Volume 1, Chapter 116: Void Devour

A stellar-level self-destruction releases enough energy to easily annihilate a small star system similar to our solar system. A cosmic-level self-destruction possesses enough power to engulf an entire galaxy. And a legendary-level self-destruction would undoubtedly bury an entire universe.

Self-destruction is distinct from being destroyed. To be destroyed implies an external force forcibly shattering one's physical functions, resulting in a release of energy. But self-destruction is a terrifying force that transcends limits, generated when a warrior releases the entirety of their energy without reservation, burning their bloodline and their soul.

A legendary-level warrior can easily destroy a universe. Therefore, their self-destruction is an epic disaster for the Great Universe, no less catastrophic than a nuclear bomb. Throughout history, there is no record of a legendary-level warrior ever having self-destructed—not even the legendary Dark Zagi.

*Hum—hum—hum—hum—*

Waves of energy were being forcibly swallowed into Tregear’s belly. The black vortex within Grimdo’s abyssal maw became even darker, even more profound. In truth, this was not a self-destruction, but a forbidden life-technique that Grimdo could only perform once in its existence: Void Devour.

When Void Devour is activated, the internal space of the user connects to a void that theoretically does not exist, thereby consuming everything in the world. This includes time, space, matter, life—everything, absolutely everything—would be swallowed into the void, until finally, only Grimdo and Tregear remained, and he would consume himself.

It was a desperate technique that inflicted a thousand units of damage to the enemy while suffering a thousand in return. Yet, Tregear activated it without a moment’s hesitation. He had long been utterly disillusioned with this world, and since there was no way to change it, he would simply destroy it.

Then... he would let time create another world. A world without him, without Grimdo. And, of course, without the Ultra race. Perhaps that world would give birth to a race like the Ultras to uphold so-called light and justice. But that was no longer his concern.

Looking at the Ultra warriors so familiar to him, Tregear’s gaze finally settled on Taro. "Light... I once longed for it too, but the light you speak of is not what I wanted."

Taro’s eyes flickered; he did not understand Tregear’s meaning. Yet, in that moment, he suddenly felt as if he were seeing his dear friend from the past once more.

*Boom—*

Suddenly, a golden light erupted. Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, the world they saw was engulfed in golden radiance, leaving nothing else in their field of vision.

In the sky, Legend and Reiga stood on either side of Ultraman King, both pouring their power into him without reservation. Possessing legendary power, in a sense, meant having mastered a law of the universe. While the laws of each legendary warrior were powerful, their natures differed. Ultraman King’s law was that of protection. Only by channeling the power of protection could they hope to avert this catastrophe.

While channeling energy, Legend did not forget to use his consciousness to commune with the universe, forcibly severing the connection between Nebula M78 and the rest of the cosmos. This act could not entirely guarantee that the universe would be spared, but it could isolate the impending wave of destructive energy to the greatest extent possible.

At this moment, Tregear finally closed his eyes, detonating his body, his bloodline, his power, and even his soul.

*Oooooooo—*

A sound—like the rushing of air caused by suction, yet somehow different—suddenly echoed from all directions. Beneath this sound, everyone felt a nameless fear deep within their hearts, and their bodies began to spasm uncontrollably.

As their eyes gradually adjusted to the golden light, in their blurred vision, they saw an unknown substance erupting from Grimdo’s giant maw. Then, time seemed to freeze; even their consciousness and ability to think became sluggish and slow. Everyone’s pupils dilated in silence, until... the world fell into total darkness.

No one knew what had happened. No one saw the self-destruction they had imagined. The final image etched into their minds was merely that mass of unknown substance, and the darkening starry sky.

Silence. A deathly silence.

***

Three days ago, the demon descended from the sky. Three days ago, a mysterious robotic monster from the universe landed on an uninhabited island. It was so powerful that even we were helpless against it...

On the Nursedessei, the team members were listless and dejected. Suddenly, a young man covered in bandages stumbled in.

"Kengo!" Shizuma Yuna, one of the two female members, immediately stepped forward, concerned. "Why are you up? You’re so badly injured, you should be resting."

"No." Kengo shook his head and asked, "How many hours have passed since the last attack?"

"Fourteen hours," said the other female member.

Three days ago, a mysterious robotic monster had descended upon Earth. It was immensely powerful, and though he had transformed into Trigger to fight it several times, the results were unsatisfactory.

"I just don't get it! Why does that guy only act for one hour a day?" complained a rugged-looking member sitting on the right.

"Every time it acts, it deploys that powerful shield," analyzed Hijiri Akito, the team's only genius scientist. "That shield seems to require twenty-three hours to recharge."

"Trigger has fought it three times now, and lost all three," said Captain Tatsumi Seiya. "If this continues, the world will be destroyed sooner or later."

At this point, Marlulu, the only alien on the team, spoke up. "Although the situation is grim, I’ve basically confirmed that it was modified from a Mechanical Dilos."

"Mechanical Dilos?" Kengo looked puzzled.

"Yes," Marlulu explained. "It’s a mechanical weapon produced on a certain planet, specifically used for defense against monsters and for invading other worlds. I don't know who modified it like this, so I can't be sure of the details."

"A demon that can only act for one hour a day, but burns everything in its path."

"The one-hour demon, Satan Dilos."

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy; the team members felt only helplessness and powerlessness.

"Satan Dilos, you say?"

Suddenly, a voice rang out. The group was startled and turned around quickly. Standing at the doorway was a man in a brown trench coat with a middle-part hairstyle, wearing a faint smile.

"Ignis!"

Recognizing the intruder, the GUTS-Select members immediately went on high alert. Tesshin even rushed forward, ready to take down the man who had trespassed. But before he could get close, Ignis flicked his hand, and a burst of energy pinned him to the spot. Because he had used his power, Ignis’s non-human features surfaced on his face.

Seeing this, Marlulu’s eyes widened in realization. "I see! You’re a Lishurian, aren't you?" He muttered to himself, "Incredible. I never thought anyone of that race had survived."

Hearing this, the other members looked at him in confusion. "What does that mean?"

Marlulu explained, "About a hundred years ago, the planet Lishuria was destroyed by someone."

"Then that means..." Kengo suddenly realized something and looked at Ignis with shock. "Your home planet..."

"No," Ignis interrupted. "Don't pry into things that don't concern you. You just need to know that I have a way to deal with the Mechanical Dilos. Think about it—do you want to hear my intel, or not?"