NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter 16
This detector, resembling the Dragon Ball radar, was modified by Bulma based on Frieza's army's combat power detector. It can detect abnormal energy fluctuations and computer network nodes.
Gohan's detector searches for nearby computer signal waves. In this deserted desert, finding computer network fluctuations is obviously unusual.
Gohan looks over, holding the detector. A few minutes later, he lands from the sky and examines the cave in front of him. This cave is well hidden, surrounded by bushes. Without the detector, it would be difficult to find this location.
Gohan raises his hand, releasing an energy attack that ignites the bushes. Soon, the bushes are reduced to ashes, revealing the cave entrance.
He waves his hand to dispel the dust and smoke in the air, then jumps into the cave. After walking about five or six meters, a heavy steel door blocks his path. Upon closer inspection, a striking logo is printed on the steel door: a red background with white edges and two capital R's, the emblem of the Red Ribbon Army.
Gohan is delighted; he has finally found it. Dr. Gero's laboratory must be here. He raises his Ki slightly to notify Trunks. Sensing Gohan's rising Ki, Trunks bursts with energy and quickly flies towards Gohan.
Soon, Trunks lands and runs into the cave to join Gohan. "Brother Gohan, did you find it?" he asks.
Gohan points to the steel door. "If nothing goes wrong, it's behind this door."
"Oh?" Trunks examines the door, feeling its cold steel. He knocks on it, producing a dull sound. "Brother Gohan, this door is made entirely of steel and is over 40 cm thick. What should we do?"
"We need to open it physically. Trunks, you handle the door, but control your strength to avoid destroying anything inside."
"Yeah, okay," Trunks nods. Gohan steps back. Trunks presses his palm against the door, and his energy bursts out.
"Bang!" A loud noise reverberates. The ground shakes, and rubble falls from above. The steel door, at least 40 cm thick, is smashed by Trunks' palm.
"Uh, Gohan, I think I used too much force," Trunks laughs awkwardly.
"It's okay, let's go," Gohan waves his hand to clear the dust and steps through the door. Trunks follows closely. Inside, a spacious laboratory appears, illuminated by many luminous energy stones embedded in the roof, making the lab as bright as day.
Dr. Gero had hollowed out this weathered rock mountain to build this sizable secret base. Wires are densely packed and bundled everywhere. Several giant computers with black screens stand idle. In the archives room, Dr. Gero's various manuscripts and work notes are densely piled up. In the hall, three nutritional hibernation capsules are arranged, two open and one sealed, with energy pipes providing power.
Nearby lies a headless corpse, reduced to clothes and bones, identifiable as Dr. Gero. After awakening Androids 17 and 18, Dr. Gero tried to control them with a special remote, but was killed by Android 17. His head was blown up, leaving his body incomplete. A large hole in the lab, torn open by Android 17, leads to the Gobi Desert, allowing wind and sand to accumulate inside.
Gohan squats beside Dr. Gero's body, retrieves a pen from his chest pocket, then kicks the headless skeleton out of the hole. "Trunks, gather all the useful items," he orders.
"Yes, Brother Gohan," Trunks nods, taking out a storage capsule to collect the computer, notebooks, and manuscripts.
Gohan approaches the remaining sealed hibernation capsule, marked with the number 16. Through the transparent glass, he sees a tall, strong android with a sharp face, short red hair, green armor, black tights, white socks, green boots, and a cold expression: Android 16.
This fully mechanical android was created by Dr. Gero based on his son, a senior soldier of the Red Ribbon Corps who died in action. Dr. Gero, having a special feeling for his son, gave Android 16 powerful strength and a terrifying explosive device but designed him to be docile to avoid destruction in battle.
Consequently, Android 16, who loves peace, nature, and small animals, has never been activated and has been sleeping until now.
Gohan decides to restart Android 16 for two reasons. First, Earth has too few high-end combat forces, and Android 16's excellent combat power might be useful. Second, Android 16's gentle personality poses a low risk. With Gohan's current combat power, he can easily handle Android 16 if necessary. Even Trunks can subdue him, as Gohan is nearly at Super Saiyan 2, and Trunks is at the peak of Super Saiyan 1.
Gohan finds the start button on the hibernation capsule and presses it. The lid opens with a creaking sound. Trunks, who was removing floor tiles, comes over.
"Brother Gohan, I've collected everything. What are you doing?" he asks, seeing the huge android sitting up from the hibernation capsule.