Chapter 51: Chapter 48 - Gravity Chamber
The class followed Bulma through a reinforced hallway of Capsule Corporation. Clean, sterile white walls were decorated with framed blueprints of legendary Capsule tech, and hovering maintenance bots zipped by like obedient bees in a hive.
"This," Bulma said, tapping a button on a security console, "is where science meets sweat."
With a dramatic hiss and clank, the reinforced doors opened, revealing a large spherical chamber lined with metallic panels, blinking consoles, and mechanical arms. At its center stood a reinforced floor marked with worn scuffs and burn marks—a testament to the intense training it had witnessed.
"Welcome to the Gravity Room," she declared with a smirk. "My pride and joy—next to my kid."
The students let out an impressed murmur, some craning their necks to take it all in.
"You've probably heard rumors," Bulma continued. "Well, they're true. This room simulates enhanced gravity to help warriors increase strength and durability in half the time."
Gohan and Trunks awkwardly chuckled from the back.
Sharpner, ever the show-off, crossed his arms. "Sounds intense. What's it set to now?"
"Right now? Normal Earth gravity," Bulma said. "But since not all of you are trained in martial arts, I recommend you lay down flat on the ground when I increase the setting. Trust me—it's no joke."
There was a brief pause before laughter erupted among the students. Most thought it was just a gimmick—until Gohan and Trunks remained standing.
Sharpner blinked. "Wait, seriously?"
Gohan just smiled politely. "Better safe than sorry."
Erasa and the rest took Bulma's advice seriously and lay down on the ground, giggling nervously.
"I've trained with Dad before," Videl muttered, standing beside Gohan and Trunks. "I can handle a little extra gravity."
Sharpner narrowed his eyes. "No way I'm backing down if she's standing."
Bulma smirked and walked to the main control panel. "Alright. Beginning simulation: 2x Earth gravity. You'll feel the change instantly."
With a beep, the machine hummed—and suddenly, the air thickened.
A dull BOOM echoed as the pressure dropped on them like a weight.
Sharpner grunted, legs trembling.
"Oh man… what the—?!" he staggered forward and caught himself just before hitting the floor. "This is… insane!"
Videl grit her teeth, legs wobbling, arms shaking as she tried to stay composed. "Nngh… this is tough…"
She turned her head—and her eyes widened.
Gohan and Trunks were just standing there. Calm. Composed. Not even flinching.
Not even sweating.
Gohan glanced at her and gave a sheepish smile. "You okay?"
"I—I'm fine!" she blurted, frustrated. "How are you not affected?!"
Trunks shrugged. "You get used to it."
Sharpner finally dropped to his knees. "Okay, okay—I get it. Uncle. This is… more than I thought."
From the ground, several of the students groaned, struggling to lift their limbs.
Bulma laughed, already tapping the console. "And gravity reset—returning to normal now."
BOOM.
The pressure instantly lifted. The students felt light again, like being freed from invisible chains. Sharpner flopped backward with a sigh of relief.
"That was brutal…" Erasa murmured, sitting up.
"Felt like swimming in syrup," another student muttered.
Videl, though relieved, still had her eyes trained on Gohan and Trunks. Something about their composure under pressure unnerved her.
They weren't just martial artists.
They were something else.
Bulma turned back to the class. "Alright! Now that you've survived a taste of what gravity training feels like, let's try something more fun."
With a few button taps, the floor gave a soft hiss, and the chamber's energy shifted again.
"Now engaging Zero Gravity Mode."
Suddenly, the students began to lift off their feet.
"We're floating!" someone shouted.
"It's like space camp!"
Laughter erupted as students flailed, floated, and tumbled in the air. Some tried swimming motions, while others spun like slow-motion gymnasts. Even Sharpner, once recovered, was grinning like a kid.
"Use the handholds on the walls if you need to stabilize yourselves!" Bulma called out, enjoying the chaos.
Videl used a wall handle and drifted beside Gohan.
"You really didn't feel anything during the gravity simulation?" she asked again, narrowing her eyes.
Gohan, awkwardly floating upside-down, smiled. "Eh… I've done a lot of weird training."
"You're stronger than you let on."
Gohan blinked. "I guess so."
Before Videl could press further, Trunks floated by, casually flipping in the air. "Hey Gohan, bet I can float through that ring first!"
"You're on."
The two launched into a friendly zero-gravity race, leaving a slightly stunned Videl watching them zoom through the air like trained astronauts.
"That looks like fun," she whispered to herself.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden light over the sprawling Capsule Corporation, the school field trip began to wind down. After an exciting day of technological marvels, surprises, and revelations, the students of Orange Star High were visibly exhausted—but buzzing with excitement.
Bulma clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention as she stood at the center of the main courtyard.
"Alright, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the tour. Now let's get you settled into your rooms before dinner. Nappa, please assist in guiding the students to the west guest wing."
Groups of students were paired and directed toward their designated rooms, most of them chattering excitedly.
"Did you see that anti-gravity display room?""I still can't believe Trunks is Bulma's son! And Gohan being her godson?""Sharpner nearly passed out during the gravity test!""I think I strained my soul! But it was so worth it."
Meanwhile, Trunks and Gohan were quietly pulled aside by Raditz.
"You two won't be staying in the guest wing," Raditz said with a grin. "Your actual rooms in the main building have been prepared. Bulma gave special instructions."
Gohan scratched the back of his head. "Thanks, Uncle Raditz. She really didn't need to—"
"Don't bother," Trunks chuckled. "It's my mom. She'll probably drag us back to the lab if we refuse."
Raditz laughed and led them down a sleek, private corridor that split from the main guest hall, opening up to the executive residence side of Capsule Corp. Familiar holographic locks and polished tile gave way to a homier space—decorated with keepsakes, old photos, and the occasional dented training dummy Vegeta had likely obliterated in a rage.
As they entered their rooms, Gohan let out a whistle. "Still the biggest bed I've ever had."
"Same as last time," Trunks said, walking past the custom capsule dock near his desk. "Mom even restocked my favorite protein bars."
Both boys looked out the balcony window, the view stretching across West City. The soft hum of city life was a gentle contrast to the chaos they often faced in battle.
The dining room was alive with the clatter of plates, aroma of grilled meat, and the boisterous conversation that could only come from Saiyans and the people who somehow managed to feed them.
Goku and Chichi had joined the Briefs family for dinner, and as expected, the amount of food could rival a feast for a small kingdom.
Goku sat at the far end, a mountain of plates rising beside him like trophies of a war long fought.
"Mmmph—Bulma, this roast is amazing!" he said, mouth full but sincere.
"Thanks, Goku," Bulma smirked from her seat, sipping wine. "I had to triple the order after hearing you were coming."
Chichi sighed from beside him. "Honestly, can't you eat like a normal person just once? You're not in the middle of a training session anymore."
"But this is training food!" Goku said with a grin. "I can't protect the Earth on an empty stomach."
"Honestly," Vegeta muttered, arms crossed as he leaned back in his chair, watching the madness. "Kakarot, you eat like a brainless oaf. Do you even chew?"
"I chew sometimes!"
Trunks and Gohan entered just as Bulma waved them over. "Boys! Dinner's already halfway gone thanks to this bottomless pit. Sit down before he finishes the rice, too."
They greeted everyone and took their seats, laughing at the familiarity of it all.
"So," Bulma said after a moment, "how was the field trip portion? Besides Nappa and Raditz trying to play matchmaker in front of half your classmates."
"Embarrassing," Gohan said flatly. "Raditz kept calling Videl my girlfriend."
"And Nappa made it worse with Erasa and Trunks," Trunks added. "I think Sharpner might explode."
Vegeta snorted into his drink. "Weakling can't handle competition. Typical."
Chichi turned to Gohan with a soft smile. "So, how's school going otherwise? Making friends?"
Gohan nodded. "Yeah. It's… different, but kind of nice. Trunks being there helps a lot."
Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Any suspicious activity from Videl?"
Gohan nearly choked. "Wh-what?!"
"She's smart," Bulma smirked. "You know she's been keeping a close eye on you."
"I've… noticed," he muttered.
"I like her," Chichi said suddenly, eyes sparkling. "Strong, independent, driven. You could do worse."
"Mom!"
Everyone at the table laughed.
With the day finally done and the city lights twinkling below, Gohan stood out on his balcony, looking over the city.
Trunks joined him, stretching his arms.
"Feels weird, doesn't it?" Trunks said quietly. "This kind of peace."
"Yeah," Gohan replied. "But I'm glad we're getting to enjoy it for once."
"I wonder how long it'll last."
Gohan didn't answer, just continued looking out into the quiet night.