Volume One, Chapter 77: Duel 1

Plasma Galaxy, the Phantom Comet.

Once, this was the favorite haunt of countless galactic hunters. Here, plasma soul beasts roamed in great numbers—slay them, and their plasma souls could be exchanged for handsome rewards.

But now, the place lay desolate. Though a few plasma soul beasts still lingered, the galactic hunters had vanished entirely.

For the Phantom Comet was the birthplace of the Three Kings.

Three sovereigns who had unified the Plasma Galaxy.

Upon a mountain peak, Garum's blood-red cloak fluttered in the wind, his crimson mane billowing with a commanding presence. Yet his gaze was vacant, fixed on the distant horizon as if lost in thought.

At that moment, two familiar presences appeared in his senses.

Garum started slightly, then a faint smile curled his lips as he murmured, “You’ve returned?”

“We’re back,” replied Barell, smiling as he approached with Magna. Both of them joined Garum, their eyes drifting toward the far-off horizon.

A gentle breeze caressed their faces, and the glow of twilight bathed the dusky earth. In that fleeting moment, memories flickered: visions of their former selves, locked in bloody combat on this very planet.

But time moves on, and fate is unpredictable.

Not only had they met Tregear, but they had also become rulers of this star domain.

“By the way, Garum, how is your brother?” Magna suddenly inquired.

Barell also turned, his eyes filled with concern.

Garum forced a bitter smile, his voice weary. “He…”

He had barely uttered a word when ripples suddenly shimmered in the space before them.

All three were startled, dropping to one knee in haste. “My lord!”

From within the ripples, Tregear’s figure materialized, shifting from shadow to substance.

He looked over the three, his voice weighty. “The time has come for you to repay me.”

At his words, their expressions grew resolute.

From the moment they had chosen to follow Tregear, they had steeled themselves for battle. It seemed that day had finally arrived.

“My lord, your orders—please speak them,” said Barell.

Garum and Magna nodded in agreement, their gazes earnest and unwavering.

Tregear wasted no words. “From this moment forth, I want you to hunt down all Ultramen in the universe.”

Hunt down the Ultramen!

A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes, but calm soon returned as they bowed low and replied in unison, “Understood.”

But Tregear quickly corrected them, “Ah, bring them back alive—not to kill them.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Respectfully, the three rose and departed.

Tregear turned away, gazing into the distance. There, a swirl of black mist appeared from nothing, the energy within it already reaching cosmic proportions.

Amidst the swirling gloom, a vague silhouette could barely be discerned.

“Go,” Tregear intoned.

…

Sunset Planet, Sandawin.

The surrounding starscape was shrouded in dusk, saturated with an overwhelming aura of destruction.

A thunderous roar split the air as two figures were blasted backward.

From their appearance, both were Ultramen. Yet one bore a wicked, fearsome visage—sinister and malevolent.

Both of their chest timers were flashing rapidly, signaling their impending exhaustion.

“They’re absorbing our light energy to bolster their dark powers,” one panted, analyzing the situation.

Before them stood two dark Ultramen, nearly identical in form, charging up for a finishing blow.

As their power reached its peak, terrifying energy beams shot from their hands.

The two battered Ultramen dared not hesitate, activating their Ultra Barriers in a desperate defense.

But their strength was spent, and the barriers flickered weakly—collapsing after barely a second under the onslaught, hurling them to the ground.

Breath came ragged and heavy as they lay there.

Never had they imagined that mere impostors could defeat them so utterly.

“Should we retreat for now?”

Given their dire situation, to fight on was certain death. The only wise move was to withdraw and alert the Land of Light.

“There’s no other choice,” the other Ultraman agreed.

But before he could finish, a heavy, oppressive voice thundered in his ear.

“Don’t even think about escaping!”

Instinctively, they looked up to see an alien descending, a mysterious artifact clutched in his hand.

He was clad in pitch-black armor, his crimson eyes blazing with hatred and murderous intent.

“None of you will get away!” he declared, lifting his arm, each word cold as ice. “I’ll freeze your time and send you all to the Eternal Paradise!”

“Another enemy?” one of the Ultramen gasped.

Two opponents had been more than enough; now, with a third, dread gripped their hearts.

Just as they were plotting an escape, a new figure landed from above.

His body was marked with stripes of red and white, crystalline blue gems gleaming on his chest, limbs, and forehead.

It was—Ultraman Ginga.

The moment Ginga touched down, he launched a sudden assault on Lukiel, catching him unprepared. In a flurry of blows, Lukiel finally saw his assailant’s face and roared with fury, “Ginga! It’s you!”

His answer was a thunder punch from Ginga.

Lightning erupted, swirling into a nebula-shaped blast that struck Lukiel squarely.

“Of course it’s me,” Ginga replied, striking a pose. “Our feud is far from over!”

“Ginga!” Lukiel bellowed, surging to his feet.

But he had barely steadied himself when Ginga attacked again, hurling a blazing fireball.

It exploded, the temperature soaring. With no chance to react, Lukiel was struck once more—this time, Ginga summoned his Light Blade Sword and delivered a swift slash.

A burst of sparks erupted from Lukiel’s chest as he was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground.

“Incredible!” the two watching Ultramen were stunned.

They, too, were Ultramen—yet had been so easily overwhelmed. Ginga’s arrival—and his overwhelming might—left them in awe.

Inspired by Ginga’s valor, they exchanged a glance, then rose to their feet, joining him in charging up their ultimate attacks.

“Cross Shockwave!”

“Zanadium Ray!”

“Ginga Lightning Strike!”

Three beams shot forth, twisting together in midair to form a single, devastating attack.

Lukiel, caught off guard, could only attempt a hasty defense before being driven back to the foot of a mountain—where the combined blast erupted in a tremendous explosion.

With Lukiel defeated, Ginga strode over to the two Ultramen, his tone teasing, “Not bad, juniors.”