When Fukude Kei unlocked Nebula Manor's encrypted system, no one objected.
RE.M. would never betray them, and while Kei's reliability was questionable, he had to be healed if their plan was to succeed.
So, under Laiha and Riku's watchful eyes, Kei was allowed to stay at Nebula Manor.
Former enemy turned ally—the arrangement felt strange to Riku.
As for Laiha, she never let her guard down. Every day she kept a sword in hand, ready to strike in case Kei tried anything.
A few days later, Ryuu Aihara suddenly visited Yu Zhou's home.
Or rather—Hikari in disguise.
"Hikari, my special gear—is it ready?" Yu Zhou asked, leaning back on the sofa. He had long been waiting for this.
"Mn." Hikari nodded, transforming into human size with a wave of his hand. On the table appeared three shimmering pieces of equipment.
"These should prove very useful to you."
"The first," Hikari explained, picking up a silver band, "is modeled after the abilities of Zero and Dyna—a Dimensional Travel Bracelet."
Yu Zhou transformed into human-size and fastened the bracelet onto his free wrist.
"Dimensional travel? Now this is a good one," he said with a satisfied nod.
"The second," Hikari continued, lifting a crystal, "is a Form Conversion Storage Crystal, crafted specifically for you. Each time you shift forms—say, from Power Type to Sky Type—you can store the released energy inside this crystal. Later, you can channel it even while in another form."
"So if I switch to Sky Type," Yu Zhou tested, fusing the crystal into the gem on his forehead, "I can still call on Power Type strength?"
"Exactly."
Yu Zhou switched back and forth, storing and releasing the energy. In Sky Type, he unleashed the Power Type's raw strength and laughed. "This is… actually amazing."
"And the last," Hikari held up a glowing blue gem, "is a Light Storage Jewel. I made this one specifically for you, Tiga."
"Light storage? You mean just a backup battery?" Yu Zhou frowned. "I don't think I need that. Ever since the Plasma Spark strengthened me, I have more than enough light."
Hikari shook his head.
"Not ordinary light. This jewel can store light born from the heart—hope, courage, bonds. It can preserve emotional light, the kind needed for a shining evolution."
Yu Zhou froze. His expression turned sharp with surprise.
As expected of the so-called greatest scientist of the Land of Light—Hikari had made something truly extraordinary.
Hope's light, heart's light… these were the exact conditions needed for Shining Tiga.
In the ruins of R'lyeh, Yu Zhou had already once been infused with ancient light, storing a passive charge of Shining power.
But this was different. This jewel would let him actively store such light.
"…Then I'll gladly take it." Yu Zhou accepted the jewel with both hands.
"No need to thank me," Hikari replied. "When the time comes to face Belial, we'll all be counting on you."
Yu Zhou almost wanted to laugh—if Geed was there, Belial might not even need him to fight.
And if their plan to purify Belial worked, there'd be no battle at all.
Still, Hikari didn't know the King of Ultra's intentions, nor that they sought purification instead of destruction.
After delivering the equipment, he turned to leave for the Land of Light.
"Wait, don't rush off so fast." Yu Zhou canceled his transformation, grinning. "Since you're here already, lend a hand."
Hikari blinked. "Help? I'm just a scientist. Against Belial, I'm useless in combat."
"…" Yu Zhou nearly choked.
This was the same guy who once flattened Galactron in a handful of moves, claiming now to be helpless?
Still, Yu Zhou quickly remembered something else.
"Actually, Hikari, there is one thing. Kei's body still contains converted dark energy within his Phase Reversal Organ. If you could extract it, that would be a huge help."
…
Hikari, back in Ryuu Aihara's form, followed Yu Zhou down into Nebula Manor's underground base. After listening carefully to the situation, he frowned, eyes fixed on the cyan glow pulsing from Kei's chest.
"Any ideas?" Yu Zhou pressed. Everyone else fell silent, waiting for Hikari's answer.
"…Perhaps you should try using the Light Storage Jewel I just gave you," Hikari suggested. "It can store light energy—and dark power as well."
"You serious?" Yu Zhou's brows shot up. "That works too?"
"Have him press it to his chest and direct the dark energy into it," Hikari instructed.
Yu Zhou handed the jewel to Kei.
Already resolved to restore Belial, Kei didn't resist. He pressed the jewel against his chest and slowly channeled the darkness out.
Bit by bit, the cyan glow left his body, seeping into the jewel. Its color deepened from blue to jet black.
"Is… is it working?" Riku whispered, eyes locked on the shifting gem.
After a long while, the last trace of light in Kei's chest dimmed. What remained in his hands was a jewel of pure, abyssal black.
"The dark energy has been fully transferred," Hikari confirmed.
Yu Zhou took the jewel. "And now? Can it still store light energy?"
Hikari shook his head. "Not until the darkness is expended. Only once it's emptied can it store light again."
He then added, "But you, Tiga—you've held a Dark form before. Perhaps this jewel could empower that transformation."
Yu Zhou clicked his tongue. At first, he felt it was a waste of such a rare artifact. But on second thought—he already carried one stored charge of Shining light within him. Having another reservoir of darkness might actually be useful.
After all, when he had lost himself as Dark Tiga, the power was overwhelming. If he could now channel that state consciously—with this jewel—he might grasp that strength once again.
Kei, freed of the burden, felt lighter than ever before. Yet unease lingered in his heart: what if he failed to restore Belial? Then surely, these three Ultramen would show Belial no mercy.
Hikari, his task complete, returned to the Land of Light.
As he always claimed—he was "just a scientist," not fit for combat.
Yu Zhou didn't press him. After all, back during Belial's original rebellion, Hikari had gone down in a handful of blows. Against Belial now, he would stand no chance.
…Or so he claimed. Yu Zhou wasn't convinced. A genius who could hand out cheats like candy surely had some of his own.
"Wait a second… I forgot to ask Hikari to make me a Fusion Riser!" Yu Zhou suddenly realized. With that, maybe he too could access new forms.
He scratched his head, then sighed.
"Forget it. I've already got three upgrades. That's more than enough."