Hit by the earlier energy wave, Cell's entire body had been torn apart and crushed into countless fragments. In such a state, any normal creature would undoubtedly be dead beyond recovery.
But suddenly, one of Cell's remaining fragments began to squirm, rapidly splitting and expanding into a massive lump of flesh.
Under Vegea's astonished gaze, the enormous lump of flesh continuously contracted and transformed, eventually taking on Cell's form once again!
Cell stretched his arms and legs, cracking his neck, the bones in his body emitting a series of *clicking* sounds.
"No… impossible!!!"
Wide-eyed, Vegea involuntarily took a few steps back.
Even after being shattered into pieces, he could still revive? Just what kind of monster was this?!
Not just Vegea, but even Yuujin, Gokumi, and the others watching from a distance were equally shocked, their faces filled with disbelief and horror.
"Vegea, I must admit, you've done quite well. To grow so much in just a few days—even I can't help but praise you."
"But did you know? My brain contains something akin to a life core. As long as it remains intact, even if you blow my body into pieces, I can still recover."
Tapping his head with a finger, Cell slowly floated into the air, a mocking smile on his face.
"A… life core?!"
Vegea was stunned. She had no idea about this before!
However, after a moment of thought, Vegea quickly regained her composure and sneered:
"You fool. You've just revealed your most important secret to me."
"This time, I'll destroy your life core completely. Let's see if you can still recover!"
With that, Vegea transformed into a Super Saiyan once again.
But due to the massive energy consumption from the previous battle, Vegea was clearly struggling. Cell couldn't help but shake his head:
"Vegea, the fact that I told you this means I'm no longer afraid of you knowing."
"That was your only—and last—chance. Unfortunately, you failed to completely destroy me."
"And now, it's time for you to pay the price!"
With a cruel grin, Cell flashed in front of Vegea and punched her squarely in the stomach.
"Ugh!!!"
Intense pain shot through Vegea's mind as she spat out a mouthful of blood. Her body was sent flying like a meteor, crashing into the ground with a loud *boom*, creating a massive crater.
"You're finished, Vegea!"
Raising a hand to the sky, Cell condensed a gigantic energy ball and hurled it down at Vegea.
Every hair on Vegea's body stood on end as she watched the enormous energy ball hurtling toward her. Her pupils shrank to pinpricks.
This is it… I'm going to die!!!
But just then—
"Gokumi, Chi-Chi!"
"Got it!"
Gokumi and Chi-Chi flashed into view, their auras flaring as they raised their hands to block the energy ball Cell had thrown. At the same time, Yuujin shot over from a distance and kicked the energy ball high into the sky.
With a deafening *boom*, the massive energy ball exploded in the air, sending a wave of scorching heat across the battlefield. The sky turned a fiery red.
"Princess, are you okay?"
Android 18 and the others rushed over, while Celipa quickly helped Vegea up from the ground.
"I don't need your help!"
"Hmph, if we hadn't stepped in, you'd be dead by now!"
"Stop being stubborn. Eat this Senzu Bean."
Yuujin said impatiently, forcefully shoving a Senzu Bean into Vegea's mouth.
Though she was annoyed, Vegea knew this wasn't the time to be stubborn. She swallowed the Senzu Bean, instantly healing her injuries and restoring her energy.
With Vegea taken care of, everyone turned their attention to Cell in the sky. However, whether it was Yuujin, Android 16, or Gokumi and the others, their expressions were unprecedentedly grim.
"Cell, you've gotten stronger, haven't you?"
Yuujin spoke up.
"You noticed, huh? As expected of you."
"That's right. I've grown stronger—much, much stronger!"
"Vegea's growth is indeed impressive. Even I felt a strong sense of threat from her."
"I could have defeated her earlier if I wanted to, but then I realized that even if I beat Vegea, I'd still have to face you and Gokumi."
"Your powers are no weaker than Vegea's, and at that point, I'd stand no chance."
"So, I came up with a plan. I let Vegea kill me, then used my life core to revive."
"My body also contains Saiyan cells. By dying and reviving like this, my power would increase even further."
"And just as I expected, I've become even stronger!"
"Hahahahaha!!!!!"
An overwhelming aura burst forth from Cell as he let out a maniacal laugh.
"How… how could this be…?"
"Damn it!!!"
Chi-Chi and the others were horrified, while Vegea clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
That bastard Cell… he was using her!!!
Yuujin's expression was equally grim. If Cell's power had been close to his and Gokumi's before, they might have stood a chance by fighting with everything they had.
But now, Cell's power had completely surpassed theirs!
"Yuujin, Gokumi, Vegea, Android 16, Android 18, the other Android 18, and those two women whose names I don't know—you're the only ones left on this planet who can still oppose me."
"Although the stage for our game has been destroyed, we don't need it anymore."
"Come at me, all of you. Let me have some fun."
"After I kill you, I'll destroy humanity and this planet!"
With a demonic grin, Cell beckoned to Yuujin and the others.
He now possessed absolutely invincible power. No one in this world could stop him!
"Cell, you're strong. Very, very strong. None of us here can defeat you."
"But we have each other. Don't underestimate us!"
"Everyone, let's go! For ourselves, and for this planet."
"We must defeat Cell!"
"Yes!!!"
This was a battle for survival. They had no choice but to fight—and to win!
Yuujin, Gokumi, Vegea, and Celipa all transformed into Super Saiyans. Android 16, Android 18, and Dark Android 18 unleashed their full power, and even Chi-Chi activated her [Ten Times Kaio-Ken]!
One after another, powerful auras shot into the sky, as if the heavens themselves were trembling.
There was no need for further words. With the ground cracking beneath them, Yuujin, Android 16, Gokumi, and the others turned into streaks of light, charging toward Cell…
To be continued…
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/ReidAstrea