Chapter 3 - Episode 3: Into the Null Void

The Null Void. A prison dimension, a chaotic wasteland where the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy were banished. It was a place of nightmares, a place where hope died. And now, Ben Tennyson was willingly entering it. He stood before the portal, the Ultimatrix pulsing on his wrist, his face grim. Gwen and Kevin stood beside him, their expressions a mixture of concern and determination. "Are you absolutely sure about this, Ben?" Gwen asked, her voice trembling slightly. "There's no telling what we'll find in there." "We don't have a choice," Ben said, his voice resolute. "Albedo knows we're coming. He'll be waiting for us. We have to get the drop on him." Kevin nodded in agreement. "Besides, it's not like we haven't been to the Null Void before. We know what to expect." But Ben knew that this time was different. This time, they weren't just visiting. They were going in to confront Albedo, to stop him from unleashing whatever evil he had planned. And they were doing it in the most dangerous place imaginable. He took a deep breath and stepped through the portal. The Null Void was even worse than he remembered. The sky was a swirling vortex of purple and black, the ground was a barren wasteland of jagged rocks and twisted metal, and the air was thick with the stench of decay. In the distance, he could see the silhouettes of monstrous creatures, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. He activated the Ultimatrix, transforming into Diamondhead. He needed the added protection, the ability to create weapons and shields from his own body. Gwen and Kevin followed him through the portal, their own powers flaring to life. They stuck close together, their senses on high alert. They knew that they were being watched, that Albedo's eyes were everywhere. They moved cautiously through the wasteland, avoiding the monstrous creatures and searching for any sign of Albedo's presence. They soon came across a large fortress, constructed from scavenged materials and guarded by heavily armed drones. This had to be Albedo's base of operations. They approached the fortress, their weapons at the ready. They knew that they were walking into a trap, but they had no other choice. As they neared the entrance, the drones opened fire, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts. Ben created a diamond shield to protect them, deflecting the blasts away. Gwen unleashed a wave of mana, disabling several of the drones. Kevin absorbed the metal from the fortress, transforming his body into a living weapon. They fought their way through the drones, their powers working in perfect synchronization. They were a well-oiled machine, a team that had faced countless threats together. But even their combined powers were being pushed to the limit. The drones were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. They finally reached the entrance to the fortress, but it was heavily fortified. A large blast door stood between them and Albedo. Ben tried to break through the door with his diamond fists, but it was no use. The door was made of some kind of alien metal, impervious to his attacks. Gwen tried to blast the door open with her mana, but it was equally ineffective. Kevin tried to absorb the metal from the door, but it resisted his touch. They were trapped, unable to get to Albedo. Just when they were about to give up hope, a voice echoed from behind them. "Looking for me, Tennyson?" They turned around and saw Albedo standing on a nearby rooftop, a smirk on his face. He was surrounded by more drones, all armed and ready to fire. "Albedo," Ben said, his voice filled with anger. "This ends now." Albedo chuckled. "I'm afraid it's only just beginning, Tennyson. I have been waiting for you. I knew you would come." He raised his hand, and the drones opened fire, unleashing a devastating barrage of energy blasts. Ben created a diamond shield to protect them, but the blasts were too powerful. The shield shattered, sending shards of diamond flying in all directions. Gwen unleashed a wave of mana, but it was deflected by Albedo's force field. Kevin absorbed the metal from the fortress, transforming his body into a living weapon. He charged towards Albedo, but the drones intercepted him, unleashing a hail of energy blasts. Kevin was knocked to the ground, his body smoking and sparking. Ben saw his friend fall and his anger boiled over. He slammed the Ultimatrix, transforming into Ultimate Humungousaur. His massive form towered over the drones, his muscles bulging with raw power. He roared, a sound that shook the very foundations of the fortress. He charged towards the drones, his fists smashing through them like ragdolls. He was unstoppable, a force of nature unleashed. But even Ultimate Humungousaur was no match for Albedo's cunning. Albedo activated a device on his wrist, unleashing a powerful energy surge that disabled the Ultimatrix. Ben reverted back to his human form, weakened and vulnerable. Albedo smirked. "Impressive, Tennyson," he said. "But ultimately futile. You cannot stop me. I am too powerful." He raised his hand again, preparing to unleash the final blow. But just then, a portal opened behind Albedo, and a figure stepped through. It was the cloaked figure, Malakor. "Albedo," Malakor said, his voice cold and menacing. "You have failed me." Albedo's eyes widened in fear. "Master," he stammered. "I can explain-" Malakor raised his hand, silencing Albedo. "Your usefulness has come to an end," he said. He unleashed a blast of energy, striking Albedo in the chest. Albedo screamed in agony, his body contorting and twisting. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes lifeless. Malakor turned to face Ben, his expression unreadable. "Tennyson," he said. "I have been watching you. You are a formidable opponent. But you are no match for me." He raised his hand again, preparing to attack. Ben knew that he was outmatched. He was weak, exhausted, and powerless. But he refused to give up. He looked at Gwen and Kevin, their faces battered and bruised but their spirits unbroken. He knew that they were counting on him. He had to do something, anything, to stop Malakor. He took a deep breath and reached for the Ultimatrix. He knew that it was disabled, but he had to try. He slammed his hand down on the device, and to his surprise, it activated. The green energy surged through his body, transforming him into…something different. Something new. Something…ultimate. He didn't recognize the form, but he could feel the power coursing through his veins. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. He looked at Malakor, his eyes burning with determination. "Let's finish this," he said. As Ben Tennyson stood transformed, ready to face Malakor, a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping between them. It was Vilgax, the intergalactic warlord, his eyes burning with hatred. "Tennyson," Vilgax growled, his voice dripping with malice. "I have waited a long time for this." The Null Void trembled as the two most formidable enemies Ben had ever faced prepared to clash. The ultimate battle was about to begin, a battle that would decide the fate of the universe. But what form had Ben taken? And could he possibly defeat both Malakor and Vilgax, or was he doomed to fail, trapped in the desolate prison of the Null Void? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: the stakes had never been higher. And Ben Tennyson was about to face the ultimate test of his courage, his strength, and his very being.