Chapter 46: Prepare for "Readiness"
"I need to deal with a bigger problem," Krillin sighed.
"Mr. Krillin… you've already done so much for us," Sandam said, his face full of emotion as he looked at Krillin.
"Start preparing for evacuation," Krillin instructed.
"What? Evacuation? But Planet Tuo has just been rebuilt!" Sandam asked in disbelief.
"The forces of evil are too powerful. Evacuation is only the worst-case scenario. If Cooler himself comes, not even I can stop him—Planet Tuo will be reduced to cosmic dust," Krillin said slowly.
"Not even you, Mr. Krillin? Isn't there still the Galactic Patrol?" Sandam grasped at the idea like it was his last shred of hope.
Krillin fixed Sandam with a hard stare but didn't say a word. His silence seemed to ask: Do you really believe that?
Realizing his mistake, Sandam quickly lowered his head, shamefaced.
After a long pause, Krillin spoke again. "The Galactic Patrol didn't send me on this mission. Frankly, they wouldn't dare provoke Cooler's forces."
Hearing this, Sandam didn't appear disheartened. Instead, he thought for a while before responding. "Honestly, I've already guessed as much. After all, I've spent a long time at Galactic Patrol headquarters and know how they operate."
"Mr. Krillin is just using the Galactic Patrol as a stepping stone. Meanwhile, the poor fools at headquarters are still celebrating that they've recruited such a powerful fighter."
Krillin nodded slightly, silently acknowledging Sandam's accurate assessment.
"After spending this much time with you, I already understand the kind of person you are, Mr. Krillin. You're someone who truly upholds justice, someone who shows compassion and is willing to help the weak. That's why, regardless of whether you're officially with the Galactic Patrol, I—along with every citizen of Planet Tuo—will always stand by your side," Sandam said earnestly, his voice filled with determination.
"Finally!" Krillin thought. "I've been waiting for you to say that."
Maintaining his calm demeanor, Krillin patted Sandam on the shoulder and said with a smile, "You've made the right choice."
Keep It Quiet
"However, you can't let this news spread," Krillin warned. "Your people see the Galactic Patrol as their last hope. If they suddenly realize they've already been abandoned, it could lead to chaos."
Sandam nodded in agreement. "You're right, Mr. Krillin."
"We have no fallback plan. Everything depends on us. But I also hope your people can rely on their own strength to rise. Relying on others will never be as reliable as relying on yourselves. Do you understand?" Krillin asked.
Sandam took the lesson to heart and repeated the wisdom aloud: "A race that depends entirely on others is already on the path to extinction."
The Plan
"What should we do next?" Sandam asked, his resolve firm.
"Resume mining energy ores," Krillin said without hesitation.
"Planet Tuo has nothing else to offer, but mining has been your expertise for over 200 years. You don't even need to survey—just start digging."
"Refine the highest-quality ores, and select combat-capable members of your people to use them. Then, contact the nearest Galactic Patrol trading planets and establish trade with them. Use my name to demand the highest possible price. Stockpile as much material and resources as you can."
"And lastly, prepare for the worst-case scenario—evacuation!" Krillin concluded with precision.
"You've planned everything so thoroughly, Mr. Krillin," Sandam said, staring at him in awe.
"Evacuation is just a contingency plan. Hopefully, it won't come to that. But you must be prepared," Krillin said, his tone serious.
"Understood, Mr. Krillin!" Sandam replied, bowing respectfully.
Krillin gazed into the distance, his thoughts heavy. He didn't want his actions to inadvertently lead to the destruction of an entire race. His deep sense of justice urged him to do everything possible. After all, what good would it be to become the strongest in the universe if he lost his humanity along the way?
Krillin believed in the potential of the people of Planet Tuo. Before, they mined because they were forced to. Now, they mined to rebuild their home. This shift in purpose would unleash unprecedented productivity.
Sandam silently committed every word Krillin said to memory. To him, Mr. Krillin was always right.
Sandam's Determination
"Mr. Krillin, I want to go with you!" Sandam suddenly blurted out.
"No. If you come with me and we run into danger, you won't be able to escape," Krillin said firmly, refusing without hesitation.
Sandam looked disappointed but nodded slightly.
"Stay here and train hard. The enemy is strong, but I don't think Cooler will act personally. So don't worry too much," Krillin reassured him.
Hearing Cooler's name again, Sandam couldn't help but wonder: What kind of person could make Mr. Krillin so wary?
If Krillin had known Sandam's thoughts, he would have chuckled coldly and said, "If you knew my battle power is 390,000, while Cooler's is 470 million, would you still have the will to keep going?"
"Go back and start preparing," Krillin said as he walked with Sandam toward the settlement.
When they arrived, Krillin packed his house into a portable capsule. With a faint smile, he vanished into thin air.
On to the Next Mission
Moments later, Krillin reappeared on a desolate planet where his spaceship was docked.
"Click, click, click." The ship's hatch opened. Without hesitation, Krillin stepped aboard.
Space travel was far more reliable than his half-baked Instant Transmission, after all.
Walking to the cockpit, Krillin sank into the pilot's seat, massaging his temples. Over the past month and a half, he had managed to collect 100,000 energy units—not bad.
The Milky Hat Galaxy lay 4,000 light-years from the Perseus Galaxy, where Krillin believed Salza was stationed. To Krillin, the Perseus Galaxy's resources were far more tempting than anything the Milky Hat Galaxy had to offer.
"Phantom! Set course for the Perseus Galaxy!" Krillin commanded.
"Beep. Ship diagnostics complete. Destination: Perseus Galaxy. Distance: 4,000 light-years. Estimated travel time: two days," the onboard system confirmed.
"Boom!" With a flash, the spaceship took off like a streak of light, hurtling through the vast emptiness of space.
A Moment of Rest
Krillin yawned, covering his mouth. "Man, I'm exhausted. Better rest up," he murmured.
Changing into cool-toned pajamas, Krillin made his way to the rest quarters. As the ship sped toward the Perseus Galaxy, he allowed himself a moment of respite, readying himself for the challenges ahead.
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