A white light, like a comet dragging a long tail, streaked rapidly through the dark, vast universe.
Within the luminous trail was a massive spaceship, as huge as Frieza's ship but shaped more like a tank.
It belonged to Zeltron.
Over the past few years, Zeltron had not only used the Attribute Picking system to steadily increase his strength but also quietly built his influence across the universe.
His intelligence division focused entirely on tracking Frieza's movements, while the combat division constantly fought to provide Zeltron with abundant attribute residue.
At this moment, Zeltron's power was comparable to Turles from the Dragon Ball Theatrical Edition.
However, unlike Turles—who enhanced his strength by planting Energy Fruit trees on other planets—Zeltron improved solely through the Attribute Picking system.
Inside the vast control room of the spaceship, Zeltron sat on his throne. Around him stood more than a dozen powerful warriors of various species.
These fighters, like Rapp, were crucial to Zeltron's growth. Each boasted a power level above 10,000.
"Master Zeltron-sama, we will reach Namek in fifteen minutes!" the dog-headed warrior reported respectfully, sweat beading on his brow.
He was not afraid of Zeltron, but Frieza's looming presence made him nervous.
"You don't need to be so anxious," Zeltron replied calmly. "Park the ship near Namek. The Intelligence Department will remain aboard this time."
Relieved, the kobold nodded in joy.
"What about us?" Rapp asked aloud.
"Only one of you will accompany me," Zeltron said, scanning the group with a sharp gaze, selecting carefully.
Everyone held their breath, hoping not to be chosen.
This mission was unlike past ones—Zeltron was going into direct contact with Frieza.
Frieza, the Emperor of Universe 7, was infamous for his cruelty and strength.
Though the fighters' power levels exceeded 10,000—enabling local dominance—they were insignificant in Frieza's presence.
"Rapp, it's you!" Zeltron's gaze settled on the tall warrior.
"Huh? Why me?" Rapp's heart tightened with unease.
The others exhaled in relief.
"Rapp, haven't you complained about never getting orders from Zeltron-sama?" teased one soldier. "Well, here's your chance."
Rapp clenched his teeth, torn between pride and apprehension.
"Master Zeltron-sama, I also want to come!" little Toss stepped forward eagerly.
"No," Zeltron interrupted immediately. "Frieza will be there. It's likely to be a fierce battle. Toss's power level of over 3,000 is insufficient. Bringing him would be more of a burden than help."
"Master Zeltron-sama, if I fall, it will only be due to my own weakness. I won't hold you back," Toss said earnestly.
Zeltron raised an eyebrow at the boy's boldness.
The others looked at Toss with quiet admiration. To possess such resolve at a young age was rare.
"Very well," Zeltron said. "But if danger arrives, I will not intervene on your behalf."
Toss beamed, unfazed by the warning.
"Thank you, Master Zeltron-sama," he said proudly.
Time passed, and soon the green orb of Namek filled the viewport.
"Master Zeltron-sama, we have arrived at Namek," the kobold announced.
Zeltron rose from his throne and commanded: "Rapp, you will accompany me. The rest remain here. No one leaves without my permission."
For Zeltron, this was not a mission for overwhelming numbers. One trusted companion was enough to fight while he picked up the attribute residues.
Rapp quickly grabbed the detector offered by a soldier and equipped it.
"Thank you!" he said, then rushed to catch up with Zeltron and Toss.
"Don't die!" one soldier shouted after them.
As the three disappeared from view, silence fell in the control room.
After a long pause, the dog-headed warrior sighed, "I wonder if Master Zeltron-sama will return from this."
Others around nodded grimly. Though Zeltron was powerful, Frieza was more fearsome.
Facing Frieza now seemed a near-impossible task.
Zeltron and Rapp moved to the spaceship's landing gear.
"Master Zeltron-sama, we aren't preparing anything? No special precautions?" Rapp asked, concerned.
"No need," Zeltron replied, stepping into the gear first.
Rapp hesitated, troubled by the apparent casualness.
If Frieza discovered them now, they would be at a great disadvantage.
But Zeltron's confidence gave him no choice but to follow.