Am I the only one in this team who is not Ultraman?

“I used to worry about what problems TPC would cause if they found out about this, but now it seems that Grandma’s identity is more complicated than I thought. I met Director Sawai at Grandma’s funeral.”

Leo isn't stupid. Director Sawai's low-key appearance at Asami's funeral clearly indicates that the "wanderers" previously taken in by the shrine were tacitly approved, and some of them may even have reached cooperation agreements with TPC. For example, the Miss Mifei who disappears every now and then could explain why there was such a big technological leap in the early days of TPC.

Zetton's golden eyes silently watched Leo. She realized that her summoner was more mature than she had imagined. There were many things he could see, but he simply chose not to point them out. He preferred to maintain this delicate balance.

"Speaking of which, Zetton, in the real world, do you only have a monster form?"

“No, if you wish, I can appear beside you in this form as well.” With that, Zetton transformed into a streak of light and emerged from the screen of the combat device, landing beside Leo.

She was a very beautiful girl, but many of her features still clearly resembled those of the original Zetton. Leo subconsciously wondered, "Why does she look like a person?"

"Because you have an instinctive fondness for humans, I am also influenced by that, perhaps to make it easier for us to build trust."

Zetton's explanation seemed reasonable. Leo waved her hand and went back inside the battle device.

So much had happened today, and Leo was exhausted. He wanted to get a good night's sleep, so he lay down on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

Once Leo fell asleep, the Ultimate Battle Device flew out from the clothes hanging by his bedside and floated in mid-air. Zetton's figure appeared at Leo's bedside, watching him with a complicated expression.

"Will you... really become the overlord who rules over all the universes...?"

Shaking his head, Jetton didn't disturb Leo's sweet dream. Instead, he looked at the head of Leo's bed, where something was hidden—the potato chips Leo hadn't opened last time.

Chapter 6 Leo: It seems like I'm the only one who's single, right?

"I think TPC really should strengthen its military capabilities; relying solely on the defense force to deal with monsters is still not enough!"

"Moreover, we must take the initiative and prioritize eliminating potential threats before monsters like Gadi appear."

"The defense force is still able to effectively combat the monsters. Simply thinking about increasing military strength without considering the burden it brings is extremely irresponsible!"

"Monsters are also part of Earth's ecosystem. Our goal is to protect humanity and the planet, not simply to eliminate monsters!"

"So what if an even more powerful monster appears? I think we should restart the Friendship Project."

"It's so noisy," Leo thought to himself. Yesterday, the appearance of Zetton, King Joe, and two other Ultramen had a significant impact on TPC. Even the high-ranking officials of the Special Investigation Division and Sky Base participated in the meeting via projection devices. However, only Leo and Gento from the Defense Force attended.

(It seems the ESCG holds a higher actual status than other defense teams. Strange, then why was I made the vice-captain?)

Leo couldn't understand this at all, but now was not the time to think about it. His gaze fell on the person sitting in the chief seat, Sawai Soichiro, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was dedicated to building a unified human community and the founder of TPC.

“Regarding this matter,” Zejing began, and the previously noisy environment immediately quieted down. “I think it’s necessary for us to hear what the team members fighting on the front lines have to say about it.”

In an instant, all the high-ranking officials' eyes fell on Leo and Captain Stringman, and the pressure was quite great.

"As we all know, the frequency of unusual disasters has been exceptionally high since the beginning of this year. In just three months, the number of monster disasters, alien invasions, and supernatural events has increased by 50% compared to last year. This means that Earth may have entered a more urgent period."

The senior executives naturally nodded in agreement. It was precisely because the frequency of various disasters and accidents had increased significantly this year that a team like ESCG, composed of elites from various groups, was needed. In addition, the events of yesterday had led to their endless debate today, which resembled a vegetable market.

"In order to deal with the crisis, I do not deny that we need to strengthen our own power, but at the same time we must ensure that this power can be controlled. It is best if the Zelda gas incident does not happen again."

When it comes to Zildar Gas, even the hawks can only shut up and can't refute it at all. Leo had only heard about the Zildar Gas accident. He heard that it was originally an energy research project, but it was later changed to a weapons project due to the increasingly serious monster disaster. As a result, it went out of control and caused nearly 10,000 casualties. After that, the hawks lost most of their voice.

“We want to use our power to protect, not destroy. I think that’s very important, don’t you think, Vice Captain Leo?”

“I agree with Captain Stringman’s opinion.” Leo didn’t seem like a newcomer to the defense force at all; his demeanor was very natural. “Strengthening the defense force’s capabilities under the current circumstances is necessary, but I do not agree with the so-called ‘eliminating potential threats’ approach.”

Director Yoshioka, who was in charge of the Security Bureau and the Secret Service, subconsciously looked at Sawai beside him and saw expectation and satisfaction in his eyes.

“We eliminate monsters and aliens because they endanger humanity, but if we choose to regard monsters and aliens that have not caused any harm as enemies, wouldn’t we become the invaders?”

"The indiscriminate killing caused a lot of unnecessary losses and destruction. Perhaps in the eyes of the monsters, we will be the monsters."

"It's even possible that this could alienate those aliens who could have been our friends. If Earth is isolated, how will we face a situation where we are surrounded by enemies?"

Leo was convinced that the defense force did not exist for this purpose, and he could also sense the emotions coming from Zetton, who was quite satisfied with what he had just said.

“Captain Stringman and Vice-Captain Leo are absolutely right.” Director Sawai nodded seriously. “The existence of peace alliances such as TPC is to maintain peace between humanity and the Earth, not for war and aggression. We need the power to protect ourselves, but we should not have the ambition to invade others.”

One should not have the heart to harm others, but one should not be without the heart to guard against others. This meeting has tentatively passed the resolution to strengthen the defense force, after all, there have been too many unusual disasters this year, and the doves are not unreasonable.

As the meeting ended and everyone dispersed, Director Sawai walked up to Leo and extended his hand, his kind and gentle smile instantly winning people's favor.

"Thank you for your hard work at the meeting, Vice Captain Leo."

"It wasn't tiring at all; the meeting was easier than I expected."

Leo reached out and shook hands with Director Sawai. To be honest, he admired the old man in front of him quite a bit. Some people even commented that Director Sawai's existence was a miracle in itself, since no one else could unite the world so quickly.

What are your thoughts on this meeting?

"While the hawks may seem radical, the factional struggles within the TPC are, in a sense, a microcosm of human society as a whole. Despite the existence of the defense force, humanity still lacks a sense of security."

Leo frankly expressed his inner thoughts, knowing very well that the existence of both doves and hawks was essentially a microcosm of contemporary human society. In the age of monsters, people generally lacked a sense of security, so the hawks had a lot of influence, but the existence of doves was also necessary.

"So your work will be even harder in the future, so keep up the good work, young people."

Director Sawai gently patted Leo on the shoulder and turned to leave. After all, there were many things he needed to consider regarding the resolution that had just been passed. Captain Gento was also quite satisfied with Leo's performance just now. He had been a little worried about whether Leo could adapt to the position, but now it seemed that he had worried too much.

"Well done."

"Thanks to the captain for telling me in advance that there would be a meeting today."

Leo had made some preparations, though. He was actually incredibly nervous before the meeting, but for some reason, he calmed down as soon as it started and wasn't afraid at all.

The two walked toward the ESCG command room, and on the way they met the captain of the GUTS team. Although they both worked at TPC, there was not much interaction between ESCG and GUTS. Daigo would often mistakenly walk into the GUTS team's room and then greet his old friends.

"Is the meeting over, Captain Gento? How are your injuries?" Captain Megumi is the only female captain among the many defense teams, but her abilities are enough to win the hearts of anyone. She is truly a woman who is no less capable than any man.

"It just ended. As for the injuries... it won't affect my work." Looking at his hands and feet in casts, Gento felt much better than yesterday.

"Let's cheer each other on, but you'd better remember to contact your former teammates. When the director transferred you to ESCG, the SKaRD team members were very reluctant."

As the former captain of SKARD, Gento was naturally loved and respected by his teammates. Although the position of vice-captain could be given to Leo, the position of captain naturally needed to be filled by someone more capable, and Gento was just the right choice.

"As long as it's about protecting the Earth, it doesn't matter where you are; they'll understand."

Gento wore a helpless smile. Of course, he was also reluctant to part with his original team members. After he was transferred, SKaRD was also reorganized and placed under the jurisdiction of the Armory.

After greeting the chord-wielding man, Captain Megumi looked at Leo, gave him a quick once-over, and nodded with satisfaction.

"This is Leo, the vice-captain of ESCG? He's so young. But I've seen your file. You're a very talented young man. If you had joined TPC earlier, I would definitely have recruited you to the Victory Team."

"Thank you for your praise, Captain Gijon. I have long admired your reputation. If I hadn't already joined ESCG, I certainly wouldn't have missed the invitation from Victory Team."

Leo also greeted her politely. He had indeed heard of Megumi Kijima quite a bit. As the only female captain of the defense force in this monster era, not to mention that she had been used as a propaganda model many times, her own resume was also legendary.

"Don't try to poach my team members right in front of me, Captain Megumi." Gento laughed heartily, and Megumi smiled brightly in return. "Let's have a meal together sometime. We live so close by, and I'll trouble you to take care of my team members as well."

Megumi was referring to Daigo, of course. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two immediately got to work. Although the Earth Defense Force didn't have monsters and aliens to deal with every day, they still had to do various tasks.

Back in the ECSG command room, Leo still felt that his team was a bit strange, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. It was as if everyone had something on their mind, and of course, he did too, but he felt that no one else's worries could compare to his.

"The captain and vice-captain are back. Come and have some snacks." As soon as Gento and Leo returned to the command room, Daigo warmly brought over a box of small cakes and a box of cookies. He was gentle and humble, and handsome and sunny. Putting everything else aside, the team's cohesion wouldn't have been possible without him.

"Then I won't be polite." Gento picked up a cookie, took a bite, and his eyes lit up immediately. "Hmm, it's really good, crispy, and with chocolate."

"Is it really that delicious? I'll try some cake." Leo picked up a small piece of cake and took a bite. "It's really good, soft and delicious, and the ingredients are very carefully prepared."

Leo and Stringman's praise made Daigo smile like a flower. Red Kai used his other foot, which wasn't in a cast, to tap the chair and spun around, jokingly saying, "Of course, Daigo's girlfriend made this for him."

"We're not in that kind of relationship yet. Rena told me to get along well with everyone, so she specially made some for me and sent them over." Daigo blushed a little. His girlfriend was Nanase Rena, his former teammate from the GUTS team, but they hadn't actually confessed to each other yet.

He was a little disappointed when he found out he was going to be transferred, but he didn't expect that ESCG and Victory Team were both in TPC's Far East headquarters, and the two teams were just on different floors.

Because TPC is responsible for a very large area, the two teams have different roles. Routine patrols are handled by the Victory Team, while ESCG is responsible for handling various emergencies.

Leo and Gento gave each other knowing looks, clearly indicating that Daigo's love was quite sweet. Over time, the members of the defense team had become acquainted through thick and thin, so it was quite common for sparks of love to fly between them, although very few actually ended up together.

However, Leo quickly realized that he seemed to be the only single person in the entire ESCG. He had looked at everyone's files and found that Gento was not only not in a relationship, but was already married with a child in elementary school.

Although Daigo and Rena from the Victory Team didn't confess their feelings, it felt like there wasn't much difference. I had a girlfriend in my old team, and we just confirmed our relationship not long ago. Because he was about to be transferred, I felt that if I didn't confess now, I would never have another chance.

Komon's girlfriend is an elementary school art teacher, Fujimiya's girlfriend is a TV reporter, Fujiwara's boyfriend is said to work at the Monster Protection Center, and Kai is also said to have a romantic interest, but no one knows who it is. For their protection, all of this is classified information.

"That's really nice. I'll make some for everyone later. Can we borrow the TPC kitchen?" Leo suddenly seemed interested in making desserts. Gento pointed to the next room, "ESCG has its own training room and lounge, which were just approved. There's also a small kitchen. But Leo, you can make desserts?"

"Of course, I'm fairly confident in my cooking skills."

To take care of Grandma Asami, Leo specially learned cooking skills, and since Ren has a very picky palate, Leo put in a lot of effort for her.

"Anyway, just look forward to it."

Just as I finished speaking, ESCG's communicator suddenly rang. I pressed the answer button and found that it was a call from LTL's special investigation team.

"This is the LTL Special Operations Investigation Division. Deputy Captain Leo, please proceed to the investigation team's office immediately."

"This is Leo. Received. I'll be right there."

It seems that yesterday's interrogation of those Lebik people yielded further results, and the matter of baking cookies for everyone will have to wait until later. Leo picked up his helmet and prepared to leave, but then he remembered something.

"Gumen, would you like to come with me?"

Komon would certainly not refuse such a thing, and looked at Captain Gento.

"Then, Captain, we'll head over first."

"Go ahead, thank you for your hard work." Gento glanced at his bandaged hand and felt a little embarrassed. These were things that he, as the captain, should have been doing, but now they had all been left to Leo, the vice-captain.

Sigh, now Leo seems more like the captain than I am. But thankfully, he was chosen as the vice-captain. Although he's a newcomer, he's adapted very quickly and his abilities are impeccable. He did a great job yesterday with the capture and subsequent interrogation of the Lebik aliens.

However, as the captain, Gento couldn't be idle. He still had a lot to do. For example, the TPC leadership decided to recycle and modify the two King Joe units that had been defeated by Zetton for future Earth defense. Since their ESCG didn't have its own unique equipment yet, this would be a perfect solution.

Chapter 7 Pedanians: Something's Wrong with This Earth

Leo was genuinely surprised that the Lebik aliens gave in so easily. After all, when their leader, who was suffering from conjunctivitis, was captured, he had been clamoring that their planet's fleet would definitely retaliate.

Of course, Leo took it as a joke. If the Lebik aliens really had the ability to send a fleet to retaliate, they would have already launched a massive attack, instead of sneaking around like this.

Realizing they had no other choice, the leader of the Lebik aliens agreed to negotiations, or more precisely, to contact their home planet in exchange for resources or technology from their home planet.

"The leader of the Lebik aliens confessed that their planet has never been truly united. Besides him, there are several other leaders of similar caliber. That's why he wanted to use the Pedan aliens' deal to obtain the King Joe to consolidate his position."

As the Victory Team member Shinjo, who was in charge of the interrogation, spoke to Leo and the others, his expression was extremely strange. Leo and Komon were similar in this regard. How could this leader of the Lebik aliens have such a kind of beauty that he seemed to have underdeveloped brains? How could anyone believe this?

"Will the planet Nalebik agree to ransom them?" Komon asked Leo curiously.

"It's hard to say, but I don't think so." Leo learned about the Lebik civilization during yesterday's interrogation. Their planet isn't exactly united and friendly. Moreover, with one less Lebik leader this time, the other Lebik people would definitely be happy to see one less competitor.

Even so, Leo still needed to have the leader of this Lebik alien contact his home planet because he had a hypothesis that needed to be verified.

Upon entering the detention cell, the leader of the Lebik aliens maintained his arrogant attitude, arms crossed, exuding disdain.

Leo raised an eyebrow. Oh ho, quite arrogant.

Walking into the interrogation room, Leo casually grabbed a chair and sat down opposite the Lebik alien. "Speak, is there anything else you want to confess?"

Upon seeing Leo sitting opposite him, the leader of the Lebik aliens looked at the Special Investigation Division investigators, his tone filled with displeasure, "I said I wanted to see your Earth's supreme leader!"

"You're not worthy." Leo casually crossed his legs and looked at the leader of the Lebik aliens. "A prisoner we captured, an intruder at that. It's only because we're kind that we didn't kill you outright. And you want to see Director Sawai? I really don't know where you get the nerve."

"I'm warning you Earthlings, I am still the leader of Lebik!"

"Does an invader still have the nerve to mention his identity?" Leo scoffed disdainfully. "I thought you had something you hadn't explained yet. What a waste of my time."

With that, Leo stood up and prepared to leave. "Since you're unwilling to say anything, then forget it. Anyway, the other Lebikians are much more willing to confess than you are. Komon, remember one thing for him: he'll never confess. Just get rid of him."

“No problem.” Komon understood immediately and began writing and drawing in his notebook.

Seeing that Leo and Komon seemed to be serious, the leader of the Lebik aliens panicked, "Wait!"

"Tsk." Leo's expression grew even more impatient as he turned to look at him. "My time is precious. If you dare waste another minute of my time, I won't hesitate to waste another ten minutes personally sending you on your way. Understand?"

The moment Leo turned around, an indescribable killing intent was revealed in his cold eyes. The Lebik alien felt a nameless fear in his heart. He even subconsciously sat up straight and understood what it meant to break out in a cold sweat.

He had no doubt that if he didn't cooperate, Leo would really kill him.

"Tell me, how did you come into contact with the Pedan aliens?" Leo sat down again.

"About two months ago, Earth time, we were preparing to come to Earth to capture some humans. At that time, I was looking for more powerful weapons in an interstellar black market in the universe, and that's when I met a Pedan alien."

"Did you tell him that you were going to invade Earth?" Leo continued to ask. He wasn't really interested in the matter of Lebik, as the other Lebik people had already explained it to him yesterday.

However, among all the information about the Pedan aliens, only the Lebik leader in front of them knew the most.

"Yes, I put Earth's information on the black market panel to save time. Then the Pedan aliens said they were willing to sell us two King Joes. If we were willing to give Earth to them after the deal was done, they would give us fifty more King Joes."

"Do you think that this will make you the most undisputed leader of Lebick?"