Chapter 108: Reality vs Ideal
Keigo Masaki crossed his arms like a crucifix, unleashing a world-shattering beam that instantly pierced through countless dimensions and shattered the eternal river of time.
Ultraman Tiga let out a soft cry, his hands rotating to form a shield of law, completely nullifying the beam into nothingness.
Keigo Masaki spoke coldly, his manner supremely confident. "Even if this is my first transformation, I am still invincible in this realm."
Back in the laboratory, Raven explained the battle between the two Ultraman to Emperor and Valdor with theatrical flair.
"We can see for ourselves, you don't need to explain in such detail," Valdor suggested quietly.
"What do you know? If I don't embellish it, how can the audience imagine such a scene?" Raven glanced at him dismissively.
"But you're exaggerating too much!" Valdor complained.
"Embellishment, do you understand? I don't want to talk to a Big Corn Cob like you," Raven ignored Valdor and continued enthusiastically. "Ultraman Tiga responded calmly, moving like a divine bird at extreme speed, breaking through space-time restraints and unleashing another killing move."
All Ultraman on Earth have three-minute time limits. Once their energy is depleted, they must retreat. Even these giants faced this basic restriction.
The battle between the two Ultraman quickly reached its conclusion. Keigo Masaki lost by a narrow margin, knocked to the ground. Light faded from his body as he returned to human form and collapsed unconscious.
Ultraman Tiga looked around at the destruction their fight had caused. Realising his own time was running short, he flew into the sky, ending the battle.
The first thing Daigo did after transforming back was rush to the unconscious enemy Ultraman's host. But by the time he arrived, Raven, Emperor, and Valdor were already there.
"So it really is you guys?" Daigo immediately drew his gun and aimed it at the group.
Raven used spatial movement to appear on Daigo's shoulder, tilting his head curiously. "You still owe me two portions of fries and ketchup, don't you? Not only do you not pay me back, but you point a gun at me? Are Ultraman hosts all this rude nowadays?"
"I'll pay you back," Daigo said firmly, "but right now, I'm arresting you. I won't let you cause any more trouble."
"Sorry, but you don't get to decide what's justice and what's evil. See you next time, Daigo." As Raven flapped his wings, Daigo felt dizzy. His legs gave out, and he collapsed unconscious.
When Daigo woke up, the GUTS team members were gathered around him, looking concerned. Raven and his group had long since disappeared.
"I have to find you," Daigo clenched his fist, making a silent vow. "I'll definitely stop whatever you're planning."
In Cytech Corporation's private medical room, Keigo Masaki slowly woke from his coma. The first thing he saw was the Emperor standing beside his bed.
"My Lord," Keigo tried to get up to salute, but his body was too weak. He couldn't even sit up properly.
"Your physical condition remains compromised. Continue recuperating." Emperor's voice held neither warmth nor criticism, simply the measured tone of absolute authority.
"I'm sorry I lost," Keigo said, shame evident in his voice.
"Victory and defeat are transient concerns bearing no relevance to our greater purpose," the Emperor regarded him with analytical detachment. "However, this engagement has revealed a critical deficiency: your psychic fortitude proves insufficient to channel Ultraman's power properly."
The Emperor's gaze remained fixed on Keigo as he outlined the options. "Two paths present themselves: relinquish this power entirely, or submit to technological enhancement of your mental resilience."
"I will not give up!" Keigo's words came out with desperate intensity. "Guiding human evolution and helping humanity survive the coming darkness has always been my goal. I choose to strengthen my spiritual will, My Lord."
"Then you shall undergo the Thought Steel Seal process," the Emperor nodded with satisfaction. "This modification will constrain certain behavioural patterns while restructuring cognitive processes. The result shall be unprecedented mental fortitude and effortless mastery over Ultraman's capabilities."
"Then let's do it, My Lord," Keigo said with determination. "As long as it lets me fulfil my lifelong dream, I'll spare no effort, even if it means sacrificing everything."
The primary challenge with Thought Steel Seal technology was its demanding computational needs, particularly the requirement for processing systems that could map and reshape each neural pathway in the human brain. Fortunately, Cytech Corporation, the World's leading company, had the resources to take on this task.
The improved Thought Steel Seal device, upgraded with the Emperor's psychic technologies, was completed swiftly. Unlike earlier versions that targeted only biological elements, this system now also influences the metaphysical core of consciousness.
Keigo Masaki naturally became the first subject of this change. Once concepts like 'protect humanity,' 'serve the empire,' and 'absolute loyalty' were embedded into his neural network, he no longer had any uncertainty or doubt that could be exploited. All of his previous hesitation, doubts, ego, and arrogance were replaced by relentless conviction.
His next transformation into Ultraman showed perfect synchronisation; there was no loss of control, no wavering of purpose, just perfection.
The initial trial proved successful. The Legion construction project can now begin. The Emperor thoroughly analysed Keigo's post-modification condition. He was pleased with the results after running all tests and verifying everything crucial for the future.
He then began implementing this on a large scale, expanding it from a single person to an entire army.
They already had the genetic templates of the ancient Giants, which could be used as the basis for enhancement seeds compatible with the biological systems of regular soldiers. These modifications would equip the soldiers with the necessary enhancements and genetic abilities to effectively harness Ultraman's Power.
During this period, Daigo was occupied, using all available resources from the TPC headquarters' databases to research Keigo Masaki and Cytech Corporation. After weeks of investigation, he finally obtained some leads, although minor, he preferred not to take any risks.
The next day, he employed Tiga's abilities to breach the underground laboratory, where he uncovered that the Ultraman creation program was currently active.
Daigo cautiously surveyed the laboratory and noticed several sterile chambers filled with a mysterious liquid. As he leaned in for a closer look, what he discovered filled him with horror and anger. He then observed the facility's surroundings, where multiple large Thought Steel Seal machines and production lines were busy manufacturing transformation devices in quantities indicating military applications.
Daigo had found what he was seeking. Cytech was conducting terrible experiments on humans. Once he returned to his team, Kiego Masaki would be exposed, and even Raven and his friends wouldn't stay hidden for long.
Just as he was about to leave, a slow clapping sound echoed from behind. "Well, well, well, who would have thought the Ultraman had a habit of sneaking into restricted private properties?"
Kiego Masaki appeared behind him, walking down the stairs.
"What are you doing to these innocent people, Masaki? What are your evil plans?" Daigo didn't get into an argument with him and kept his focus on gathering more details. If he could find out more about what was happening to these people, he could help them better.
Masaki replied calmly. "Oh, them? Nothing much. They are just going through a simple process of gaining more control over themselves. Once it's done, they will know no fear, no hesitation, no ego, just the most efficient protector of humanity. That will be their only purpose."
Honestly, they didn't care much about exposing the plan at this stage; they had advanced very quickly in little time, and now no one in the world could oppose the Emperor and his forces.
"Are you serious? How can you use technology to force people to go under brainwashing? Don't you feel anything about what you're doing?" Daigo's voice trembled with barely controlled fury.
"Brainwash? Force?" Keigo Masaki approached him, repeating his word almost mockingly, his expression serene despite the accusation.
"No, no one is forcing anyone; everything here is voluntary. And we are definitely not brainwashing anyone to become our super slave. This process gives these good people firm control over themselves. As I said, no fear, no hesitation, no ego, no bias, just pure warriors of justice and protectors of humanity."
Daigo pointed at the Thought Steel Seal machine, his anger flaring. "You're treating people's thoughts like computer programs you can modify! Is there any more terrifying evil in this world? All of you will go to hell someday."
Raven, who was perched nearby, silently watching them, scratched his head in confusion. "Oh my, Daigo is so angry, but he is still blessing us by saying we'll go to hell. As expected from someone chosen by Ultraman Tiga, his heart really is kind."
Raven's word left Daigo speechless for a moment. Since when did being cursed to hell become a blessing? What kind of manics was he dealing with?
At that moment, a man with resolute features and a soldier's stance descended the stairs, exuding discipline and conviction. He directly approached Daigo and inquired, "Are you Ultraman Tiga's host?"
"And you are?" Daigo looked at the unfamiliar figure. Although he could tell from his bearing that this was a man with a military background, he didn't know who this person was.
"My name is Takeshi Koda, and I'm also an Ultraman host." Takeshi showed a spherical transformation device that gleamed with technological precision. "But I'm not as lucky as you. I gained the ability to control Ultraman's power through genetic seeds and the Thought Steel Seal."
"This is wrong, you should not do this, they did evil experiments on you" Daigo looked at the man in front of him, hope flickering in his eyes. This man must have gone through countless experiments to become an Ultraman artificially. He hoped to show this man the right path and convince him to join his side, helping to stop this evil plan.
"Without a righteous heart, wielding Ultraman's power will only bring disaster," he warned.
"What is a righteous heart?" Takeshi asked with genuine curiosity. "We implant thoughts of protecting humanity in ourselves, and work with all our strength to achieve that. Is that wrong?"
"It shouldn't be like this," Daigo pressed. "This machine is stripping away your thoughts, emotions, and what makes us human. Without them, you will have no thoughts of your own and will lose yourself. What's the difference between you and a machine?"
Takeshi stayed completely calm as he replied, "I need to correct you there. The Thought Steel Seal doesn't erase our thoughts; it only strengthens our beliefs and helps us resist temptation. You possess those ancient genes, which make you genetically inclined to learn quickly, be focused, and unusually kind-hearted in our time. That is your genetic talent."
He continued with quiet conviction. "We have no special genes or abilities. However, what we do have is the conviction to protect those we love: our family, our friends, our community, our country, and our world."
"But unlike us, you can fly in to fight some monster and fly away; you don't have to answer to anyone, no reporters, no higher up, no one and people call you a hero for doing that. On the other hand, we are called criminals and monsters if we don't do that. We tell ourselves over and over to work hard, be disciplined, and become better people, but base desires always tempt us."
"We often live with regret and self-blame. Even if we gained Ultraman's power, we couldn't fight our dark side. But the Thought Steel Seal helps us reshape ourselves so we can move forward without wavering in our purpose"
Takeshi's voice carried no defensiveness, just absolute confidence in his beliefs. "You can mock us or judge us from your moral high ground to feed your hypocritical ego that seeks to be seen as good and normal. But we don't see ourselves as wrong because we have become better."
"That's not the point!" Daigo shouted. "Becoming better should come from within, with your efforts, not from external forces, especially not this kind."
"Can a beautiful rose bloom in a barren desert?" Takeshi didn't continue there; instead, he asked a question.
"The desert is barren; it has cactus. How can there be roses in there?" Daigo was confused; he didn't know why he was asked such an obvious question.
"Exactly my point. A barren desert can only grow cactus, while roses only grow in warm, rainy mud." Takeshi laughed, but it carried understanding that comes with age rather than bitterness. "I'm that cactus, and you're that rose. You have your worldview, and we have ours. Why do you say we're wrong and you're right? Is a cactus evil just because it has only thorns and no flowers, unlike the rose?"
"That's not the point," Daigo persisted. "Ultraman's power is meant for protection, but you're treating it as a weapon."
"Ahh, yes, the moment it becomes uncomfortable for your worldview, you disregard the entire point. Tell me this: a gun can be used to kill innocent people, so why don't humans ban guns completely?" Takeshi's rebuttal came swiftly.
"When you use Tiga's power for protection, you are righteous, while when we do the same, you insist we are using it for evil and destruction? Why? What makes you so sacred? What gives you the right? Who even are you to raise fingers at us? Why is it that you, and only you, can decide who is using it for righteousness and who is not?"
Daigo didn't have anything to counter Takashi's argument, but he had firm faith in his belief that what was happening here was wrong, so he said with absolute conviction. "If you truly want to protect humanity, you'll also gain the light's recognition. There's no need for such twisted methods."
Takeshi smiled with understanding tinged by pity, like looking at a naive child indoctrinated by normalness, of a disgusting, hypocritical society. "I pity you, boy, you are just parroting what you have been told since you were kid, you were never really were allowed to think by yourself."
"You live in a world of sunlight with family and friends, a good community, you new channels only talk about progress, and no actual reports on tragedies that have occurred, you are so detached from the ground reality of people that you think the whole world is bright."
"There is never a lack of people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others? I've seen young men and women so noble they're like suns you can't look at directly."
Takashi's voice grew more intense; if he had not gone through the Seal process, he might have been shouting now. Even then, the sorrow in his eyes, reflecting memories of people young and old he once knew, was clearly visible.
But did they earn the acknowledgement of the light? No. I have seen resolute men stand against tyranny, soldiers fighting until their bullets ran out, until every inch of their bodies was riddled with holes; fathers enduring hell to raise their children; mothers making countless sacrifices, sacrificing their dignity and respect in society for their children; firefighters risking and losing their lives to save others; doctors sacrificing everything to protect their patients."
"Countless others have fought to defend their homes and innocent lives with their last ounce of strength. Did they receive recognition from your light? NO, they did not.
Takeshi's words carried the weight of his own life's hard experience. "So many noble people, why did only you gain recognition? Because the prerequisite for gaining the light's recognition is possessing those damn genes. This world is unfair, just like there are so many hardworking people, but only a few of them achieve the success they desire."
The challenge in his voice was unmistakable. "Or are you saying only people like you are qualified for Ultraman's power, and we all should just accept our lot as supporting characters in your heroic story?"
"I never thought that way," Daigo protested, but his voice was shaking, standing for the first time against a man who was showing him the mirror of reality instead of hollow words he didn't have any counter to at all. "I just believe humanity can overcome everything with its own strength; we don't need to do this to people."
"Then why don't you give up your Tiga's power and fight like a normal human you believe in?" Takeshi pressed. "Answer me, when you will see GUTS members in danger, when you will witness innocent people being hurt, can you guarantee you still won't use Tiga's power?"
'That's not the same thing,' Daigo wanted to say that, but felt his argument was weak and hollow, nothing more than hypocrisy.
Takeshi's voice carried patient certainty. "Boy having a sword but not using it and not having a sword at all are two different things. We possess Ultraman's power, but that doesn't mean we'll do evil. You speak and give speeches about humanity, but we are the humanity you speak of, and I tell you we are just seeking a safe way to use this power and protect ourselves."
"You don't want us to weaponise Ultraman's power? But can you make those monsters and evil gods who want to destroy this world abandon their invasion?"
Daigo was left speechless. Although he wanted to argue, no counterarguments came to mind. Defeat showed on his face, and he avoided eye contact with the man in front of him. Ultimately, he couldn't say anything and turned his head to the left, lost in thought.
"Don't be so sad, little one," Raven landed on Daigo's shoulder out of nowhere, his voice surprisingly gentle, his feather gently patting his head in comfort.
Tiga's combat power was excellent, making it strategically necessary to persuade him to join their cause. If they encountered the Land of Light and conflict broke out, having Tiga switch sides would create massive complications.
"I have nothing to say, Raven. I lost completely, not a fight, but my belief that I thought my whole life was right. Daigo's voice carried the thoughtfulness of a man realising the reality for what it was, and not the flowery dreams that society, with its so-called normal people, wrapped it in.
Diago looked up and said, "Oh, yes, I'll get you those fries; I owe you whenever you want; just tell me."
"Justice and evil are just definitions people create," Raven observed casually. "Why must everything be divided into just and unjust? It's better to think about how to make people happily eat delicious fries and ketchup."
""Are you trying to promote that so-called God of Fries and Ketchup again?" Daigo asked, with a flicker of his old spirit returning. He was well aware of this new religion and club dedicated to the God of Fries and Ketchup, especially since social media was flooded with memes and people posting videos about how good the new religion/club was.
"Do you see a problem with that, Daigo? People always like to distinguish between hell and heaven, to divide justice and evil. The problem is that there are many kinds of justice and many kinds of evil. From different perspectives, it looks different."
Raven's voice carried genuine thoughtfulness despite his whimsical nature. "No one can clearly tell whether what they're doing is just or evil. Humans slaughter cattle and sheep; are humans evil? Are you going to punish people who work in slaughterhouses?"
"From another perspective, when monsters slaughter humans, are they truly evil from the monsters' viewpoint? They might think, 'I just want to fill my belly or have some fun', what bad intentions could they have?"
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