No one knew where the Plasma Spark's energy source came from—or how it had been created.
That mystery alone was something Masaki might never solve, even if he spent his entire life searching.
"Since Camearra, Hudra, and Darramb have already been transformed into Giants of Light… let's return."
Yu Zhou finally spoke after a moment of thought. Their purpose in coming to the Land of Light was complete.
"Mm." Everyone nodded in agreement. The mission had always been to purify the three dark giants. Now that it was done, it was time to head back to Earth.
Together, guided by Ultraman Original, they returned to the spot where the blue spatial vortex once hovered. After bidding farewell to the Ultras of the Land of Light, they stepped back into the swirling gate.
As Yu Zhou and his companions vanished, Original glanced at the King of Ultra. He wanted to ask something, but hesitated.
"Speak your mind," the King said calmly, eyes fixed on the fading vortex.
Original finally asked, "The Plasma Spark is vital to your entire race. Why did you allow Tiga and the others to approach it?"
The King of Ultra fell into thought, then deflected the question. "How is Zero?"
"Leo and Astra took him to Planet K76 for training," Original answered.
"Good," the King replied. "His temperament needs refining." Without further word, he turned and soared toward the distant star.
At the R'lyeh Ruins, night had fallen. The Victory Team still stood vigil before the dormant wormhole, waiting silently.
"When do you think Yu Zhou and the others will be back?" Horii asked, slurping instant noodles from a steaming cup.
"Could be days," Shinjo guessed. "Purifying darkness into light isn't something done easily."
Even as they spoke, the wormhole suddenly rippled. From within, several towering figures burst out—Yu Zhou and his allies had returned.
The wormhole sealed shut behind them. Shedding their giant forms, they walked toward the Victory Team.
"We're back!"
"Well? Did it work?" Captain Megumi asked quickly.
"It did!" Yu Zhou nodded with barely restrained excitement. "They've truly gained the power of light."
Camearra, without missing a beat, looped her arm through Yu Zhou's and smirked challengingly at Megumi.
"Camearra, could you not… think of Tiga for once?" Yu Zhou pulled his hand free, embarrassed.
"Hmph." Camearra turned away with a cold snort.
"Then let's return to base," Captain Munakata cut in. With the matter resolved, there was no reason to linger at the ruins.
Yu Zhou, however, felt uneasy. Normally, once a crisis ended, a vortex would appear to send him back to his own world. By rights, the defeat of the Dark Giants should have triggered it. Yet nothing happened.
Could it be the story isn't finished? Maybe… until Daigo goes to Mars, like in the original timeline?
"Yu Zhou, we're not going back with you," Camearra suddenly declared. "We'll remain here, in R'lyeh."
"…Alright." Yu Zhou thought it over. Even if TPC were willing to accept them, Camearra herself would never live under the same roof as Megumi—who, to her, was indistinguishable from Yuzare. Besides, these ruins were their home from the Ultra-Ancient era. They had every right to reclaim it.
"I will rebuild this city," Camearra said firmly. "I will restore our home."
Megumi frowned. The darkness of the Ultra-Ancient civilization had been resolved—but its revival could still unsettle TPC leadership. Would the more radical voices in headquarters act rashly?
Camearra gripped Yu Zhou's arm. "Stay and help us."
"Uh…" Yu Zhou hesitated, then nodded. "Alright." At the very least, helping them rebuild might keep their hearts from slipping back into darkness.
"Daigo, Masaki, you two should return first," Yu Zhou told them.
"Understood." The two nodded and moved toward the Artdesis with the Victory Team.
"Yu Zhou, I'll leave matters here to you," Megumi said seriously.
"I understand," Yu Zhou replied firmly.
But as they were about to depart, a wormhole suddenly appeared beside Daigo, dragging him in with terrifying force.
"Daigo!" Masaki grabbed him, but the suction caught him as well.
"What's going on?!" Yu Zhou rushed over, grabbing both of them to slow the pull. But strangely, the vortex wasn't targeting him—it was specifically seizing Daigo. This had never happened in the original timeline.
Is this… a butterfly effect caused by my interference?
The suction grew stronger. When Yu Zhou held on, its force doubled.
"We'll help!" the Victory Team shouted, stepping forward.
"Don't!" Yu Zhou barked. "This pull is too strong—if you get caught, you won't survive! Stay back!"
The team froze, torn between worry and obedience.
"Daigo!" Rena, frantic, started to rush forward—only for Camearra to seize Yu Zhou's hand. Hudra and Darramb joined her, anchoring themselves and pulling on Daigo and Masaki.
"Camearra, let go! Get to safety!" Yu Zhou shouted.
"No," she answered, voice steady. "If I can't pull you back, then I'll be dragged in with you. This time, I won't let you abandon me again."
"Camearra…" Yu Zhou felt an unexpected pang in his chest.
Then he blinked. Wait—why am I moved by this?!
"Camearra, you still need to wait here for Tiga—go!" Yu Zhou urged, but it was too late.
The wormhole expanded violently, swallowing Yu Zhou, Camearra, Hudra, Darramb, Daigo, and Masaki all at once. In an instant, they vanished from the ruins.
The Victory Team stood frozen, stunned into silence.
Captain Megumi quickly regained her composure. "We'll hold this position. Notify headquarters immediately—we need an investigation into where this wormhole came from, and where it might lead."
Inside the wormhole—
Yu Zhou and the others were hurled through the endless tunnel of light, directionless, destination unknown.
Yu Zhou's heart sank. If this vortex throws us into my original world… everything will spiral out of control.