Chereads / The Ultraman Mebius EPILOGUE: Ghost Rebirth / Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: New Evolution

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: New Evolution

Weak and barely able to move, Mebius crawled towards the lifeless warrior, his heart pounding with dread. Trembling, he turned the body over, his breath catching in his throat. As the shattered mask fell away, Mebius' eyes widened in horror.The warrior's true identity was none other than... himself.The face beneath the mask was identical to his own—scarred, worn, and broken, but undeniably his. Panic seized Mebius as a flood of horrifying visions assaulted his mind. Glimpses of destruction, darkness consuming entire galaxies. He gasped, clutching his head as the visions intensified, flashes of a world lost in chaos, of endless regret and sorrow. He saw himself standing alone, watching the collapse of civilizations."No... no, this can't be real!" Mebius shouted, his voice breaking with desperation. His vision blurred as reality and the terrifying images of the future overlapped.Suddenly, the ground around him rumbled violently. Lightning crackled through the underground chamber, the sheer force of it shaking the very foundations of the world beneath. Mebius looked up, his horror deepening as he saw the debris above begin to merge, forming a colossal sphere of destructive energy. The Plasma Sun was coming to life, its power surging through the air as though drawn by some unseen force.The underground cavern, already unstable, began to collapse. Huge chunks of the ceiling cracked and fell, smashing into the ground around Mebius and the body of his future self. The warrior's lifeless form was swallowed by the cascading debris, as the space around them caved in. The violent tremors threw Mebius back, his strength fading as he struggled to stay conscious."Am I... doomed to become him?" Mebius whispered, his voice barely audible over the chaos. But there was no answer. The ground buckled beneath him, and with a final, thunderous crash, the ceiling gave way entirely. Rocks and dust rained down, engulfing Mebius and the body of the warrior in total darkness.Suddenly, Mebius found himself standing in a vast, plain white space. The chaotic sounds of the collapsing underground and the haunting visions of the future were gone. The world was silent, and for a moment, he wondered if this was the end. Then, through the emptiness, a figure appeared—the warrior, his mask restored and his expression calm, but somber.The warrior extended his hand toward Mebius."Get up, Mebius," he said softly, his voice no longer cold or threatening. "This isn't over."Mebius hesitated but took the hand. As soon as their palms touched, a surge of familiarity passed through him. This wasn't just any warrior—this was him, or rather, a version of him. The same face. The same heart."Who... are you?" Mebius asked, his voice shaky, though he already knew the answer.The warrior looked away for a moment, his expression one of deep sorrow. "I am you. From a future that has no hope. A future that has been consumed by darkness, by war, by loss."Mebius gasped. The bloody hands from the vision—it all made sense now. The warrior wasn't just some external threat. He was a version of himself, twisted by a dystopian reality."Why?" Mebius asked. "Why try to change the past? Why did you..."The warrior sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "I thought if I could change the past, I could save everything. I could undo the pain, the death. I believed if I altered key moments, this horrible future wouldn't come to pass." He paused, staring at Mebius with a piercing gaze. "But I failed."Mebius stepped back, shocked and unsure. "You... failed?"The warrior nodded, his hand dropping to his side. "There was too much to fix. Too many things already set in motion. The truth is, no one can rewrite history, Mebius. The future isn't something you can mold from the past." He looked directly at him, his voice soft but filled with hope. "The only way for a better future depends on the present—on you, right here, right now."Mebius clenched his fists, trying to process what he was hearing. "But how? How do I stop that future from happening? What if I make the same mistakes?"The warrior smiled weakly, fading ever so slightly as particles of light began to float from his body. "The fact that you're asking that question already makes you different from me. You still have hope. You still have a chance to build your own future. A future where you won't have to carry the weight of my regrets."Mebius felt a lump in his throat. "I—""I believe in you," the warrior interrupted, his form now almost entirely light. "Just remember one thing: It's not the power you hold or the battles you fight that shape the future. It's the choices you make, the people you protect." His hand lifted as if to touch Mebius' shoulder, but it passed through, the light fully consuming him."Go, Mebius," the warrior whispered as he vanished into a final shimmer of light. "Wait!" Mebius called out. "How do I—"Before he could finish, the white space began to crack, shattering like glass. "No! Not yet!" Mebius tried to reach for him, but the warrior's fading voice echoed in his mind."The future... depends on..."Then, in a blink, the world vanished.Back in reality, Mebius' fingers twitched. His hand shot through the rubble, pushing through debris like a resurrected figure in an old horror tale, grasping for freedom. His hand broke through the surface first, clawing desperately at the open air. Slowly, the rest of his body followed, pulling itself out of the collapsed underground with a primal surge of energy.As he looked down at his hands, he realized they were glowing—not just with his usual energy, but with something more.In his palm was the device the warrior had worn.The moment he grasped it, the sword that once belonged to the warrior responded. It flew through the air, spinning as it returned to him, landing perfectly in his hand. Power surged through Mebius as the sword glowed with new energy, now attuned to his present self."I'll make my own future," Mebius whispered under his breath, eyes blazing with renewed resolve.With newfound strength, Mebius broke free from the rubble, his body glowing brightly as he rose into the air. The collapsed space was filled with swirling particles of light, possibly remnants of the warrior—the future that never came to pass, now fading into the ether. With determination in his heart, he shot upwards, his light cutting through the dark, devastated underground. He burst from the earth, flying back to the surface, ready to face whatever lay ahead.A short while later, high above the chaos, the Plasma Sun was nearly complete. The enormous sphere of searing energy hovered menacingly, its lower half still in the process of materializing. Below, the Darkness Five stood watching in awe and anticipation, their eyes gleaming with ambition. Even Hikari, whose moral compass was now deeply conflicted, watched silently, unsure of his next move.Suddenly, a strange boomerang-like object shot across the sky, slicing through the air with deadly precision. It headed straight for the Plasma Sun."What the—" snarled Temperor, his eyes following the spinning object.Before it could make contact with the forming sphere, a beam of light deflected it. Hikari's eyes flared as he watched the object veer off course. The object spun wildly before it curved back, returning to its rightful owner—Mebius. He caught it mid-run, his eyes locked onto the Plasma Sun, determined to stop it at all costs. His feet barely touched the ground as he sprinted towards the enormous sphere, his target clear."He's coming for the Plasma Sun!" shouted Hipporit in alarm.Temperor narrowed his eyes. "Not if we can stop him first."The five aliens exchanged determined glances before launching into action, each using their unique abilities to try and prevent Mebius from reaching the Plasma Sun. Mebius, however, was relentless in his pursuit, dodging their attacks with ease and getting closer with each passing moment. With a final burst of speed, he leaped into the air, his hand outstretched towards the Plasma Sun.Just as Mebius was about to reach its exposed underbelly, a figure materialized in front of him—Hikari. The blue warrior moved swiftly, blocking Mebius' path."Hikari, let me go!" Mebius shouted, slowing just enough to try reasoning with his friend.But Hikari's expression remained cold. "Too bad. I can't let you destroy it.""You've left me with no choice!" Mebius responded, his grip on his weapon tightening before he launched a powerful attack at Hikari, determined to fulfill his mission no matter what. The clash between the two warriors sent shockwaves through the battlefield, each refusing to back down in their fierce determination.In the end, it was Hikari who came out victorious, knocking Mebius to the ground with a strong blow."It's boring to fight you without your powers, Mebius. I got bored." Hikari mocked as he stood over his defeated opponent. Then he looked over to the Darkness Five while his Knight Beam Blade was being absorbed back into his Knight Brace. "Hey, why don't you guys take care of him? I've lost interest in him.""With pleasure. I waited a long time for this." The Darkness Five approached Mebius with menacing grins, ready to unleash their own brand of justice on the fallen warrior.Three brilliant lights flashed in the sky as the Darkness Five prepared to strike, and multiple light rays struck them while they pursued."Not so fast!" a voice echoed, full of defiance. It was Orb's voice who was followed by Taiga and Z, where they descended like meteors, landing with explosive force. They stood in a line, facing down the Darkness Five with fiery determination."O-50's Orb-san! Taiga and Z, too." Mebius felt a surge of hope and determination as he realized he wasn't alone in this fight."Looks like you could use a hand, Mebius-san." Orb grinned, holding out his hand to Mebius, who grasped it firmly, feeling a renewed sense of strength and unity among them."We've got your back, Mebius-niisan. We'll be ready for our punishment when we get back home," Z said, his voice steady."Don't worry, I appreciate all of your help," Mebius replied, feeling grateful for the support of his friends. Taiga, on the other hand, remained silent, but his eyes were locked on the enemy, ready for the battle ahead.With the renewed sense of unity and determination among them, Mebius and his friends charged into battle, while the Darkness Five fired everything they had at them. The three Ultras counterattacked them using their own before jumping into physical battle.With the Darkness Five now engaged with the other Ultras, Mebius refocused his attention on Hikari as he jumped high onto the floating rock where she stood. "I don't want to fight you," Mebius said quietly. "But I will if I have to."Hikari confidently replied with his Knight Beam Blade unseathed, "Fine by me. Give me a good fight."The clash began as Mebius and Hikari collided with a flash of light and energy. Hikari's attacks were swift and precise, but Mebius fought with the determination of someone who had glimpsed both the past and future. Despite holding an inferior weapon, Mebius managed to hold his own against Hikari's onslaught. The battle between the two Ultras was intense and evenly matched, each one pushing the other to their limits. The battle raged around them, with Orb, Taiga, and Z keeping the Darkness Five at bay. Both Alien Hipporit and Temperor tried to strike at Taiga, but the younger Ultra dodged effortlessly, countering with a series of powerful blows. Orb clashed with Mefilas, each strike sending ripples of energy across the battlefield. Z, being the least experienced Ultra, held his own against Grozam and Deathrem.During the intense fight, Mebius noticed that the opening at the Plasma Sun began to grow smaller as it almost completely materialized, realizing that time was running out for him to stop Filis's plan. With a renewed sense of urgency, Mebius threw the boomerang weapon before he jumped towards the skies, with Hikari pursuing him. They would scuffle in midair before both of them delivered a hard blow to each other, further separating them.While they were separated, Hikari detected the boomerang coming back toward him. He simply sidestepped, moving out of its path with ease. Unbeknownst to him, Mebius stood directly behind him. With swift precision, Mebius caught the weapon in midair and drove it into Hikari's chest, the sharp edge slicing through his armor.Hikari staggered, letting out a low grunt of pain. His movements became unstable, and Mebius, seeing an opportunity, rushed toward him. It was a risky move—foolish even—because as soon as Mebius closed the distance, Hikari lashed out. His blade slashed across Mebius' side, sending sparks flying from the impact. Mebius grimaced, clutching the wound, but he held his ground."Mebius..." Hikari's voice was strained, his tone unnatural, twisted by the dark influence. "You will fail... You... cannot stop this power!"Mebius dodged another frenzied strike, barely avoiding the lethal edge of Hikari's blade. His heart raced, but he refused to back down. "Hikari! This isn't you!" Mebius shouted, desperation in his voice. "Fight it! Remember who you are!"But Hikari's attacks grew fiercer. His energy surged uncontrollably, and his eyes, hidden behind the darkened mask, glowed with a menacing intensity."I have no need for the past... the future belongs to the darkness!" Hikari's voice was laced with venom as he charged up his attack—Shadow Knight Shoot—aiming directly at Mebius.Mebius narrowly avoided the blast, rolling out of the way just in time. He gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a solution. That's when he saw it—a weak spot in Hikari's defense, just behind the mask.Gathering every ounce of strength left in him, Mebius surged forward, ducking beneath Hikari's wild swings. He timed his move perfectly. With a powerful strike, Mebius' fist collided with Hikari's face, shattering the eye mask into pieces. The dark energy that had been controlling Hikari began to dissipate. The real Hikari was coming back.For a moment, Hikari's eyes softened, the brainwashing effect slowly undone. He looked at Mebius, confusion and pain washing over his expression."Mebius... what... happened?" Hikari whispered, his voice now his own again.But before Mebius could respond, Hikari's body wavered. He was too weak to stand. In a horrifying instant, his helpless form toppled backward, falling from the high ledge."Hikari!" Mebius cried, reaching out, but it was too late. He couldn't catch him.Below, the rest of the battle continued in chaos. The Darkness Five had been keeping Orb, Taiga, and Z at bay. Mefilas locked in fierce combat with Orb, while the other four had been overwhelming the less experienced Ultras. But when they saw Hikari's body plummet from the ledge, they began to panic.Hipporit exclaimed, "Hikari's been defeated!" fearing that Mebius' unwavering resistance would cause their plan to fall apart."Damn you, Mebius!" Deathrem roared, his eyes narrowing at Mebius. "I'll put you down, once and for all!"In a fit of fury, Deathrem summoned his ultimate attack—Deathrem Inferno—and aimed it directly at Mebius. The fiery energy began to coalesce into a massive orb, ready to incinerate everything in its path. Mebius, who is still on the floating rock, quickly crawled to his weapons in preparation for the impending attack."Sensei!" Taiga shouted as he watched in horror, realizing that Mebius was in grave danger. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed across the battlefield, which shattered the fireball projectiles. The ground beneath them trembled, and Mebius, barely standing, turned toward the source of the sound, eyes wide in shock. A figure was seen standing between him and Deathrem's attack. The impact of his arrival sent a shockwave across the battlefield, dust and debris swirling around the mysterious silhouette."An Ultraman?" Mebius thought in disbelief. The Ultra-like figure before him wasn't like any Ultra he had seen before. Wild in appearance, every motion heavy with raw, untamed power. The entity did not speak; instead, it appears to be in a meditative stance, similar to a prayer ritual, before turning towards the young Ultra.The Darkness Five stared, wide-eyed, in disbelief. "Who... who is that?" Grozam questioned, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and rage."Who cares? Take this!" Deathrem shouted, launching the Deathrem Inferno towards the mysterious figure."Look out!" Mebius instinctively moved to protect the entity, despite being unsure of what its true intentions were. Suddenly, the entity leaped over Mebius, summoning what appears to be a miniature black hole in his hand and easily sucking all of the fireballs before the same hand becoming extremely luminous. The entity would then hilariously leap with glee."You...! Are you mocking me?!" Deathrem bellowed, his face contorted with a mix of confusion and anger. The entity, on the other hand, seemed to be confused by the latter's tantrum."Was that a blazar just now?" Mebius wondered aloud, trying to make sense of the entity's powers."Bla...jaar?" The entity tilted its head, seemingly pondering the question."Enough chit-chatting!" Hipporit snarled, his voice dripping with disdain. He launch multiple heat-seeking missiles from his hands, aiming to break the uneasy tension with violence. The new Ultra, however—the primitive being Mebius had now labeled Blazar in his mind—showed no hesitation. Without a single word, the wild-eyed figure leaped into the air with a savage grace. His body twisted effortlessly, literally, mid-flight, and with a powerful kick, he deflected Hipporit's incoming strike as if it were a mere inconvenience. The force of the impact sent Hipporit stumbling back."How... how is this possible?" Hipporit stammered, the surprise evident in his voice. Before he could gather himself for another attack, Blazar lunged at him with the ferocity of a wild beast. A giant energy spear in the shape of a double-helix was put out from a similar miniature black hole, before impaling Hipporit from above, destroying him into pieces.As the dust settled from Hipporit's destruction, the transmutation effect that had imprisoned the other Ultras began to fade. Mebius, still catching his breath, looked around as the once-frozen forms of Xenon, Max, Neos, and Seven 21 flickered back to life. Before Mebius could act, Temperor, filled with rage at the sight of Hipporit's defeat, charged forward, his blades glowing with malevolent energy. "Damn you, Ultra people!" Temperor roared, his fury blinding him.Max stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "We're not going down that easily."In perfect unison, Max threw his Maxium Sword, and Xenon fired his Xenonium Cannon. As Temperor swung his Beam Rod from his pincers towards them, the two Ultras countered with precise, devastating force. Maxium Sword cut through the air, clashing against Temperor's arms, while Xenonium Cannon unleashed a powerful energy beam, striking the kaiju square in the chest."I'll remember this, Ultra people!" Temperor's scream was cut short as his body was obliterated, leaving nothing but a smoking crater behind.Deathrem's voice broke the silence. "Grozam... we need to retreat!" His voice dripped with desperation, a far cry from the confident villain who had once dominated the battlefield. Grozam snarled in agreement, and both started to turn, making a desperate break for freedom.However, before they could make the move, their path was blocked by an incoming Vezard. "Going somewhere?" Seven 21 shouted, immediately moving into action. Neos wasn't far behind, appearing in front of Grozam at the other side in a blur of speed, forcing the latter to stumble back.Deathrem growled, backing up slowly as the circle around him tightened. "You... think you can stop us?"Max joined in, landing beside Neos. "You're not getting away this time." Deathrem, sweating and desperate, glanced at Grozam, but both knew they were trapped. Mefilas soon joined them, as he was overwhelmed by Taiga, Z and Orb.As the Ultras closed in on the enemies, a shockwave of energy pulsed through the air from the nearly finished Plasma Sun."Sensei! We've got them handled—go!" Taiga shouted, urging Mebius to focus on the impending threat of the Plasma Sun. With a determined nod, Mebius shot into the sky, streaking towards the Plasma Sun, the intense heat growing with every second as he got closer to the core."Don't you dare-" Deathrem shouted before attempting to attack Mebius, but his attempt was blocked by Xenon with the Max Galaxy in hand. Xenon's timely intervention allowed Mebius to reach the core of the Plasma Sun.Xenon stood firm, blocking Deathrem's path with the Max Galaxy in hand. "It's over. Your plans are foiled." His voice was calm, but his stance was ready for any sudden movement.Deathrem snarled, looking around in frustration, but before he could speak, Mefilas stepped forward, raising a hand to calm the situation. His voice was smooth, almost diplomatic. "Gentlemen, let's not be so hasty." He glanced at the surrounding Ultras, assessing the situation with a calculated smile.Max raised an eyebrow, his sword still drawn. "What are you planning, Mefilas?"Mefilas spread his hands in a gesture of peace, his voice soft and persuasive. "This battle has been nothing but a waste for both sides, don't you agree? We've been at each other's throats for too long, but perhaps... there's a way out of this. A deal, so to speak."Neos, always suspicious, narrowed his eyes. "A deal? With you? You must think we're fools."Mefilas chuckled softly, unbothered by the insult. "Not fools, no. But perhaps, rational beings who understand the value of strategy over brute force. We have information—vital information—about the Plasma Sun, about Filis' actual plans that will threaten us all." He cast a sideways glance at Deathrem, a flicker of something dark in his eyes. "We can help you stop this, if you let us go."The Ultras hesitated, unsure whether to trust him. Xenon kept his weapon ready but didn't make any sudden moves. Max shot a glance at the other Ultras, silently weighing their options.Deathrem, sensing an opportunity, jumped in with a sneer. "Yes! We can help you! You can't stop the Plasma Sun without us! You'd be fools to let us die here when we know how to save your world!"Before the Ultras could respond, Mefilas' expression changed subtly—his eyes narrowing as if he had made a decision. "Save our world?" he repeated with a hint of mockery in his tone. "Your incompetence has brought us to this point, Deathrem."Deathrem blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about, Mefilas?"Mefilas' cold gaze settled on Deathrem. "You've led us astray one too many times. Your rash decisions, your arrogance—it's always been a liability. And now..." He paused, his voice dripping with disdain. "Now, you're nothing but a liability to us as well."Grozam grinned maliciously from the side, ice swirling in his hands. "He's right, Deathrem. You've been dragging us down long enough."Before Deathrem could process their words, Mefilas moved swiftly, dark energy swirling in his hand as he struck Deathrem in the chest with a devastating blow of his Energy Blasts. Deathrem staggered, his eyes wide in shock. "Mefilas... no..." His voice cracked as his body began to disintegrate, energy crackling and tearing him apart.Grozam added his icy power to the assault, freezing Deathrem's fading form in a whirlwind of frost. "You always ruin everything," Grozam muttered, watching as Deathrem's body crumbled into nothing, leaving only a faint shimmer of energy where he once stood.The Ultras stood momentarily stunned, processing the sudden betrayal. Taiga clenched his fists, taking a step forward. "You killed your own!"Mefilas turned his cold gaze towards the Ultras, completely unfazed by the accusation. "Consider it... streamlining our operations." His smile returned, calm and calculated. "We're done here. Grozam."Grozam grinned and slammed his fists into the ground, releasing a massive wave of ice that erupted between the Ultras and the villains, creating a towering barrier of frost and snow.The eight Ultras moved to break through the ice, using their respective moves. "You're not escaping!" Seven 21 shouted as he prepared to shatter the barrier.But by the time they managed to cut through the barrier, Mefilas and Grozam had already vanished into the portal.The Ultras regrouped, the battlefield now eerily quiet except for the lingering crackle of energy in the air. Z clenched his fists in frustration. "They got away..."Xenon, his weapon lowered, stared at the spot where the villains had disappeared. "Ignore them. Let's hope Mebius is doing well in there."As the Ultras continued their search across the battlefield, the younger Ultras exchanged worried glances, realizing something was amiss."Wait... where's Hikari-sensei?" Z asked, his eyes scanning the devastated landscape. His voice carried a growing sense of concern.The others turned, confusion turning quickly into alarm. Xenon, always vigilant, furrowed his brow. "Chief Hikari was here?"Max, Neos, and Seven 21 turned to face the junior Ultras, surprised by the revelation. "What do you mean he was here?" Max asked, his gaze sweeping the area, expecting Hikari to appear at any moment.Orb stepped forward, looking puzzled. "I thought you all knew. Hikari-san was siding with them all along."Taiga, frustration evident in his tone, continued, "Most probably, Filis must've brainwashed him."Max's eyes widened. "Brainwashed?!""Filis? The new scientist from the Science and Technology Bureau?" Seven 21 asked, astonished."Not the real Filis. We're assuming it was an imposter, because we encountered the real Filis, hurt, just before we got here," Z added.Xenon frowned, remembering the ominous presence during their battle. "That shadow... it must have been him."Before Taiga, Z, and Orb could explain further, they were interrupted by a sudden, loud sound. Blazar, standing a few steps away, was sniffing at the air with exaggerated intensity. His head was lowered, as if detecting something no one else could sense."Hey? Are you alright?" Z called out, noticing his odd behavior. The others turned to watch as Blazar bent down, sniffing deeply at a spot on the ground.Blazar's eyes suddenly locked onto something, and the group rushed over to see what had caught his attention. A cluster of faintly glowing fragments lay scattered on the ground—shattered pieces of a glossy, black object."Wait... is this..." Taiga murmured, stepping closer. His heart sank as realization hit him. "This is part of the mask Hikari-sensei was wearing..."Z stared at the broken fragments, his confusion evident. "Doesn't it look like an Ultra Eye?" he asked, but his words faltered as Max noticed something strange on the shards."Xenon, look at these markings," Max said, pointing at the fragments. "They resemble—""The ancient runes of Planet Borges," Xenon finished."I've heard stories about that place," Orb chimed in. "It's said some ancient demonic creatures were sealed there by a warrior long ago."Curiosity piqued, Xenon reached out to touch one of the fragments. The moment his fingers brushed the shard, it disintegrated into dust. The other fragments followed suit, dissolving into nothingness.Xenon stared at his empty hand, his expression shifting from confusion to dread. "These fragments... they weren't real.""What do you mean?" Neos asked, puzzled."That mask was a replica. The real one still exists somewhere," Xenon revealed."How do you know it's a fake?" Seven 21 questioned his opinion."That thing was materialized from sand. Planet Borges is known for being a sand-based planet, so it's likely that the mask was created using its resources," Xenon explained."If the mask was fake, then the brainwashing effect should be weaker," Taiga speculated."Which means there's still a chance Hikari-sensei is alive!" Z said, hope lighting up his face.At that moment, Blazar, still sniffing the air, suddenly lifted his head, staring intensely at the sky. His gaze locked on the ominous Plasma Sun hanging above them.Xenon noticed Blazar's focus and summoned the Max Galaxy. With precision, he activated the device and swung it gracefully, revealing faint traces of energy lingering in the air—trails leading directly to the Plasma Sun.Truth struck Xenon. "I see... He must have gone up there after Mebius.""Hikari-san flew into the Plasma Sun?" Orb asked, his eyes widening."Did you just say the Plasma Sun?" Seven 21 exclaimed, visibly shocked."What's wrong, Seven 21?" Neos asked, noticing his reaction."You guys might not know this, but the Plasma Sun was the precursor to the Plasma Spark. It was developed by our ancient ancestors to replace a dying star, but the project failed disastrously," Seven 21 explained to the younger Ultras.Z went on, "But why would Filis want to resurrect what is basically a 'dead star'?" His voice was quivering a little."I don't know," Seven 21 replied, his tone grim. "But he must know something we don't."Neos, concerned, interjected, "Wait, if that's a star, wouldn't it be incredibly dangerous for them to be inside? Shouldn't we do something to help them?"Xenon, ever the pragmatist, stepped forward, his voice steady. "Believe in them. Right now, all we can do is hope for their safety."The group fell silent, their eyes locked on the swirling mass of energy in the sky—the Plasma Sun, still glowing ominously. It was clear that the battle was far from over.Within the heart of the Plasma Sun, Filis stood in the center of the energy surge, his arms raised as he directed the volatile object to form its final shape. The sheer magnitude of the energy he controlled crackled through the air, creating ripples in space around him. His body pulsed with power as he continued to harness the energy that would, if completed, bring forth unimaginable destruction. His expression was one of cold triumph."That's it. Grow..." he whispered, a malevolent glint in his eyes.Just as Filis began the final incantation to complete the materialization, a sudden force slammed into him, knocking him from his place at the center of the object.It was Mebius, launching himself at Filis in full speed, pushing Filis out of the core's central point. His eyes, full of determination, glared at Filis, who quickly recovered and snarled."You... again?" Filis hissed, his dark eyes burning with hatred as he stabilized himself, dark energy crackling at his fingertips.Without his Mebius Brace, the young Ultra was vulnerable, and even in his weakened state, Mebius stood defiant. He knew he had little strength left, but he had to stop Filis at all costs."I will never allow you to complete your plan. Even if it means sacrificing my life," Mebius moaned and pulled out the sword of his future self. He swung at Filis, though his movements were slower than before, fatigue clear in his strikes. The enemy easily dodged, smirking as he countered with a blast of dark energy that sent Mebius crashing into the side of the energy field."You're nothing without the Mebius Brace, Mebius!" Filis mocked, raising his hands to strike the final blow.Before the blast could land, a streak of blue light shot across the battlefield, slamming into Filis with incredible force. It turned out to be Hikari, who appeared out of nowhere, pushing Filis off the path to the core and sending him spiraling through the energy-charged space.Mebius, still recovering from the impact, looked up in shock as Hikari landed on a floating rock way below him. "Hikari...? But... how?" Mebius breathed, disbelief washing over him. He had thought his partner was lost.Hikari, keeping his gaze locked on Filis, didn't waste a second. "Finish this, Mebius. I'll handle him!" His voice was steady, filled with unwavering determination.Mebius quickly shook off his surprise. He knew the stakes were too high to hesitate. Ignoring his exhaustion, he turned back toward the core of the Plasma Sun and rushed toward it, the sword of his future self in hand.Filis, now unbalanced and enraged, recovered from Hikari's strike. His face twisted in fury as he saw Mebius nearing the core. "No! I won't let you!" he screamed, eyes wild with madness. The dark energy around him intensified, spiraling uncontrollably as his desperation grew.But Hikari was already in motion, stepping between Filis and Mebius, blocking any attempts to reach the core. "Your opponent is me, Filis!" Hikari said coldly before summoning his Arb Gear to turn into the Hunter Knight Tsurugi, ready to face the crazed enemy.Filis' eyes flickered with insanity, consumed by his obsession to complete the Plasma Sun. His focus wavered between Mebius and Hikari, his actions becoming frantic. "Tsurugi, you're in my way!" He let out a guttural scream and lashed out with a powerful burst of energy, but it was clear his mind was unraveling.Hikari calmly sidestepped the attack, using Filis' disordered state to his advantage. Suddenly, it turned into a dangerously back-and-forth battle as both fighters pushed themselves to their limits. The tension in the air was palpable, with each move calculated and precise. Hikari knew that he had to end this confrontation quickly before Filis' madness consumed him completely. At a point, Filis charged forward with his drill-like attack, right at the moment when Hikari was vulnerable."Take that... Tsurugi." Filis yelled triumphantly as he realized he was the last Ultra standing after the explosion. However, he soon noticed what had happened when he noticed the pieces of Arb Gear scattered on the ground.In that moment of distraction, Hikari swiftly launched his Knight Shoot, a beam of precise energy that struck Filis in the back."Argh!" Filis roared in pain, staggering backward. His control over the Plasma Sun faltered; the energy he had amassed was beginning to spiral out of control.Meanwhile, Mebius reached the core of the Plasma Sun. His sword glowed with a fierce light as he prepared to strike. "I have to stop this now!" With a final burst of strength, he plunged the sword deep into the core.Immediately, the core reacted, releasing a violent surge of energy. "Ahh!" Mebius cried out in pain as the overwhelming power erupted around him, threatening to tear him apart. But he held his ground, knowing that he had to endure it.The Plasma Sun began to collapse in on itself, its energy spiraling outward in chaotic waves. Filis, distracted by the sudden destabilization of the core, turned just in time to see Mebius' action. His face twisted in disbelief. "No... NO!" he screamed, realizing his plan was falling apart.Taking advantage of Filis' distraction, Hikari saw his chance. He raised his hand and charged up his final attack. "This is the end for you, Filis!" he declared silently, his voice cold and resolute.With a swift motion, Hikari unleashed the Hot Load Shoot, the powerful energy blast striking Filis directly. The blast sent Filis flying backward into the endless void of space, his screams fading as he was swallowed by the abyss.Mebius screamed in agony as the intense energy of the Plasma Sun began to surge through him. His body convulsed, the raw power of the core overwhelming him as light particles from the core were forcefully absorbed back into his being. His figure shimmered violently, shifting uncontrollably as his Ultra form struggled to contain the unstable energy."Mebius!" Hikari yelled, watching his comrade endure the unbearable pain. Without hesitation, Hikari flew toward him, desperate to help. But as he neared, the energy outburst from the core intensified, creating a shockwave that forced him back.Hikari grated his teeth in frustration. "I have to reach him!" he thought, trying once more to push through the wall of force. But it was too powerful. Each time he attempted to get closer, the chaotic energy of the Plasma Sun pushed him further away.Through the blinding light, Hikari could see Mebius' body starting to change. The energy coursing through him was causing uncontrollable mutations. His form flickered, rapidly shifting between the various and familiar forms of his. Each transformation was abrupt and unstable, as if his body was desperately trying to adapt to the overwhelming energy within him.Hikari's eyes widened as he realized the severity of the situation. "Is that an evolution? No... if this keeps going, he'll—"Before he could finish the thought, the core of the Plasma Sun reached its limit. With a deafening roar, it exploded in a massive burst of light and energy, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. The blast was so intense that it scattered the surrounding space debris, flinging fragments of matter in all directions.Hikari, caught in the explosion, was thrown backward, tumbling through space. He barely managed to activate his defensive shield in time to prevent further damage. "Mebius!" he called out, trying to see through the aftermath of the explosion, but the violent energy made it impossible to reach him.At the same time, far in the distance, Seven 21 watched the eruption unfold. His sharp instincts kicked in as he quickly issued an order. "Everyone! Protect the kids!" he commanded.Responding immediately, the senior Ultras, including Max, Xenon, Neos, Orb, and Blazar, formed their protective barriers around the younger Ultras, Z and Taiga, shielding them from the incoming space debris and energy waves."Hold your positions!" Seven 21's voice rang out. The energy and debris battered against the shields, but the older Ultras stood firm, ensuring the younger generation was safe from harm. The explosion was so disastrous that it threatened to engulf the entire planet, but Seven 21 and his team remained steadfast in their protection of the youth.As the light of the explosion finally began to fade, they miraculously emerged unscathed, their shields having held strong against the overwhelming force. The younger Ultras looked up in awe and gratitude at their older counterparts, knowing they were in good hands. Hikari, on the other hand, found himself breathing heavily, his body battered but alive. He slowly regained his bearings, scanning the battlefield for any sign of Mebius.Then, in the far distance, amidst the scattered remains of the Plasma Sun's explosion, Hikari saw him—Mebius, lying motionless, his body floating lifelessly at the edge of the battlefield.Hikari, battered but driven by instinct, crawled slowly toward Mebius, his eyes locked on his fallen comrade's motionless form. "Mebius... hold on. I'm coming for you," he whispered through gritted teeth, his energy nearly drained. But as he struggled to move closer, something at the far end of the battlefield caught his eye.A dark figure floated ominously at the edge of the debris field. Hikari's heart sank as he recognized the silhouette. "Filis..." he muttered, tensing. But something was off.As Hikari's eyes focused on the figure, it flickered and shifted, revealing a familiar face beneath the dark energy. "No... it can't be." His breath caught in his throat.The figure standing before him wasn't Filis. It was someone else. Someone Hikari had lost long ago."Don't tell me... Neugier..." Hikari whispered, barely believing his eyes. His former protégé, thought to have vanished without a trace a long time ago, now stood before him, his expression twisted in panic and guilt.Neugier's eyes darted around in panic, his voice shaking. "I... I was supposed to make it right. To bring light to the darkness..." His hands trembled as he looked at them, realization dawning. "But instead... I've lost everything."Suddenly, Neugier's head jerked up, his eyes wide with terror. He heard something—a voice, dark and menacing, taunting him from the depths of his mind."Vraek'tal shadur'kan." The voice repeatedly echoed in his head, relentless and unforgiving. His breathing quickened as he stared down at his feet in horror.Beneath him, a yellow-eyed object seemed to materialize from the void, pulsating with a malevolent energy. Neugier staggered back, gasping as his vision distorted. The object wasn't real... or was it? His mind swirled in confusion, trapped in a waking nightmare.The hallucination became overwhelming. From the object, a purple beam shot forth, wrapping around his body like tendrils of darkness. Neugier's form seemingly began to disintegrate, breaking down piece by piece as he was helplessly absorbed into the unseen maw below. "No... NO!" he screamed, his voice echoing as he was consumed."Forgive me..." he whimpered, his final words filled with regret as he disappeared completely into the malevolent force.Hikari, still crawling toward Mebius, froze in disbelief. "Neugier!" he cried, but it was too late. The others, too, watched in confusion and horror, unsure of what had just transpired.From the void where Neugier had been consumed, the ground began to shake violently. The battlefield rumbled as a gigantic shadow started to rise from beneath the debris. The air thickened with an ominous presence, far more terrifying than anything they had faced before.Out of the broken ground, a monstrous entity emerged, towering and powerful, its dark energy overwhelming. Its form cast a massive shadow over the battlefield, and its yellow eyes glowed with an unholy light. The air crackled with raw power as it roared, announcing its rebirth.Hikari's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "The ancient demonic beast of Borges, Grimdo." he whispered, his eyes wide with fear.And then, silence. The colossal being stood tall, its presence overwhelming as the heroes braced themselves for the impending doom.Vraek'tal shadur'kan...