Ultraman: It turns out this is the easy mode.

In the GUTS rest area, several screens were simultaneously playing a television interview featuring Megumi Iruma. The studio lighting was soft, and Iruma, dressed in a smart TPC uniform, sat upright. Facing the host's question, "How does TPC view Ultraman Tiga?", she calmly replied, "Ultraman Tiga has helped us defeat monsters and protect the city and its people many times. TPC respects and appreciates him and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with him to protect the Earth."

Off-screen, Lina rested her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling: "The captain looks pretty good on camera, even more charismatic than when we took the promotional photos last time."

“That’s right,” Shinjo chimed in, holding half a bag of potato chips. “The host just asked, ‘Will Tiga pose a threat to humanity?’ Captain’s answer was so steady and convincing. I bet after watching the interview, the public’s trust in Tiga will increase a lot.”

He was munching on potato chips when he suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, "By the way, where's the instructor? Why didn't he come to watch such an important interview with us?"

Zong Fang put down the documents in his hand and pointed to the helipad outside the window—there was a black fighter jet waiting for orders, with the "Storm" logo printed on its fuselage: "Go protect the captain's safety. This interview has high visibility and is being broadcast live, so it's easy for malicious forces to target it. Cui Ming took Kaina to set up defenses around the studio in advance, and even scanned every corner of the audience seats."

As he spoke, a slight smile crept onto his lips as he thought to himself: Would any idiot really go looking for trouble with the captain? Putting aside the fact that Cui Ming is right outside the studio watching, just consider the captain himself. Back in the "Ancient Ruins Incident," he was able to command the battle without batting an eye when facing monsters. If he were really in danger, he might not be at a disadvantage.

Hori leaned closer to the screen, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his cheek as he stared at Megumi's figure and added, "And the name 'Tiga' was actually provided by the instructor! Before, we didn't know what to call this giant, and the instructor said, 'Let's call him Tiga. That's his name in the ancient times.' Now it seems that the name is quite fitting, both catchy and distinctive."

"Speaking of which, the instructor really knows a lot," Lina exclaimed. "Whether it's the weaknesses of monsters or the conspiracies of aliens, it seems like there's nothing he doesn't know. With him protecting the captain this time, everything will be foolproof."

Zong Fang nodded, but he wasn't completely relaxed—he knew Cui Ming's style all too well. That guy seemed to have the game in the bag, but in reality, he had already prepared for the worst. In a hidden corner outside the studio, the backup energy bay of the Nix mech was activated, and Kaynar's scanning range covered the entire city. As long as there were any abnormal energy fluctuations, Cui Ming could arrive at the scene within ten seconds.

The interview on the screen continued, with Megumi patiently answering the host's questions about "TPC's future plans to deal with the monsters," her tone gentle yet powerful. The GUTS members watched the screen, occasionally whispering amongst themselves, the atmosphere relaxed. No one noticed that in the shadows of an abandoned building near the studio, a semi-transparent spiritual entity was quietly coalescing—the Kirieloid's operation had begun.

Inside the studio, the interview was reaching a crucial point. The host handed the microphone to Megumi Kiyama, speaking earnestly: "Captain Megumi Kiyama, after numerous monster incidents, public opinion on Ultraman Tiga has gradually diverged. Some see him as a savior, while others worry about the threat of the 'unknown giant.' Do you believe Tiga is someone humanity can completely trust?"

Megumi Kijima straightened her back, looked firmly at the camera, and spoke clearly and forcefully: "Ultraman Tiga has always stood up for us when monsters destroy cities. His actions have never harmed humans; on the contrary, he has protected us from danger on many occasions. Judging from his many joint operations with TPC, he shares a common goal with us—to protect the Earth. Therefore, I believe that Tiga is trustworthy, and we are willing to continue fighting alongside him."

Scattered applause rang out from the audience, and the camera lingered on a few approving faces in the stands. But just as Megumi Kijima was about to add something, the host, who had been smiling, suddenly froze, her eyes instantly becoming vacant, and her fingers gripping the microphone turning white from the force.

The next second, her voice suddenly rose, becoming sharp and fanatical, completely losing its previous gentleness: "Trust? Why should humanity trust a dark giant of unknown origin! What you should worship is the god Kirielord, who can guide humanity towards the light!" These words exploded like a thunderclap in the studio, and the audience below instantly erupted in uproar. Megumi's face also darkened, and she subconsciously reached for the communicator at her waist—she immediately realized that the host had been controlled by some kind of alien force.

The Kirieloid, however, paid no heed to the chaos. The entity possessing the host continued to roar, "Tiga is nothing but a traitor from the ancient times! He will only bring disaster to humanity! Only the God of Kirieloid can lead you out of the monster threat and towards eternal happiness! Captain Megumi, I urge you to face reality and immediately lead the GUTS team to submit to the God, otherwise..."

Its threat was left unsaid, because Cui Ming, hidden in the shadows of the pillars at the back of the studio, had already quietly activated Kaina's energy detection function. His black combat suit allowed him to blend perfectly into the shadows, and he even adjusted his breathing to a minimum. No one noticed that this "protector" had already locked his gaze on the possessed host.

Cui Ming's fingertips rested on the hilt of the energy sword at his waist, his eyes cold—he didn't act immediately, partly to avoid injuring the host, and partly to see what other tricks the Kirieloid had up its sleeve. But his body was already in battle mode; if the opponent made any move to harm Kijima or the audience, he could rush onto the stage within 0.5 seconds and directly detach the spirit possessing the host.

The possessed host was still frantically proclaiming the "great power" of the "God of Kirieloid," completely unaware that the threat of death was imminent. He thought his attack was flawless, but little did he know that this performance, which he believed to be "in control," had been observed by Cui Ming from the very beginning.

At this moment, Megumi Kijima remained calm.

What is there to worry about?

Her husband is right next to her.
After all,
These Kirieloids really don't know what's going on?
otherwise.
Ask?

This also conveniently diverts Cui Ming's attention from these guys.
With this in mind, Megumi made a decision.

Then, he casually gave Cui Ming a look.

Cui Ming immediately understood. (End of Chapter)