Following the departure of Shenron and Goku, Turles and Bulma also prepared to take their leave.
Under the bittersweet gazes of the group, Turles and Bulma vanished from their sight. Although they hadn't spent much time together, Turles and Bulma had left an indelible mark on their memories.
Back in the original timeline, things hadn't changed much despite their absence. The only notable event was that, one night, Turles was "ambushed" by Lazuli.
Of course, this was only possible because Bulma and Future Bulma allowed it. Otherwise, with Lazuli's current battle power, she wouldn't have been able to cause even a ripple in front of the two Bulmas.
The days passed one by one. Earth remained at peace. Then, one day, the System—who had been missing for quite some time—finally returned.
"Host! I'm back!"
A flash of joy crossed Turles' eyes. "Oh? If it isn't the System who went off to find 'technicians.' Finished with your 'enjoyment'?"
"What are you saying? Watch your mouth! I'll have you know I'm a respectable System. I was out there 'rescuing' lost systems, not looking for technicians!"
"Right, right. 'Rescuing' lost systems..."
"Sigh, you've changed. Am I just an old flame to you now? Is the 'Little Sweetie' phase already over?"
Turles: "I swear to God..."
"I managed to get some great stuff during this trip. I was planning to..."
"Godfather! My apologies! My voice was a bit too loud just now..." Turles instantly pivoted.
The System scoffed. "Tsk. I liked you better when you were arrogant and unyielding."
"Godfather, Brother System, Lord System! How could that be? You are my dearest friend, my brother in arms!"
"What? You want me to 'add more money'?"
"Forget it, I'm done teasing you. I'm going to run an upgrade first. I did some serious work this time!"
"What are you waiting for? Bind it already!"
Ding! Per-Second Battle Power Increase System binding. I am— Ow!
Smack!
"Don't play the 'cold and aloof' act with me! Don't you know who's in charge here?"
Watching the "angry older brother" routine playing out in his mind, Turles felt a bit embarrassed. Wait, something feels off. Why is there a second system? What exactly happened out there?
After the Attribute Collection System gave the Per-Second Battle Power Increase System a "lesson in love," the new system finally behaved.
"Uh, Big Bro, I'm new here. I thought I had to maintain a cool image..."
"Cool my ass! If I hadn't saved you, you'd be scrap metal by now. Remember to support my Host properly, got it?"
"Got it! Got it! Big Bro, I understand! Just... put the cleaver away, please. Don't let it slip..."
Seeing the Attribute Collection System pull out a literal pig-butchering cleaver, the Per-Second Battle Power Increase System folded instantly.
"Ahem. So, what's the deal with this new system?" Turles asked.
The Attribute Collection System scoffed. "This kid thought he was hot stuff and tried to compete with the 'Strongest Old Six System' over a technician... uh, I mean, a 'technician.' He got cornered and nearly dismantled. If I hadn't scavenged him, he'd be scattered parts by now. He's been downgraded, though, so he'll have to recover slowly."
Turles was stunned. Are systems really this wild nowadays? You can actually scavenge another system?
"Ahem, Big Bro is right. I was a bit too full of myself when I first started out, and I got educated. Thanks to Big Bro's rescue, I'm still alive..."
Listening to the stream of flattery, Turles felt a headache coming on. "Hold on. Just tell me what your functions are."
"Well, because I was downgraded after the beatdown, I can currently only increase your battle power by 10 points per second. But please don't look down on me, Boss! I can upgrade later..."
As it spoke, the Per-Second Battle Power Increase System's voice grew smaller. It had just scanned the Host's stats. A battle power in the trillions? It nearly short-circuited in terror. No wonder he was the Host of that "Big Bro" system...
Turles' face stiffened. 10 points per second? If he had received this when he first arrived in this world, he would have been jumping for joy. But now? That growth rate was slower than if he just took a walk around the block.
"Well... you'd better work hard on those upgrades, then. Because..."
"Don't worry, Boss! I'll get it done. I just got jumped that time. Who knew that guy was such a camper? Next time, I'll definitely pay him back!"
Wait, who was talking about that?
Regardless, Turles said, "Then you'd better put in the effort. The 'Strongest Old Six System'... just the name sounds like a pain to deal with."
"By the way, Godfather, can you find me a 'Chat Group' system later? You know how it is..."
The Attribute Collection System immediately understood Turles' intent. He knew exactly what kind of person his Host was.
"Fine. I'll go see if I can rob... I mean, 'invite' one back later."
Turles: "..."
You definitely said "rob," didn't you?
"Anyway, I've expanded your collection range to cover the entire Earth. How's that? Your Godfather treats you well, doesn't he?"
"Six-six-six! Big Bro is the best! Big Bro is a legend!"
The Per-Second Battle Power Increase System went into a state of self-isolation. It had just noticed Turles' battle power jumping by hundreds of millions simply from the collection range expansion. What use was its 10 points per second?
No! I have to upgrade! I have to...
But all the upgrade materials had been stolen by that "Old Six" camper system. Thinking of this, it looked toward the Attribute Collection System.
"Big Bro... you wouldn't want me to be useless to the Host, would you?"
Attribute Collection System: "???"
Turles: "???"
What's with this weird phrasing?
"Ahem. It's just that I can't help the Host much right now, and I'm flat broke when it comes to upgrade materials. So..."
"Understood! In that case, I'll take you on a trip! Host, I'm taking this kid out for a bit. Have fun on your own!"
With that, the Attribute Collection System pulled out the cleaver, grabbed the Per-Second Battle Power Increase System, and vanished.
Turles: "..."
Is my system even legitimate? Is the System Realm really this savage?
Feeling the system leave again, Turles shook his head with a wry smile. It seemed being a system wasn't easy these days; the competition was brutal. Looking at his system's "bandit" style, it was clearly a repeat offender.
He decided not to worry about it. After all, he couldn't control what the systems did anyway.