Two years had passed since Yardrat's peaceful acquisition. Tundra had spent that time stabilizing the Tundra Force and reclaiming any planets that had broken away after Frieza and King Cold died.
Now we find Tundra seated upon his throne — noticeably taller, nearly an adult by this point. But something was wrong.
He had begun sleeping more and more, eating constantly, barely able to complete his duties. He could feel something inside himself changing.
Tundra sat on his throne, finishing his tenth meal of the day, his appetite beginning to rival even a Saiyan's. Despite everything, he tried to remain dignified — in control of his own body.
Shitaki looked up at him with concern. He didn't understand what was happening… and was that steam rising from Tundra's body?
Shitaki rubbed his eyes. Impossible. He had to be imagining it.
"My lord, we have requested the finest physicians to examine you. They should arrive within the week."
Tundra nodded, setting his plate onto Cherry's tray. "Very well. I need to know exactly what is happening."
Shitaki inclined his head. Though still worried, he had responsibilities to attend to. He had already assumed most of Tundra's duties, taking only mild input from him as it became clear Tundra could no longer manage them himself.
Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of fatigue crashed over Tundra.
He felt it.
This was the final step.
He rose and began walking toward his quarters.
As he passed through the halls, he saw nothing but concerned faces. Under Tundra's rule, their lives had improved greatly — and now he seemed afflicted by some mysterious illness. All they could do was pray for his safety until the physicians arrived.
He entered his quarters, closed the door behind him, and stood beside his bed.
Then something strange happened.
He could not move his legs.
He could not even feel his body.
Tundra closed his eyes. He knew he could not stop what was coming as a strange cocoon began enveloping him, sealing him away from the outside world.
Instinctively, he understood.
His body was breaking down — melting.
Even his mind was not spared. His awareness began to blur, dissolving into the dark purple fluid that he was becoming.
Time lost meaning.
Then came hunger.
He needed more.
More fuel to become complete.
Outside his quarters, several physicians had arrived — large humanoid hens and one humanoid mantis, their species renowned for medical expertise.
The mantis physician entered Tundra's quarters alone.
He stared at the massive cocoon secured in the center of the room, studying it briefly before glancing around and shutting the door behind him.
Slowly, he drew a blaster.
"This is for my family, you bastard!"
He fired.
The cocoon ruptured, splitting open and spilling dark purplish fluid that bubbled and hissed.
The fluid recoiled.
It was hurt.
How dare anyone hurt it?
It needed to punish the perpetrator.
The mantis stood frozen, uncertain whether he had truly killed Tundra. After a moment, he turned to leave.
The fluid exploded outward.
It engulfed him instantly, dragging him into the cocoon as it sealed itself shut once more.
The mantis screamed as his body began dissolving — until the screaming abruptly stopped, his brain consumed.
He would serve as the final piece of fuel.
More time passed.
The other physicians eventually left after hearing only a single, terrible scream — and seeing no sign of their mantis colleague.
Inside the cocoon, the fluid began to change.
Limbs formed.
A torso solidified.
Arms. Legs.
A much larger body than before.
Two curved horns emerged from his head, his dark color palette remaining intact but deeper, more refined.
Hours later, the new Tundra tore through the cocoon from within.
He stumbled forward and collapsed, unaccustomed to his new form.
Slowly, he opened and closed his hands, studying them. Then he stood — stretching to his full height.
A loud cracking sound echoed above him.
He looked up.
His horns had pierced straight through the ceiling, leaving two large holes in the roof of his quarters.
Tundra frowned in irritation and lowered his head as he moved toward the door.
When he reached for the handle, it crumpled effortlessly in his grip.
He paused.
He needed to control his power.
But for now, he simply did not want to remain in such a cramped space.
With minimal effort, he tore the door off its hinges and stepped into the hallway, hunched over.
He was now even taller than the late King Cold.
The crew froze in place as they watched Tundra practically crawl through the corridor. Slowly, their gazes shifted toward the destroyed room behind him.
They exchanged looks.
Then, as one, they bowed.
Cherry hurried toward him.
"My lord, you're finally back!" she exclaimed, her worry seemingly erased the moment she saw him.
Tundra carefully lowered himself to the floor — still dwarfing her in size.
"I am. Inform the others. I will be in the main room."
Cherry nodded enthusiastically before scurrying off to announce Lord Tundra's return.
Tundra continued forward, his broad frame nearly blocking the entire hallway. Eventually, he reached the main chamber, where he could finally stand at full height and stretch properly.
Moments later, Shitaki entered — and stopped dead in his tracks.
"…Lord Tundra? Is that you?"
He had never witnessed such a dramatic transformation in any species.
Kukki arrived shortly after, also halting at the sight of him. She glanced at Shitaki for confirmation.
Shitaki nodded, still visibly stunned.
Kukki looked up at Tundra, eyes shimmering.
"Tundra?"
He nodded and lowered himself so they were eye level.
Kukki leapt forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"Dear lord, what happened?"
Tundra smiled faintly. He had always been fond of Kukki. Was this what it felt like to have a pet?
"I evolved," he said proudly. "I have become the ultimate being — the most powerful mortal."
In his mind, he wasn't wrong.
He could feel it.
He had grown dozens of times stronger.