Volume One, Chapter 80: Jedex

"Didn't Zero once say that the protagonist always arrives a little late?" Galaxy smiled as he raised his fist, bumping it with Victory's in perfect sync.

Seeing the two so cheerful, Rosso and Blue waved at the newcomer in the back, Geed. "Long time no see, Geed."

Since entering, Geed had been glancing all around, paying no attention to his brothers’ greetings. Instead, he muttered to himself in awe, "So this is the Land of Light."

He was Belial’s son, always fighting on Earth. This was his first time coming to his father's homeland, the Land of Light.

"Um… Geed…"

"Busy with work?"

The brothers were so awkward they could hardly stand it. After all, they were all Ultra Warriors—would it kill him to say hello?

"Ah, I can’t believe I just stumbled in here," Geed said, still lost in wonder, murmuring, "Next time, I’ll definitely bring Pegga and Laiya to see this place."

"Ahem!" Taro couldn’t take it anymore and cleared his throat. "Geed, save your sightseeing for later. Tell me everything you witnessed."

The attackers had appeared suddenly and acted swiftly, so he still had no clue who was orchestrating these events. As for the Dark Ultras, it was clear they weren’t qualified to be the mastermind.

Before Geed could speak, X stepped forward. "It seems the enemy’s goal is to collect our light energy to create different Dark Warriors."

Recalling the battle, X felt a chill deep in his heart. Their light energy was their core power—if it were drained completely, the consequences would be dire.

Sure enough, Taro's expression grew much more serious.

"This time," Galaxy said, "the enemy is a collective of grudges from monsters and aliens who were defeated by the Ultra Brothers—a being known as the Ultra Dark Killer."

"You're right," Taro replied, "With my brothers' help, I defeated him once."

That was a long time ago, back when he had yet to become a Messenger of Light, and Tregia… had not left the Land of Light.

Thinking of Tregia, Taro’s face dimmed, and he let out a long sigh.

…

Plasma Galaxy, Planet Tenebris.

Within the Dark Palace, all were gathered: Etilgar, Ultra Dark Killer, Lugiel, and the newly created Dark Ultras.

"Our army is expanding steadily. With these creatures, we can wipe out every Ultra Warrior," Ultra Dark Killer said, visibly excited.

But Lugiel snorted coldly. "Do what you want, but Galaxy is mine. No one else touches him!"

As he spoke, black energy rolled from his body, his brows filled with intense resentment.

"No problem," before Ultra Dark Killer could respond, Etilgar stepped forward. "Galaxy is yours, but Victory is mine."

"Oh? Fine," Lugiel didn't refuse, and his smile grew more playful.

Etilgar laughed too, his voice dark and full of malice.

Boom—

Suddenly, a wave of light appeared from nowhere, striking the Dark Ultra standing between them.

Etilgar and Lugiel frowned, looking ahead. Out from a dimensional rift stepped a figure wreathed in dark blue flames, warning them bluntly, "Don't forget the original purpose, or else…"

Tregia raised his arm, curling his fingers slightly. The space in his palm shattered like broken glass, fracturing apart.

Seeing this, everyone—even Ultra Dark Killer—felt a cold sweat break on their foreheads.

Their revival was entirely thanks to this being. Though his true identity was unknown, his sheer power was enough to threaten them all.

"I understand," Ultra Dark Killer managed to remain composed, asking, "But what I don't get is, why insist on making Dark Warriors?"

With their combined strength, they could crush any Ultra Warrior. Yet Tregia demanded they create Dark Warriors equal to those from the Land of Light.

He couldn’t fathom the reasoning. It wasted time, and the warriors created were often weak. If the goal was simply to destroy the Land of Light, he saw no need for it.

"It’s nothing special," Tregia said with a faint smile, his gaze turning distant. "I just want to prove to those Ultra Warriors that light and darkness, good and evil, all have equal worth."

Lugiel and Etilgar exchanged glances, both seeing confusion on each other’s faces.

If you’re going to destroy the Land of Light, just do it—why make it sound so grand?

Even Ultra Dark Killer was baffled, completely unable to grasp Tregia’s intent.

Nevertheless, he nodded in agreement, pretending to understand. "You’re right, sir. I’ll challenge the Land of Light now."

He turned and sent his pre-recorded message to the skies above the Land of Light.

"My name is Ultra Dark Killer.

Zero Ultra and Grigio Ultra are in my hands now.

If you want to rescue them, come to Planet Tenebris.

They are imprisoned in the Dark Killer space and won’t survive for long."

…

"Zero, we just escaped—why come back again?" Inside the Killer space, Grigio looked at Zero with bewilderment.

"To root out the mastermind, of course," Zero gritted his teeth. "If we stay here, we might get to meet him."

"Ah." Grigio gasped, clearly surprised by his plan. "But the darkness here is draining our strength. If we stay, we’ll die."

She was still a novice, terrified by the danger.

Zero didn’t explain further. He placed his hand on Grigio’s shoulder, sending a steady stream of his light energy.

He had the Ultimate Bracelet, with enough energy for them both.

But would that person appear?

Zero took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm his restless heart.

The more critical the moment, the less he could afford to lose composure.

All he could do now was wait for Galaxy and the others to arrive.