"We can't let Zero get his hands on an Ultra Capsule!"
Kei muttered sharply as he watched the glowing orb slip into Zero's Color Timer. If Zero claimed the capsule, Belial's grand plan would unravel. The number of capsules Kei needed would fall short.
Gritting his teeth, Kei pulled out the Fusion Riser. He slotted in a capsule, reading its genetic code, and slammed the lever.
A streak of energy burst from the device and struck the battlefield where Zero and Arstron clashed.
In an instant, a massive, dinosaur-like beast materialized. Its roar split the air as its colossal claw slammed down toward Zero.
"That's—!" Yuzhou's eyes widened from the ground. Arstron already looked somewhat like a dinosaur, but this new creature was even more imposing—thicker, taller, and radiating destructive power.
"An Ancient Monster… Golza!" he muttered.
But not the normal kind. This one glowed with fiery streaks across its chest—a Fire Golza.
"This is bad. You guys stay safe, I'll—" Yuzhou began, intending to slip away and transform.
But before he could move, a beam of light descended, landing beside Zero. Out stepped another giant of light.
"Ultraman Geed," Nobuyuki gasped, clutching Moko tightly.
Yuzhou paused mid-step. If Geed had arrived, then he didn't need to act just yet. Less risk of exposure, and frankly… less work for him.
He leaned back casually. "So, Nobuyuki… what do you think of Geed?"
The young man frowned in thought. "His face is kind of scary, but every time a monster appeared, he's been protecting us. I think… he's a hero."
"Not bad. That's the right way to see it." Yuzhou nodded approvingly.
"But… wait," Nobuyuki blinked, "didn't you say you were leaving?"
Yuzhou stepped forward. "See? I left." Then he stepped back again. "And now I'm back."
Nobuyuki: "…"
On the battlefield, Zero sidestepped Golza's colossal strike. He grinned. A new opponent meant a real fight. But since Geed had arrived, he decided to leave Arstron to the rookie.
"Geed! That one's yours." Zero pointed to the battered Arstron. He then turned back to Golza with a fighter's gleam in his eyes. "This new one… is mine."
"Got it, Brother Zero!" Geed replied, his voice full of respect.
Though technically Belial's son, Riku had long decided Zero was more of an older brother than anything else. Bloodlines meant nothing compared to spirit.
Zero smirked and charged Golza. The Fire Golza was far more resilient than its normal counterpart—its attacks fierce, its hide like armor. Zero's flying kick only forced it back a few steps. Snarling, he dove in, fists swinging, locking the beast into close combat.
Meanwhile, Geed barreled into Arstron, slamming his whole body forward in a Shoulder Tackle. Arstron staggered but quickly retaliated. Geed ducked under, locking its horn beneath his arm, hammering blows down again and again.
"He knows its weak point?" Yuzhou raised a brow. Likely Riku had gotten intel from Laiha beforehand.
Arstron thrashed violently, breaking free and hurling Geed back. The young Ultra rolled, sprang up, and retaliated with a spinning kick that floored the beast again.
Geed's body began glowing with crimson light. His eyes flared blue as he prepared to fire a Wrecking Burst.
"Wait, Riku!" Pega's voice rang out through the Riser. "If you use that here, you'll hit the gas tanks behind Arstron! The explosion would devastate the whole city!"
"What?! Then what do I do?!" Riku aborted the attack, panic flashing across his voice.
Arstron roared, belching flames that engulfed Geed. The young Ultra cried out as the fire smashed him into the ground.
"Because of those tanks…" Yuzhou murmured grimly.
Zero was too occupied with Fire Golza to intervene. That left only one option. Yuzhou slipped away into a deserted corner, pulling out the Spark Lens.
"Time to step in."
A beam of white light fell from the heavens, and beside Geed, another giant appeared.
Silver and purple gleamed in the sun—Ultraman Tiga.
"Senior… Tiga?" Geed's eyes widened in shock. Every time, at the worst moment, this warrior of light appeared to help him. He didn't know who Tiga was, or where he came from. But each time, the feeling was the same—relief, gratitude… awe.
Tiga nodded wordlessly, offering a hand. He pulled Geed to his feet.
"This senior… always makes me feel safe," Riku thought, his heart swelling.
Even Zero, noticing from afar, let his shoulders ease slightly. With Tiga present, Geed would be fine.
Tiga turned toward Arstron. His gaze flicked briefly to the gas tanks behind it. "So… we can't destroy it outright."
He crossed his arms. The gem on his forehead flashed. His body shifted colors—now a shimmering silver and violet.
"Another form change?!" Geed exclaimed, stunned. He had seen Tiga fight before, but the ability to transform into different types still amazed him.
Raising his arm, Tiga unleashed a beam of chilling light. The Ice Beam struck Arstron's horn, spreading frost across its body.
In seconds, Arstron froze solid, encased in a block of ice, completely immobilized.
Geed could only stare. "Tiga… Senior… he's incredible."
A wave of pure respect and admiration filled his chest.
Yes—this senior was truly reliable.