Ultraman Any Key: Qiming

Chapter 523, page 519: "Ultraman must be a human in disguise...", Qi Ming's hometown (3-word chapter)
Fugas and Mefulas were destroyed by Tiga, but the turmoil continued to spread, sweeping across the globe.

The first to be questioned were the US president and his staff, who were questioned about why they concealed the true origin of the Beta Box from the public and why they rashly accepted the technology of an alien whom Ultraman was hostile to.

High-ranking officials from major powers who wanted to visit Washington changed their itineraries because they didn't want to share the blame and be labeled as "accomplices of aliens turning humans into puppets."

The higher you throw it, the harder it will fall.

Many members of the public and veterans gathered outside the White House, holding signs that read "We are not guinea pigs."

The president's staff were in a panic, trying to prove their ignorance by saying they were trying to find a way for Earth to survive before Ultraman appeared, while simultaneously launching a media frenzy to muddy the waters.

But this time, his tactic of "making a big splash" to divert attention didn't work.

What could be more worthy of discussion right now than "Ultraman appearing in reality to kill monsters"?

This trending topic will stay at the top of major online platforms for at least half a month, with Ultraman-related content flooding every platform.

Leaders of major countries have expressed high praise for Ultraman's fight against monsters, and ordinary people are also discussing the future.

"But in the end, humans still can't fight monsters on their own, alas."

"What's there to be discouraged about? We have Ultraman now, what's there to be afraid of?"

"By the way, I remember in the original series, Ultraman Tiga was transformed from 'Daigo,' do you think this Tiga might also be a human in disguise?"

"Probably."

"If he were to stand up and say that he wants world peace, those ambitious people would not dare to start wars that kill so many people, and he could change the world according to his own wishes."

"Don't overthink it. Ultraman usually doesn't reveal his identity to the world."

....................................

At this time, in District 13.

The old man, holding his reading glasses, circled around the triumphant Qi Ming, scrutinizing him: "The guardians of the Bright Realm... they actually exist."

"Old goat, don't scare the young man." While Qi Ming was still wondering, Dao Long stepped forward and dragged him away.

Uncle Long, who was standing to the side, said, "Don't mind him, that's just how my father is."

Qi Ming: "It's alright, continue telling me about your past experiences exploring the Lotus Temple."

After accidentally learning that Officer Xiaoyu's "Uncle Long" was also an archaeologist, Qi Ming found he had many common topics to discuss and exchanged many insights with him.

Uncle Long recounted many of the strange and dangerous things he encountered during his archaeological work, which captivated Qi Ming, who loved exciting stories.

What kind of thief who steals cultural relics can turn himself into origami? What kind of mask can summon ghostly ninjas? What kind of statue can turn people into cats? What kind of vampires are in ancient castles...?

Qi Ming expressed that he completely believed it!

Qi Ming also shared many techniques based on Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory that he learned from Professor Sima Hui, as well as his experience in grasping dragon veins, which broadened the horizons of this Uncle Long as well.

The two felt an instant connection, exchanging contact information on the spot and promising to invite each other for help whenever they encountered a difficult grave.

Just then, Sheriff Xiaoyu rushed over: "Mr. Qi Ming, we have just discovered another monster and traces of [The One]."

A day ago, a [Red King] appeared at a Russian military base, swallowed a hydrogen bomb, and then returned underground and disappeared.

Qi Ming: “…”

Red King swallowing a hydrogen bomb—isn't that a scene from episode 25 of Ultraman, "The Strange Comet Ziyifeng"?
I never expected it to happen in his world too... But it's not a big problem, just be careful not to detonate the hydrogen bomb during the battle.

The man Xiaoyu called Uncle Long seemed to be in a state of collapse: "How can there be more monsters! Four monsters appearing in half a month is too terrifying!"

Qi Ming: "It's alright, only four, and these monsters are all pretty ordinary."

Police Chief Xiaoyu: "?"

That's all? Four in half a month isn't scary enough?
She continued, "Half an hour after Red King returned to the underground, The One appeared at the location where it had been."

Behavioral analysis indicates that [The One] intends to devour Red King.

In the original series, its appetite kept growing. At first, it only absorbed animals such as geckos, salamanders, rats, and crows, but later it began to prey on large numbers of humans in order to grow gigantic.

Now it has evolved to the point of preying on monsters.

Sheriff Xiaoyu said that if Qi Ming was confident, they could carry out a more risky combat method.

The next time Red King appears, don't kill him yet. Use him as bait and wait for [The One] to arrive before going all out.

Qi Ming: "Okay, let's fight like this."

However, now that Mefrass has been dealt with, he thought he would go home and wait for The One to appear.

Sheriff Xiaoyu asked, "Um, can we take a picture together? District 13 helped Ultraman uncover the aliens' conspiracy, and I'd like to have a souvenir of it."

Qi Ming: "No problem."

A large group of people in the know gathered around, including Uncle Long, Old Man, and Ah Fu.

Qi Ming called out to Dao Long, who was huddled in the corner: "Grandpa Dao Long, come on over."

Daolong: "I'll pass."

His father, who used to be his mortal enemy, suddenly said, "Come on, what's there to be ashamed of?"

Dao Long was taken aback, then slowly walked over and stood behind the burly A Fu, together with his father Qi Ming.

Press the shutter to freeze the image.

At this moment, Afu suddenly thought of something and became a little worried.

Although their intentions were good, they objectively leaked a lot of classified information, and it would be difficult to explain if they were discovered.

"There won't be any problems, don't worry." Qi Ming smiled.

He shook hands firmly with Uncle Long and began his journey home.

Soon, Qi Ming returned to the place where he was born and raised—Jingzhou City.

He walked along the streets he had grown up on, looking at the familiar scenery around him. He had become accustomed to it before, but now he was filled with emotion.

"It's so good to be able to come back and see all this." As he walked, he unconsciously entered the campus of Handong University of Political Science and Law, where he was studying.

The security guards all recognized his face and were quite surprised to see him return, but no one checked his student ID.

Security captain: "Qi Ming, I'm glad you're alright, but it's summer vacation now and there's not much of a place inside."

"It's nothing, I just came back to visit."

I had only walked a few steps when I ran into an acquaintance.

"Hey, Qi Ming!" A middle-aged woman wearing glasses and dressed smartly, carrying a large bag, called out to Qi Ming.

She is Qi Ming's counselor.

"Hello, Teacher Zhang," Qi Ming greeted politely.

After confirming it was Qi Ming, Teacher Zhang immediately gave him a severe scolding:
"Qi Ming, what's wrong with you? You've missed all the exams. Do you know how serious this is?"

"Your teacher knows you're a thoughtful person, but you can't treat your studies like a joke."

"You're the student council president, how can you set a good example for other students like this?"

Qi Ming scratched his head: "Because of some unforeseen circumstances..."

He saw what was in the counselor's bag—it was an Ultraman Tiga toy, most likely not an authentic one, but it just had a cheap, plastic feel to it, unlike the outrageously bad pirated ones you find at roadside stalls.

Teacher Zhang: "What force majeure? I can't get in touch with you at all... What have you been doing!"

"I'm sorry to have troubled you. I'll come back for the make-up exam." Qi Ming quickly changed the subject: "Are you buying toys for your child to play with?"

"Play?" The counselor looked surprised. "How can you play with it? I'm going to take it home and enshrine it so that Ultraman can protect us."

Qi Ming was also taken aback after hearing this.

It's outrageous, yet somehow reasonable.

After taking a walk around the school, Qi Ming returned home.

Even if he doesn't have the key, the security door certainly won't stop him.

The house was empty at the moment; Mom and Dad were probably still at work, as working overtime was the norm for them.

But looking at those familiar pieces of furniture, Qi Ming was filled with emotion.

He ran his fingers along the edge of the shoe cabinet—there was a faint scratch there, from when he was a child and bumped into a toy car.

The sofa in the living room is still the same as before, with the cushions slightly sunken.

Looking at all this, Qi Ming felt a strange swelling in his chest.

He stood in the living room for a full five minutes before calming himself down, and then opened his bedroom door.

His room was simple: a computer, a single bed, and bookshelves filled with his childhood favorites, "Laughing Cat Diary" and "A-Shuai".

The bed sheets were still the same ones he had before he left home, blue plaid. He reached out and touched them; the fabric was dry and warm, as if it had never changed.

Qi Ming took off his coat and threw himself heavily onto the bed. The mattress sank slightly, and the familiar support enveloped him.

Qi Ming closed his eyes, and in that instant, all his fatigue vanished.

The five months of running around, anxiety, and resentment in the mixed universe gradually dissipated.

And so, Qi Ming slowly closed his eyes and slept peacefully for a long time.

....................................

"Wait, this is too long, what time is it?" Qi Ming checked his phone when he woke up the next day.

Nine o'clock in the morning?

I slept for fifteen hours?

At that moment, Qi Ming heard a noise outside the door.

It seems my parents are both home right now.

Qi Ming opened the door and saw his father sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching TV.

In the past, he watched live news, but this time he watched "Ultraman Tiga" and "The Exiled Target" featuring the Wood God Alien.

Seeing Lucia killed by the Muzhen aliens, Old Qi, who was watching intently, sighed slightly.

“It’s a pity, isn’t it? But that’s just one possibility. Maybe in another time and space, she and her brother were rescued and lived a carefree life on Earth,” Qi Ming suddenly said.

Old Qi turned around and carefully observed Qi Ming's complexion.

Qi Ming also gazed at his father, a handsome old man.

The old policeman's keen observation confirmed that his son was alright, so he casually remarked, "Oh, our little angel knows how to come back."

Qi Ming casually sat down on the sofa next to Lao Qi: "You should have woken me up when you got home last night to say that."

Old Qi: "Your mom felt sorry for you because you were sleeping so soundly, so she told me to wait until you woke up before asking you any questions."

Mother……

Qi Ming looked toward the kitchen from which the noise was coming, wanting to see her face, but for a moment he found himself unable to move.

(End of this chapter)