Volume One, Chapter 27: Keboer

Although the Emperor Ampera was dead, no one had ever dared to underestimate the Dark Galaxy. After all, it was not just any place—it was an entire star system! And it had existed since the birth of the universe itself, sheltering beings far more powerful than even the Amperans. Considering the current situation, there was little doubt: after the Amperan's demise, someone else had ascended the throne, now seeking dominion over the universe.

“Alas, what a troubled age,” sighed Zoffy, then gave the order: “Let us depart. Our Space Garrison's duty calls once more.”

“Yes, sir!” The assembly of Ultras rose as one and strode outside. In no time, a multitude of Ultramen boarded the exclusive spacecraft of the Land of Light, each hurrying toward different star systems.

Meanwhile, Tregear had arrived on Kebor, a planet in the Golden Galaxy. In his previous life, he had encountered the cosmic witch thief, Murnau, here. He had bestowed upon her eternal youth and the power to turn objects into gemstones. This time, his purpose was much the same, though he intended to alter his journey slightly.

Upon entering Kebor, Tregear immediately assumed human form and descended into a small town. Kebor was a planet abundant in minerals and ore veins and had long attracted merchants and magnates from across the Golden Galaxy. The most emblematic site of all was the capital—Lacra City.

In Lacra City, one would never witness the dawn of a new day. Of course, “tomorrow” here referred to the sun, for Lacra City was also called “The City of Eternal Night.” The city teemed with countless gaudy entertainment venues and casinos for the wealthy and powerful to indulge themselves. Yet such prosperity belonged solely to the elite. The vast gulf between rich and poor bred rampant crime, and many ordinary residents lived in abject misery. In such a benighted place, prostitutes and slaves were commonplace.

They came from diverse races and star systems, drawn by tales of fortune, hoping to earn enough to return home for the holidays. Instead, they fell captive to capital, reduced to the lowest of the low.

Before Tregear, such a slave crouched. No—perhaps she was no longer even worthy of that title. She was but a haggard, broken beggar, her vitality utterly spent. She sat there, filthy from head to toe, her muddied eyes yearning at every passerby. Yet, not only did people ignore her, they covered their mouths and noses as they hurried past, some even cursing, “Filthy beggar, you stink!” Despite it all, whenever someone passed, she would desperately nudge forward her half-broken bowl, begging for the smallest charity.

But it was all in vain. As night deepened, a cold wind swept the streets. Her thin rags offered little defense, so she curled up, striving in vain for warmth.

“Do you seek power? Do you wish to be young again?”

At the sound of the voice, Murnau trembled and looked up. She saw before her a strangely dressed man, and her own voice was frail as a dying ember: “Who… are you?”

“Who I am is unimportant,” Tregear shook his head and continued, “What matters is—do you desire eternal life?”

Once, in her youth, Murnau had been a notorious thief in the Golden Galaxy, her criminal enterprises countless. But as the years mounted, her power waned. In time, her own subordinates betrayed her, usurping her position. She was cast down, reduced to slavery, forced to cling to life in ignominy. Now, her mortal span was near its end. Such is the sorrow of ordinary humanity—no life lasts beyond a hundred years. (And humanity was not unique to Earth; many star systems counted humans among their denizens.)

“Eternal… life?” In Murnau’s dim eyes, a faint glimmer briefly flared, only to be swallowed by darkness. She laughed bitterly and muttered in despair, “Eternal life… how could that possibly exist?”

“Why not?” Tregear took a step forward, gazing down at her. “Not only can I restore your youth, I can grant you power—enough for vengeance, enough to turn all who betrayed you into eternal diamonds.”

Something in his gaze drew Murnau in; her eyes trembled as she met his. In a fleeting instant, visions flashed through her mind, and she understood—this strange man in a black-and-white shirt was telling the truth.

A surge of longing overwhelmed her, and she murmured in disbelief, “Could I truly… gain such power?”

“Of course,” Tregear replied with certainty.

Even with this assurance, the seasoned Murnau pressed on, “And your price?”

No one gives something for nothing—especially not power she had never dared dream of, even in her prime. This man must want something in return.

“Dealing with the clever is always simpler,” Tregear smiled, using his power to help her to her feet before continuing, “My price is simple—I only need you to find something for me in the Golden Galaxy.”

“Something?”

He nodded. “Indeed. A crystal called the Earth Elemental Stone.”

In his previous life, he had fought an Ultra named Orb, who wielded elemental powers. According to his inquiries, this Orb had yet to acquire those powers. In other words, if Tregear simply lay in wait, he could seize the Earth Element as soon as Orb appeared.

“Earth Element?” Murnau echoed, bewildered. “What is that?”

Seeing her confusion, Tregear realized such esoteric matters were beyond her knowledge. He explained, “If you do not know, simply keep an eye out for an Ultra Warrior named Orb. If he comes to Kebor, inform me at once.”

“Orb… an Ultra Warrior!” Murnau’s old eyes widened. Though she was only human, who in the universe had not heard of the Ultra Warriors’ legend? Did this mysterious man intend to challenge an Ultra Warrior?