"It seems… the Light Particle Converter doesn't work after all."
Yu Zhou rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He already had a guess why.
The reason Masaki could use the Light Particle Converter was because his body already carried the genetic legacy of light. That allowed him to transform into light. But the converter wasn't some universal tool that could turn anyone into light—it required that genetic foundation.
As for Camearra, she was a Dark Giant by nature. Expecting her to carry the genes of light was impossible.
"Camearra, come down. This method won't work." Yu Zhou sighed.
She obeyed without complaint, stepping away from the machine.
Yu Zhou stored the Light Particle Converter back into his spatial bracelet and fell into deep thought. The only other possibility was to transform into Dark Tiga himself and somehow discover a way to shift darkness into light. But that path was risky—if he succeeded, he might lose the Dark Tiga form forever. And even then, there was no guarantee it would work.
"I think if we can uncover the mysteries of the Giants of Light, deepen our understanding of them, perhaps then we'll find a way," Masaki offered.
Yu Zhou shook his head. "But even we, as Ultras, don't fully understand the Giants of Light. Let alone anyone else."
"No." Masaki lifted his gaze skyward. "There is one place where they must know."
Yu Zhou followed his gaze. "…The Land of Light!"
"How did I not think of that sooner?" Yu Zhou slapped his forehead.
"Yu Zhou-kun, do you mean to travel there?" Captain Megumi asked, curiosity written on her face. The Victory Team members had always wondered about that place.
"That's right." Yu Zhou nodded firmly. "The Land of Light is home to countless Giants of Light. If anywhere holds the answer, it's there."
"But… do you know where it is?" Masaki frowned.
"I don't." Yu Zhou admitted, before producing a small, crimson gem from his pocket. "But I know someone who can take us."
"That's… the Ultra Star!" Daigo's eyes widened in recognition.
Everyone's attention immediately locked onto the red gem. They'd all heard the story—how Yu Zhou had used it to summon the original Ultraman during the battle with Gatanozoa.
Yu Zhou held the gem up to his mouth and, half-jokingly, said, "Moshi moshi, Ultraman? Are you there?"
The team collectively froze.
…Was the Ultra Star seriously a phone?
"Hello, this is the Intergalactic Defense Force. Ultraman speaking. How may I help you?" a calm voice answered from within the gem.
"…It really is a phone?!" Horii leaned in with wide eyes, utterly fascinated.
Caught off guard, Yu Zhou quickly replied, "Hello, Ultraman. I'm Tiga from Earth."
"Oh, Tiga. Do you need assistance?" came the familiar, steady voice of the original Ultraman.
"Yes, though not to fight a monster this time." Yu Zhou explained the situation clearly—the Dark Giants wished to become beings of light. Could the Land of Light help?
"I may not have a solution myself," Ultraman admitted. "But our scientists in the Land of Light are brilliant. I can introduce you."
"That would be a huge help!" Yu Zhou exhaled in relief. "But… I don't know how to reach the M78 Nebula."
"Hold on." Ultraman's voice faded, and silence followed.
Moments later, the Ultra Star in Yu Zhou's hand glowed brightly. A beam of light shot toward the ruins of R'lyeh, and soon the imposing figure of the original Ultraman appeared before them.
Yu Zhou immediately raised the Spark Lens and transformed into Tiga. The two giants clasped hands.
"Long time no see, Tiga."
"Long time no see, Ultraman."
Technically, Yu Zhou had only recently met another version of the original Ultraman in a different world, but for now, formalities sufficed.
Ultraman's gaze shifted to the ground. He sensed the familiar aura of light in Masaki and Daigo—Cain and another Tiga. Then his eyes rested on Camearra, Hudra, and Darramb. The darkness radiating from them confirmed their identity.
"These are the Dark Giants you mentioned?"
"Yes." Yu Zhou nodded. "Allow me to introduce them. Camearra, Tiga's wife in the ancient era, and his partners Hudra and Darramb."
"…Tiga's wife?" Ultraman blinked, then glanced at Yu Zhou. "So that makes her your—"
"Absolutely not!" Yu Zhou waved his hands frantically. "I am not the original Tiga!"
"…Understood." Ultraman gave a polite nod, though his tone suggested mild amusement.
"Well then," Yu Zhou pressed, "shall we depart for the Land of Light?"
"Of course." Ultraman tapped the bracelet on his wrist. A beam of blue energy shot forth, opening a swirling wormhole in the air.
"This is a space-folding gate, developed by our scientists," Ultraman explained. "It requires two users to open. The Ultra Star serves as a channel, though it usually only works one way."
"So that's how…" Yu Zhou finally understood. The distance from Earth to the Land of Light was millions of light-years. Without this technology, even Ultras couldn't simply fly back and forth.
"Um…" Masaki spoke up hesitantly. "Could I come along as well?"
"And me too." Daigo added quickly. "I want to see the Land of Light with my own eyes."
Everyone's curiosity was written plainly on their faces.
"Of course." Ultraman nodded.
Without hesitation, Masaki and Daigo transformed into Cain and Tiga. Together, they followed Ultraman into the wormhole, with Yu Zhou, Camearra, and the others close behind.
On the other side, within the M78 Nebula, a blue Ultraman scientist watched calmly as the wormhole rippled open. From it emerged the silver-and-red figure of Ultraman, followed by two Tigas, Cain, and the three Dark Giants.
"Thank you," Ultraman said to the blue figure, who simply nodded and left.
Yu Zhou didn't recognize him, but guessed he must be one of the Land of Light's researchers.
"Look ahead." Ultraman raised his arm, pointing. "That is our home—the Land of Light."
Before them shone a radiant world, a star blazing with boundless light.
"This is… the Land of Light."
Masaki and Daigo stared in awe. Even without stepping foot on its surface, they could already feel waves of pure, endless light surging from it. Their hearts trembled with wonder.