"Ultraman... Cosmos?" Hearing that name, Albert recalled a blue figure.
He really didn't know much about Ultraman.
This Ultraman Cosmos—his only impression was a gentle-natured Ultraman not good at combat.
This phenomenon was extremely common. Ask about Tiga? He could describe several form characteristics... But other Ultramen? Completely unfamiliar.
"With Cosmos's help, can we really resolve this war?" He couldn't help worrying.
In his understanding, Cosmos might not even match current Natsuki's combat ability.
The moment he said that, before Natsuki could explain—
Lucas, who'd already fully latched onto Ultraman's coattails, spoke directly: "Don't underestimate Cosmos."
"Though his Luna Mode has purification and healing abilities, his combat power is also top-tier."
"The Neo Baltan aliens who could easily destroy a civilization couldn't gain any advantage against Luna Mode Cosmos... Moreover, Cosmos has multiple forms specialized in combat."
"If it's Cosmos who's cleared all content coming to this world? Complete massacre."
"Forget Level Ten Kaiju—even if you produced Level One Hundred Kaiju, wouldn't necessarily work. Push Cosmos to his limit? Some universe-level Ultraman might pop out."
Lucas understood Ultraman fairly well. Paid plenty of attention in his youth.
Any Ultraman who'd completed their TV series—each one absurdly overpowered.
Hearing that, Albert nodded. As expected... Ultramen were all unreasonably strong guys.
Hearing this guy understood Cosmos so well, with that admiring expression—
Natsuki quickly asked: "What about me? What about me?"
"You know Ultraman Lias?"
Natsuki's eyes filled with expectation. Wanted to hear this guy recount his various heroic achievements from youth.
Forget his current semi-retired state—when he was young, fighting desperately against invaders across cosmic star systems, saving countless planetary civilizations—those were his glories.
"Well..." Lucas wanted to say he had zero impression. But meeting Natsuki's expectant gaze, the words reached his lips but wouldn't come out.
Seeing his hesitation—
The expectant smile on Natsuki's face first froze. Then his leaning-forward body silently withdrew. Expressionless. Then leaned back in his chair. Face twisted.
The old Ultra prepared to sulk for a while.
After lunch break.
Tachikawa Base. Third Unit First Training Ground.
A vast stadium. Plenty of supporting exercise equipment around the edges. Several Defense Force vehicles parked outside. Figures admired by citizens emerged.
"Is that guy really as strong as Commander Shinomiya said?"
"Hey, Narumi, answer me!"
"Or your game console's done for!" A man with golden-red long hair like a lion looked at Gen Narumi beside him. Frowned. Spoke with dissatisfaction.
Jura Igarashi. Height 193cm. Active Second Unit Captain...
This man—tall build, explosive temper, flamboyant eyebrows. When speaking, you could see orthodontic wires.
Beside him, Gen Narumi held a handheld console. Completely immersed in gaming. Wasn't watching the road but didn't stumble either.
Hearing Igarashi threaten him with his game console, veins instantly bulged on his forehead.
"Hah!?"
"Try it if you dare!" For pure shut-in Narumi, his game console was his life. This guy was threatening his existence!
A mere Second Unit captain daring to disrespect him, First Unit's captain!
Bold!
"Alright, alright. We'll see for ourselves soon enough." As they argued, a scruffy-faced man with thick beard walked over. Mediated.
Jugo Ogata. Height 183cm. Active Fourth Unit Captain...
This man looked around forty. Flat hair with two long strands at his forehead. Carried a bottle. His words carried alcohol scent.
"You guy... never without alcohol." Captain Igarashi saw his bottle. Frowned.
"Haha, alcohol's a good thing."
They walked toward the stadium center.
Main members from other units had basically gathered there already.
"Gathering all Defense Force elites like this... If Kaiju appear in our respective jurisdictions, we definitely won't make it in time for support."
"Soshiro, are you certain our gains from this trip will exceed the risks we'll face?" Beside Soshiro Hoshina, a man half a head taller with white hair tied back asked him.
Soichiro Hoshina. Active Sixth Unit Captain...
Defense Force Sixth Unit's captain. Soshiro Hoshina's older brother.
"Of course."
"Fight that guy once, you'll understand—he's more monstrous than monsters." Soshiro squinted at his brother. His eyes seemed to hold competitive meaning.
They'd learned Hoshina-style swordsmanship together since childhood. But Soshiro had far less talent than his brother. His brother joined the Defense Force first, learned family swordsmanship faster... So Soichiro was always his target to chase.
Soichiro also feared his younger brother somewhat. This kid's competitive drive meant he'd pester him for sparring all day. Most terrifying—no matter how fast he progressed, this brother would gradually catch up at a slow pace.
"These... are the Defense Force's most elite forces. Each unit's captains and vice-captains... Just looking at them, you can feel how strong they are!"
Behind Soshiro, Kafka Hibino looked at these people gathered at the stadium center. Eyes sparkling.
These faces frequently appeared in newspapers. Now assembled here—what a feast for the eyes!
"Right now, I'm still quite distant from them." Reno Ichikawa looked at these captain-level figures. Unconsciously clenched his fists.
Next, he'd receive Natsuki-sensei's training alongside these people.
His Combat Power Release was only 50%. Captain-level members had at least 90%+ release.
He'd joined the Defense Force very recently. Training time also very short. But... regarding the will to eliminate Kaiju and protect others? He absolutely wouldn't lose to these people.
"I'll prove to Natsuki-sensei—I can surpass them." Reno looked at these strong individuals. Eyes filled with determination to exceed them.
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