In Dragon Ball: A brutal beating of Frieza at the start

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"What type of resources do you need? Minerals? Or energy?" Lin Ye asked directly. Since they were already bound together, helping Huangya recover was helping themselves.

"High-purity metallic minerals can be used to repair armor and structures, while high-energy crystals or strong radiation sources can accelerate energy replenishment. In addition, biomass would be even better, as it can promote my tissue regeneration."

There are quite a few requirements. Lin Ye subconsciously rubbed his temples. In this completely unfamiliar star field, finding these specific resources is probably not an easy task.

"Sentinel, scan the surrounding area, focusing on resource signals that match Wildfang's needs."

"Scanning..." The sentry's mechanical voice paused for a moment before continuing, "Multiple weak mineral signals detected, distributed in the asteroid belt ahead. A relatively strong energy radiation signal detected, source unknown, location marked. Biomass signal... no large-scale source detected."

The presence of mineral and energy signals is good news.

"Wild Fang, let's go to the asteroid belt first and get some minerals to help you repair your external armor," Lin Ye decided.

"can."

The massive hull of the Wild Fang began to move slowly, heading towards the dense asteroid belt. Its speed was noticeably slower than before, clearly indicating that the previous battle and ultimate warp had consumed too much of its power.

Taking advantage of the relatively calm journey, Lin Ye and Li Sha followed the writhing passage back to the area where the database was located. The database was still stuck there crookedly, its outer shell covered with scratches and dents left by the battle, looking particularly dilapidated. Several mechanical arms extended from the Sentinels were busily performing minimal maintenance, trying to stabilize the precarious energy output.

"How is the seal progressing?" This was Lin Ye's biggest concern.

"Energy shortage is the primary issue. The seal itself is not at risk of collapse for the time being, but insufficient energy supply is causing its suppressive power to weaken continuously. If effective energy cannot be replenished within four hours, its stability will drop below the critical threshold of sixty percent." The Sentinel gave a precise and brutal countdown.

Four hours! Lin Ye felt an immense pressure instantly descend upon him. They had to find either usable energy for the database or enough energy for Huangya to enable it to in turn help the database within four hours.

"Whisper, continue analyzing the Wild Fang's energy system to see if it's compatible with the energy in the database, or to find a way to convert it."

[Analysis in progress... Its bioenergy differs significantly from conventional fusion energy and zero-point energy, presenting technological barriers. However, fragments of the Key of Genesis can serve as a bridge for limited energy conversion, though the conversion efficiency is expected to be low, and it will accelerate the fragments' own energy consumption.]

The fragment's energy is consuming? Lin Ye glanced down at the fragment of the Key of Creation he was clutching in his hand; its previously stable light seemed to have dimmed slightly. This was clearly not a long-term solution.

Just as he was pondering his next move, Huangya's consciousness resonated again, this time with a hint of barely perceptible doubt:

"The key holder, inside your spacecraft, that sealed-off dangerous energy source... its fluctuation frequency resonates with the strong radiation signal I sensed in the distance."

Resonance at the same frequency?

Lin Ye and Li Sha were both stunned. They exchanged a glance, both seeing astonishment in each other's eyes. That unusual structure in the historical log section was actually connected to a powerful radiation source within this "Dust Remnant" nebula?

This is not good news! Did they just escape the clutches of the Destroyer and accidentally stumble into territory associated with that anomalous structure?

"Can you analyze the specific nature of that radiation signal?" Lin Ye immediately pressed, his tone urgent.

"It's too far away to analyze precisely. But its energy characteristics... are also filled with a sense of chaos and unease, unlike something that was formed naturally."

A man-made source of intense radiation, shrouded in chaos and ominous signs… Lin Ye’s heart sank. This “Dust Remnant” nebula was probably not as peaceful and isolated as its name suggested.

“It seems the waters here are deeper than we thought,” Li Sha said in a low voice, her relaxed expression tightening again. “First there was that group of persistent destroyers, and now there’s this mysterious source of strong radiation that’s connected to the troublesome stuff in the database.”

Lin Ye nodded, his gaze fixed on the approaching asteroid belt outside the observation window. Those rocks, which shone like scattered jewels under the nebula's light, now appeared to him as filled with unknown danger.

"Sentinel, prioritize scanning for high-purity metal veins in the asteroid belt."

"Scanning... Three veins matching the criteria have been detected, located inside three relatively large asteroids. The closest one is about 500 kilometers away."

"Wild Fang, at this distance, can you mine directly?"

"Yes, but we need to get within fifty kilometers. My bio-mining tentacles have a limited effective range."

As the Wild Fang slowly adjusted its posture and approached the silent, floating rock formation, Lin Ye and Li Sha could clearly see the Wild Fang's surface changing again through the transparent "ground" beneath their feet. Some areas of the originally smooth, mirror-like outer shell quietly cracked open, extending countless slender, soft, yet metallic-lustered tentacle-like structures. The tips of the tentacles shimmered with faint beams of light used for decomposing and absorbing matter.

These bio-mining tentacles, seemingly possessing self-awareness, deftly navigate around obstacles, precisely reaching the nearest target asteroid to locate exposed or weakest points in the mineral veins, then firmly attaching themselves to them. The harvesting beam illuminates, and the rock layers and minerals on the asteroid's surface are broken down and absorbed at a visible speed, transported through the tentacles into the Wild Fang's body. The entire process is quiet, efficient, and possesses a strange biological beauty, utterly different from traditional mining methods with their roaring machinery and whirring drills.

"Wow, this skill... Looks like we've found an amazing partner." Li Sha couldn't help but sigh softly as she watched this incredible scene, her tone filled with surprise.

However, Lin Ye's attention remained largely focused on the direction from which the unknown radiation source was emanating. Although it was not directly observable with the naked eye, through the sensor data stream shared by Huang Ya, he could clearly "sense" the strange energy fluctuations coming from that direction, wave after wave, which did indeed share a subtle and unsettling similarity with the aura emanating from the abnormal structure sealed in the database.

"Whisper, keep monitoring that radiation source for any changes, even the slightest fluctuations, and record them."

[A continuous monitoring link has been established. Warning: The intensity of the radiation source is slowly increasing, currently at an increase of approximately 3.2 percent per hour.]

Things are changing, and for the worse. Their remaining time seems to be being sped up by an invisible hand.

"How is it?" Li Sha noticed Lin Ye's serious expression and leaned closer to ask in a low voice.

"That thing is getting stronger," Lin Ye said succinctly. "Although slowly, it is definitely growing. We need to hurry."

The road ahead remains shrouded in mystery, and may even harbor dangers more bizarre than the Destroyer.

The mining work on Huangya proceeded steadily, with metal ore being replenished continuously, and some minor wounds on its body began to slowly wriggle and heal. However, Lin Ye, Li Sha, and Huangya itself all knew that this repair was merely a drop in the ocean. The real threat, like a dim star in the distance that was constantly brightening, hung high overhead.

Time ticked by, second by second, in the silent yet tense mining process. The four-hour countdown hung over everyone's hearts like the Sword of Damocles.

Lin Ye's gaze returned to the deep nebula outside the observation window and the direction of the unseen radiation source in the distance, his brows furrowed.

Chapter 551 The Shadow Deep Within the Nebula

The mining tentacles of the Wild Fang moved nimbly across the asteroid's surface, precisely extracting the metallic components from the veins. Lin Ye and Li Sha watched this amazing scene through the transparent observation window beneath their feet.

These metallic minerals are being transported directly to the damaged area. Sentinels report that the Wild Fang's self-repair process is 15% faster than expected.

That's great! Li Sha breathed a sigh of relief; at least we're making progress.

But Lin Ye's expression remained solemn. His gaze never left the direction of the unknown radiation source. The fragment of the Key of Creation was slightly warm in his hand, as if responding to some kind of call from afar.

"The signal has gotten stronger again," Lin Ye suddenly said.

Li Sha leaned closer to look at the sensor readings: a 3% increase per hour... This wasn't normal. Something was continuously releasing energy, or...

Or perhaps they are actively amplifying the signal. Lin Ye continued her sentence.

Just then, the mining operations of the Wild Fang suddenly ceased. All the tentacles retracted rapidly, and the openings on the ship's surface closed instantly.

What's going on? Li Sha gripped her weapon more tightly, alert.

Something is approaching. A warning came from Huangya's consciousness: it wasn't a starship... it was some kind of biological signal.

Through the observation window, they saw several blurry figures moving in the shadows of the asteroid belt. These creatures were not large, about the size of a human, but their movement was very peculiar—they seemed to be swimming in a vacuum, their bodies surrounded by a faint energy field.

"What is this? A local creature?" Li Sha asked in surprise.

Sentinels analyze biological characteristics.

Scanning in progress... Life form unknown; energy signature matches 87% with nebula background radiation. They appear to be able to utilize the nebula environment as cover.

The creatures had clearly noticed the uninvited guest, Wild Fang. They began to gather, their numbers increasing rapidly until they reached dozens. They moved slowly around Wild Fang, as if assessing this suddenly appearing behemoth.

"They don't look very friendly," Lisa said.

Just then, one of the creatures suddenly accelerated and charged straight at the Wild Fang. As it approached to a certain distance, the energy field around its body suddenly brightened, and a blinding beam of energy shot towards the Wild Fang's hull.

laugh--!

The energy beam left a shallow mark on the Wild Fang's active armor; though not deep, it was enough to indicate hostility.

"They've launched an attack!" Lisa exclaimed.

There's no need to worry. Huangya's consciousness remains calm; this is merely a test.

As expected, after launching an attack, the creature quickly retreated, observing the Wild Fang's reaction. Other creatures also began to make similar probing attacks, and in an instant, dozens of energy beams shot towards the Wild Fang from different directions.

They're testing our defenses. Lin Ye frowned. A clever tactic.

"Should we retaliate?" Li Sha asked.

"Wait a little longer," said Arakawa. "I want to know their intentions."

Suddenly, all the attacks ceased. The swarm parted to create a path, and a larger individual slowly swam out. This creature differed slightly in appearance from its counterparts; its energy field was brighter, and its body surface bore luminous patterns.

"It seems the leader has come out," Lisa whispered.

The leader of the creatures hovered on the asteroid closest to the Desolate Fang. Instead of attacking, it emitted a series of complex energy pulses. These pulses formed visible ripples in the vacuum, spreading towards the Desolate Fang.

It's trying to communicate. Huangya says this energy pulse is a language.

"Do you understand?" Lin Ye asked.

Parsing... The basic meaning is: leave, or be destroyed.

That's a pretty direct warning. Li Sha raised an eyebrow. Should they tell them we're just passing by?

Arakawa emitted a series of response pulses. A moment later, the other side responded.

They declared this their territory and insisted that any outsiders must leave. They specifically pointed out that the pollution on us must be cleansed.

Contamination? Lin Ye frowned. Did he mean an abnormal structure in the database?

Very likely. They are extremely sensitive to that energy source.

Suddenly, the leader became agitated, and the pulses it emitted became strong and unstable.

It said we brought whispers of the end times and we must leave immediately, or it would summon the guardians of the entire nebula to expel us.

Whispers of the End? Li Sha looked at Lin Ye; this didn't sound good.

Lin Ye pondered for a moment: Ask them what the final whispers are.

Arakawa sent out a pulse of inquiry, but the response he received surprised everyone.

The leader suddenly pointed towards the radiation source and emitted a series of rapid pulses. Through the translator, they understood its meaning:

You are from there, you are the whispering messengers!

What? Li Sha was shocked. They thought we were in cahoots with that radiation source?

The situation has become complicated. "They seem to have viewed that signal source as some kind of threat, and now they see us as their accomplices," said Huangya.

Just then, the sensor suddenly sounded an alarm.

A large number of biosignals have been detected approaching! Sentinels report that the number... exceeds three hundred and is still increasing!

Through the observation window, they saw more points of light appearing in the distant nebula, like a swarm of fireflies suddenly appearing in the night sky, but on a much larger scale. These points of light were converging on their position at an astonishing speed.

"They really are calling for reinforcements!" Li Sha said nervously.

The leader creature issued a final, ultimatum-like pulse:

Final warning: Leave, or be purified.

Lin Ye quickly weighed the situation. Engaging in war with these native creatures was clearly unwise, but leaving now meant forfeiting the opportunity to acquire resources. The database's energy was rapidly depleting; they didn't have much time to waste.

Wild Fang, tell them we are not enemies, we are willing to leave, but we need some resources to repair the damage.

Wild Fang emitted a pulse, but the opponent's response was resolute:

Leave immediately with your pollution; no resources will be provided to the Whispering Messenger.