Volume One, Chapter 29: Kai

"Have you heard? The Land of Light is finished."

"What do you mean?"

"They say the dark Ultra warrior Belial has appeared and even stolen the Plasma Spark from the Land of Light."

"No way!"

...

Inside the bar, countless patrons whispered among themselves, discussing the most sensational event in the universe of late.

Some pitied, some condemned, and others remained objective.

Because if the Land of Light was truly destroyed, the universe would soon descend into chaos.

At that time, everyone would live in fear—not a pleasant prospect.

But the Land of Light has the Ultra King. How could the Plasma Spark be taken so easily?

This was the greatest question in everyone's mind.

What they didn’t know was that the true culprit behind the fall of the Land of Light was sitting quietly in a corner of the bar, savoring the exquisite taste of red wine.

"Sir, they're here."

Reading the message on his interstellar communicator, Misty drank the last of his wine, turned, and vanished into the darkness.

According to Murunao’s intelligence, Kai’s flight would land at the cosmic airport at three o’clock in the afternoon.

So all Misty needed to do was wait in the airport lounge.

Arriving at the airport, Misty casually chose a seat.

Though he wished not to draw attention, his half-black, half-dark attire attracted many curious glances.

Among them was a boy, perhaps fifteen or sixteen.

He crept behind Misty, feigning confusion, glancing left and right, then slowly reached forward, aiming for the mask hanging at Misty's waist.

The mask was a deep azure, exquisitely crafted, clearly valuable.

Sensing the boy’s intent, Misty frowned slightly.

He made no move to startle the boy, sitting there as if oblivious, awaiting the moment the child would deliver himself into the abyss.

If the boy touched the mask, he would be corrupted, his will—and perhaps his very body—twisted... Driven mad, or perhaps transformed into a monster?

A wrong choice often leads one deep into the mire.

The boy had no idea how foolish his actions were. He merely wanted to steal the mask and sell it for some money.

He hadn’t eaten meat in days.

There were other targets in the airport, but all were dressed in finery, clearly powerful figures. If caught, he would surely be beaten.

But this man was different. Since entering the airport, he’d been alone, his clothing odd, but from years of observation, the boy judged he must be new here.

As the boy’s hand drew closer to the mask, greed flickered ever brighter in his eyes.

Suddenly, a strong hand appeared from nowhere, seizing the boy’s arm.

Misty’s eyes snapped open, and he turned.

A young man in his twenties stood there, dressed plainly, but radiating an intense aura of light.

Seeing him, Misty’s lips curled in a faint smile.

This was the one he had awaited for so long—Orb Ultraman, or simply, "Kai."

"Let me go, let me go!" the boy cried in panic, immediately attracting attention.

Kai did not release him, instead pulling him in front of Misty, scolding, "Kid, apologize!"

Before becoming an Ultra warrior, Kai had always been a youth driven by justice. Arriving in Kebor, he witnessed a theft in progress and could not ignore it.

Especially since the culprit was just a child!

So young, already learning to steal—what would become of him as he grew?

"Let me go, let me go!" The boy struggled, but his strength was nothing to Kai, as insignificant as an ant.

Helpless, the boy changed tactics, dropping to his knees and begging Kai to release him.

He never imagined he’d be so close to success, only for a sudden twist to ruin his plans.

"Apologize!" Kai hauled him up again, sternly, "Or I’ll hand you over to the police."

At the mention of "police," the boy was terrified, bowing to Kai and begging, "I’m sorry, sir, please let me go!"

Kai shook his head and pointed to Misty, "Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to this gentleman."

The boy, desperate, quickly bowed to Misty, repeating "I’m sorry" several times.

Kai’s expression softened slightly, but he still held the boy, lecturing, "Kid, do you know stealing is wrong?"

"I know..."

"Then how do you plan to change?"

The boy hung his head, annoyance creeping across his face.

He’d already apologized, yet this man wouldn’t let it go—must be crazy.

"Don’t move!"

Just then, a group of armed Mizhians rushed over, surrounding Misty and the others.

Their leader stepped forward and barked, "Hand over the kid, now!"

"Who are you?" Kai frowned.

The boy, seizing his chance, broke free and darted away.

The Mizhian leader’s eyes lit up. "Catch him!"

Pew! Pew! Pew!

The Mizhians fired, beams forming a circle of light around the boy, trapping him.

But as they moved in to seize him, Kai intervened, swiftly knocking several Mizhians aside.

The leader snarled, "Take them!"

The remaining Mizhians rushed at Kai.

A few lunged at Misty.

"Interesting," Misty laughed, rising and kicking.

Bang—

The lead Mizhian was sent flying, bowling over his companions.

"Impressive!" Kai, under attack, managed a compliment, easily dispatching the rest.

The Mizhian leader’s face froze. He glanced at his fallen comrades, then at Kai and Misty, gritting his teeth, "You’d better not run!"

With that, he turned to leave, intent on gathering reinforcements.

But as he turned, he collided squarely with Misty’s fist.

Bang—

His head snapped back, blood spurting from his nostrils as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.