Yu Zhou wasn't particularly surprised. He had already visited the Land of Light once in the previous world.
This time, stepping into another version of it, what he cared about most was whether he could get his hands on more of those crystals. He clearly remembered the shopkeeper's words—that the density of those crystals rivaled diamonds, yet no one on Earth had ever seen their like. The final payment for the last batch still hadn't been settled, and if their value truly exceeded diamonds, then the price would only soar higher.
"Three million years… and in that span, a whole planet of Giants of Light has been born."
Camearra gazed at the shining world before her, her tone filled with awe.
Even Hittler and Darramb were shaken. In the Ultra-Ancient era, giants had been many, but never enough to fill an entire planet.
"Let's go."
First Ultraman said simply, leading the way toward the glowing sphere. Yu Zhou and the others followed.
Once inside the Land of Light, they were brought to the headquarters of the Space Garrison. From within the grand halls, a figure emerged.
"Captain Flame-Head?" Yu Zhou blurted out instinctively.
It was Zoffy—the commander of the Space Garrison.
"…What?" Zoffy blinked, staring at Yu Zhou in confusion.
"Nothing, nothing…" Yu Zhou waved it off quickly. This version of Zoffy didn't know the nickname, and it was best not to explain.
First Ultraman stepped forward and explained everything: why he had brought Yu Zhou and the others here, and how three Dark Giants now sought a way to transform into beings of light.
"Dark Giants who wish to become Giants of Light?" Zoffy studied Camearra and her companions carefully, then nodded. "That's admirable. To cast away darkness and seek the light is a noble path."
"As for the method, the Science and Technology Bureau may have a solution," First continued.
Zoffy agreed. "Take them there."
On the way, the group encountered Ace and Jack, who, after exchanging greetings, whisked Masaki and Daigo off on a tour of the Land of Light. Both men had been stunned from the moment they set foot on the planet, eager to explore this world filled with Ultramen.
Yu Zhou, Camearra, and the other Dark Giants continued on to the Science Bureau. Several Ultramen scientists gathered as First explained the situation.
Yu Zhou glanced around, disappointed not to see Hikari. He had hoped the local version of Hikari could help him finish forging his weapon.
The scientists listened intently, their interest piqued.
"To purify Dark Giants," one blue Ultraman explained, "they must be washed clean by immense light energy. Only once the darkness is purged can new light be infused into them."
"Could I use my own energy to cleanse them?" Yu Zhou asked. After all, he too carried the light.
The scientist shook his head. "Not enough. Cleansing that much darkness requires power far beyond your capacity."
"Then what about directly converting darkness into light energy?" Yu Zhou pressed. After all, Dark Tiga had once done exactly that.
"No. Darkness cannot be turned directly into light."
Yu Zhou frowned. That didn't match what he knew—but he kept silent.
"The only way is through the Plasma Spark Tower," the scientist concluded.
Yu Zhou sighed inwardly. He was very familiar with the Plasma Spark—it was indeed powerful, but incredibly dangerous.
"Yet the Plasma Spark won't allow anyone to approach it," First Ultraman added. "Not without the approval of the Ultra King."
"Then is there no other option?" Yu Zhou asked again.
The scientist shook his head.
"Come with me."
A deep, commanding voice rang out. Everyone turned to see a tall, silver-caped Ultraman with glowing red eyes standing at the entrance.
"The Ultra King!" the scientists exclaimed, shocked.
"Follow me to the Plasma Spark Tower," the Ultra King said, ignoring their surprise. His gaze lingered on Yu Zhou.
Yu Zhou blinked. Why was this version of the Ultra King so eager to help him? He didn't recall ever meeting him here.
"Greetings, Ultra King," Yu Zhou said politely. "But… may I ask why? The Plasma Spark is far too important. Surely you don't mean to grant us its power for nothing? There's no such thing as a free lunch."
The Ultra King smiled faintly. "Does one need a reason to help another?"
Yu Zhou felt there was something strange about it, but decided not to dwell on the thought. With Camearra and the others' hopes resting on this, there was no reason to refuse.
They followed the Ultra King to the towering heart of the Land of Light. Just like in the other world, the Plasma Spark Tower rose as the tallest structure, radiating overwhelming waves of light energy.
The Ultra King cast a glance at the Dark Giants. They did not recoil from the glow. With a nod of approval, he led them inside.
At the base of the tower, Seven was on duty. Curious about their presence, he soon learned the story—and agreed to witness the attempt to purify Dark Giants.
Together, they ascended to the top.
But what they saw there shocked them.
Before the Plasma Spark's core, a young Ultraman with rabbit-like head crests and a silver-blue-red body was stretching his hand toward the glowing heart of the tower.
"That guy… Zero?" Yu Zhou recognized him immediately.
"Stop right there!"
Seven lunged forward, seizing the younger Ultra's arm just before it touched the core. With his other hand, he struck the boy across the face, sending him tumbling.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Seven roared, his voice filled with fury.
Zero staggered up, glaring. His face burned red with anger, not shame.
"You hit me?! My own father never laid a hand on me, and yet you—YOU dare hit me?!"
Yu Zhou froze.
So this was that scene—the infamous moment when Zero once tried to seize the Plasma Spark's power. He hadn't expected to witness it firsthand.
History was unfolding right in front of his eyes.