Volume One, Chapter 72: Undercurrents Surge

Ulysses Nebula.

Within this nebula, there are planets, comets, and meteors, but not a single star, earning it the reputation of a star system shrouded in darkness and death. Unlike dark nebulae, which teem with various cosmic lifeforms, this place is singular in its inhabitants: only one species exists here, known as the "Extinguishers."

They sustain themselves and propagate by absorbing the aura of death, one of the universe’s rarest and most secretive forms of life. Yet, surrounding the outer reaches of this nebula are countless large cosmic bases. These bases lie so close together that, from afar, they resemble the rings encircling a nebula. But a nebula is not a planet—how could it possibly give birth to rings?

"So this is where the Seven-Star Sword is sealed," murmured Nodansizamsha, his pupils reflecting a vast darkness.

At last, through a mix of persuasion and persistence, he'd obtained the location of the Seven-Star Sword's seal from President Dureis. But he never expected it would be in this deathly star system, a place so terrifying that any denizen of the cosmos would hesitate to approach.

According to ancient records, not even in primordial times did anyone dare venture here. For what surged within was not just darkness, but a deathly aura even more dreadful than darkness itself. Any lifeform that touched even the faintest tendril of it would see its vitality devoured in an instant, leaving nothing but cosmic dust.

The Extinguishers, thriving on this aura, are mysterious, powerful, and uncanny in ways that defy understanding.

From Nodansizamsha’s memories, the deathly star system had been heavily guarded by the Interstellar Alliance ever since its discovery, to prevent the Extinguishers from entering the wider universe and wreaking havoc. Yet the records show that the Extinguishers have never left their domain; they remain within, only attacking when outsiders intrude.

"With my stellar-level strength, I should be able to traverse this place unhindered," he reasoned.

He had never entered the deathly star system before, but he had prepared thoroughly before coming. At the planetary level, he was already among the strongest.

Without further hesitation, Nodansizamsha soared forward. Armed with President Dureis’s official pass, the guards let him through without hindrance.

But the moment he crossed into the nebula’s boundary, his expression changed. His body was immediately enveloped by a visible layer of deathly aura, which, though slow, relentlessly eroded his internal energy.

Once that energy was depleted, his very life would be next.

One month...

Nodansizamsha quickly calculated his rate of energy consumption, his expression darkening. Knowing the Extinguishers lurked within, he could not avoid battle. And once combat began, his energy would drain even more rapidly. If that happened, his situation would become precarious.

After a brief consideration, he decided to proceed. This was his first time here; he could treat it as reconnaissance. So long as he gained a general understanding of the deathly nebula, he was confident he could find the sealed Seven-Star Sword.

Determination ignited in his eyes as he transformed into a streak of light, shooting swiftly toward the depths of the deathly nebula.

If nothing went wrong, then something surely would.

As expected, Nodansizamsha had only advanced less than fifty thousand kilometers before a massive figure blocked his path. Its form was pitch black, shrouded in the same deathly aura, and its claws gleamed with a chilling, unsettling light.

"So this is an Extinguisher?" Nodansizamsha’s expression hardened. His right hand shot upward, gathering a burst of blue light in his palm and releasing it instantly.

Boom—

The thunderous roar echoed as the blue light swept over the Extinguisher’s body. In a single instant, it was obliterated, leaving not even a trace behind.

"..."

He paused, then a faint smile tugged at his lips as he chuckled quietly, "Heh, I see—just as the records said, utterly powerless."

Buoyed by this minor episode, Nodansizamsha’s confidence soared, his speed nearly reaching its peak. The Extinguishers posed no threat to him now; his only concern was the strange deathly aura clinging to his body.

One month would be more than enough to find the Seven-Star Sword!

————

050, a sacred realm in the universe where the Ultra Warriors reside.

Here, jagged peaks rise amid relentless snowstorms, and the planet remains locked in an exceedingly harsh environment year-round. Because of this, the native inhabitants of 050 possess remarkable endurance and resilience; those with exceptional abilities may ascend to the Warrior’s Summit and receive the legendary Power of Light.

Today, two exceptional guests arrived at the Warrior’s Summit.

Jack Ultraman.

Ace Ultraman.

The ring radiated dazzling light, bursting forth with the word "Welcome" in the sky as a gesture of goodwill.

Orb Ultraman’s face was alight with anticipation and excitement, and he offered a deep bow to the two distinguished visitors.

Jack dispensed with pleasantries, getting straight to the point: "Ring of Light, the cosmic situation is unstable. The Land of Light is struggling, so we've come seeking 050’s assistance."

The ring emitted a gentle glow, its voice calm yet imbued with a hint of authority: "I’ve already heard of the matter."

"The Plasma Galaxy is among the oldest in the universe, and the Plasma Soul Crystal it nurtures is indeed formidable."

"Orb, in that case, you should go to the Land of Light and assist the Space Defense Force."

"Understood." Orb answered, bowing slightly without objection.

He had learned about the Plasma Galaxy’s situation back during the Golden Galaxy crisis, and he knew well that the mastermind behind the upheaval was Tregia Ultraman, who had previously stolen his sacred sword.

This mission, whether to safeguard peace in the universe or to eliminate those with malicious intent, would see him devote himself entirely, sparing no effort.

Jack and Ace exchanged glances, the gloom on their faces finally lifting a little.

With 050’s support, plus the Interstellar Alliance and the Anduru Defense Force, the Land of Light now possessed undeniable strength. The only thing left was for the Zero Squad to return.

Thinking of Zero, Jack couldn’t help but ask, "Ring of Light, Zero has gone to other universes to recruit warriors. Could you use your omnipotence and omniscience to locate him?"

"Yes, that young one has been gone quite a long time," Ace added. "We’re starting to worry."

After all, Zero was the Land of Light’s only warrior capable of crossing dimensions. Once he broke through, it was difficult to reach him.

"No problem. I’m quite interested in this warrior called Zero myself."

The ring shimmered and unfolded an illusory light screen before the three.

Within the screen, Zero’s silhouette slowly became clear.

"Hey! Why is Zero lying on the ground?"

"No, it’s in the sea!"