Chapter Eleven: Before the Departure

The two of them conversed in the depths of the forest.

“So, you’re saying that you’ve been entrusted by the King of Ultra to bring me to your universe?”

Amidst the dense woods, Longze Yue walked side by side with Zero, who had taken the form of a handsome young man. From afar, they looked almost like a pair of close friends.

The so-called battle between Tiga and Obik had already drawn to a close as well, though the outcome had deviated from the original story. Obik was not killed but was instead forced back into his human form by Daigu.

Though the events had diverged from the original narrative, this was a change Longze Yue was glad to see.

As for how to deal with Obik, that would be a matter for later.

“That’s right. If we hope to truly destroy Joda, only a power sharing the same origin can erase him completely.”

There was a deep worry in Zero’s eyes—so much so that Longze Yue could scarcely believe this was the same arrogant, unrestrained Ultra Warrior he remembered.

“So I’m asking you, please!” Zero’s plea was earnest. “For the sake of another universe’s future!”

Longze Yue did not answer at once—he knew of Joda.

A monstrous cosmic demon, one of the greatest enemies of the Ultra Warriors.

Even if defeated, he would revive every fifty thousand years—a perpetual threat to the Ultra Star and the entire universe, an existence that seemed to possess endless resurrection.

Long before the Ultra race was born, he had founded the ancient Gu’a Empire with his brother Mordo and sister Gina; they were the earliest rulers of the universe.

“Even if I’m willing, what does it matter? My strength is still too feeble...”

Longze Yue gazed down at the Dark Divine Light Stick in his hand, speaking softly.

Zero smiled gently at his words, “Well then, allow me to train you properly!” He finished with his signature gesture, rubbing his nose with his thumb.

“Hey! Team Leader Long, what are you doing out here?”

Daigu Shinjo and the others came running toward Longze Yue and Zero.

“And this is…?” Daigu looked curiously at the young man Zero had become.

“I’m Long’s friend. Just call me Zero.”

Zero introduced himself with a smile, clearly not intending to reveal his Ultra identity.

“The short-haired beauty over there is Lina, and that big oaf is Shinjo…” Longze Yue introduced everyone to Zero.

“Hey, hey, who are you calling a big oaf? Don’t think I’m afraid of you…”

Shinjo puffed up indignantly, acting as if he would charge forward. Fatty Quejing, thinking Shinjo was truly angry, hurriedly threw his arms around him. “He’s just joking, Shinjo!”

“Hey, hey, let go, you big lug, you’re choking me!”

Shinjo struggled desperately in the fat man’s embrace.

“I won’t let go, not a chance.”

……

The two clowns had started their antics once more. Longze Yue shrugged helplessly at Zero.

“It seems you have a group of interesting companions.” Zero patted Longze Yue’s shoulder, his eyes reflecting some distant memory.

“Don’t you want to show me your friends, Zero?”

“Ha? No problem at all, we can go anytime you like!”

A flash of excitement passed through Zero’s eyes. It seemed Longze Yue had agreed to help.

“But give me a week. I have some personal matters to settle,” Longze Yue said seriously.

“Of course, take your time. I’ll use this chance to tour Earth in this universe for a while. Well, I’ll be off then.” Zero turned and disappeared deeper into the forest.

Watching Zero’s retreating figure, Longze Yue explained the situation to everyone, telling them he would be leaving soon for something important and might not return for a long time—but he did not go into detail.

“Is it really necessary for you to go?” Daigu asked.

“Yeah, do you really have to?” Shinjo and the others asked reluctantly.

During their time together, they had forged a strong bond, and now that Longze Yue was leaving, everyone felt disheartened.

A cold wind swept by, and the mood grew somber.

“Yes, I must go…”

Longze Yue’s hair danced in the air.

“But please, believe me—I will come back!”

————————————

In an amusement park in Kumamoto City.

“Long, let’s ride that one again!” Xiaoxiang pointed excitedly at the roller coaster ahead.

“Ah… didn’t we just ride the roller coaster before the Ferris wheel?” Longze Yue looked at Xiaoxiang, his face pleading for mercy.

“Hmph, you promised to spend the whole day with me!”

Xiaoxiang turned her head away, acting haughty, her wispy bangs fluttering in the wind, making her even more adorable.

“All right, as you command, my queen!” Longze Yue played along theatrically, following Xiaoxiang onto the roller coaster once more.

Since parting with the others, Longze Yue had gone straight home to accompany Xiaoxiang.

Of all the things he would leave behind in this universe, he was most reluctant to part with Xiaoxiang.

He could never abandon her. If even he left her, her world would shatter completely. The only reason he asked Zero for a week was for Xiaoxiang’s sake.

The winding tracks, the rush of wind, and the piercing screams left Longze Yue dizzy and reeling.

Round after round, the roller coaster spun on, leaving his head spinning.

“How could an Ultra Warrior like me be afraid of a roller coaster…”

Back on solid ground, Longze Yue clung to a trash bin, retching miserably.

“I really brought this suffering on myself…”

He hugged the bin, nearly in tears.

Xiaoxiang gently patted his back, “I never thought the great hero of humanity would be scared of a roller coaster.”

And so, time slipped by amid their laughter, and in the blink of an eye, four days had passed.

Candlelight flickered in the air, the aroma of steak lingering through the house.

In the soft glow, Xiaoxiang’s cheeks were tinged with a rosy hue as she savored the steak Longze Yue had cooked for her. The entire atmosphere was bathed in a gentle intimacy.

“Long, your steak is really delicious,” Xiaoxiang said, savoring each bite, her knife cutting the meat into small pieces before bringing them to her lips.

Longze Yue propped his chin in his hands, gazing dreamily at Xiaoxiang as she ate.

“As long as you like it, when I return, I’ll cook for you every day.”

At those words, Xiaoxiang suddenly put down her fork with a clatter, and even the steak on the table seemed to lose its flavor.

“Can’t you stay, Long?” Her voice trembled as she began to choke up.

“I have no choice. The lives of another universe are at stake—how could I, as an Ultra Warrior, stand idly by?”

He got up and walked to her, embracing her from behind. “Wait for me, will you? When I come back, I’ll resign from the Victory Team and stay with you, always. Will you let me?”

He whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin, making her cheeks flush.

“You have to come home to me, safe and whole!”

Xiaoxiang suddenly turned and threw her arms around Longze Yue, breaking down in sobs.

……