The potential development went incredibly smoothly, yet Vegeta still felt a sense of dissatisfaction, as if the process had ended too soon.
If the Grand Elder could continue unlocking his potential—if that overwhelming feeling could keep going—then maybe after reaching its peak, he could truly use it to break into the Saiyan's ultimate realm.
Unfortunately, the technique consumed the Grand Elder's lifespan, and he implied that he had already reached his limit.
Anything beyond this would be pointless.
"Indeed, I was too optimistic. I haven't even mastered Super Saiyan yet, and I'm already dreaming about going beyond it."
Vegeta sighed in his heart.
Setting aside that unrealistic fantasy, he closed his eyes and focused on the power now flowing within him.
The energy was like a roaring ocean—utterly incomparable to his past self.
Ten times?
Twenty times?
Thirty times?
No.
At least a fiftyfold increase.
Vegeta was certain his current combat power had reached 2.5 million.
This confirmed that his decision had been correct.
The Grand Elder's ability didn't just help someone recover potential slowly; it released all their latent power at once.
It wasn't just the usual Saiyan near-death boost.
Although that mechanic existed, a Saiyan's increase was heavily tied to the amount of potential they actually possessed.
Because Vegeta had enough potential stored, his power skyrocketed.
It was a pity the scouter couldn't correctly read his current level—the new model only went up to around 200,000–500,000. Otherwise, Vegeta really wanted to see the exact number for himself.
"With your strength now, you should be capable of handling Frieza. Even I didn't expect your potential to be so astonishing," the Grand Elder said, finally regaining some of his energy.
He was genuinely shocked.
From their interactions, he had expected Vegeta to become arrogant and uncontrollable after gaining such power.
Yet Vegeta's current calmness far exceeded anything he imagined.
"Indeed, after this potential development, I possess unparalleled strength. But you still underestimate Frieza.
That guy's true power is far greater than what he shows now. Even with this level, defeating him is still far from guaranteed."
Vegeta opened his eyes and looked straight into the Grand Elder's.
The Grand Elder fell silent, unsure of how to respond.
He had thought Vegeta's new strength would finally give the Namekians a fighting chance.
Now, that sliver of hope crumbled again.
Vegeta saw his emotional shift. Smirking, he continued:
"Give me some time. I need to stabilize this strength—and break through. Once I become a Super Saiyan, Frieza is nothing."
"A Super Saiyan…" The Grand Elder looked at Vegeta with deep meaning in his eyes.
Somewhere in the threads of the future, he sensed information about this legendary warrior, though he had never truly seen one.
Perhaps this Super Saiyan would be the savior of Namek.
"Do you need any further help?" the Grand Elder asked sincerely.
He had already helped Vegeta this much—if he could accelerate the next breakthrough, the crisis might be resolved even sooner.
"For now, no. I'll be cultivating nearby, so don't let that idiot outside the door disturb me. You understand."
Without waiting for a reply, Vegeta turned and left the inner chamber.
The Grand Elder hadn't expected such bluntness. He could only sigh helplessly.
But moments later, Vegeta spoke again from outside.
"Oh, one more thing. You should warn the remaining Namekians. The reason Frieza's men can track your villages so precisely is because of their scouters—the same type I saw in front of me earlier.
If you want your people to stay safe, destroy those scouters while you have time. Without them, Frieza won't be able to pinpoint your locations for a while."
The Grand Elder finally understood his lingering doubts.
"No wonder… No wonder more than half the villages were wiped out in just two days…"
Outside the House
Vegeta strolled out and once again faced the furious Nail.
This idiot still hadn't figured anything out.
"Hmph! I don't know how you tricked the Grand Elder, but if I find out you have bad intentions, then—"
Before Nail could finish, Vegeta released a crushing wave of ki.
Nail staggered back several steps, eyes wide with fear.
"You—how could you—"
"Tch. I already told you, if I wanted to kill you, you'd all be dead. Don't talk about my current strength—even before this, I could crush you like an ant."
Breathing heavily under the overwhelming pressure, Nail trembled.
He never imagined Vegeta's power could become this terrifying.
"No… that's not right…" Nail suddenly looked toward the Grand Elder inside the house, a realization forming.
This outsider definitely didn't have such power before. He must have gained it from the Grand Elder.
Vegeta didn't bother wasting time on him. He shot into the sky, leaving the area.
He would train nearby, but not too close—he didn't want the Grand Elder exposed because of him.
A hundred kilometers away at least. And somewhere quiet.
As Vegeta departed, Nail finally regained his breath, drenched in sweat.
He immediately rushed into the inner chamber.
"Grand Elder! Are you alright?" Nail asked anxiously.
"I am fine, Nail," the Grand Elder replied. "He is not our enemy. On the contrary… he will help us deal with the invaders."
"So this is what he gained in exchange for having you increase his power? But can someone like him be trusted? His aura is full of bloodlust."
"Prejudice in one's heart is a great mountain, Nail. Sometimes, you cannot judge by appearances."
The Grand Elder fell silent for a long moment before speaking again.