Bighorn Bull is in charge of leading, and I, Beria, am in charge of raising it.

"Wow! I've never heard of such a strange request before. I'll grant it right away!"

But just when Tartarus thought that the Father of Ultra's personal intervention was the biggest surprise, and that nothing else could possibly change and easily shake his mental defenses, things took a turn for the worse.

A flippant and irritating voice suddenly echoed across the battlefield.

When everyone subconsciously looked up and followed the sound, they saw a time-space tunnel suddenly open in the air.

Immediately afterwards, Zero, wearing the Shield of Paragi, Father of Ultra, fully armed, and the Ultra Brothers full of fighting spirit appeared one after another from this time-space tunnel.

After leaving the time tunnel, Zero completely ignored the strange looks from others and lunged at Belial with a clear objective.

Finally, under Beria's gaze, which was both surprised and delighted, she rushed into Beria's arms and greeted him cheerfully.

"Hey hey, Grandpa Belial, we're so glad to see each other again! Did you miss me?"

Chapter 96 "Internal Strife"

[I felt that updating separately affected the reading experience, so I put all three chapters together in one go. That's why the update is a little late. Sorry.]

[Also, there should be another bonus chapter with a gift coming up later~]

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Zero's voice from the parallel universe, carrying an undisguised joy and intimacy like a child who has been away from home for many days finally seeing his parents, echoed across the battlefield.

He even rubbed his head against Belial's chest, acting as if he was afraid Belial would suddenly disappear again and become clingy.

This scene, when it fell into Zero's eyes in this universe, was like a bolt from the blue, striking him right on the head.

Although he already knew that the Belial before him was a rare existence far beyond anything Belial could compare to...

He also understood that, according to seniority, he should indeed call Beria "Grandpa".

but……

Doesn't he feel ashamed to act cute in public like that?

You don't care about your reputation? I do! You bastard—!!!

Even more critically, when Ken joined the battle and chased Tartarus around, Geed and the others, knowing they were no longer involved, gathered around Zero out of concern for him.

Now, watching another Zero cling to Belial like a koala, acting all cute, is a scene that can only be seen once in a thousand years... no, ten thousand years.

Geed and the others were equally shocked, and they couldn't help but turn their heads with complicated expressions, all looking at Zero from this universe!

This made Zero of this universe feel even more ashamed. His whole body tensed up, and he wished he could dig a three-bedroom, two-living-room house out of the ground with his feet!

His body began to tremble uncontrollably at this moment. His face, rapidly turning a deep red, was flushed crimson, a truly horrific sight! Even the pair of darts above his head were hissing and smoking!

"Wow... Master, so you really like Belial-senpai this much?"

"Wh...what master! Who's your master! No! That's not me! That's a parallel universe counterpart, it has nothing to do with me!"

It wasn't until Zeta, who was always honest and straightforward and said whatever came to mind, delivered the fatal blow with the simplest and most unadorned language.

In this universe, Zero immediately reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his voice cracking as he bounced around trying to explain and refute, trying to hide his guilt at having his thoughts exposed.

"Oh, I see..."

Upon hearing this, Zeta tilted his head, his diamond-like eyes sparkling with pure, unmalicious curiosity—a simple desire for answers—as he pondered earnestly. After a brief silence, he posed a potentially disastrous question to Zero, who had calmed down somewhat.

"So that means... Master, you don't like Belial-senpai?"

"Of course...!"

Zero from this universe instinctively opened his mouth, wanting to give a crisp and clear affirmative answer.

But his gaze, halfway through his sentence, involuntarily drifted towards the figure nestled in Belial's arms in the distance.

That natural and affectionate gesture, that "Grandpa Belial" filled with dependence, and the gentle, doting smile on Belial's face when he looked down at Zero...

All of this caused Zero's voice in this universe to grow softer and softer, becoming increasingly indistinct. Finally, it turned into a series of muttered words tinged with embarrassment and annoyance, an attempt to brush the issue aside.

"I... well... it's not that I don't like it... it's just... never mind, anyway, this is a complicated issue, you don't need to worry about it!"

"Yeah……"

Zeta, whether stubborn or simply straightforward, failed to grasp Zero's implied meaning. Following Zero's gaze, he glanced again at the loving grandfather and grandson in the distance, and a look of sudden realization dawned on his diamond-like eyes. He clapped his hands sharply, his voice clear and resolute, and spoke again.

"Oh! I see! Master! Actually, you also wanted to jump into Belial's arms, but you were too embarrassed, right?"

"ha?!"

In that instant, Zero's voice rose a full octave. Even the steam on his head-mounted crest hissed and rose even more violently.

Finally, Zero from this universe, completely enraged, couldn't help but clench his fist and smash it hard into Zeta's head.

"Yeah...yes my foot! Who would want to pounce?! I would never do something so shameful! Zeta, shut up—!!!"

Of course, due to his emotional outburst and inability to control the volume of his voice, Zero from this universe heard every single word he said clearly from the Zero of the parallel universe.

Then, subconsciously turning his head, he glanced at the sound and, because they were both "Zero," the Zero from the parallel universe quickly understood the complex thoughts of the Zero in this universe.

But, as mentioned before.

Even I can't empathize with my past self.

Therefore, while he understands, Zero in the parallel universe has no intention of letting go.

Even when Zero from this universe was looking over, he deliberately rubbed his cheek against Belial's and then made a face at Zero from this universe. Zero from this universe was so angry that he didn't know whether he found this parallel universe counterpart too childish and embarrassing, or he envied and was jealous that he dared to act so blatantly cute. His fists clenched and his whole body trembled uncontrollably!

Of course, Zero from this universe isn't the only one who feels uncomfortable with "himself".

Upon witnessing the appearance of the other two "selves," even the usually muscle-bound, simple-minded Ken keenly realized that these two parallel universe counterparts were staring intently at Belial with burning eyes.

Especially the Zero from the parallel universe, the counterpart who traveled through time and space, looked at Belial with the same enthusiasm as if he had found a long-lost brother!

This immediately set off alarm bells in Jian's mind!

Before he could even think about what he should do, his body reacted faster than his mind. His right leg lashed out to the side, his massive body like a moving mountain, blocking Belial's path between the two Fathers of Ultra from parallel universes. After diverting their attention from his good brother, he waved his hands impatiently, emphasizing the situation in a serious tone.

"Get out of here! That's my brother! Mine! Stop staring at Belial! If you want to look, look at your own Belial!"

Jian's voice carried an almost frantic urgency. His gaze swept rapidly between the two faces that were identical to his own, his expression like that of a protective dog guarding its food. It was as if he would draw his sword if either of them continued to advance.

Unfortunately, people never get tired when they're doing bad things, and even Ultraman is no exception.

If Ken hadn't said that, then these two Fathers of Ultra would have only glanced at him a few times at most, and wouldn't have actually gone so far as to forcibly take him home.

Jian's protective posture, as if he were afraid Belial would be taken away, was so vivid that the two Fathers of Ultra, in the instant they subconsciously looked at each other, saw the exact same wicked scheme brewing in each other's eyes.

"Huh? Who said Belial is definitely yours? Did he even agree to that himself?"

The Father of Ultra from the main universe tilted his head slightly, his right hand slowly resting on the hilt of the ultimate blade at his waist, conveying an air of "My sword is just as sharp!" His gaze met Ken's without flinching. Struggling to suppress the urge to laugh, he spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Have you ever considered that we are more mature than you and less of a worry for Belial, so perhaps Belial would rather come with us than with you?"

"...You're talking nonsense—!!!"

Upon hearing this, a vein bulged on Ken's forehead. He raised his finger, pointed at the face of the Father of Ultra from the parallel universe, and was about to activate the Cybertronian Mystic Language again.

Just then, the Father of Ultra from a parallel universe, not to be outdone, spoke first, interrupting Ken's spellcasting.

He even meticulously adjusted the collar of his cloak before casually placing his hand on the hilt of his ultimate blade. His expression was equally serious and solemn, as if he were attending some high-level negotiation concerning the future of the Land of Light. Only the barely perceptible tremor at the corner of his mouth betrayed his true thoughts.

"I also think Belial might prefer to come with us... Hey, I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush. You probably don't know this, but back home, Belial went to great lengths to tutor Seven and the others for over a month. That shows how much he cares about us, right?"

"You...you all...!!!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Jian's face turned bright red. He reached out and pointed back and forth between the two "selves," but couldn't utter a single complete sentence.

His other hand gripped and released the hilt of the Ultimate Blade repeatedly, as if he were using all his strength to suppress the instinctive urge to "cut these two guys down together."

The gazes that swept back and forth between the two were filled with accusations that seemed to say, "You two lost your own Belial, so you come here to steal someone else's! Shameless!"

Upon seeing this, the Father of Ultra in the parallel universe almost lost his composure, his serious expression nearly crumbling. Even after recalling all the heartbreaking events of his life, he couldn't help but let a smile creep onto his lips.

Even so, he still didn't intend to let Jian off the hook. He still spread his hands, his face neither red nor out of breath, and teased him in a serious manner.

"What's wrong with me? I'm just stating a fact. Belial is living a very comfortable life with me and has no intention of going back."

Well, of course, while saying these words, the Father of Ultra in the parallel universe suddenly realized something.

He instinctively shrank back guiltily and glanced sideways. He saw Belial watching him silently with a kind smile.

Aside from warning the Father of Ultra in the parallel universe not to bully Ken too much, lest he make that brat cry and then I have to go through all the trouble of coaxing him...

What do you mean by "living comfortably in your place"? Don't you feel any remorse when you say that?

Do you want to think back to that month and see if my blood pressure ever went down? And how many metal pointers went through?!

Look into my eyes!

"That doesn't count! What do you mean he doesn't want to go back! It's clear he can't come back! Don't try to fool me!"

Fortunately, Ken, who was furious at the moment, did not notice Belial's little tricks. Moreover, in the matter of "fighting for Belial's ownership", he seemed to have suddenly become wise and exposed the real reason why Belial had been staying there for a month.

He then became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, as if he had found something to be proud of, puffing out his chest and raising his head, continuing to speak with a righteous indignation.

"And what's a month! I've been by Belial's side since I was a child, for a full 20,000 years! What do you have to compare with me! Hmph!"

"So what if it's 20,000 years? For us Ultra race, that's just... wait, what did you just say? 20,000 years? Does that mean that the two of you are only...?!"

Upon hearing this, the Father of Ultra from the parallel universe subconsciously continued teasing Ken. It wasn't until halfway through his sentence, realizing what Ken had said, that he froze, as if suddenly choked. Then, his tone shifted abruptly, his eyes fixed on Ken, scrutinizing him from head to toe with an incredulous astonishment!

He had always thought that this Belial from a parallel universe, even if his age differed from his own, would only fluctuate by a few thousand.

But now, because of Ken's unintentional remark, Belial's true age has been exposed.

Because on that suddenly appearing screen, they learned that Belial was forced to self-destruct to deal with the Gua San siblings. Even in his dying state, he was fought over by Tartarus and Reiblood. This past experience silenced the Father of Ultra in the parallel universe, and even the Ultra Brothers around him who were secretly laughing.

Then they all turned their heads in unison, their faces grim and their gazes fixed on Tartarus. The almost tangible killing intent surging in their eyes made Tartarus, who had already developed a "bighorn phobia" from Ken's beating, shudder involuntarily!

"Hey, what's 20,000 years? I'm already 160,000 years old. I can easily spend even longer with Belial and protect him. Unlike some people, who are only 20,000 years old and can already lose their good brother in a parallel universe, tsk tsk tsk~"

Of course, Father of Ultra, who was completely unaware of this, was shocked that Belial, who was acting so maturely, was still just a "child" from 20,000 years ago. But because he didn't know what Belial had gone through before, he didn't feel that anything was wrong. Instead, he wanted to tease the younger version of himself in front of him.

Then, when his "companion" inexplicably fell silent, he took the initiative to pick up the conversation and continued to tease him.

"...!!!!"

Upon hearing these words, Ken's chest heaved noticeably. He even instinctively tightened his grip on the hilt of the Ultimate Blade, his entire aura escalating from that of a "dog guarding its food" to the point of "a dog about to go berserk and chew!"

Well, of course, this is also because Kenta was young and, in his anger, forgot about the "future self" in the "premonition dream" secretly provided by Bei Laohei. He was just trying to send his good brother to his doorstep to calm down, but his good brother was kidnapped by a trafficker right there at his doorstep.

Otherwise, when it comes to exposing each other's weaknesses and hurting each other's feelings, it's really hard to say who will break down first.

Meanwhile, a different kind of "battle" is quietly unfolding around the "ownership" of Belial, and it is in full swing.

On the other side of the battlefield, Tartarus's inner defenses are undergoing a devastating collapse.

At this moment, he no longer cared about the waves of pain coursing through his body. His eyes were wide with disbelief as he stared intently at the three Fathers of Ultra who were locked in a fierce struggle. Even when the Father of Ultra from a parallel universe looked over with a dangerous glare, he instinctively took a half-step back!

His previous personal experience had made him realize that against a numerical monster like Father of Ultra, no matter how many ordinary combatants rushed in, they would only be throwing their lives away!

Not to mention these unreasonable, old-school numerical monsters, which suddenly went from one to three!

This is insane! Who can handle this?!

Tartarus let out a silent roar of despair within himself.

Reason kept reminding him that the problem was no longer as simple as whether they could kill Belial...

Even disregarding the two well-organized Ultra Brothers standing behind them, who could potentially combine into Super Taro at any moment...

These three top-tier numerical monsters alone are enough to cause the kingdom devastating losses, yet they bring no real benefit whatsoever!

In other words, the best option now is to take advantage of their infighting and distraction and order a retreat as soon as possible! Preserve as many lives as you can!

"Hahahaha! Tartarus, look! Those guys from the Land of Light are arguing with themselves! They're hopelessly stupid! Hahahaha! This is the perfect opportunity to wipe them out! My men, now's the time, follow me—!!!"

Just as Tartarus was weighing the pros and cons and was about to give the order, a loud, unrestrained laugh, full of the fearlessness of the ignorant, suddenly erupted behind him.

The next second, Diablo, his eyes filled with contempt, deliberately spoke before Tartarus could, in order to further show off, and gave the order for the entire army to attack.

Diablo himself, as if afraid that Tartarus would steal the credit from him, stomped the ground and rushed out the moment he finished speaking!

Then, during the charge, he adopted the starting stance of the Cosmic Beast Fist. Driven by greed and ambition to seize the greatest credit, he charged straight at the three Great Horned Bulls that were "fighting amongst themselves" without a second thought!

Meanwhile, Titan, who appears aloof but is actually just like the Great Horned Bull, whose mind is only filled with the thrill of battle, has long been unable to suppress the urge to challenge the strong.

Almost the instant Diablo charged out, the Titan gripped his sword and followed closely behind Diablo, charging together towards the three Great Horned Bulls!

The main feature is that you can join the team instantly after it starts!