As Tiga's figure faded into the night sky, Captain Megumi turned her gaze to the man beside her.
"Yuzhou-kun… how did you know that light could give Tiga strength?"
Yuzhou smiled faintly. "Because Tiga himself is a Giant of Light. Light is his very source of energy. And it's not only physical light—it also includes the light within people's hearts."
He switched off the high-powered flashlight and slipped it back into the space bracelet on his wrist.
The sight startled Megumi. "That… was space-folding technology?"
This world's science, unlike the one in Ultraman X, hadn't yet reached that level. But research was surely underway. Still, to see someone casually pull out a device like that—it left her astonished.
Yuzhou didn't hide it. In fact, he had shown her on purpose. "Mm. You're right."
"Earth doesn't have this kind of technology… Yuzhou-kun, how did you get that bracelet?"
Yuzhou's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Of course, Earth doesn't. This was a gift—from one of my alien friends."
"Alien… friends?" Megumi blinked in disbelief.
"That's right," Yuzhou said calmly. "He comes from the M78 Nebula, from a place called the Land of Light."
"M78 Nebula… Land of Light…" Megumi muttered the unfamiliar terms. They didn't sound like nonsense. Could it be…?
Her eyes narrowed. "Your friend… is he Tiga Ultraman?"
Yuzhou quickly shook his head. "No, not Tiga. But he is an Ultraman, a Giant of Light."
"Wait, so you're saying this Land of Light is a world entirely inhabited by Giants of Light?" Megumi's eyes widened. The idea of a planet populated only by Ultramen was almost too incredible to believe.
"Yes," Yuzhou said simply. "My friend's name is Safurin. I'm only telling you this, Captain. Please, keep it a secret."
"Safurin…" Megumi repeated softly, then nodded. "Then… is he called Ultraman Safurin?"
Yuzhou: "…"
After an awkward cough, he admitted, "Yes. That's right."
Megumi fell into thought. Yuzhou's words strung together too neatly to be mere fantasy. Tiga's existence itself proved that the Giants of Light were real. And hadn't the pyramid once held not one but three stone statues? Tiga wasn't the only one. That alone confirmed there were others.
As for the bracelet—if Earth couldn't produce such a thing, then an alien friend really was the most logical explanation. An Ultraman from the Land of Light. It all fit together disturbingly well.
"Captain Megumi?" Yuzhou called carefully, seeing her drift into contemplation.
She blinked and looked back at him. "Yuzhou-kun… you're from Huaxia, aren't you?"
"Yes," he nodded smoothly. "I grew up in seclusion with my master in the mountains, far from worldly affairs."
It was a fabrication, but he delivered it without a hitch. He had no official identity in this world—better to invent one than raise suspicion.
"My master foresaw that the Gate of Hell would appear. That's why he sent me here—to tell you how to prevent it from opening."
His ability to spin stories was becoming second nature.
"I see… and the method you spoke of?" Megumi asked.
"Simple," Yuzhou said, feigning surprise at her doubt. "Give light to Tiga."
"…Right." Megumi nodded. It was indeed the only way to stop the Gate from opening.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked: "Yuzhou-kun, how old are you?"
"Huh?" He froze, then answered honestly. "Twenty. Why?"
"Not bad. Two years older than Noris," she murmured, studying him intently.
Yuzhou shivered inwardly. Why does she look at me like that… like a mother-in-law judging a son-in-law? But wait—Captain Megumi only has a son. Then… what is this look supposed to mean?
Before he could untangle his nerves, Megumi spoke again.
"Yuzhou-kun, I'd like to invite you to GUTS—as an advisor."
"You mean… you want me to join GUTS?"
He had indeed planned to get closer to GUTS, even considered offering his space bracelet for research in exchange for a place to stay. But to be directly invited as an advisor—that was far quicker than expected.
"Not a formal member," Megumi explained. "But advisors work alongside the team on many assignments at HQ."
Yuzhou hesitated briefly, then decided to be upfront. "Captain, I must tell you—I have no identification. I grew up off the grid, in seclusion. My identity is… unknown. If you want me as an advisor, you should consider this carefully."
"If you meant any harm, you wouldn't have said that," Megumi replied with a warm smile.
That sealed it. "In that case, I'll gladly serve as an advisor," Yuzhou said.
The arrangement solved everything. With no documents, no home, no money, his future had been uncertain. But with this invitation, all those problems vanished.
"Advisor Yuzhou," Megumi said with a laugh, extending her hand. "Welcome to GUTS."
He reached out, shook firmly, and replied with equal formality.
"Eh? Captain, what are you two…?"
Rena, who had been watching from the car, hurried over, baffled at the handshake.
"Rena, allow me to introduce him," Megumi said. "From now on, Yuzhou will be our partner."
"Hello, Team Member Rena," Yuzhou greeted politely, though his mind involuntarily recalled another girl from his own world with the same name—one who, in his memory, was even more beautiful.
"Hello, Advisor Yuzhou," Rena smiled back.
"Not a team member," Yuzhou corrected gently. "I'm only a consultant."
"Then… Advisor Yuzhou," she said with a nod.
Back at the GUTS base, his new identity documents were quickly prepared, along with a personal room.
After settling in, Yuzhou accompanied Megumi to the headquarters' main hall.
Daigo, Rena, Shinjo, Hori, Munakata, Noris—all were seated, waiting for the captain's arrival.
Because Rena had told them, the captain had recruited a consultant. And to Daigo's surprise, she even said he knew the man.
"Are you sure I know him? I don't recall meeting any consultant," Daigo asked, touching the bandage on his cheek.
"Just wait," Rena said with a mysterious smile. "You'll see."