Chapter 18: Raising a Tiger.

Obviously, the bullets just pinged off my body. I didn't even bother to dodge as my clothes were already a ripped mess. No, what was more shocking to me was how untouched my boots were still! Like… They were better than my armor! Which was good, because I loved these boots. I'd kill if my boots asked me too. Though, that is a low bar all things considered.

"Right, well tantrum aside I have business to attend too." I ignored her and walked up to the desk and placed the key I was given on top of it. Like bumping a wireless pay method. *Ba-bump! * And suddenly, the atmosphere shifts. Like a fan finally turned on all the stagnant energy surges and flows.

I feel it pump from below and up through the tower right into my hand. Almost like it was attracted to me. My body soaking it up like it was a desert drinking water. It was a torrent of energy; my blood wasn't boiling. No, it was searing cold. So, cold it sliced in my veins like it was white hot. My breath came out icy and hazy. And just as it filled my body, the flow cut. Leaving me momentarily breathless, unsatisfied, my body demanding more.

Curious, I flexed my ki noticing no real difference. I circulated it a few times. I felt like there was something, but… meh, I'll figure it out later.

I turn to the girl.

"So, who were you again?" She flushed, grit her teeth so much blood leaked out. "You left me for dead in that alley!" …OH! "You're that idiot whose brother sold her out!"

"Indeed." She says, sighing, probably giving up on something. "When you left me for dead, no, when you had been beating me, I felt my life flash before my eyes! I realized you were right, that the world I knew was a lie. That all I held dear was just a weight pulling me down!"

"Oh, good for you!" I guess you can beat some sense in people.

"NO! Not good for me! After you left, they came back and found me! It was only through luck that I managed to climb my way to the top of this building and hollow out the trash within. Only this way could I get my revenge! My revenge on you and all those on this planet!"

I was liking this!

"Now, you and all of the people here will regret what you've done!" She started laughing. I folded my arms, eyeing her slightly confused. "Is that exactly a problem?" I ask, her laughing broke off into a choking cough. "What?"

"I mean, I kind of want you to do that though?" She stared at me like I was an idiot.

"In fact, I think I should up the stakes a bit." I stepped forward, something in my look breaking her courage. "Wait. What are you?" She got nothing more out as I stepped before her and gripped her head in my hand.

I wanted to test something. Since the moment I helped Bruiser awaken his Ki, it reminded me of something. Everyone in the Dragon ball verse used ki. It was almost universal with every species able to use it essentially. Could I, forcibly awaken Ki in people? Force it awake? And well, she would make a great guinea pig.

I began to force my Ki through her, wriggling against her resistance.

"Quit fighting, or not. Not sure if it'll help or hurt." She was kicking me and scratching at my hand.

"What are you doing to me!" "Making you stronger." She froze, unsure as she tried to look at me.

"What do you… Why would you do that!?"

"Well, there's a saying I remember. Something about cutting problems off at the root to prevent future troubles. Or not letting tigers get back to their mountains. Both are essentially the same in a threat left alone tends to fester and become a bigger issue.

Well… The only thing I fear is that the seeds I've sown, the tigers I let free won't come looking for me."

I remembered the squidivator declaring his intent to kill. And now I had this person declaring their will to kill me. Regardless of if it was real or not. I was more curious to see what she would do with power. My words, she found little to doubt, instead it made her relax. Which meant the process went shockingly smoothly as I felt her ki flare out.

She flushed. Her body temperature spiked as she looked down at her hands in fascination. "Welp, that should be it." I say, "Seeya." I walk off and as I walk back to the elevator, I hear her loud and clear.

"I will make you regret this Rettas." I laughed, "Mm, I hope you do." I didn't bother turning away as I made my way to the tower base. I tapped my scouter to call up Fera, she did give me her contact information. Before I could even speak, she spoke.

"Meet me on the surface. I'll send you the address." Instantly I got a ping and had my scouter screen extended. Huh… I made my way to the nearest elevator, was scanned and let through as I was officially a citizen due to paying my bills. The surface wasn't anything special. Cleaner, and well, better looking. It also didn't smell. The air was stale though, like dead almost. Fake.

I got curious glances, I ignored them. I made my way to the destination. A squat place. A restaurant. They tried to stop me at the door, only for a woman with a suit to supersede them. Soon enough I found my way to a private room, Fera lounging a veritable feast laid out. Well, fighting was hungry work.

"As thanks for clearing the tower." She said simply, the two of us ate. Nothing special happened as I explained what happened, the forces inside. She frowned, even muttering under breath about something when I mentioned the team of power suits.