Volume One, Chapter 12: The Epic Battle Between the Apollonians and Mebius

Perhaps feeling somewhat guilty, the Yapolian plucked a balloon from the air and said in a deep voice, “Go, Gudiba!”
The balloon soared upwards and exploded with a sharp bang.
Instantly, a wave of sinister energy spread forth, winding directly around the mechanical assassin.
Casting a triumphant glance at Wuqi, the Yapolian raised his arm, a cold smile on his lips. “Ultraman Mebius, let me show you the true meaning of fighting Gudiba.”
“Mebium—Ray!”
As his words fell, the mechanical assassin raised both arms, crossing them before his chest, and unleashed Mebius’s most familiar beam attack.
“How is this possible!”
Shocked, Mebius had no time to dodge.
Bang—!
The ray struck his body, igniting a burst of sparks with terrifying force.
“Ah!” Mebius cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees, unable to rise for a long while.
He realized with certainty that the sudden surge of energy just now was on a level far above his own.
If he tried to fight head-on, he would surely be utterly defeated!
No, he had to find another way.
As Mebius gasped for air, the Yapolian issued another command: “Mebium—Ray!”
“Damn it!” Gritting his teeth, Mebius forced himself to stand and fired his own Mebium Ray to counter the attack.
Though their techniques were identical, it was clear his confidence was wavering.
But the Yapolian had no intention of dragging things out. He immediately ordered the mechanical assassin to unleash the Mebium Light Sword.
Wuqi cast him a cool, indifferent glance and remarked, “Wouldn’t it be better to keep draining Mebius’s energy?”
The Ultra race, because of the solar system’s weak stellar output, could only remain on Earth for a short time.
If their energy could not be replenished, their combat strength would swiftly collapse.
Yet the Yapolian abandoned the war of attrition, choosing instead to engage in close combat.
This, Wuqi could not understand.
“Heh—what would you know!” the Yapolian sneered, though inside he cursed.
This was his battle—why should he take orders from someone on the sidelines?
He just wanted to show off—what of it?
Seeing him wielding Ultra techniques, did that not make him uncomfortable?
Noticing Wuqi’s disdainful look, he scoffed, “Idiot. I’ll just watch and see how you die.”
Though he didn’t know much about the history of the Ampelra invasion of Earth, he knew Ampelra was defeated.
And the Four Heavenly Kings died miserably!
By that logic, it wasn’t hard to guess—
The Yapolian would die a terrible death!

Ignoring Wuqi, the Yapolian’s face darkened as he continued to command the mechanical assassin’s attacks.
Clang! Clang! Clang… Clang…
The clash of light swords rang out sharply.
Mebius fought desperately, but the mechanical assassin seized an opening and kicked him flying.
Upon seeing this, the Yapolian’s expression finally brightened.
He laughed with excitement and issued another command: “Mebium—Explosive Sphere!”
A surge of searing energy gathered in the mechanical assassin’s chest, condensing into a sphere before being launched forth.
Boom—!
The attack struck Mebius squarely, blasting him dozens of meters away and leaving him unable to rise.
Wuqi closed his eyes and shook his head regretfully.
It seemed he had overestimated Mebius.
This Ultra Warrior, sent to Earth as an emissary of light, was at best a level five or six planetary class.
Such power was three full tiers below what Taro had once possessed!
Taro, when he set out, was already at planetary level nine.
And when he returned, he was a stellar level five master.
To grow so exponentially in just a year on Earth—there had to be a reason!
At that thought, Wuqi’s eyes snapped open and gazed skyward.
Meanwhile, the Yapolian, as if oblivious, shouted gleefully, “Mebius, you have lost!”
“Go, finish him!”
At the command, the mechanical assassin strode forward to deliver the final blow.
Just then, a blade of deep blue light descended from the heavens.
Shing—!
The mechanical assassin froze, and the Yapolian’s pupils contracted sharply.
“Heh… So it’s Ace Ultraman,” Wuqi curled his lips in a wicked smile.
From earlier, he had sensed a powerful energy rapidly approaching Earth.
He hadn’t expected it to be the Grand Duke Ace!
“Huh?” Wuqi paused, murmuring to himself in confusion, “Why did I just call Ace… Grand Duke?”
He tapped his head, turning away with a slow stride.
As he walked, he muttered, “Something’s wrong. The Ampelra must have tampered with the Dark Source. I need to check immediately…”
Wuqi departed, but the Yapolian stared wide-eyed at the figure that had suddenly appeared.
“Ace… Ace… Ace!!!”
A surge of memories, filled with hatred and humiliation, flooded his mind, and his blood was instantly set ablaze with fury.

“Ace—!”
With a nearly bestial roar, the Yapolian shot into the air, revealing his true form.
“Yapolian!” Ace’s gaze snapped over, his expression darkening.
He hurriedly helped Mebius up, transferring some energy before asking with concern, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, brother,” Mebius shook his head, offering a reassuring look.
By now, the Yapolian was charging forward, awash with murderous rage.
Ace sprang up, arms spreading wide. “Vertical Guillotine!”
Buzz—!
A faint hum as energy condensed into a blade and shot forth.
Seeing this, the Yapolian’s soul nearly fled his body. He braked desperately, dodging the deadly attack by a hair’s breadth—his escape undignified but effective.
The blade passed so close it almost grazed his scalp; had he been a second slower, his head would have rolled.
After this brush with death, the Yapolian’s rage was smothered by cold sweat.
He took several deep breaths, staggering to his feet, his heart pounding with fear.
Ace’s guillotine—few in the universe dared face it.
Those who did were either torn apart or decapitated!
This wasn’t just a terrifying attack—it was utterly horrifying!
Though he hated Ace to his core, the Yapolian dared not advance recklessly.
He couldn’t defeat Ace before—let alone now.
But why was Ace here on Earth?
Damn Grozam, damn Mephilas, damn Daisrem!
And damn Tregear too!
No wonder they’d all been so calm!
They must have known Ace Ultraman would come to help and deliberately sent him to take the brunt!
“Damn it!”
The Yapolian clenched his teeth so hard blood seeped from his mouth.
He’d wondered from the start why, after he arrived on Earth, the others had all disappeared—
Even Tregear had time to eat ice cream!
Now, he understood.
He understood everything!