Volume One, Chapter 101: Father and Son

"Alright, go prove yourself to your father."

Torregia’s seductive voice echoed in Taiga’s ears, piercing straight into his heart. Taiga’s head lifted stiffly as he gazed at Taro.

"No!"

That cry came from the depths of Taiga’s own soul. Though he was shrouded in darkness, he saw everything outside with chilling clarity.

Watching his own body, now moving forward beyond his control, Taiga was almost frantic, a fire of irrepressible rage igniting within his chest.

"Torregia, come out if you dare! Let’s fight for real, hand to hand!"

Taiga roared, unleashing bursts of energy that smashed violently around him.

But what good did it do? Torregia was thoroughly satisfied with his current state, murmuring to himself, "Yes, that’s it. Even better if you go a bit more insane, hehehe..."

As long as Taiga’s heart completely collapsed, he would fall into darkness—forever and ever.

By now, Zoffy, Seven, and the others had surrounded Taiga again, all watching him with sharp, predatory eyes.

"Let me handle this," Taro stepped forward, took a deep breath, and fixed his gaze on Taiga, speaking as a father, "Taiga, can you hear me?"

"Yes, Dad, I can hear you!" Taiga shouted with all his might from deep within his soul.

But Taro could not hear him. No one could.

Taiga’s pace quickened; in a flash, he was already before Taro, his fist swinging violently.

Bang—

Taro caught Taiga’s fist, his voice deep and steady, "Taiga, do you know what you’re doing? Snap out of it, now!"

Taiga answered with a blast of energy from his other hand.

Taro’s eyes narrowed; he quickly retreated.

Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Father of Ultra was left with no choice but to give the command, "Zoffy, restrain him!"

"Yes!"

Zoffy, the First, Jack, Seven, Ace, Mebius, and the others moved in together, encircling Taiga.

Facing the elders he once respected most, Taiga’s face showed not an ounce of fear, not even the slightest tension.

"Heheheh..." His laughter was low and sinister as he fired orbs of light mercilessly around him.

"Let's move!" Seven shouted, charging in first to exchange blows with Taiga.

His martial skills ranked among the very best in the Land of Light, yet at this moment he fought Taiga to a standstill, neither gaining the upper hand.

But the difference in energy could not be bridged by martial prowess alone.

After knocking Seven back with a punch, Taiga’s energy burst followed immediately.

"Watch out!"

Mebius called out, leaping in front of Seven and raising his Ultra Barrier.

Taking advantage of the opening in Taiga’s assault, Ace delivered a vicious chop. The First and Jack darted in from both sides, each kicking at Taiga’s legs with blinding speed.

Bang—

With his legs struck hard, Taiga staggered to his knees.

Just as he tried to get up, the First and Jack pinned his arms.

At the same moment, Zoffy—who’d been waiting for a chance—made his move.

He flashed before Taiga, gathered his strength, and punched with all his might.

Bang—

Zoffy’s power was immense. Taiga grunted, his form flying like a meteor and smashing into the wall.

Every Ultra Warrior in the Space Garrison was formidable, and as founding members, Zoffy and the others possessed strength far beyond ordinary imagination.

Even if they were outmatched in raw energy, their combined efforts were enough to contend with most cosmic threats.

"As expected of the Ultra Brothers, you’re quite capable," Torregia remarked, his eyes flashing. "But this is a battle between father and son—Taro and Taiga. The rest of you, get lost!"

As he spoke, a surge of Great Power shot from Torregia’s hand, blasting Zoffy and the Ultras away.

The Great Power did not dissipate; it arced into the sky, forming a barrier that excluded all the Ultras outside.

Taro’s expression darkened; his breath grew heavy.

He had never imagined Torregia’s power had reached such terrifying heights.

Many Ultra Warriors fired beams, attempting to shatter the barrier, but all efforts were futile.

Even Father of Ultra’s composure was shaken, his face grave.

In the history of the Land of Light, only one dark Ultra Warrior—Belial—had ever breached their defenses.

That battle left the Land of Light devastated, and even the Plasma Spark was stolen.

If not for Zero’s intervention, the Land of Light might have long since ceased to exist.

Now, after so many years, a similar scene was unfolding.

Most alarming of all, Torregia’s power far surpassed Belial’s at his peak.

It was the power of the Evil God—Grimud!

Staring intently at Torregia, Father of Ultra spoke in a solemn tone, "Eddie, go find the King of Ultra. If this continues, I fear we’ll lose all control."

The Plasma Galaxy was already on the verge of war with the Land of Light. If Torregia was allowed to wreak further havoc, the consequences would be catastrophic.

"Understood. I’m going right away," Eddie replied without hesitation, turning and flying toward Planet K76.

Father of Ultra nodded slightly, then focused once more on the happenings within the barrier.

By now, Taiga had regained his footing. Even after enduring the combined assault of the Ultra Brothers, he appeared barely affected.

Taro’s heart tightened. He could see that Taiga’s mind was under Torregia’s control.

There was only one way to save him!

"Taiga, here I come!"

Taro roared, his body igniting with furious flames as he lunged straight at Taiga.

Within his inner world, Taiga sensed this and responded with a roar of his own, his own flames bursting forth.

Boom—

Taro tackled Taiga to the ground, the blaze from Taro’s body growing ever more intense, engulfing the darkness radiating from Taiga, flooding into his very being, down to his soul.

"Dad, I can feel your power!"

Taiga shouted in joy, merging with Taro’s energy to shatter the surrounding darkness.

Crack... crack... crack... bang!

The world of darkness could endure no more and shattered in the blaze.

Regaining control over his body, Taiga helped Taro to his feet.

But before he could even thank him, Taro’s foot sent him flying.

"Heheheh... ahahaha!"

Torregia’s laughter rang out from above, low and stifled, yet tinged with a strange excitement.

Indeed, his true target was Taro!

"Welcome... to the world of darkness."

Red light flashed in Torregia’s eyes. Suddenly, behind Taro, a single eye appeared.

Its iris was brown, the pupil vertical. The moment it manifested, it seized the attention of everyone present.