Washington, D.C. — a residential building was engulfed in flames.
"My child's still inside! Someone, please help!"
A terrified couple tried to rush into the blaze, but others held them back. The fire was far too fierce.
Boom!!
A burst of heat and light — and then Heatblast landed in front of the building, two children safely in his arms.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Inside Grandpa Max's rusted RV, Ethen watched the live broadcast with a smile.
"This is Ben's first real hero moment," he said proudly. "He's doing pretty well."
He made a note to himself: it was time to properly train Ben.
From now on, Ben could handle the smaller missions — and Ethen would take care of the heavy hitters.
"Grand Opening Today! The biggest supermarket in Bellwood — we've got everything!"
The excited voice came from the radio as the team drove.
Grandpa Max grinned. "Once Ben's back, we'll stop by there for supplies."
Not long after, the RV pulled into the parking lot of a huge supermarket. The four climbed out and stepped inside.
Rows of colorful shelves stretched in every direction, packed with food and gadgets. The place was bustling.
"I'll grab ingredients for dinner," said Grandpa Max, pushing a cart toward the seafood section.
He stopped at a tank of live turtles, muttering about "fresh protein" as he examined them.
Meanwhile, Ethen, Ben, and Gwen wandered aimlessly through the aisles — until something caught Ben's eye.
"Rampage Sumo Limited Edition chips!" he exclaimed. "If you're lucky, you might get the Gold Card inside!"
In this world, Rampage Sumo was practically legendary.
Any kid who owned a Gold Card was instantly the coolest in school.
"Ben, you dork," Gwen teased. "We don't have that kind of money. Or are you betting on one-shot luck again?"
"Hey, I've got powers now, remember?" Ben tapped the Omnitrix screen with a grin and hovered over Spitter.
But then… he hesitated.
Was it really okay to use alien power for something like this?
Ethen noticed and smiled approvingly. "At least he's learning restraint," he thought.
He stepped forward. "Ben, let me handle it."
"Huh? Ethen, you're gonna transform?" Ben asked, confused.
"Ethen, we really don't need that many chips…" Gwen added, pulling out a crumpled ten-dollar bill.
Ethen didn't respond. He simply pulled out a black card and handed it to the cashier.
"Charge it. And I'll take every bag on this shelf."
The clerk blinked. "Sir, you're joking, right—wait… the card went through!?"
The man's eyes went wide with excitement. "Oh my— you're serious! Right away, sir!"
Gwen's jaw dropped. "How much money do you have!?"
Ben's eyes gleamed. "So, this is the power of money…!"
Ethen crossed his arms, serious. "Remember, Ben. If something can be solved with money, it's not a problem. Don't rely on the Omnitrix for everything."
He wasn't exaggerating — even as a trainee Plumber, Ethen had already saved up tens of thousands of dollars.
Not bad for a high school hero.
"Boss," Ben said, eyes shining. "From now on, I'm following your lead!"
Soon, the three of them sat on the floor, tearing open bag after bag.
After dozens of tries, Ben finally pulled out a shimmering Rampage Sumo Gold Card, drawing envious looks from nearby kids.
Boom!!
Suddenly, the ground trembled violently. A thunderous crash echoed from the distance.
Ethen's expression darkened. He knew that sound — Dr. Animo had arrived.
Ben and Gwen looked alarmed, thinking it was another Vilgax attack.
Ding! New Mission Issued — "Mad Biologist Dr. Animo"
Objective: Repel Dr. Animo's giant bullfrog and prevent civilian casualties.
Reward: 5 Reward Points.
Ethen's eyes sharpened. He stepped out from behind the shelves, gaze locking on the electronics section.
There — sitting like a small car — was a giant mutant bullfrog, croaking lowly.
Perched on its back, a crazed-looking man in a tattered coat and horned helmet rummaged through boxes of electronics.
"Hahaha! Just like the ad said—this store really does have everything I need!" Animo crowed.
Bang!
Green light flashed as Ben slammed the Omnitrix down. In a burst of energy, Four Arms appeared — towering, muscular, and ready for battle.
"Ethen, let me handle this weirdo!" Four Arms cracked his knuckles. "If I stop Animo, I'll complete the mission too!"
Ethen nodded. "Go for it."
Four Arms charged across the aisle, shouting, "Hey! What are you feeding that bullfrog? Protein shakes!?"
Dr. Animo spun, sneering. "Another mutant freak? Bullfrog—deal with him! Don't interrupt my work!"
The massive frog leapt forward, its jaws gaping.
Four Arms caught it mid-air and slammed it into the floor, locking in a chokehold.
Within seconds, the frog went limp — out cold.
"Not bad," Ethen muttered.
Animo's eyes narrowed. "Tch. Troublesome brat."
He snapped a switch on his Gene Variator, and the device on his chest began to glow ominously. "Then I'll get serious!"
Three arcs of green electricity shot from his helmet — striking the pet section.
Hamsters ballooned in size, shrieking as they charged forward.
A bearded dragon grew massive, stomping through shelves.
And a Brazilian turtle transformed into a hulking, tank-like monster with a snapping jaw.
The supermarket descended into chaos as Four Arms fought desperately to hold them back.
Ding! Mission Update — "Repel Dr. Animo's Mutant Beasts"
Reward: 10 Reward Points!
Ethen sighed. "Guess I'm up."
He raised his wrist. The Ultimatrix on his arm glowed with green light.
"Ethen, what's going on with your watch?" Gwen gasped.
Even Grandpa Max, who had hurried over, stared in disbelief. "That… that's not the same Omnitrix!"
Ethen smirked. "Just a little upgrade."
He turned the dial — the holographic silhouette of Atomix appeared.
"Time to clean up."
Click.
A surge of power exploded outward, his body expanding, glowing green light spilling across the supermarket.