Ultraman: This Belial only wants to make money.

Chapter 18. Something That Never Fades

"Cheers!"

The neon lights mingled, glasses clinked together, and the lights were so bright.

After that giant machine in the sky was destroyed, the darkness of yesterday was gone, and the moon once again shone its gentle light on the earth. But the light on the ground was even brighter than the moonlight. If yesterday was the darkest day in the history of human civilization, then there is no night brighter than tonight.

The neon lights, the streetlights—wherever there is human activity, there is an abundance of light. Many drunkards lie on both sides of the road, but the cheerful people on the road look at them with tolerant eyes. After all, when the night is over, people always have to find a way to celebrate.

Restaurants and pubs were packed, with golden beer glasses clinking and people chatting animatedly, making it difficult to find a seat.

But the heroes who save the Earth still have certain privileges.

"This is top-grade sake, best enjoyed in a pine cup, with a unique and delicate aroma."

The bookish Akihisa took a small sip of the wine, revealing a look of intoxication.

As the team's technical expert, he needs to keep a clear head at all times. Moreover, a single bottle of top-quality sake costs him half a month's salary, but today he opened his wallet and toasted to celebrate the victory. Who can criticize him?

Two women in the team, Asami Akako and another teammate, were having a drinking contest. Both of them were heavy drinkers, and the glasses on the table were piled high, but they still couldn't determine a winner.

Captain Tamura also showed a genuine smile at this moment. With this storm that could have destroyed the earth over, he felt much more relaxed. It would be even better if he didn't have to write a lengthy post-event report.

However, the final stroke of the report remained elusive.

Has the storm really passed?

The official propaganda is that Zetton is a one-of-a-kind weapon used by aliens to destroy Earth. However, this claim cannot fool anyone here. In fact, as long as that inspector from the Land of Light exists, he will still consider humanity to be filth that must be eliminated. Weapons like Zetton will probably keep coming to Earth.

"Excuse me... may I sit here?"

A well-dressed young man appeared silently beside the group.

The crowd looked at each other with puzzled expressions, wondering who this overly friendly young man was.

Until Ultraman, or better yet, Shinji Kaminari, raised his hand to the young man.

"You've come, Zoffy—"

"Hello, Ultraman, no, it would be more appropriate to call you Shinji Kaminari."

"So, what would you like me to call you, Zoffy?"

Jin Yi picked up the conversation. Zoffy's appearance seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

"In fact, this appearance..."

Zoffy pointed to himself.

"I took my name from an astronaut from outer space. If you don't mind, you can also call me Shingo Sakamizu."

Seeing the wary expressions on the faces of the crowd, Zoffy forced a smile, but perhaps because it was his first time imitating someone, the smile didn't look natural.

"Don't panic. Humans on Earth don't need to be so tense on joyous days. I am not an unromantic person."

His eyes were fixed on Ultraman, or rather, on Shinji Kaminaga.

"Your actions have proven that humanity is entitled to survive. On behalf of the Star of Light, I apologize for your rash decision."

Zoffy lowered his head.

really.

Jin Yi held the wine bottle, filled a glass, and only then did his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settle down. The plan had succeeded.

According to Lipia's original plan, to defeat Zetton, it would require the concerted efforts of scientists from all over the world to decipher the message left behind by Ultraman, banish Ultraman and Zetton together to the black hole, and prove that human "intelligence" is enough to earn the respect of the Star of Light.

However, Jin Yi was destined to have no part in this performance.

Zetton is something Jin Yi is determined to obtain. In order to save his own life, he must get Zetton to fight against Belial in the cage.

So he revised the script, significantly increasing his own screen time.

Intervening in the Fate Team with a friendly attitude, rescuing the savior, and dismissing the ambitious Mephiras aliens with a few words, thus guaranteeing the autonomy of Earthlings.

At this moment, the stage lights had already shifted to this uninvited supporting actor.

In the end, he gave his life to Shinji Kaminari, and this guy, worthy of being the original protagonist, displayed extraordinary courage and responsibility, and with extraordinary courage, he reunited with Ultraman, bringing the performance to a perfect end.

This is a show, but all the actors must be prepared to risk their lives.

The sole purpose of the performance is no longer to showcase human wisdom, but to reveal something else that is missing in the universe constructed by Hideaki Anno.

"like"

Only the scales of love can make two mismatched things equal.

Ultraman fell in love with a human he shouldn't have, and the human, in turn, entrusted his life to Ultraman with courage and love.

Rather than discussing those cold and obscure data, or those more ethereal and uncertain grand futures, the small, warm candlelight flickering at our fingertips is far more moving.

"There's one more thing—"

Upon hearing Zoffy's decision regarding Earth, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that at least no second mechanical Zetton would descend upon Earth. However, Zoffy's next words put everyone's hearts in their throats again.

"I am here to deliver my verdict regarding Libya."

Merging with humans is a major taboo in the Land of Light. Ultraman is the savior of humanity, but he has indeed violated the laws of his homeland and should be punished.

Ultraman lowered his head.

"Libia has violated the laws of the Land of Light and should return to the Land of Light to receive punishment, but—"

After a pause, Zoffy delivered his verdict.

"Ultraman's life does not belong to him alone, but is shared with the Earthling Shinichi. The Star of Light respects the self-will of intelligent life and will not interfere with human decisions."

"Therefore, the right to declare is yours, God Eternal New II."

The latter, however, firmly uttered the verdict from his throat.

"Innocent!"

"Yeah!"

There couldn't be a better ending. After a moment of silence, a mountain of cheers erupted. It seemed that everyone had found happiness. Zoffy then turned around, wanting to leave.

A hand grabbed Zoffy and casually put its arm around his shoulder.

"You really have no sense of romance, you rascal, Po Shui."

"Are you Mr. Jin Yi?"

Zoffy no longer felt the same way he had last time, and looked at Jin Yi with a questioning gaze.

"As a messenger who brings joy to everyone, how can I leave first? Please sit down!"

Jin Yi left his seat and, with a bit of force, forced Zoffy back into his seat, filled his glass with wine, and handed it to Zoffy.

"Have a drink."

The liquor went down his throat, spicy yet with a strange warmth. This absurd "drunkenness" was a feeling Zoffy had never experienced before, a feeling that belonged to humanity.

"It doesn't feel bad."

At this moment, Jin Yi, emboldened by alcohol, made a direct announcement.

"Keep the music playing, keep dancing! Tonight's entire bill is on me, Young Master Jin!"

Doesn't the FOT team still have plenty of funds?

----------

While everyone was caught up in the revelry, Jin Yi quietly left.

Although I really want to stay, there is one thing I have to deal with.

Walking into the dark alley, Jin Yi leaned against the cold wall and slowly slid down.

"That fucking hurts!"

Jin Yi's face was pale.

Belial's power was almost equivalent to a demonic pact; with each transformation, he sank deeper into the abyss. After the second transformation, pain coiled around Jin Yi like a snake, accompanied by Belial's roar. It was no longer a mental invasion, but a cellular-level possession.

Fortunately, he had alcohol to relieve the pain, which prevented him from showing any abnormality at the banquet. However, if he didn't do something tonight, he might not be the one to wake up tomorrow.

"The ultimate savior? That's interesting."

Jin Yi muttered to himself, took out the Ultimate Combat Device from his pocket, and after a flash, the Ultimate Combat Device transformed into the shape of a revolver.

"But... can you even save yourself? You insect!"

It was no longer a hallucination; the voice coming from my ears undoubtedly belonged to Belial.

"I thought it was someone else... Oh, it's you—"

"Beria, you stray dog."

P.S. Zoffy's Earth name, Shingo Sakamizu, is the only human form name of Zoffy in the Ultraman TV series, originating from Ultraman Mebius.