"Senpai, do you know these other Ultramen?"
At that moment, Asuka approached Yu Zhou, glancing curiously at the gathered heroes before whispering his question.
"Huh?"
Yu Zhou, who had just been wondering whether he could somehow take the entire Spacetime Fortress with him, froze for a second before realizing what Asuka had said.
"What did you say?"
"I said, do you know these other Ultramen, senior?" Asuka repeated more softly this time.
"Of course I do." Yu Zhou nodded and began introducing them one by one.
"This is the Light of the Earth — Ultraman Gaia."
"This one is Ultraman Max, the fastest and strongest among the Land of Light."
"And this is Ultraman Nexus, one of the few who can evolve into one of the Four Mysterious Ultras."
Since Asuka didn't recognize them, Yu Zhou patiently explained.
Asuka had technically met Gaia once before — but that was in the Ultra Super Dimension Battle world, so all memories of that encounter had vanished when he returned to his own universe.
"They sound really strong," Asuka said in awe. "But… what are the Four Mysterious Ultras?"
"Ah… that," Yu Zhou paused, a little unsure how to summarize it quickly. "They're the four mysterious Ultramen — beings whose power and origin are surrounded by mystery."
"Four mysterious ones? Who are they?"
Asuka was practically glowing with curiosity now.
"They are Ultraman King, Ultraman Saga, Ultraman Noa, and Ultraman Legend," Yu Zhou explained.
"Why are they called mysterious?" Asuka asked again.
"Well," Yu Zhou said with a small smile, "because they are overwhelmingly powerful — and their origins are… rather enigmatic."
"For example, Ultraman Noa is a giant who has protected the universe since ancient times and possesses the ability to travel across time and space."
"Ultraman King is the ruler of the Land of Light. His power is so immense that no one truly understands its limits."
"As for Ultraman Legend and Ultraman Saga... you'll understand when the time comes."
Yu Zhou spread his hands helplessly.
"I see…"
Asuka didn't press further, lost in thought over all the incredible things he'd just learned.
"Everyone," Ultraman Max suddenly called out, "let's destroy the Spacetime Fortress together!"
The fortress was Etelgar's stronghold. Now that the dark overlord was gone, destroying it would put an end to all lingering danger.
"Alright, let's do it together," Nexus agreed, raising his hands as energy began to gather.
Gaia nodded as well. He didn't really mind either way — it was, after all, a nest of darkness. Destroying it made sense.
Camearra and the others waited for Yu Zhou's decision. Whatever he chose, they would follow.
"Wait!"
Just as Yu Zhou was about to speak, Masaki, within Cain, stepped forward and raised his voice.
"What's the matter?" Max turned toward him in surprise. "I don't believe we've met?"
"Call me Cain," Masaki introduced himself.
"Oh, the Cain from this dimension?" Max nodded, then asked, "What's your opinion?"
"I think destroying the Spacetime Fortress would be a waste," Masaki said seriously. "We should preserve it — leave it for Earth's scientists to study. It could serve as a powerful form of defence in the future."
To Masaki, the fortress was a perfect fusion of science and metaphysics. Keeping it could advance human civilization by leaps and bounds.
"But it's still Etelgar's lair…" Max frowned.
Yu Zhou interrupted, "I agree with Cain's idea."
With Yu Zhou's support, Camearra, Hudra, Darramb, as well as Daigo and Asuka, all dropped the idea of firing their beams.
After some thought, they realized that leaving the fortress might truly change this world's future.
"In that case, we won't destroy it," Gaia suddenly added.
Inside Gaia, Gamu — a scientist himself — was fascinated.
To him, the Spacetime Fortress was a marvel of engineering and power. Studying it could bring immense progress to this Earth.
Besides, he'd eventually return to his own universe. This world's Earth still lagged behind technologically. Perhaps leaving the fortress here could help close that gap.
"I have no objection," Nexus said coolly, his tone calm as ever.
"Alright then," Max sighed. "We'll leave it to you."
He had no real reason to argue — Etelgar was gone. His only concern had been the possibility of Etelgar leaving behind some method of resurrection. But with so many Ultras guarding this world, even if that happened, it wouldn't pose much threat.
"In that case, we'll be heading out first."
He turned to Arena. "I'll take you back to your home."
Arena's face lit up with joy. "Really?"
"Of course." Max smiled, extending a hand.
Arena gratefully took it, bidding farewell to everyone before following Max.
After one final wave, Max soared into space.
Soon after, he opened a dimensional tunnel and disappeared into it.
Nexus followed, creating his own portal and vanishing into another dimension.
Only Gaia remained, standing awkwardly on the battlefield.
"Ultraman Gaia," Masaki said politely, "do you have any other plans?"
"Well…" Gaia's body flickered as Gamu, inside, hesitated.
He didn't quite know how to explain. If he just admitted that he didn't know how to open a dimensional wormhole, it would sound embarrassing.
Both Max and Nexus had left with style, and he was just… standing there.
"Sigh…" Gamu eventually decided to be honest. "I can't open a dimensional wormhole."
Everyone: "..."
Yu Zhou blinked. Then he remembered — even in the original story, it was never explained how Gaia got back. Probably some traveling Ultra eventually gave him a lift.
"But…" Gamu thought for a moment and added, "I can build a dimensional travel machine."
"That's fine!" Masaki brightened immediately. "We can provide you with the materials you need."
Yu Zhou chuckled. He knew this well — in the Super Dimensional Grand Battle movie, Gamu had indeed built his own dimensional exploration craft, which allowed him to travel between worlds.
And perhaps… this time, he would do it again.