Hearing Ragar's mocking question, Talot smiled slightly and didn't take it to heart.
"I don't want to deceive you. In fact, if I were to lie to you, it would only lead you astray. So I'll tell you the truth, if you want to force me to transform, your current strength still isn't enough."
These words made the previously fired-up Ragar feel a bit dejected.
However, it seemed Ragar had already anticipated this. He wasn't discouraged; instead, he became even more excited.
"Hearing you say that really gets me angry. After all these years of hard training, I've only managed to get this far. But don't think I'll be so easily discouraged! Knowing you're stronger just gives me more motivation."
Ragar smiled, and the aura around him intensified.
Seeing that his fighting spirit had reached such a level, Talot didn't pour cold water on him. Instead, he said seriously, "Actually, you might not have realized it yourself, but there's a formidable power still slumbering within your body. If you can draw out that power, you might be able to fight on par with my Super Saiyan form."
Upon hearing this, Ragar reined in his eager fighting spirit, somewhat taken by surprise.
He hadn't noticed it himself, but he didn't doubt that Talot was lying to him.
They had always understood each other's personalities well, and Talot would never deceive him with clumsy lies.
"A power hidden within my body?" Ragar muttered to himself, then looked at Talot seriously again. "Thanks. If you hadn't told me, I might have never known."
Clearly, although Ragar hadn't fully sensed it yet, with Talot's intentional guidance, he began to notice the existence of what seemed like a pool of energy deep within him.
In the past, he had always focused on honing his body, striving to reach a higher power level.
He had never paid attention to whether there were things deep within his own body that he did not understand.
In truth, this was just like the Super Saiyan power hidden within a Saiyan. When your strength reaches a certain point—when you qualify—you can break through the limits of life itself.
A Saiyan becomes a Super Saiyan.
A Namekian can also become a Super Namekian.
In the early parts of the original work, Namekians didn't have transformation abilities; at most, they could just grow larger.
But by the late Super era, after Piccolo fused with Kami, he awakened his potential with the help of the Eternal Dragon, comprehended the power of the Dragon God, and not only developed the 1st stage Potential Unleashed form, but also achieved the 2nd stage Orange Form.
Ragar's talent was definitely not low; in fact, he was far more outstanding than the original work's Piccolo.
"Maybe... Namekians can transform too, Ragar," Talot said teasingly with a faint smile.
Those words excited Ragar once again. "I'll take that as a blessing! But for now, let's continue the fight! Even if I'm no match for you, I'll battle to the very end!"
"Then come!" With a loud shout, Talot unleashed power exceeding 60 million.
The way they looked at each other changed, and their auras continuously clashed.
Once the contest of aura ended, the scene fell into absolute silence.
The two stood face to face, neither making a move.
Several seconds passed before Ragar and Talot's expressions changed dramatically at the same time. They both sprang into action, throwing a punch at each other.
'BOOM!!!!'
A thunderous explosion tore through the ground.
The terrifying power trembled the very air. If an ordinary person had been nearby, they would've been killed instantly by the aftermath alone.
Thus a fierce battle began.
A brutal melee unfolded—blow after blow, kick after kick, without reservation, without holding back.
It was no longer the earlier probing phase of attack and defense. Now both sides were fully on the offensive.
Relishing the joy of battle, savoring the thrill of combat.
Perhaps Ragar felt it more deeply, as he was giving everything he had, without any extra thought.
Talot was only using one-tenth of his base form's power, but he was still enjoying the fresh experience this battle brought him.
In Talot's eyes, Ragar was an excellent opponent, and he was even intentionally helping Ragar grow stronger.
If Ragar could truly break through his limits in battle, even reaching that level, then he would have a real fight on his hands.
Over the years, Talot had also changed.
He used to be extremely cautious with everything he did, only taking action once he was absolutely certain. But as he grew stronger, his mindset gradually shifted. He now wanted to face other powerful warriors, to challenge his limits. Because only then could he advance further.
In fact, the last time he fought with Champa, it was for that very reason.
Otherwise, that kind of gamble-style fight could've been avoided entirely with a more cautious approach. After all, Whis was there at the time, and the crisis involving Vados and Champa could've easily been resolved.
...
In the distance.
Watching as the battle entered its climax, the Grand Elder, Nail, and Young Piccolo were already deeply captivated.
Piccolo might not yet fully understand combat at this level, but the feeling of blood-pumping excitement was unmistakable.
Besides them, more Namekians had just arrived as well.
They had arrived at just the right time, as the show was reaching its peak. They were witnessing the most exciting part.
...
'Boom!!!'
'Boom!!!'
'Bang!!!'
'Bang!!!'
Explosions echoed continuously through the sky.
Fist strikes, elbow blows, knee thrusts, flying kicks... both fighters made full use of every part of their body. Anything that could be used to attack was utilized to the fullest.
If not for the large power level gap, Talot might have found it hard to deal with the current Ragar.
Truthfully, although it seemed like he had been training during these three months, he had actually spent that time accompanying Salari. As a result, his physical reflexes had become slightly rusty.
In ordinary battles, this wouldn't show, but in high-level combat, every move would expose it.
"An opening!" Seeing a brief gap between Talot's punches, Ragar let out a loud shout and unleashed a powerful punch with all his might.
The force of the punch swept out, and Talot took the hit head-on before immediately countering with a flying kick that sent Ragar flying several meters away.
The two were evenly matched in that exchange, neither gaining the upper hand.
After briefly separating, the two stood in the air, facing each other from a distance.
Exhaustion was inevitable. There's no way to maintain such an intense battle without consuming stamina.
However, Ragar was clearly more exhausted, while Talot only took a few breaths and feigned some weariness.
"As expected of you, Talot. I really can't imagine how powerful you must be after transforming into a Super Saiyan!" Ragar said with a trace of hopeful longing.
He wanted to see Talot's transformed state; he wanted to feel just how powerful Talot truly was.
"If you insist on seeing it, then what harm is there in showing you?! But once I transform, this battle will end right then and there. Knowing that, do you still want to see it?" Talot said seriously.
Without sufficient resolve, without unshakable will, Talot feared Ragar might break down after experiencing the power of his Super Saiyan form.
After all, the disparity was just too great.
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