『 The scene before them was one of utter despair—
Inside the shelter, countless people slumped to the ground, their hearts turning to ice.
Their guardian deity, Tiga, after protecting them countless times and defeating innumerable foes, had finally turned into a stone statue and plunged into the pitch-black, freezing seawater.
Even in death, Tiga maintained his fighting stance, but he had fallen. Humanity had lost; this was an indisputable fact.
Eerie roars, sounding like distorted elephant cries, echoed across the sea as if mocking Tiga's reckless overestimation of his own strength. Gatanothor lashed its tentacles, the crimson in its eyes growing even more intense.
Confusion, despair, grief, and numbness—countless negative emotions filled the hearts of humanity.
"Tiga has been defeated… what do we do… humanity… It's all over."
From the Far East to the Far North, people across the entire globe watched this battle. Seeing Tiga fall, they sank into total despair.
"Tiga isn't dead!" the children cried, clutching their dolls with firm resolve.
But the adults, their eyes dull and grey, merely stroked the children's heads. They said nothing more. Perhaps letting the children die, holding onto hope, would be less painful.
Beyond Earth, Hayate, who had just returned from space, looked down from his battleship at the grey and blackened Earth, his eyes wide with shock.
"Dammit… how did this happen!"
Inside the Artdessei.
Everyone was desperately racking their brains for a way to wake Tiga.
Suddenly, they remembered what Yuzare had said!
Light. That was it. If they could shine the energy of light onto Tiga's statue, it might work!
Using physical photo-ion irradiation to wake Tiga, but they hadn't even decoded the secrets of the statue yet. Trying to pull off something like that was a complete pipe dream!
Time wouldn't allow for research. Through simulations, they confirmed that without Tiga, Earth would be destroyed within a single day!
A method to kill Gatanothor wasn't non-existent… but it required the resolve to gamble the entirety of the human race!
But the price was too high. They couldn't afford it, nor did they dare to bear it.
The only thing they could do now was to revive Tiga! 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ U-Olga Marie⦍Beast VII⦎ (Type-Moon): "Humans are truly unsightly. Do they only know how to wait for death in despair when faced with a problem? Perhaps waiting for death is a decent choice after all." ]
[ Godzilla (Planet of the Monsters): "Gamble the resolve of all humanity? Don't tell me it's nuclear bombs? Aren't those just tasty little snacks?" ]
[ Kyrieloid (Ultraman): "That kind of thing might kill the Demon Bird Zoiger, or even any monster that appeared before, but it's impossible against Gatanothor. Because he is the Ruler of Darkness! He is an Evil God!" ]
[ Nyaruko (Haiyore Nyaruko-san): "And Gatanothor can fly, you know~ even if it really can't win, it'll just run away." ]
[ .....]
『 Just as everyone fell into silence, Horii suddenly spoke up. "There is one person who knows how to use light to turn a stone statue into an Ultraman, but…"
That person was Masaki Keigo. He had once used the statue of an ultra-ancient giant to turn himself into light and become an Ultraman!
He was eventually defeated by Tiga and imprisoned for life.
Inside the cell, Masaki Keigo looked out the window, his expression shifting. It was exactly like his dream.
Tiga had lost. Next, darkness would descend upon humanity, bringing destruction. 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Ishtar⦍Archer⦎ (Type-Moon): "It seems that fellow named Masaki Keigo also has those ultra-ancient warrior genes in him. Otherwise, controlling an Ultraman or turning into light would be utter nonsense." ]
[ Aizen Sosuke (Bleach): "It seems this one was also a warrior chosen by the light. A pity there are two 'chosen ones'." ]
[ Iruma Megumi (Ultraman): "So Masaki Keigo had dreamed of humanity's destruction long ago…" ]
[ Tezcatlipoca (Type-Moon): "Destruction and rebirth—once you accept it, it's fine~ It's no big deal. Over here in Aztec, we treat this as a daily routine. So just sacrifice your lives to the great God Tezcatlipoca." ]
[ Kukulkan (Type-Moon): "…? Stop talking nonsense, or I'll crack your head open, blondie!" ]
[ .....]
『 At that moment, Shinjo Mayumi and Tango entered the cell, pleading for Masaki Keigo to help them—to help Tiga!
"What I did… was actually not wrong," Masaki Keigo laughed. He had dreamed of this scene long ago.
Darkness swallows the earth, the world is destroyed, and humanity's only guardian fallen. Humanity was plunged into total despair.
The flames of war and darkness spread across the entire world.
He had dreamed of all of this from the beginning. He wanted to use that energy to create an endless army of Ultramen to change the future of humanity.
But…
He had been blinded by that overwhelming power—
"Mr. Masaki, this is a chance for atonement! Please, pull yourself together!" Tango begged.
Masaki Keigo smiled, seemingly indifferent to the idea of atonement. He slowly stood up, looking out at the darkness and despair outside the window with a firm gaze.
Out there, the world was already shrouded in darkness.
"In a world shrouded in darkness, someone is needed to lead them with light."
"…That person is definitely not you," Shinjo Mayumi said solemnly.
"…HAHAHAHA!!!!" Masaki Keigo burst into laughter. Yes, exactly! "You're right."
He faced his own heart, long since at peace. He also knew the gap between himself and Tiga… no, Daigo.
They were both warriors chosen by the light. 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Gabriel (Gabriel DropOut): "Gave me a scare. I thought Masaki Keigo was going to say 'You're right, I'm not going!'" ]
[ Bai Xiaofei (Wo Jiao Bai Xiaofei): "Shinjo Mayumi is a conversational genius. Isn't she afraid of snapping Tiga's last thread of hope with one sentence?" ]
[ Deadpool (Earth-10005): "This is true high EQ, a veteran actor. One sentence made Masaki Keigo fully express his heart." ]
[ Jiang Mingzi (Sun and Moon Are Wrong): "Now, the karma of the entire world is linked to Tiga. I wonder what interesting things will happen when that karma explodes~" ]
[ .....]
〜Type-Moon World, ????? Worldline, Chaldea〜
"He wanted everyone to be able to become an Ultraman, but in the end, he was intoxicated by great power?"
Kirschtaria sighed.
The path for everyone to become a god is far too difficult. It involves the leap of biological evolution and the contradictions of ideological perception.
That road is too far, so far that the end can't even be seen. After becoming gods, what is the path for humanity?
Would it be like the evolution from monkeys to humans?
Life constantly evolves, and in the end, constantly negates itself. A mysterious light flickered in Kirschtaria's eyes.
What exactly will the new era look like?
—
『 In the boundless deep sea, Tiga's statue lay quietly.
Inside the Tiga Crystal, Daigo was sealed within a transparent crystal. He seemed to sense something and woke from his unconscious state.
But the narrow crystal kept Daigo's body completely confined; he couldn't move, and even moving a finger required his utmost strength.
Daigo looked around at the blurred images. "Where is this…"
As Daigo wondered, the figure of a Kyrieloid appeared on the surface.
"If it weren't for you, we Kyrieloids would have saved foolish humanity long before the dark monster revived!" the Kyrieloid said angrily.
"You mean, if we obeyed you, everything would be fine?" Daigo questioned.
"It's too late. The Kyrieloid God has abandoned this planet. I told you before, don't dream of being the guardian deity of this planet."
"You aren't worthy at all!"
"Hahahaha!" The Kyrieloid's figure dissipated, but its wanton laughter continued to echo.
Daigo's expression was cold and dark as he struggled continuously within this narrow cage. 』
『 .....』
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Chaos Evil Gudako (Type-Moon): "Kyrieloids? Alien space life, huh. Heh, talking so big, but in the end, they don't dare to face Gatanothor head-on. Instead, they're here having a war of words with Tiga's human host?" ]
[ Kyrieloid (Ultraman): "Wrong! It's the Kyrieloid God who abandoned this irredeemable planet! It is we who abandoned humanity!" ]
[ Tony Stark (Earth-616): "You're getting defensive. Talking so grandly, but it looks to me like you were scared away by Gatanothor, Kyrieloid." ]
[ Joker (DCEU Earth-1): "Hmm, simply put, you can't win, but you run fast, right?! Hahahaha!" ]
[ Gazort (Ultraman): "Kyrieloid? Friend, delicious~" ]
[ Camearra (Ultraman): "Daigo, it's not too late to throw yourself into the darkness again. You only need to say you agree." ]
[ .....]
〜Ultraman Tiga World〜
"Despair! Tiga! Hahahaha!"
In some corner of the world, the Kyrieloids laughed wildly.
Look at this. Ultraman Tiga, who tried to be humanity's guardian, what a miserable state he's fallen into now!
Tiga, right now, you're in a living hell! This is the consequence of rejecting the Kyrieloids!
But as they laughed, the laughter died in their throats.
Because even without Tiga, this planet wouldn't fall into their hands. As long as the Evil God Gatanothor existed, they could face a devastating blow at any moment.
As for reclaiming this planet? Even if the Kyrieloid God came, he'd get slapped twice and have to leave a leg behind before escaping.
Toward the Evil God Gatanothor, they felt both fear and respect.
—
『 Inside of Artdessei. Hayate met directly with the GUTS members. Upon learning that Daigo was Tiga, his brow furrowed deeply.
"How did you know we were here?" Megumi asked suddenly.
"A strange fellow guided me here," Hayate replied, still somewhat puzzled by the voice that had rung directly in his mind.
At that moment, Masaki Keigo was brought in.
The moment everyone saw Masaki Keigo, hope ignited in their hearts. They bombarded him with questions about the Light Genetic Converter.
They already had a power supply device—the Maxima Overdrive System beneath their feet! 』
『 .....』
〜Ultraman Universe, Land of Light〜
What a damn genius. Although he didn't like the man, Zoffy acknowledged this human named Masaki Keigo.
If he wasn't mistaken, the Maxima Overdrive System combined with light genetics was equivalent to a weakened version of the Plasma Spark Tower!
What was the Plasma Spark Tower? Simply put, it was the hope of all things!
The importance of the Plasma Spark Tower was comparable to that of the Sun for Earth. It was an alternative energy source developed by the scientists of the Land of Light after the sun of the Ultra Star exploded!
Because of this energy, the "humans" on the Ultra Star evolved into supermen—Ultramen!
If that thing could be used long-term, it would definitely lead Earth's humanity to an unprecedented height!
As for whether Ultramen could accept a human planet gradually evolving toward the direction of the Land of Light?
The answer was obvious.
—
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
No one expected there to be such "black technology" that could convert light and wake Tiga.
But was Gatanothor just a bystander?
Tiga was right beneath it. It wasn't useless.
How could it just watch Tiga recover? This plan might not succeed… but besides this, what else could Tiga rely on to turn the tables?
At the final moment before Gatanothor destroyed Earth, would Daigo fully embrace the darkness?
.....
〜Ultraman Universe, ??? Worldline〜
The Gatanothor-chan shuddered violently.
Although her world was different, there was no doubt that the general future was the same!
The Dark Giant of thirty million years ago; the Giant of Light thirty million years later!
The Gatanothor-chan even wanted to roar: 'Don't stop Tiga from recovering in that world!'
Otherwise, once you witness the true Light, it's game over!
That's the Glitter Tiga form! When that happens, forget about one Great Old One—even ten more wouldn't be enough for Tiga to beat!
( Translator-kun: Im quite confused which word is this? Let me know in the comments section. )
—
『 The psychic Kirino also participated in this rescue operation—or rather, this rescue operation was guided by him!
He could use telepathy to contact anyone on the planet!
Soon, Kirino contacted Shinjo and Horii, who were trapped in the deep-sea ruins. He informed them of the entire plan, preparing to save Tiga from both the inside and outside!
The Light Genetic Converter was quickly deployed into the sea; Shinjo and Horii were responsible for this task!
At Captain Megumi's command, everyone sprang into action. Masaki Keigo was inside, adjusting the values of the Light Genetic Converter.
Rena and the others were responsible for coordinating with Shinjo and Horii, while Hayate and Captain Megumi were tasked with distracting Gatanothor!
In the deep sea, Shinjo and Horii had been waiting. They immediately used mechanical tentacles to grab the Light Genetic Converter and place it against the Color Timer on the chest of Tiga's statue.
At this moment, everything was ready. The light's waveform had been matched!
"This is it! You must wake up, Tiga!" Masaki Keigo shouted!
Light—
That light of hope shone into the interior of Tiga's statue. Daigo woke again from his coma. Bathed in the light, he struggled with all his might!
But this piercing light in this dark world also caught Gatanothor's attention!
It shifted its body, and instantly, a massive tidal wave surged in the sea. The Light Genetic Converter was violently smashed away!
Inside the crystal, Daigo watched in shock as the light vanished, and his body was once again confined!
The light… was gone!
Humanity's last hope had also vanished… 』
『 .....』
〜Ultraman Universe, Tiga Worldline〜
Inexpressible despair filled everyone's hearts.
It felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar. Their eyes were full of despair and grief!
Even the last shred of hope… was gone. They were truly facing the end…
—
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
It's over. Everything is over.
The last hope of waking Tiga has completely vanished. Now, how can the people of that world save Tiga?
Everyone saw clearly that GUTS and all of humanity had staked everything, placing their final hopes on this moment.
But without any surprises, Tiga lost, and humanity lost… Humanity was repeating the mistake of thirty million years ago. Tiga hadn't protected anything…
As everyone thought this, in the next moment, a blinding, brilliant light almost pierced through the screen and shone into the multiverse!
Everyone suddenly showed expressions of shock and awe.
What… is that?!!
.....
『 News spread across the entire world.
The rescue operation had failed. They had completely lost their final hope!
Humanity was on the path to destruction…
Adults lowered their heads, weeping silently in despair. "Tiga is dead. We're really finished. We…"
The adults' words were cut short by a youthful, firm voice!
"…TIGA ISN'T DEAD!!! TIGA WILL DEFINITELY STAND UP AGAIN!!!"
They believed in Tiga! They believed in the Light! Tiga would never lose!
Brilliant golden light erupted from the bodies of countless children!
Like the first, most beautiful, and most brilliant light in the world, they illuminated the entire globe!! 』
『 .....』
『 Viewers of Myriad Worlds 』
Everyone's skin crawled with goosebumps, too shocked to speak a single word.
LIGHT… THIS IS THE TRUE LIGHT!!!
.....