Failed Attempt

I couldn't help but be reminded of the looming danger that will occur to this planet and its inhabitants. Although I've only been here for a day, I feel a connection with the Cerealians. 

Sure, you may say that my heart is moving too fast, but you have to understand I was a human before, a very social and empathetic race. Yeah, we have our bad apples and differences, but I can't help but feel extremely emotional.

That's why I'm currently walking through the road with silent steps. I had fun with Nutri yesterday and did more brutal training earlier today, but I need to get stronger immediately.

I can't let my mom die.

Heck, this extends to Nutri as well. 

Crunch is also becoming a favorite of mine. Supposedly, he was around 60 years old. You can't tell because of the longevity of the Cerealian life spans. 

I wore a brown cloak that covered my entire body, including my face. Namekians supposedly have a section surrounded by several pure blue lakes. 

They drink water as a source of nourishment, so being around a body of water isn't too far-fetched. 

I decided to jump onto a thick tree branch, shifting my weight so it wouldn't immediately snap like a frail twig. Shifting your weight is something we subconsciously do, which makes it easy when you know you're doing it. 

I focused my attention further down the dirt road, my right eye working as intended as I felt my vision clear. It was incredible; there was no blur or anything like that, just crystal-clear vision.

I can catch anyone in 4K now. 

I could see a few round houses; the area's biggest structure was at the far end. It looked exactly like the houses found on Planet Namek. 

Although I was skeptical about this, there was no guarantee that the protectors of the Cerealian Dragon Balls would listen to my pleas. I would have to convince them somehow. 

As I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding, I proceeded with my advancement. I needed to be strong and cast out my hesitation. 

…

As I entered the zone of the Namekians, I felt my heart pump faster. This wasn't excitement or anything like that, but anxiety. 

I didn't think I would be feeling this. It was as if I had a mountain strapped to my waist, keeping me in place. Anxiety was common for me, especially when I entered a new area. 

You'll never know what dangers lurked.

Although Namekians were peaceful, they still possessed incredible potential and power. Piccolo and Nail were formidable individuals. 

I tried to keep my ki at a minimum, considering this was also a part of my ki control training. 

As I sighed, I began to push myself forward lightly. My steps were silent but calculative to not raise suspicion about me entering this place. 

Surprisingly, no one was outside, but I was thankful for that, considering I was unprepared to fight any of these Namekians. 

If I'm not mistaken, I believe Namekians are branched into specific roles, like the Dragon Clan, which is the warrior group, so I'll have to be careful about them.

Although there are usually many of them, it challenges me. 

For one, I'm not confident I can take any of them on as I am now. They're seasoned warriors with many years under their belts, while I'm stuck in a kid's body, alien or not. 

However, perhaps I should incorporate what I've seen from the martial arts movies I watched, especially the Bruce Lee movies and some of the Jackie Chan films.

Enough about that.

I finally made my way towards the most important-looking house I had seen before. It was a plain, dull white color with a round roof; it was a spherical house. Two large, horn-like structures poked from the sides, while two large round openings were on each side, acting as windows. 

I couldn't enter through the front door for obvious reasons. 

I carefully floated in the air, keeping myself silent to not alert any Namekians. I didn't want to blow my cover. 

As I peeked into the window, I wearily inspected cautiously, my heart thumping with tension as I was doing something out of my comfort zone.

Calling it a comfort zone is lowballing it. Replacing a fictional character entirely is not something you'd expect, only in those fanfics. 

I could've checked any other house for the Dragon Balls, but I didn't because the Namekians made it apparent this building was important. 

I flew in, landing lightly on the blue checkered floor, my right eye working to point out any irregularities. I'm quite used to inhabiting Granolah's body; the two training days ensured that.

Of course, I was still a bit sloppy, with my knowledge stemming from watching Goku's journey. 

My existence in this world would drastically shift everything, which made me worry about the future and why I needed my potential to unlock immediately.

I won't be hasty and ask the Cerealian Dragon to cut my lifespan for revenge. I understand why Granolah did it, but he wasn't thinking clearly when he chose.

Hmm, perhaps I'm wrong.

I didn't go through his life; I've only read it from a piece of paper, so I can't judge him about his choices but was revenge that deep for him to shorten his life? 

Well, granted, from what I know, he was a loner, so I didn't get to see if he decided to rebuild his race. And I believe from that point, he only had three years left unless he used the Cerealian Dragon Balls to reverse the effect.

I believe the dragon can, right? 

Back on topic, I looked around the dark and lifeless building. It was quite small inside, but not to the point where you'd catch a panic attack from claustrophobia. 

At the center, I saw a podium standing there like a pillar in a desert. 

I inched closer. My breath stopped flowing as I felt my chances of getting stronger increase.

I didn't get wishes like I'd seen in those fanfics ahead of time; there was no god to greet me in the dreadful abyss, nor did I attain a miracle system to boost my stats and overcome my opponents.

I had to play it extremely safely and use what I know to help me in the present. 

Before I knew it, I tiptoed to get a closer look at what was inside the glass, and to my surprise, it was revealed to be the one-star dragon ball. 

I could jump up and kick my feet in happiness, but I scrapped that as I needed to figure out how to open the glass. Surely it can't be…

"Open sesame?" 

….

….

….

It didn't work, and if it did, I would've blown my cover from shouting. 

However, before I could delight in my finding, I heard something whizzing through the air, my instincts compelling me to move, which I did.

I rolled, and almost immediately, I was greeted with a hand stretching out for me. Of course, I wouldn't just stand like an idiot.

I bent my body back, and the hand, of which I caught a glimpse of its color—a dark shade of green—went past me before retracting.

"Intruder, give up quietly," The voice was firm, with no hint of serenity.

Damn, I knew this shit was too easy. 

"I'm afraid I can't do that," I replied, trying to match the attackers' stoicism.

"Hmm, you sound like a child…no, you are a child. How do you know about the Dragon Balls?"

Unfortunately, I can't tell you about it…but I can lie.

"I overheard a conversation, but that's not important. I need to get stronger no matter the cost."

The Namekian, shrouded in pale moonlight, stepped forward. He wore a brown vestment with a matching sash, white GI pants, and brown shoes.

His face was round but with a rigid jawline, and his ears were noticeably smaller than most Namekians I've seen. 

"Oh? Only those within the Cerealian military know the Dragons Balls' true power, so I can't blame them for talking about it."

I remained quiet, waiting for the Namekian to strike again.

"Power, yes, everyone wants power, but what is your reason?"

"My reason?" I couldn't help but let down my guard at this moment.

"Yes, everyone has a reason, selfish or noble. So, which do you fall under, young Cerealian?"

I couldn't even hear him…no! Of course, Namekians have keen hearing. That's how he knew I was in this place.

That was the most crucial information I skipped.

But, my reason for power…

I have several.

"My reasons are…."

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AN: I have no excuse for this one being late. I got sidetracked by Zenless Zone and was also catching up on some manga, like Blue Lock. I was also looking at everyone's input and suggestions. I'm still open to more, so let me know.

With that said, let me know your thoughts!