"This is so refreshing, pure, natural, and free from pollution," Karnel thought, finishing the last barbecue skewer in his hand. "It's far superior to the contaminated food made with pesticides, fertilizers, and questionable oils that I've encountered elsewhere."
As he savored the last bite, Karnel's thoughts turned serious. 'The gravity chamber and Dragon Radar aren't going to build themselves. I've nearly eaten my way through all of Earth's cuisine! Time to find a place to train for a few months. My strength is still too weak compared to what I'll need.'
Determined to grow stronger, Karnel rushed to Bulma Briefs' home to speak with Dr. Briefs about his needs. After their conversation, he found a secluded forest with a massive waterfall, the perfect spot to begin his training regimen.
Eight Months Later...
Karnel emerged from his training grounds with a sigh of frustration. Without specialized equipment like a gravity chamber, his combat effectiveness had improved only marginally, reaching about 540,000.
During his months of intense practice, Karnel's power had frequently erupted in spectacular displays. Whenever he unleashed his full potential, every martial artist on Earth with even a hint of sensitivity could feel the tremors of his energy.
These eight months had become a nightmare for Earth's fighters. Under the constant pressure of Karnel's overwhelming ki, many couldn't eat properly or sleep soundly. His power radiated across the planet like an invisible storm.
"Whew!" Karnel exhaled deeply as he finished his meditation beneath the waterfall. "I've reached my limit here."
Despite possessing ten times the learning capacity and intuition of an average fighter, Karnel remained dissatisfied with his progress.
"I'll need that gravity chamber to truly elevate my power," he muttered to himself.
With a burst of energy, Karnel shot through the sky like a light blue comet, heading straight for the Briefs family compound. His arrival couldn't have been more perfectly timed.
"Mr. Karnel," Dr. Briefs greeted him, offering a glass of water, "you've arrived at just the right moment. The gravity chamber you requested will be completed in two weeks."
Karnel gulped down the water gratefully.
"However," Dr. Briefs continued, stroking his mustache thoughtfully, "the maximum gravity won't reach the 1,000 times you initially requested. The current materials simply can't withstand such enormous pressure."
"I see," Karnel replied, masking his disappointment. Truthfully, he hadn't expected a full 1,000-times gravity chamber. Even a few hundred times Earth's gravity would satisfy him for now.
"What's the maximum it can handle?" he asked.
"Due to material limitations, we can safely achieve 500 times Earth's gravity," Dr. Briefs explained, concerned that his creation wouldn't meet Karnel's expectations. "Beyond that, the structure would likely collapse."
Karnel's eyes widened. Five hundred times? This far exceeded his modest expectations of 200 to 300 times. Dr. Briefs had outdone himself.
"That's more than enough, Doctor!" Karnel exclaimed, his face brightening with genuine joy. "I was only hoping for 200 or 300 times gravity. You truly are the genius scientist who invented the universal capsule!"
Dr. Briefs' worried expression melted into relief. "Well, that's good to hear! I was afraid you might be disappointed," he chuckled.
"By the way," Karnel asked, looking around, "where's Bulma? I haven't seen her today."
"Ah, my daughter," Dr. Briefs sighed with a mixture of pride and concern. "She's been working tirelessly on your Dragon Radar. Each day after meals, she rushes straight back to her workshop. She's even cleared out all her scientific textbooks to make space for this project."
Karnel felt a wave of emotion wash over him. For his sake, young Bulma had been working so diligently...
"Then let's not disturb her," Karnel said softly. "I'll return in two weeks, Doctor."
As Karnel left the Briefs' residence, he began contemplating what gift he could possibly give Bulma to show his appreciation.
For the next two weeks, Karnel racked his brain trying to think of an appropriate gift. The challenge was considerable, the Briefs family lacked for nothing, and Karnel had little insight into what might interest a young girl of Bulma's intelligence and temperament.
When the appointed day arrived, Karnel returned to the Briefs compound. Outside the main building, he spotted Mrs. Briefs tending to her garden.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Briefs!" he called out cheerfully. "Those flowers look beautiful."
Mrs. Briefs looked up from her gardening and beamed. "Oh, handsome! Your timing is perfect. Bulma's been waiting anxiously for you. She's in the living room right now, please, come in!"
"Karnel, you're here!" Bulma exclaimed the moment she saw him. Her bright eyes lit up with excitement as she ran toward him.
Seeing the young girl's enthusiasm, Karnel instinctively opened his arms.
"Bulma, you're amazing," he said warmly, gently patting her head. "Only eight months to complete such a complex device? I underestimated you. When you grow up, I bet even your father won't be able to match your brilliance."
"Of course!" Bulma declared proudly, opening her hands to reveal a Dragon Ball and a palm-sized radar device. "Look at this radar I built it with just one controller!"
The compact device featured a small screen in the center, displaying seven small white dots that blinked every few seconds.
Looking at the completed radar in Bulma's small hands, Karnel felt both admiration and guilt. For all these months, he hadn't even managed to decide on a proper gift for her dedication.
Then, a brilliant idea struck him as he gazed at the radar. The Dragon Balls themselves, those glittering, magical orbs. Bulma seemed fascinated by them. Perhaps after he collected all seven and made his wish, he could leave one behind as a gift for her?
Pleased with his solution, Karnel smiled just as Dr. Briefs entered the room, carrying something in his hands.
"Mr. Karnel! Perfect timing. I've completed the gravity chamber," Dr. Briefs announced excitedly. "Would you like to test it now?"
Karnel gently placed Bulma back on the sofa and stood up, eager to receive the universal capsule from the doctor's hand.
"Thank you so much, Doctor. I can't wait to try it out!"
The three of them headed to an open area in the backyard. With anticipation coursing through him, Karnel pressed the button on the capsule and tossed it forward.
A puff of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, a circular building stood before them, three meters high and five meters in diameter.