Shred watched from a distance as Labo sat under her umbrella on the beach, sipping her drink and observing the surroundings. He had received a message from a contact, offering him a job in this area, and he had come to meet with the person who had reached out to him. Shred was always cautious when it came to new clients, especially in areas he was not familiar with. He observed the children playing on the beach, noting the money being held by one of them, likely a sign of the upcoming transaction. Shred made sure to keep himself hidden, his high-tech armor allowing him to blend into the surroundings seamlessly. He scanned the area for any potential threats, ready to act at a moment's notice.



Shred was known for his ability to handle any job, but he also knew the importance of discretion and caution. He had a reputation to uphold, and he did not want to put himself or his clients at risk. As he waited for his meeting, he continued to observe the surroundings, taking note of any potential threats or obstacles. Indeed, as his onboard Armor A.I dubbed ‘oracle’ It deciphered that the Namekian indeed hired the Cerealian for this job through his various connections in the mercenary world. It confirmed his sources based on all the details of the job, including the location of the meeting, which was a beach in the southern area of Papaya island. Shred was familiar with the area, having worked there before, and knew it was a popular spot for families to bring their children.



Finally, deciding that perhaps he should reveal himself, the heavily armoured Cerealian approached the beach, he noticed the trail between the two hills that led down to the sand. He saw Labo sitting under an umbrella in a swimsuit, sipping a drink. Shred couldn't help but notice the kids playing around her, seemingly unaware of the dangerous nature of the meeting taking place. He wondered if Labo had thought this through, but knew that he had to trust her judgment. As he got closer, he noticed one of the kids holding a small bag of money. Shred knew that this was the payment for his services. He nodded to the child, who quickly handed over the money and scurried away. Shred then approached Labo, keeping his guard up as he did so.



Upon inspection, Shred stood before the meeting, his most notable feature is the alien Cerealian bounty hunter armor, which covers much of his body. Shred's High-tech armor is a marvel of Cerealian engineering and technology, designed to provide maximum protection and versatility to its wearer. The armor is made from a lightweight but incredibly durable composite material, capable of absorbing and dispersing a wide range of kinetic and energy-based attacks. The armour's exterior is covered with a layer of advanced nanomachines, which allow it to change colour and texture in real-time to provide optimal camouflage in any environment.



The armor is equipped with a wide range of offensive and defensive capabilities, including retractable energy blades, Jetpack, an array of energy-based firearms, and advanced sensor systems that allow Shred to detect and track targets from great distances. The armor is also capable of generating a powerful energy shield that can protect against even the most devastating attacks. One of the most unique features of the armor is the integrated artificial intelligence known as Oracle. This sophisticated AI system provides Shred with real-time tactical analysis and advice, as well as advanced scanning capabilities and access to a vast network of databases and information sources. Oracle is also capable of controlling and coordinating a wide range of remote devices and systems, allowing Shred to engage in complex and coordinated attacks on multiple fronts.



“⌇⍜... ⊬⍜⎍ ⏃⍀⟒ ⏁⊑⟒ ☊⌰⟟⟒⋏⏁?”



Shred spoke to the meeting party member, the visor speaking in an automatic alien dialect that he used to communicate with species and races across the stars. Though it took a moment for the Cerealian to tap onto his wrist, autocorrecting the audio flow from his helmet, fully speaking in the communication that those on this planet speak.



“Apologies. So, you are the client?” Shred said, his voice calm and collected.

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Word Count: 703
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%

Shred listened intently to Labo's introduction and Arlo's message on the tablet. As a seasoned bounty hunter, he knew the importance of getting all the details before starting a job. He nodded in acknowledgement and took a step closer to Labo, examining her closely to assess any potential threat. He took a moment to analyse the Namekian fully, taking in her appearance and assessing the situation at hand. He noted her casual demeanour, but the seriousness in her tone as she introduced herself as a member of the cleaners organization, and his keen senses picked up on the presence of other individuals nearby, likely undercover operatives. He nodded in acknowledgement, taking note of every detail that was mentioned. His eyes scanned the area as he processed the information, assessing potential threats and identifying potential escape routes in case things went south during the meeting, for one can never be too careful in this day and age.



The Cerealian Bounty Hunter stood tall in his high-tech armor, the sleek black and silver design catching the sunlight as he moved. The armor was made from a lightweight but durable material that was designed to protect him from physical attacks and energy-based weapons. It had a built-in HUD display that provided him with various tactical information, including thermal imaging, radar, and a heads-up display of his weapons and ammo count. Shred's armor was equipped with an impressive array of weapons, including a plasma rifle, a dual-wielded set of energy blades, and a retractable wrist-mounted grappling hook for quick and easy mobility. He also had a shoulder-mounted rocket launcher for dealing with larger threats.


The armor's power source was a fusion core that was capable of sustaining Shred's equipment and weapons for extended periods of time. It also allowed him to perform various advanced maneuvers, such as short bursts of flight and increased speed and agility. Shred nodded as he listened to Labo and Arlo's message on the tablet, taking in all the details. His armor hummed softly as he processed the information, the advanced technology within it analyzing and calculating the best course of action for the upcoming mission.



"Understood," Shred replied in a deep, metallic voice that emanated from his helmet. "I will ensure the security of the area and provide medical assistance as necessary. I will also come prepared with my own preparations, should the need arise." As he spoke, the armor's systems flickered to life, the various weapons and gadgets he had at his disposal coming online. The sleek, black suit was lined with armor plating and high-tech shielding, making it nearly impenetrable. The helmet had a built-in HUD display that showed him everything from his surroundings to the vitals of those around him. His gauntlets were equipped with retractable blades and energy cannons, and he had various grenades and explosives strapped to his belt.



He gave a curt nod to both Labo and Arlo, indicating his acceptance of the job. "I will require additional information on the specific areas and any potential threats that may arise during the course of the job.” After a brief pause, Shred spoke in his deep, gravelly voice, "I appreciate the pre-payment, but before we proceed any further, I would like to know the full details of the job. What is the state of North City? How many casualties were there? Who are the weaker enemies that I will have to deal with?" Shred knew that the success of the mission would depend on how well he knew the situation on the ground. He didn't want to be caught off guard by any unexpected threats, and so he asked for as much information as possible.



Shred's tone was firm and professional, and he made sure to maintain eye contact with both Labo and Arlo as he spoke from within his full helmet, keeping a secret to what the Cerealian actually looked like to the Namekian and – assuming Earthling looking Humanoid. He knew that any lack of information or miscommunication could put his life at risk, and he was not willing to take any chances. “I want to there to be honesty in this job. And let there be no doubt, that I will complete my task to the letter.”

---

Word Count: 705
Total Word Count: 1,408
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%

Shred would carefully listen to Arlo and Labo's explanations of the situation, taking mental notes of the power levels and possible enemies they could face. He would nod along to Arlo's suggestion of taking advantage of any opportunity to take out a higher level target and the plan for the arena tournament. The Cerealian Bounty Hunter appreciated their professionalism and attention to detail, and he could tell Arlo was quite the knowledgeable and experienced fighter in his own right. He would also take note of Labo's explanation of the destruction of Orange City and the possible involvement of the Saiyans. As the Red Ribbon Army appeared and ordered everyone to clear the area, Shred would keep a calm and collected demeanour, observing the situation and noting the significance of the RR's presence. He would follow Labo as she motioned him to follow, keeping a safe distance from the guards.



“Saiyans… Disgusting creatures…” Shred thought to himself in his mind, the very mention of the fellow alien race made his gut churn at the very utterance of the name, especially the history between Cerealians and Saiyans together. Once that little, minature mental rant was over, Shred returned to the focused task at hand at listening to the plan carefully. As they discussed the power levels of potential enemies, Shred would ask for more information about the types of weaker enemies he might face. He would want to know about their tactics, strengths, and weaknesses so he could prepare accordingly. He would also ask for more details about the state of North City and any potential casualties, wanting to be as informed as possible before going into battle.



When the Red Ribbon Army suddenly appeared, Shred would be on high alert. He would take note of their uniforms and the symbol on their coats, mentally filing away the information for future reference. As Labo motioned for him to follow, he would immediately comply, using his jetpack to fly and follow him close behind, landing next to him, ready for whatever lay ahead. When they arrived at the beach and saw the Red Ribbon Army digging for a ball with a star on it, Shred would remain calm and observant. He would study their movements and tactics, looking for any weaknesses or vulnerabilities he could exploit. He would also keep an eye on Scarlet, noting her arrival and assessing whether she posed a threat.



“Wait a minute…”



Shred muttered with a stern breath next to Arlo. Whilst the Cerealian was wearing top to bottom with his armor and helmet, the visor H.U.D scanned the Red Ribbon Soldier; the one in particular holding a picture of what appears to be a ball with a star on it. This made the Cerealian’s eyes widen inside his helmet as he got a full resolution image to what the Red Ribbon man was holding. “No… No that can’t be… Here? On this backwater planet?” Callion muttered once more, gritting this teeth. The Planet Earth, couldn’t possibly have Dragonballs in their possession, surely? “Oracle, I want a scan of that picture the man is holding with a picture of a ball with a star on it. I want a solid confirmation he is showing a picture of what I think it is.” Shred called to his onboard Armour A.I unit called Oracle; a highly advance Artificial Intelligence unit who possesses a variety of skills, including hacking, decoding, and piloting spacecraft. She is also known for her wit, personality, and emotional complexity, along with a vast storage of knowledge.



Oracle replied in a calm and professional voice, "Understood, Shred. Scanning the image now." After a few seconds of analyzing the picture, Oracle spoke again, "Confirmed, Shred. The image matches the visual representation of one of the seven Dragonballs. It is highly probable that the Red Ribbon Soldier is looking for it in order to gain a possession of a Dragonball." Shred's mind raced with the possibilities of what this meant. The Dragonballs were powerful artifacts that could grant wishes when all seven were collected. If the Red Ribbon Army had even one Dragonball, it could give them a significant advantage over their enemies.



To Shred’s information, The Dragonballs were believed to be of Namekian origin, so how did all seven dragonballs of alien design find their way to earth? The very notion and fact that one alone was on Earth was shocking enough as it is. "This changes everything. Oracle, how is this possible for these Earthlings to have the dragonballs…” Oracle replied, "There have been reports and legends of the Dragonballs being scattered across the universe, with some even ending up on remote planets. It's possible that the Dragonballs found their way to Earth through some means of transportation or even by chance. However, it is also possible that there may be other alien races or organizations who have been monitoring Earth and have brought the Dragonballs here for their own purposes."

Shred pondered this for a moment, considering the various possibilities. He knew that he needed to act quickly and stop the Red Ribbon Army from acquiring any of the Dragonballs. "Oracle, we need to find out where the other Dragonballs are located and retrieve them before the Red Ribbon Army does. We cannot allow them to gain the power of the Dragonballs."


Oracle replied, "Understood, Shred. I will begin scanning for any energy signatures or anomalies that may indicate the presence of a Dragonball. In the meantime, we should also try to gather information on the Red Ribbon Army's movements and activities."

Shred nodded in agreement. He knew that time was of the essence, and he needed to act swiftly to prevent the Red Ribbon Army from obtaining any Dragonballs. With the help of Oracle, he would do everything in his power to protect Earth and ensure that the Dragonballs did not fall into the wrong hands. That was the moment the Cerealian Bounty Hunter turned to face Arlo’s direction.



“Alright… How do you want to play this out?”

---

Word Count: 1,003
Total Word Count: 2,411
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%

Shred quickly assessed the situation as chaos erupted around him. He saw Arlo get hit by a blaster pistol and watched as Labo and Scarlett began firing ki blasts at the incoming Red Ribbon soldiers. The bounty hunter knew that he had to act fast before the situation got out of hand. The Cerealian Bounty Hunter quickly took cover behind a nearby boulder as blaster fire rained down on him and Arlo. His armor's sensors detected the arrival of more Red Ribbon soldiers, and he could see that they were heavily armed and well-trained. This was going to be a difficult fight, but he was ready for it. The Red Ribbon Army had just escalated the situation to a full-blown battle. The bounty hunter quickly assessed the situation and activated his armor's combat systems, which began calculating the best approach for taking on the enemy soldiers.



Shred's visor H.U.D continued in alerting him to the incoming danger as blaster shots started to ring out, and he quickly assessed the situation. He could see Arlo scrambling for cover, and the Red Ribbon Army soldiers were advancing on their position. Shred knew he had to act quickly to protect himself and his allies. "Oracle, activate combat protocols and analyse enemy movements," Shred commanded as he drew his energy sword. The AI quickly complied, analysing the soldiers' weapons, movements, and tactics, and feeding this information back to Shred in real-time. This allowed him to anticipate their attacks and counter them more effectively. Shred activated his armor's weapons systems and fired a barrage of energy blasts at the woman, quickly taking her down. He then turned his attention to the other soldiers, taking them out one by one with precision and speed. Shred's armor was heavily armed, with a variety of weapons at his disposal, including lasers, plasma cannons, and missiles.



As Labo and Scarlett began firing ki blasts at the incoming soldiers, Shred jumped into action, engaging his armor's thrusters to dodge incoming blaster fire. He drew his own weapon, a highly advanced energy rifle capable of firing multiple types of projectiles, and began returning fire at the Red Ribbon soldiers. Shred quickly analysed the enemy's tactics and noticed that the burly man with the beard and beret was their leader. He could see that the man was heavily armed and highly trained, making him a formidable opponent. Shred made a mental note to take him out first. The Cerealian recognised that he had to take out the Red Ribbon Army's leaders, who were the root of the problem, and try to prevent them from escaping with any information or artefacts they might have found. Shred quickly made his way towards the man with the beard and the beret, who had shot Arlo, while avoiding the blaster fire from the other soldiers.



As he approached, Shred activated his Armor's melee weapons and engaged the burly man in close combat. The man swung his saber at Shred, but the Cerealian was able to dodge and deliver a series of punches and kicks to his opponent's midsection, causing him to stagger back. Shred then followed up with a powerful roundhouse kick to the man's head, knocking him out cold.


Shred then turned his attention to the woman with the pistols, who was still firing shots in his direction. Some managed to hit him, Shred then turned his attention to the woman with the pistols, who was still firing shots in his direction. He leapt forward, somersaulting through the air to dodge the incoming shots, and landed behind her. In one swift motion, he grabbed her by the arms, disarming her of her pistols, and flipped her over his shoulder, sending her crashing to the ground. He leapt forward, somersaulting through the air to dodge the incoming shots, and landed behind her. In one swift motion, he grabbed her by the arms, disarming her of her pistols, and flipped her over his shoulder, sending her crashing to the ground.



After a few minutes of intense fighting, the Red Ribbon Army soldiers were defeated. Shred deactivated his armor's weapons systems and approached Arlo. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned for his well-being. As the dust settled, Shred surveyed the scene, his armor's systems scanning the area for any signs of the Red Ribbon Army's objective. He couldn't find any trace of a Dragonball, but he knew that the Red Ribbon Army wouldn't give up that easily. Shred and the others would have to be ready for whatever the enemy threw their way next.



"They were searching for the Dragonballs," he said in disbelief. "But how did they even know about them? And how did they get their hands on these photos and notes?" This made Shred worry to some extent, he heard the myths and legends of the mystical Dragonballs that the namekians made, but these backwater, primitive earthlings have such orbs of power for themselves? The Cerealian growled for a moment, trying to comprehend it all. He took a moment to look at Arlo and Labo once more. “How long have these weak Earthlings on this backwater planet had the Dragonballs? Those with insight know that those are forbidden, and only trusted to Namekians. No other race of species should possess them. Even I know to stay clear and away from them.” Shred spoke, the bounty hunter in utter disbelief to all of this, wondering just how the Dragonballs ended up on Earth.



Shred turned his attention to the suitcase that the Red Ribbon Army leader had tried to hide. "We need to see what's inside that suitcase," he said, walking over to it. With a quick scan, he determined that it was heavily encrypted and protected by a sophisticated security system. "This is going to take some time," he muttered, activating his armor's hacking systems. As he worked on breaking the encryption, Shred couldn't help but think about the implications of the Red Ribbon Army having possession of a Dragonball. They could use it to gain immense power and influence, potentially even taking over the planet. And if they had one, they would stop at nothing to get their hands on the rest.

---

Word Count: 1,028
Total Word Count: 3,439
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%

Shred approached the broken dragon radar and crouched down beside Arlo, examining the device carefully. He was impressed with Arlo's strength, as it must have taken a considerable amount of force to break the radar like that. Shred had encountered dragon radars before, but he had never seen one that was smashed to pieces like this. He began to piece together what he could from the damaged device.. Whilst at the same time, his Armor’s systems analysed the device, scanning it for any technological data that could give him insight into its design and function. After a few moments, he spoke up.


"This device appears to be some kind of tracking device, specifically designed to locate the Dragonballs. It works by emitting a signal that bounces off the Dragonballs' unique energy signature, allowing the user to pinpoint their location. It's a sophisticated, albeit a primitive piece of technology, but it's nothing that my armor's systems couldn't replicate or even improve upon."



Shred looked at the papers scattered on the ground. They contained information about the Dragonballs, including their location, previous owners, and the number of stars on each one. Shred took a moment to scan through the papers, his helmet's built-in scanner analysing the text and images. He had to admit, he was intrigued by the power of the Dragonballs, even though he knew it was dangerous to get involved with them. "These Dragonballs are powerful artefacts," Shred said, holding up one of the pictures. "Each one has a different number of stars on it, and it seems that there are seven in total. According to these papers, if you collect all seven, you can make a wish that will be granted. It's an incredible amount of power, and it's no wonder the Red Ribbon Army is after them."


Shred handed the picture to Arlo so that he could take a closer look. "But we have to be careful," Shred continued. "The Dragonballs are not to be taken lightly. They have caused a lot of trouble in the past, and it is likely that they will cause trouble in the future. We need to find out more about them and figure out what the Red Ribbon Army is planning to do with them." The Cerealian continued, shuddering of the very usage of the dragonballs. “They can be used for great good or indestructible evil. That is why, even though I could wish for an infinite amount of Zeni, I want nothing to do with the dragonballs. They bring nothing but trouble, and that is beyond my paygrade.”



That was when the Cerealian Bounty Hunter opened a small hatch from his left gauntlet and pulled out a small diagnostic tool. He plugged it into the broken dragon radar and began analysing the data. As he worked, his eyes scanning the readings on the screen. He was determined to figure out how the device worked and if there was any way to repair it.


"If we can repair this dragon radar, it could be a useful tool in finding the Dragonballs before the Red Ribbon Army does. But we need to be careful. The Army won't hesitate to use force to get what they want, and we need to be prepared for whatever they throw our way."

Shred finished the diagnostic and unplugged the tool from the dragon radar. He turned to Arlo with a serious expression on his face. "I don't know what the Red Ribbon Army is planning, but we need to be ready for anything. We should keep the Dragonballs as far away from them as possible, and make sure they do not get their hands on them. It won't be easy, but I'm confident we can handle whatever they throw at us. So, with that, I think we should leave this place… Besides, I got a job to do now, and those Zeni’s have got my name on it."

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Word Count: 651
Total Word Count: 4,090
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%

As Shred stood there with Arlo and Labo, examining the remnants of the Red Ribbon Army's attack, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The fact that they were after the Dragonballs was troubling, especially since they seemed to have detailed information about their whereabouts. It was clear that they couldn't let their guard down, and that the threat of the Red Ribbon Army wasn't over yet. With a heavy sigh, Shred turned to Arlo and Labo. "I have to leave now," he said, his voice serious. "I've got another job to do, but I'm sure we'll meet again soon. Take care of yourselves." He then activated his jetpack, lifting himself off the ground and into the air. He looked down at Arlo and Labo one last time before turning to face his destination.

As he flew through the air, the wind whipping past him, Shred couldn't help but think about the events of the day. It had been a long time since he had been in a battle like that, and he had almost forgotten what it was like. But the thrill of the fight had reminded him of why he did what he did. He was a bounty hunter, and he would always be one. It was in his blood. As he flew over the city, he could see the sun starting to set in the distance. It was a beautiful sight, and it reminded him of the fleeting nature of life. He had seen so many things in his time, and yet there was still so much more to see. It was a humbling thought, and it made him appreciate the present moment even more.



With Shred up in the air, heading towards his next job, Shred couldn't help but think about the Dragonballs. He knew that they were powerful artifacts that could grant wishes, and he also knew that they were dangerous in the wrong hands. He hoped that his employers would know what to do with the information he had found, and that they would be able to keep the Dragonballs out of the hands of those who would misuse them.

But for now, Shred had a job to do. He adjusted his helmet and flew towards the horizon, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Oracle... What is your take on all that we have learned so far.. Our allies, the Red Ribbon Army... The Dragonballs?" Shred asked his onboard A.I, wanting to know the logical and indepth statistical data on his employer, the Red Ribbon Army Faction, and the dragonballs that even the Bounty Hunters fears collecting. The Oracle A.I. responded in a calm, even tone, "Based on the information gathered thus far, it appears that the Red Ribbon Army Faction is a powerful and well-organized military force. They possess advanced technology, formidable soldiers, and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals, including the use of violence and subterfuge."

"As for the dragonballs, they are powerful artifacts capable of granting any wish to the person who collects all seven. However, they are also highly sought after, and many dangerous individuals and organizations are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain them."

"From a strategic standpoint, it may be in our best interest to continue working against the Red Ribbon Army Faction, at least for the time being, in order to gain access to their resources and technology. As for the dragonballs, caution should be exercised when dealing with them, as their power can be both a blessing and a curse."

Shred nodded, taking in the information. He knew that he had to be careful in his dealings with being against both the Red Ribbon Army and finding the dragonballs. They were powerful entities that could change the course of his life and the lives of those around him. With a deep breath, he readied himself to depart.

"Thank you, Oracle. Let’s continue course for the next job. It's time to get back to work." With that, he continued flying in the sky on his jetpack, leaving behind his companions, Arlo and Labo, as he prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[EXIT]

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Word Count: 694
Total Word Count: 4,784
Rookie Bonus: +65%
Super Weighted Clothing: +75%