what I'm really capable of."
Caulifla smirked, uncrossing her arms. "We'll see about that," she said, before turning away. "But I'm keeping an eye on you. Don't think I'll forget this."
As she walked away, Ben exhaled, his body relaxing. He had dodged a bullet for now, but this wasn't over. Caulifla wasn't someone to be ignored. She could be a problem, or she could be a valuable ally in the future. Ben wasn't sure which just yet, but he was ready for whatever came next.
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