BOOM!
The T-Rex hit the ground with a loud thud, its massive body causing the earth to tremble.
Alex dusted off his hands. "Well, that was easy." He bent down and picked up his turtle shell, slinging it back onto his shoulders.
Melon stood frozen, her mouth hanging open. "I-Is it... dead?"
Alex glanced at the fallen beast. "Nah, I don't think so. It just fainted."
Walking over to its tail, he grabbed it with one hand. Then, with a swift chop of his other hand, he severed it cleanly.
Melon gasped. "Wha—what are you doing?!"
Alex shrugged. "What a waste it'd be to leave good food lying around. I heard dinosaur tails are supposed to be good for your health." He swung the severed tail over his shoulder and started walking.
Melon hurried after him. "Wait up! At least tell me your name! I'm Melon, by the way."
---
The crackling of the campfire filled the air as the scent of roasting dinosaur meat drifted around them.
Sitting across from Alex, Melon watched him curiously. "You know… you're way stronger than you look."
Alex tore a piece of meat and handed it to her. "I'm a martial artist. Being strong is part of the job."
She took a bite and let out a satisfied hum. "Mmm, this is actually pretty good!"
As they ate, Alex glanced at her. "So, what were you doing out here alone without any capsules?"
Melon wiped her mouth and grinned. "Oh, didn't I tell you? I'm a wildlife photographer!" She proudly held up her camera. "That T-Rex was sleeping, so I snuck up to get a close-up shot… but the moment I clicked the picture, it woke up! And while running, I… uh… kinda dropped my capsule case."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "That was dumb."
Melon puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "Hey! I'll have you know my dad was a world-famous wildlife photographer!"
Alex's expression softened. "Was?"
Melon's confident smile faltered for a second. "Yeah… when he was alive. He got eaten by a saber-tooth tiger while on an expedition."
Alex frowned. "Sorry about that."
Melon shook her head. "No need to feel sorry. He died doing what he loved. And mark my words, I'm going to be just as famous as he was—no, even more famous!"
Alex smirked. "Well, you've got guts, I'll give you that."
Melon leaned forward eagerly. "So what about you? What's your story?"
Alex finished his food and gazed at the starry sky. "I'm heading to the Sacred Land of Korin to continue my training."
Melon's eyes sparkled. "Sacred Land of Korin? That sounds awesome! Take me with you!"
Alex scoffed. "No way. What's in it for me?"
Melon smirked. "Think about it—you'd get the honor of traveling with a world-class beauty like me!"
Alex deadpanned. "And?"
"And… I have a capsule house! So you wouldn't have to sleep outside."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Wait… didn't you say you lost your capsule case?"
Melon grinned sheepishly and pulled a single capsule from her pocket. "I keep a spare for emergencies."
Alex sighed. "Alright, fine. Let's go."
---
Days passed as Alex and Melon journeyed toward the Sacred Land of Korin. Though he could have flown there in a matter of hours, Master Roshi had ordered him not to rely on flying.
Melon groaned. "Alex, how much longer? I'm exhausted!"
Alex glanced back. "Alright, we'll rest here. It's getting late anyway."
Melon cheered and tossed a capsule onto the ground. BOOM! A cozy little house appeared.
"Let's go inside!"
Once inside, Melon turned to him. "Listen, I only have one bed, so you're sleeping on the floor, alright?"
Alex smirked. "Yes, your highness. Anything else?"
She wagged her finger. "Oh yeah—no peeking!" Then she slammed the bathroom door shut.
Alex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, as if."
He turned his turtle shell into a capsule, laid it near the bed, and stretched out on the floor. He heard the shower running and closed his eyes.
An hour later, Melon emerged in a nightdress, drying her hair.
"You must be pretty rich to own a capsule house," Alex said, staring at the ceiling.
Melon smirked. "Didn't I tell you? My dad was famous, and my grandpa was a super-rich businessman. My mom inherited everything." She flopped onto the bed. "Dad could've lived a comfy life, but his love for adventure was unstoppable. And that same passion runs in my veins!"
Alex yawned. "Good for you. Now, goodnight."
"Yeah, goodnight."
---
Alex was fast asleep when—
"ALEX! HELP MEEEEE!"
His eyes snapped open. The bed was empty.
He rushed outside. "Melon?!"
"ALEX, PLEASE HELP ME!"
His heart pounded as he looked up. A massive Giras—a dragon-like creature resembling a pterodactyl—was flying away, Melon struggling in its claws, tied up in pink rubber-like tubes.
The creature let out a menacing laugh. "No one's going to save you, girl!"
"Are you sure about that?"
Giras barely had time to react before—
BANG!
Alex's foot slammed into its face, sending it spiraling.
Melon screamed as she fell, but Alex caught her midair.
"Stop shouting, you're safe now," he muttered.
Melon opened her eyes. "Sniff... I-I thought I was gonna die!" She buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing.
"There, there," Alex said, patting her back. Great. Now my uniform is soaked in tears.
Giras steadied itself, glaring at Alex. "You little brat! Who do you think you are?!"
Alex landed with Melon and sighed. "Look, I don't care who you are. If my friend here did something to offend you, I apologize. Just leave."
Melon fumed. "I didn't do anything! I was just taking pictures when this creep grabbed me!"
Giras sneered. "I'm Dongira, ruler of this land! And right now, I'm hungry for some human meat."
Alex cracked his knuckles. "Guess I don't have a choice, then."
Melon ran to hide behind a tree. "Go, Alex! Show him who's boss!"
Alex smirked. "Gladly."
power level
melon :4
Alex (weighted): 54
Alex :74