Ultraman: It turns out this is the easy mode.

The cool moonlight shone through the broken windows of the villa, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air still carried the faint scent of energy and dust from the battle.

The man and the beast stood silently facing each other for a moment beside the devastated ruins, with only the rustling of the evening breeze through the rubble.

Finally, Cui Ming broke the silence. He took two steps forward, his gaze slowly sweeping over the familiar gun parts on the massive body of the gun monster. His tone remained as gentle as if he were chatting with an old friend he had been with for many years, and he asked softly, "So, old buddy, what do you plan to do now?"

Upon hearing Cui Ming's question, the gun-wielding monster's massive head twitched slightly, its movements slow and hesitant.

The faint purple energy in its eye sockets flickered weakly, the light shining and dimming, clearly revealing an undisguised confusion.

Yes... what should I do?

Prior to this, its entire consciousness and obsession revolved around "eliminating the enemy invading Earth," and every attack and every action had a clear objective.

Now that the Kirieloids have been completely eliminated, the core obsession that supported its actions has suddenly dissipated, and for the first time it has fallen into an unprecedented state of helplessness—without a target to fight, those who carried the fighting will of Cui Ming do not know where to go for a moment, as if they have lost the meaning of their existence.

Seeing the undisguised confusion in the monster's eyes, Cui Ming smiled gently, his eyes and brows showing a knowing warmth.

He already understood that this monster had only recently emerged from its weapon fusion form, and its consciousness was still based on the most basic instincts of "fighting" and "protecting," and it had not yet formed a complete self-awareness.

It is indeed difficult to expect such a newly born consciousness to immediately figure out its future direction.

Cui Ming didn't pursue this grand question further. Instead, he quickly changed the subject, posing a more practical question to plan for the future: "What's your current situation? Are you able to shrink your size on your own? What type of energy do you need to maintain your current form or switch forms?"

"Roar--"

The gun-wielding monster lowered its head slightly and let out a deep, clear roar at Cui Ming.

This roar lacked the ferocity and intimidation of the battlefield; instead, it carried a hint of docility and dependence. The energy fluctuations were stable and regular, as if it were earnestly responding to every question Cui Ming asked.

Cui Ming listened intently, analyzing the energy information contained in the roar. He quickly pieced together all the key information: they could autonomously control their size and freely switch back to their original weapon forms; the energy required to maintain their forms was not complicated, requiring only basic electricity; more importantly, through combat and adaptation with the Kirieloids, they had completely taken control of the Eboron cells within their bodies. Those cells that had originally tried to parasitize and control them could no longer cause trouble and were now firmly imprisoned in the energy core, becoming one of the energy sources that drove their forms.

Following the energy guidance emanating from the monster, Cui Ming focused his gaze on the energy core in its chest.

Through the outer dark purple energy barrier, one can clearly see the pale purple Eberon cells inside writhing and struggling wildly, like wild beasts trapped in a cage, yet unable to break through that seemingly thin but actually incredibly tough energy confinement.

Seeing this, Cui Ming slowly nodded, a clear hint of approval flashing in his eyes, his tone carrying a touch of certainty: "Well done, you didn't let those damned cells succeed, you didn't let me down."

"Roar?"

Another short, hesitant roar rang out. This time, the monster's head drooped slightly, and a faint unease lingered in the energy fluctuations.

Cui Ming instantly understood the meaning behind the roar—the monster was tentatively asking if, now that the intruders had been completely eliminated and its mission accomplished, it had lost its value in continuing to exist? Should Cui Ming issue an order to make it self-destruct, ending everything completely and not becoming an unnecessary burden?

“No need, old friend.” Cui Ming immediately shook his head firmly, his tone resolute and without the slightest hesitation. “You don’t need to disappear. On the contrary, you can continue to help me protect this land and continue to be my right-hand men.”

He paused, raised his hand and gently patted the monster's cold metal shell, feeling the heavy texture in his palm, and thought for the safest advice, "However, I suggest that you keep your original firearms in normal times. This will make them easier to hide and store, and will not cause panic among ordinary people due to their huge size. When there is a need for combat, you can switch to monster form to join the battle."

At this point, Cui Ming's tone shifted slightly, and his gaze returned to the struggling Ebolon cells at the monster's energy core.

His gaze sharpened, like a hunter spotting highly valuable prey. A meaningful smile slowly crept onto his lips, and his tone held a hint of amusement: "As for this..."

"I think we will capitalize on our success."

Cui Ming narrowed his eyes slightly, his mind already racing—these Ebolon cells, though treacherous and cunning, possessed extremely strong energy conversion capabilities and biofusion properties, making them excellent research material.

If we can conduct targeted research and modification, extract their core characteristics and apply them to our own weapon development, it might bring about a qualitative breakthrough for existing weapons, or even develop a completely new combat capability system, further enhancing our own and the Victory Team's combat capabilities.

Thinking of this, the light in his eyes grew even brighter, clearly indicating that he had already come up with a preliminary research direction.

The Eberon cells, firmly imprisoned in the energy core, clearly captured the changes in Cui Ming's eyes and the deeper meaning in his words, thanks to their unique cellular perception, and instantly fell into a desperate collapse.

They twisted and struggled even more frantically, their pale purple cells trembling slightly from extreme fear, constantly crashing against the energy barrier, but they could only look in vain at that cold and calculating gaze, feeling the bone-chilling fear from the depths of their souls, and even their energy fluctuations became chaotic.

The cells of Ebolon were almost in tears.

Damn it, why?! Why did they have to encounter such a terrifying thing?!
The cells of Ebolon wailed in their hearts, filled with endless regret and despair.

They just wanted to find a powerful host to parasitize and reproduce, and to enhance their own power. How did they end up like this?

First, the attempt to parasitize the weapon failed, and instead, it was controlled by these lifeless guns, becoming a pure energy source. Now, having finally survived until the end of the battle, it thought it had a glimmer of hope, but it is about to be used as an experimental subject by this cunning human, and even complete annihilation has become a luxury.

Endless regret and despair surged like a tide, instantly overwhelming the consciousness of all the Eberon cells, leaving them almost without the strength to struggle.

The gun-wielding monster's massive head slowly nodded, its heavy metal joints emitting a soft "click," as if solemnly responding to Cui Ming's proposal. Since Cui Ming had already given a clear arrangement and promised to continue protecting this land as partners, then let's continue along this path of agreement.

However, it seemed to have unfinished demands. The dark purple energy in its eye sockets flickered a few times, and then it let out a deep and clear "roar" at Cui Ming. The energy fluctuations were stable and had a clear direction. Unlike before, it was not confused, but rather had a more determined demand.

"Oh, is it for post-battle maintenance?" Cui Ming instantly understood the information contained in the roar. He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized and showed a gentle smile. He reached out and gently patted the cold metal shell of the gun monster, his fingertips could clearly feel the faint residual warmth after the battle.

"That's right. Although we gave you a thorough maintenance yesterday and checked the operation of every gun part, you've just been through a fierce battle, so there's bound to be some wear and tear on the core parts like the barrel and joints."

"Alright, I'll handle this. You all go back to the villa's collection room and rest."

"By the way, remember to keep the energy barrier in your body stable on the way, and keep those Eberon cells firmly under control. Don't let them take the opportunity to cause trouble. I will arrange special lines to take care of the power needed for you to maintain your form, and ensure a sufficient supply."

Cui Ming paused here, his eyes gradually filled with a sense of relief and emotion, and the smile on his lips became more genuine: "It's really great to be able to fight alongside you like this again. I haven't felt this sense of security in a long time."

“I always said that it was the right thing to keep you all in the first place. All these years of careful maintenance and care have finally paid off.”

The gun-wielding monster nodded solemnly again, its massive body swaying slightly as if expressing its approval and joy.

The purplish light in his eye sockets softened, losing its battlefield ferocity and previous confusion, replaced by a sense of peace as if he had found his home.

Indeed, it is wonderful to be able to get rid of the worry that "we will perish after our mission is accomplished," to stay by Cui Ming's side as a fighting comrade once again, and to regain the meaning of protecting the land.

This feeling of being needed and being able to walk alongside it brought a clearer warmth to its previously vague consciousness.

The Eberon cells, which were firmly imprisoned in the energy core of the gun-wielding monster, captured the entire conversation and interaction between the human and the beast using their unique sensory abilities.

They had been struggling in despair, but now they were completely driven to despair, screaming in despair: No! No! This is not the ending they wanted!

Isn't anyone speaking out for these victims of coercion?!
They are clearly pitiful creatures controlled by firearms and used as energy sources, and now they are forced to participate in the so-called "protection" without any room for resistance. They are even treated as tools that need "regular maintenance," and even a brief respite has become a luxury!

Ebolon Cells: No!!! This isn't how the plot works!!! Why did you all reconcile so easily? It wasn't supposed to be like this in the story! You were supposed to argue more because of me, then increase my power, occasionally give me electricity, then realize you can't control me, and finally, during my rampage! You'd realize there was no way to stop it, and then you'd have to destroy the monster while some of me secretly escaped! How could you all suddenly understand each other and then use me as a tool?! This isn't how the script is at all, I don't accept it!
Unfortunately, neither Cui Ming nor the gun-wielding monster formed from the fusion of old weapons paid any attention to the frantic wails and desperate struggles within the Eberon cells.

The cold moonlight still shone on the ruins, and the evening wind rustled the pebbles on the ground. Everything in this world seemed calm and indifferent, as if the desperate cries of those tiny cells could not be heard at all.

In Cui Ming's eyes, from the moment these Ebolon cells actively chose to parasitize the weapon he cherished and attempted to use its power to stir up trouble, they had already written their own fate and were not worthy of any pity.

Ultimately, these guys brought this on themselves.

They possess energy conversion capabilities far exceeding those of ordinary biological cells. If they had behaved themselves, they might have been able to find a reasonable way to survive. However, they chose to go astray, focusing their minds on the evil path of parasitism, plunder, and control of others' power.

Not only did it attempt to devour Cui Ming's old weapons, but it also indirectly triggered a chain of events that led to the destruction of the Kirieloid base, bringing additional threats and turmoil to Earth's safety.

Since they're courting death, don't blame Cui Ming for showing no mercy and squeezing every last drop of value out of them!

They only have themselves to blame; they have no one else to blame but themselves.

Cui Ming has never been a soft-hearted person, especially when facing these treacherous Ebolon cells that have repeatedly caused trouble; he will not show them any mercy.

In his code of conduct, the value of an enemy lies in being thoroughly utilized until the last bit of value is squeezed out and they can no longer pose any threat.

Moreover, these Ebolon cells themselves have extremely high research and application potential. Their energy conversion characteristics and biofusion capabilities are rare research materials, so there's no harm in using them.

For Cui Ming, turning these wicked cells into valuable resources was the most appropriate way to deal with them.

He withdrew his sharp gaze from the energy core of the gun-wielding monster, his eyes softening as he slowly turned to the enormous beast before him.

Cui Ming took a step forward, raised his hand and gently patted the monster's cold, hard metal shell again. He could clearly feel the heavy texture of the metal and the subtle energy pulse in his palm. His tone was filled with trust and entrustment for his old partner: "Old partner, I'll leave the rest to you."

"First, keep an eye on these restless cells and don't let them have any more chances to cause trouble."

"Once I get back and arrange the subsequent storage and research, I'll come and take you to the new dedicated storage location."

The gun-wielding monster seemed to fully understand Cui Ming's words and instructions. Its massive head slowly lowered, and it solemnly nodded to Cui Ming.

As it moved, the energy barrier surrounding the Eberon cells on its chest tightened slightly, and a flash of dark purple energy light made it even more tightly imprison the Eberon cells that were still twisting and struggling in vain.

The pale purple cells rammed wildly inside the barrier, but could only emit weak energy fluctuations in vain, unable to even create a crack in the barrier.

The Eberon cells, completely ignored, felt the increasingly strong binding force and the undisguised exploitation in Cui Ming's words, and finally succumbed to numb despair.

Only now did they truly understand that their fate had been sealed from the moment they were infected by the parasitic weapon. All resistance and struggle were futile; their ultimate end was to become tools to be arbitrarily used by Cui Ming, until their last ounce of energy was drained, and they would completely vanish from the world, leaving not a trace. (End of Chapter)