The Frost Demon of Universe 7

During the downtime of space travel, Zero dedicated himself to training Mikan, determined to help the young Tuffle-Saiyan hybrid adapt to his newfound strength. Zero understood the importance of discipline and control, especially for someone like Mikan, whose body had undergone such a dramatic transformation.

Before departing Planet Plant, Zero had instructed Nashi, the ship's chief engineer, to install a state-of-the-art gravity chamber on the battleship. While the Tuffles' technology was advanced, this particular upgrade had been a challenge. The system was designed to simulate gravitational forces far beyond those of Planet Plant, pushing the limits of what the Tuffles were accustomed to. Despite the technological constraints, the chamber could amplify gravity up to 10 times that of their homeworld—a significant increase that would test even a genetically enhanced individual like Mikan.

Inside the chamber, the atmosphere was thick and oppressive. The artificial gravity pressed down on everything, making every movement a challenge. Mikan stood at the center, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he adjusted to the environment. His white hair, a striking feature of his hybrid form, clung to his forehead, and his crimson eyes burned with determination.

"This isn't just about raw power," Zero explained, circling Mikan with his hands clasped behind his back. His cyan aura glowed faintly as he adjusted his own ki to the environment. "It's about control. The power you've gained is immense, but if you can't harness it, it's useless. Worse, it's a liability."

Mikan nodded, his breath labored but steady. "I understand," he said, his voice strained under the weight of the gravity. "But it's harder than I expected. My body feels... sluggish."

"That's the point," Zero replied, his tone sharp. "Your muscles are being forced to work harder. Your reflexes are being tested in ways they never have before. This is how you adapt, how you grow. The Saiyans on Planet Sadala lived under gravity far greater than this every day. If you're going to stand among the strongest, this is only the beginning."

Zero suddenly launched a ki blast directly at Mikan, the energy streaking through the air with deadly precision. Mikan barely had time to react, throwing up his arms to block the attack. The force of the impact sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the metal floor of the chamber.

"Focus!" Zero barked. "You can't afford hesitation. Under these conditions, even the slightest delay could mean death."

Mikan gritted his teeth, the pain from the blast still lingering in his arms. He steadied himself and raised his hands, forming a ki barrier as Zero fired another attack. This time, Mikan successfully deflected it, the energy dispersing harmlessly against the chamber's reinforced walls.

"Better," Zero said, his tone neutral but with a hint of approval. "But you're still relying too much on instinct. Use your intellect, Mikan. You're a Tuffle—you think before you act. That's your greatest advantage over someone like a Saiyan, who thrives on brute strength and instinct alone."

As the training sessions continued, the effects of the gravity chamber became evident. Mikan's body began to adapt, his movements growing faster and more precise. His ki control improved, allowing him to channel energy more efficiently under extreme conditions. The intense environment pushed him to his limits, forcing him to develop strategies to overcome the physical and mental strain.

After weeks of rigorous training, Mikan stood taller, his frame more muscular and his posture more confident. His crimson eyes gleamed with newfound resolve as he faced Zero in the chamber, the oppressive gravity now feeling almost natural.

"You've made progress," Zero said, his tone still stern but with a rare hint of pride. "But don't get complacent. This is only the first step. The universe is full of beings who would crush you without a second thought. If you want to survive—if you want the Tuffles to thrive—you'll need to push beyond your limits every day."

Mikan nodded, his determination unwavering. "I won't let you down, Zero," he said. "I'll prove that this power can be controlled, that the Tuffles can rise to greatness."

Zero smirked faintly, "Good," he said. "Because when the time comes, we're going to need that strength. This Universe isn't kind to the weak, and we're just getting started."

After several months of intense training and interstellar travel, the battleship finally entered the atmosphere of Planet Plant. The sleek vessel glided through the skies, its reflective surface gleaming in the light of the twin suns. The sight of the familiar terrain below brought a rare moment of calm to Zero and Mikan as they prepared to disembark.

As the ship landed in a designated docking bay near the Tuffle capital, the ramp extended, and the two travelers descended into the bustling compound. Waiting at the base of the ramp was Nashi, along with the head scientist and chief engineer of the Tuffle research division. His wiry frame was adorned in a pristine lab coat, and his sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Welcome back!" Nashi exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. His gaze flicked between Zero and Mikan, but it was Mikan who immediately caught his attention. The young hybrid's white hair and crimson eyes were impossible to miss, and his physique had transformed drastically. The once-slight Tuffle now exuded an aura of strength and confidence that seemed almost alien.

Nashi strode forward with a mixture of awe and concern. "Mikan! What... what has happened to you?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "This transformation—it's remarkable! But how? And why?"

Zero stepped forward, his frost-blue eyes calm but commanding. "Relax, Nashi," he said, his voice steady. "Mikan's transformation was necessary. On our journey, we encountered beings far more powerful than anything you've seen on Planet Plant. The Saiyans of Planet Sadala live under conditions that would obliterate most life forms, and their power is a direct result of that environment."

Nashi's sharp mind quickly pieced together the implications. He adjusted his glasses, his expression shifting from shock to curiosity. "You're telling me... you've integrated Saiyan genetics into Mikan's DNA?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Exactly," Zero confirmed. "But it's more than that. Mikan isn't just a hybrid—he's the beginning of something new. A balance between Tuffle intellect and Saiyan power, designed to overcome the limitations of both races."

Mikan stepped forward, his crimson eyes meeting Nashi's with a mixture of pride and respect. "I volunteered for this, Nashi," he said. "Zero gave me a choice, and I chose to evolve. The strength I've gained isn't just for me—it's for the Tuffles. To ensure we have a future, one where we're not constantly at the mercy of stronger races."

Nashi's initial apprehension began to give way to excitement. He gestured for them to follow, his movements quick and purposeful. "Come with me!" he said, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "We need to document this, to analyze the changes and understand their full implications. This could redefine everything we know about Tuffle biology and our place in the universe!"

He led them into his private compound, a sprawling facility filled with cutting-edge technology and research equipment. The lab was a hub of activity, with holographic displays and robotic arms working in perfect synchronization. Nashi's assistants quickly cleared the area as he ushered Mikan and Zero to the central examination platform.

"Stand here, Mikan," Nashi instructed, his hands trembling with excitement as he activated a series of scanners. A soft hum filled the room as beams of light swept over Mikan, analyzing every aspect of his altered physiology. Holographic displays lit up with streams of data, showcasing detailed schematics of Mikan's cellular structure.

"This... this is extraordinary," Nashi murmured, his eyes scanning the data. "His muscle density has increased by 300%. His energy output is off the charts, and his cellular regeneration rate is comparable to that of Saiyans. But his neural pathways—" Nashi paused, his voice filled with wonder, "—they remain Tuffle. His cognitive functions and problem-solving capabilities haven't just been preserved; they've been enhanced."

Zero crossed his arms, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Exactly as planned," he said. "This isn't just an evolution of the Tuffle race. It's a glimpse of what's possible when intelligence and power are united."

Nashi turned to Zero, his expression one of admiration mixed with a hint of trepidation. "Zero, this... this could change everything. If we can replicate this process safely, the Tuffles could become a force unlike anything the universe has ever seen."

"That's the idea," Zero replied, his tone firm. "But it's not without its risks. This power isn't for everyone. It requires discipline, control, and a willingness to evolve. If mishandled, it could lead to chaos instead of progress."

Mikan, who had remained silent during the exchange, finally spoke. "We'll do it right," he said, his voice steady. "This transformation isn't just about power—it's about ensuring our survival and creating a future where the Tuffles can stand tall, not as victims, but as equals."

Nashi nodded, his excitement tempered by a newfound sense of responsibility. "Then we have much work to do," he said. "This is only the beginning."

"I have a proposition for you, Nashi," he began, his voice steady yet filled with a weight that suggested the significance of his words.

"The Tuffles on Planet Plant will remain here with one exception: I require 1,000 volunteers who will undergo the same transformation as Mikan, becoming the new Tuffle-Saiyan hybrids. These individuals will be trained, enhanced, and prepared for a larger purpose beyond this planet. In the case of an emergency that threatens the very existence of your race, all remaining Tuffles will be permitted to migrate to Planet Shamo, which I intend to make my home. This way, the Tuffles will have a contingency plan for survival."

Zero's gaze shifted slightly, his expression firm but thoughtful. "If the new Tuffles and I remain here indefinitely, it could bring more harm than good. My plans involve expanding my influence and activity across the galaxy, and such movements might attract attention—attention that could endanger Planet Plant. What do you think?"

Nashi leaned back in his chair, his sharp Tuffle mind processing Zero's words carefully. He stroked his chin, his piercing eyes meeting Zero's as he responded. "As the overseer of this section of Planet Plant, I can only speak for my people. However, your proposition is logical, and I agree to your request for 1,000 volunteers. I will also provide the necessary supplies to aid in their transformation and training."

He paused, his tone becoming somber but resolute. "Your contingency plan is something I wholeheartedly support. The Tuffles, as we are now, are not warriors—we are researchers, thinkers, and creators. While we have little interest in combat, having the protection of you and the new Tuffles in times of crisis ensures our race's continued survival. Even if it means adapting, even if it means changing ever so slightly, it is a small price to pay for the future of our people."

Zero nodded, his expression softening slightly in acknowledgment of Nashi's understanding. "That's great," he said. "Once the preparations are complete, I plan on leaving this planet. I have much to accomplish, and this is only the beginning. I will repay your trust tenfold, Nashi. I'll bring back specimens, technologies, and discoveries to further your research—resources that will benefit the Tuffles for generations to come."

Nashi stood and extended his hand, his voice carrying a note of respect. "You've given us hope, Zero. Hope that the Tuffles can survive and even thrive in a universe that has long overlooked us. I trust in your vision."

Zero grasped Nashi's hand firmly, their eyes meeting in a moment of mutual understanding. The handshake was more than a simple agreement; it was the beginning of an alliance, a united front forged by intellect, power, and necessity.

Unbeknownst to either of them, this handshake would ripple through history. In the years to come, the alliance between the Tuffles and Zero, a Frost Demon, would reshape the balance of power in the galaxy. It would be a force that even the Saiyans, King Cold, and the Galactic Patrol would have to acknowledge and approach with caution. But those days lay far in the future.

For now, their partnership was a seed, planted in the fertile soil of ambition and necessity, ready to grow into something far greater than either could imagine.