Ultraman: It turns out this is the easy mode.

Unbeknownst to Cui Ming, Camilla was currently engaged in an "ultimate battle" with Carmilla in the dream world—for him, there were more important matters to attend to. At this moment, he was sitting in the laboratory of the EDF Tiga world branch, with a holographic screen in front of him filled with simulated diagrams of the molecular structure of Zelda gas and design schemes for upgrading monster equipment. His fingers flew across the virtual keyboard, his expression focused and without the slightest distraction.

Dr. Masachika Nezu had just sent over the latest research data: a new breakthrough in the stability experiment of Zildar gas. The team successfully used the Titelim energy factor to form a temporary "buffer membrane" on the outer layer of the gas. Although the duration was still very short, it brought the possibility of controllable utilization one step closer. Cui Ming stared at the flashing data stream on the screen, his brows slightly furrowed, pondering the next direction for improvement: "Perhaps we could try reinforcing the buffer membrane with nanorobots, which should extend the stabilization time..." As he thought, he jotted down the key points in his memo, planning to discuss them in detail with the doctor's team that afternoon.

Besides researching Zelda Gas, upgrading monster equipment is also a top priority. Although the monster threat in the Tiga world isn't particularly dense, EDF's defense system must remain at its peak to cope with any unforeseen circumstances. Cui Ming pulled up an upgrade plan for the "Monster Tracking Radar." While the current equipment can capture signals from most space monsters, it lacks sensitivity against elusive extradimensional beings—for example, the Kirieloids he encountered previously repeatedly used extradimensional channels to evade detection, which forced him to take the matter seriously. "We need to add a dimensional fluctuation detection module to the radar, and combine it with TPC satellite data; that should solve the problem," he noted, adding his proposed modifications to the plan before sending it to the head of the equipment department.

Midway through his work, Cui Ming rubbed his temples, got up, and walked to the window, looking at the peaceful city streets outside. It has to be said, the world of Tiga isn't really that problematic. Compared to the frequently appearing super-powerful monsters in other universes, the threats here are mostly within a controllable range, and the truly "troublesome" monsters are few and far between. TPC's defense system is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and with Ultraman Tiga's occasional assistance, everyday monster incidents can generally be resolved quickly.

But Cui Ming knew very well that this world was not without its hidden dangers. The only one truly capable of bringing about the cataclysmic crisis was the creature slumbering deep within the ruins of R'lyeh—Gatanothor. The thought of this terrifying dark god made Cui Ming's eyes grow serious. He had once faced Gatanothor head-on, using EDF's advanced weaponry and his own combat skills to beat it half to death, forcing it back into slumber. The difficulty of that battle was still vivid in his mind. Gatanothor's dark energy was extremely corrosive and possessed incredible regenerative abilities. If he hadn't exploited its weakness back then, the outcome would have been uncertain. "Indeed, it won't be easy to fight..." Cui Ming murmured, already calculating how to devise a more effective strategy should Gatanothor awaken again.

Unbeknownst to him, astonishing rumors about Gatanothor had already been circulating in every corner of the universe.

Some say that this dark evil god once sealed away the terrifying Ultraman Nexus with his own power; there are even rumors that although Gatanothor won the battle, he also paid a huge price - he was hit by Nexus's ultimate move and his face was knocked upside down, which is one of the reasons why he later chose to go into slumber.

These rumors spread like wildfire among the cosmic races, but never reached Cui Ming's ears—after all, he focused most of his energy on actual battles and research, and rarely paid attention to these unverified rumors.

Cui Ming stood by the laboratory window, his gaze falling through the glass onto the busy crowds in the distant city. Involuntarily, memories of the ancient world surfaced in his mind—those humans bewitched by the pollen of the Qijiela flower, who, despite possessing the power to fight against darkness, chose to succumb to false happiness and actively gave up their chance to save themselves.

"Human beings must rely on themselves. This world is the best proof of that."

The ancient civilization possessed technology and power far surpassing modern understanding, even capable of fighting alongside Ultraman against darkness. However, when Gijera appeared, weaving carefree dreams with pollen, most chose to indulge in them, ignoring the impending destruction. Even when Ultraman sensed the crisis, he steadfastly adhered to the principle of "not interfering with human choices," ultimately watching the ancient civilization perish through self-abandonment.

Cui Ming understood this perfectly well—Ultraman's "non-interference" was not indifference, but respect for humanity's autonomous will; and the fate of the ancient humans precisely confirmed the importance of "self-salvation." If the life forms of a world don't even have the thought of saving themselves, no matter how powerful the external forces, they cannot change their fate of destruction.

“There’s no need to help a world that doesn’t have the will to save itself.” Cui Ming withdrew his gaze and looked back at the research data on the screen, his tone becoming exceptionally calm. It wasn’t that he lacked compassion, but after experiencing too many cosmic conflicts, he had long understood a principle: external assistance is always only temporary; only by possessing the belief of “wanting to survive and wanting to become stronger” can one truly withstand a crisis.

Moreover, after years of fighting across various universes, Cui Ming was already exhausted. He was willing to lend a helping hand to worlds striving to save themselves, such as helping the Tiga world improve its defense system and funding research on Zelda gas to enhance human combat power; but he would never waste his energy on worlds that were "lying down" and waiting to be saved—after all, it was too tiring, and rather than exhausting himself in meaningless efforts, he would rather use his power where it was worthwhile.

Forget it
There's no point in thinking about these things now.
Today's work is done; it's time to go home and cook. On the way back, Cui Ming ran into Ju Jian Hui.

Kijima looked at Choi Myung in surprise.

"Cui Ming, you're also in charge of the research?"

"That's right, I was in charge of researching liquefied Titelim energy."

"It must have been really tough."

"It's alright, after all, it's all easy for me. How about you? I heard that the higher-ups want you to prepare to lead a team."

"Well, I don't know if I can do it."

Megumi Kijima lacked confidence.

"You? No problem, trust yourself, Captain Megumi."

"Woo!"

Kijima Megumi fell silent immediately.

That senior colleague is so mean.

(End of this chapter)