Volume One, Chapter Eight: Glozam

A deep green beam radiated from Bata’s head, casting an emerald glow that illuminated his twisted face with an eerie brilliance. In the very next instant, however, his savage expression froze, as if time itself had stopped for him. The cause: that alien had simply waved his hand, effortlessly shattering his full-power attack—a strike that had drawn upon ninety-nine percent of his strength.

"You... who on earth are you?" Bata asked in terror. His power, though not on par with the King, was unrivaled as the third mightiest on Muzhen Star—no one dared claim the second position. And yet, his attack had been destroyed by this alien as if it were nothing.

Impossible!

"Who am I?" Grozam slowly turned his head, articulating each syllable with chilling clarity: "Gro—za—m."

At that name, Bata was momentarily stunned. Then his pupils contracted sharply, and a deeper fear flooded his face. Grozam—a name even the King had mentioned... No, it was a name every being in the universe knew. For across the cosmos, only one bore that name.

He was the Emperor of the Dark Galaxy, one of the Four Heavenly Kings beneath the Emperor of Ampera—the mighty general, Grozam!

"T-The... The Heavenly King!" In that moment, Bata's pupils dilated to the point of bursting. His mind rang as if struck by a hammer, a resounding cacophony of terror. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the legendary general, Lord Grozam, would appear here. And he had dared attack him!

With a thud, Bata dropped to his knees, frantically bowing his head to the ground. Each desperate plea for mercy rang out, his voice trembling with absolute terror: "Spare me, my lord! Spare me, my lord..."

Though he knelt in the starry expanse of the universe, each of his kowtows produced a sonic boom, betraying the utter terror that had broken his spirit.

And all of this, set in motion by a single name.

Grozam was unsurprised by Bata’s extreme reaction. In truth, he relished it. After all, who in the universe had not heard the names of the Four Heavenly Kings of Darkness?

As Bata continued his frantic pleading, Grozam waved him off impatiently. "Did you not hear me? Get out of my sight!"

"Yes, yes, at once!" Bata scrambled away, tumbling over himself in his haste to escape, never daring to look back, terrified for his life.

It was said that even the weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings possessed the power of a Level Four Star, while the King of Muzhen Star was only Level One. To face a Heavenly King was to endure pressure several times greater than that of facing his own king.

"Hmph, useless trash from Muzhen Star," Grozam sneered, turning his gaze to the frozen figure of Tregear. "A Blue Ultra Warrior—presenting him to His Majesty would be a grand achievement indeed."

As one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Darkness, he had participated in the great Ultra War that shook the universe, and he knew well the importance of a Blue Ultra Warrior to the Land of Light—and even more so, to His Majesty.

If he brought back this Ultra Warrior, his status among the Four Heavenly Kings would surely soar.

"Come with me, Blue One. Hmhmhm..."

...

The Dark Galaxy—also known as the "Dark Universe" (for the Emperor had always harbored a dream of ruling the cosmos, and thus named it so).

In the darkness, a pair of cold, merciless eyes slowly opened.

Below, three figures ceased their conversation and straightened respectfully, intoning in unison, "Your Majesty!"

They were three of the Four Heavenly Kings: the Sinister General Yapool from another dimension, the Schemer Desrem from the Strategist Race, and the Cunning General Mephilas from the Malicious Race. Together with the Mighty General Grozam of the Frozen Star, they formed the renowned Four Heavenly Kings of Darkness, rivals in strength to the legendary Ultra Brothers.

Footsteps echoed—Grozam entered, floating behind him the block of black ice that imprisoned Tregear. He stood tall, deliberately humming as he passed the other kings, before kneeling before the Emperor of Ampera and respectfully announcing, "Your Majesty!"

"Rise." The Emperor’s gaze shifted behind him, a cool voice intoning, "Grozam, it seems you have brought back something extraordinary."

At these words, the three kings frowned, noticing for the first time the Ultra Warrior encased in ice—no less, a Blue Ultra!

"Where did you find this one?" Mephilas exclaimed, obvious astonishment on his face. The Blue Race was rare even in the Land of Light. For Grozam to bring one back himself was shocking indeed.

"He must be that Blue one who defected," Desrem mused, eyes narrowed. "I've heard some rumors lately—goes by Trege... something?"

"Tregear," Yapool chimed in with a cheerful tone.

"I know that much, no need for your reminder!" Desrem shot him a glare, stepping aside in distaste.

Mephilas, too, edged away. Though they shared the title of Heavenly King, their relations were far from cordial—especially toward Yapool.

"Release him from the ice. Let me see this Blue Ultra," the Emperor commanded, descending the steps with the bearing of a sovereign, exuding overwhelming pressure.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Grozam dared not disobey, instantly withdrawing his icy energy.

With a crack, the ice split open, and Tregear fell to the ground. Yet he showed no sign of panic; instead, he rose slowly, meeting the Emperor’s gaze directly.

"Insolence!" Four voices thundered in unison, furious.

To meet the Emperor and not kneel was bad enough—but to stand so boldly? It was courting death.

The other three kings struck out at once, intent on subduing Tregear, leaping into the air.

But then, a deep, cold snort echoed through the hall.

With a thunderous crash, the three were struck as if by meteors, blood spraying from their mouths, tracing crimson arcs as they were hurled backward.

"Fools," Grozam sneered from his kneeling position, his eyes filled with scorn and pity. They all knew how much His Majesty valued Ultra Warriors, and yet they dared act against one?

Utterly reckless!

The three, still sprawled on the ground, did not check their wounds but instead knelt instantly, trembling in fear. They had only wanted to teach this impudent Blue Ultra a lesson—never had they imagined the Emperor would be enraged by this.

If they'd known, even ten lives would not have sufficed to muster the courage!