Rescue

Chapter 21 Rescue

"Wash your hands as soon as you get home, and remember to rinse your mouth."

"Okay~"

Kara obediently went.

The little girl seemed to be in a good mood on her first day out, as everything on Earth seemed new and interesting to her.

Upon returning, Shen You went straight underground again.

When he went outside, the armor was performing a system update. He tried to connect the Chronosphere Bracelet's built-in system directly to the armor, so that the armor could share some of the bracelet's functions.

For example, the scanning of spatial fluctuations previously helped him discover the entrance to the Eternal Rock and the cracks when Kara's ship rushed out of the Phantom Zone.

Then there's the negative phase fluctuation setting that he finally managed to successfully launch after several days of tinkering.

It was also a new technology he learned from the Science and Technology Bureau of the Land of Light.

As mentioned before, the Ultra race is basically at the pinnacle of the universe in their own worldview. Few fantasy works are like the Ultraman series, where the top combat power is all from the protagonist's family over a long history of several decades.

With increased strength comes increased mental strain. Ever since Belial and Tregear emerged from the Land of Light, the mental health and moral development of the Ultra race have become a major concern.

The technology of negative phase fluctuations thus came into being.

Simply put, it can detect everything in the basic definition of Ultraman that is the opposite of "light"—"darkness." It can immediately scan which Ultraman is infected and has a potential threat of turning evil. Or it may sense which ancient demon, such as a dark ruler, is about to awaken in some remote corner.

To define it more broadly, even darkness generated within the body of a living organism can be detected if it reaches a certain level.

The technical principle is not complicated, but it is quite practical for Shen You's current situation. Eliminating darkness is essentially collecting light, which is equivalent to helping him scan tasks and gain experience.

"Armor energy 94%".

"That's about enough. Activate stealth, Pal, let's go out and test the effect."

The red and silver Ultraman armor was fully donned, and the indicator light on its chest glowed with a deep blue light. The armor's feet ignited, and it soared into the sky, its trail of flames trailing behind it.

Negative phase fluctuation scan, initiated!

The built-in display quickly changed its interface, with a radar-like icon appearing in the lower right corner. The main view then lit up, resembling an infrared scanning detection interface, but with a warmer background. All detected darkness was prominently marked.

At this moment, the system activated, and Shen You looked around.

Dark clouds loomed over the city.

It was a vast, dark expanse.

Shen You: "."

Maybe I'm opening it wrong?

"Par, is this system working properly?"

"The system is functioning perfectly."

"Yes, I think so too." Shen You nodded.

It's only natural to know what you're thinking.

After all, this is Gotham.

Maple Leaf Street.

It was a dimly lit room, filled with stench and garbage, like a forgotten thorn tree.

The old wallpaper on the wall, worn and yellowed with age, resembled old newspapers gnawed by time. The messy bedding on the bed had long lost its original softness and comfort, and the lingering smell of smoke in the air and the scattered piles of garbage on the floor seemed to tell the story of a loser.

Yes, a loser.

Nello Cabezas, that's the name of the man in the middle of the garbage dump.

A half-eaten raspberry jam pie lay on the bedside table, and spilled beer cans—more than one—sat on the yellow carpet.

He had almost finished the entire case of beer, but the medicine bottle on the counter was still crammed full of pills. Those were antidepressants he had been prescribed a month ago, and he had clearly not followed the doctor's advice to take them on time, choosing beer instead.

The phone, which was on a call, was casually tossed aside, playing a recording from the voicemail in hands-free mode.

The voice of a young girl.

"I'm so sorry, but we can't continue like this."

"I can't see a future if things continue like this; I have to plan for tomorrow."

"You're a good person, we're just not a good match."

"."

"grass."

Nello angrily threw the phone away. The innocent phone hit the wall, landed in the trash, and the voice message abruptly stopped.

He clutched his head in anguish, his fingers digging deep into his greasy, disheveled hair, which hadn't been washed for days.

Unsuitable? What does "unsuitable" mean?

It's just that I don't have money.

He just lost his job and hasn't even paid last month's rent. There are only a few days left before he's evicted from his apartment.

And now this one is happening again.

"How pitiful."

A voice rang out in the darkness.

Nello was startled and nervously looked around.

"Who?"

The man didn't answer the question, but continued with a cold laugh, saying, "So weak, so pathetic, having lost everything, unable even to protect the last shred of happiness they have."

Nero covered her head, pleading, "Stop talking, stop talking!"

"But you still have a chance to turn all of this around."

Do I have one?

"Of course, because you met me."

Like the babbling of a demon, it tricks people into signing a life-or-death pact.

"I can give you the strength to obtain everything you have. Those who bullied you, you can repay them a hundredfold. Those who trampled you underfoot, you can humiliate them to your heart's content!"

You will become the king of this world, possessing unparalleled power, able to do as you please, and rule over everything!

"I can do whatever I want, and control everything."

Nero's breathing gradually became heavy, and his eyes became fervent, as if they contained anticipation for the future.

"Yes," the voice continued persuasively, "at that time, what difficulty will it be to win that girl back?"

"No."

Nero's aura gradually swelled, his head held high and his face becoming increasingly arrogant, as if in his mind he had become the emperor of this world, reigning supreme.

"Once I'm that strong, would I still want her?"

The voice in the darkness choked for a moment, its emotions suddenly becoming disjointed.

Fortunately, it had extensive sales experience and quickly accepted the offer.

"Haha, exactly. At that time, there will be as many beautiful women in the world as you want. What kind of beauties can't you find?"

"So, are you ready to sign a contract with me?"

There was nothing to hesitate about. Nero felt he had nothing left to lose; he wanted power, even if it meant selling his soul.

But just before he agreed...

A beam of light pierced through the window and shone into the dirty room.

It's so sharp it makes you feel uneasy.

"I apologize if this has bothered you."

Red and silver mechs hovered outside the window.

The figure in the shadow immediately narrowed their pupils.

Although it's life-size and mecha-like, the classic red and silver color scheme, along with the powerful and highly recognizable light waves, makes it truly remarkable.

"I need to check your soul trading license." A calm voice came from inside the armor.

Nello: "?"

The bewildered homeowner had no idea what was going on and instinctively looked toward the dark figure beside him.

Huh? Where's the shadow man?

The moment the light pierced through, the shadow transformed into a straight line of black mist, fleeing into the distance like an arrow.

While fleeing, it screamed in a voice only demons could hear.

"Help! Help! I've been attacked by Ultraman—"

(End of this chapter)