DING!
"Congratulations to the host for signing in successfully!"
"Green Bonus Obtained: Omnitrix transformation time extended by one minute!"
It was the most basic type of reward, but for Asher, every additional minute of transformation time meant another minute of combat capability. If this had been yesterday, he might have reverted to human form mid-flight and crashed somewhere between the park and the abandoned power station. Instead, he'd maintained his Buzzshock transformation the entire journey without issue.
One minute might not sound like much, but in battle, it could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
...
"However, I can't stay here much longer." Buzzshock's expression turned serious as he looked at the cluster of Nosedeenians gathered before him. "Your boss has some important things to take care of, so I can't stick around with you guys."
"Aww, Boss, don't go..."
"Are you getting caught back in that rubber ball prison?"
The energy beings looked at Buzzshock with obvious reluctance, their small faces showing genuine sadness. Asher had genuinely enjoyed communicating with them. There was no deception, no hidden agendas, just straightforward, honest interaction.
"I'm going to do something to save the planet!" Buzzshock declared solemnly, standing as tall as his small frame allowed. "Do you understand what that means?"
The champion Buzzshock retrieved a somewhat worn magazine from a nearby table. The cover featured bold lettering, "Sumo Slammer Wrestler Battles Alien Invaders!" The magazine was part of a massively popular franchise, comparable to Marvel Comics in terms of cultural significance.
"Isn't that... like the protagonist of this comic?" the champion asked, holding up the magazine.
"Exactly right," Buzzshock confirmed with a nod. "And I already told you that my original body is human, the same person who hosted that competition broadcast! My true purpose is defending Earth from threats. Helping you find a new home is part of that responsibility."
Buzzshock looked appropriately heroic and dignified, one small hand pressed against his chest as he spoke. His persuasive words, delivered with theatrical conviction, soon had the little energy beings sniffling with emotion.
"Boss, we're going to miss you so much!"
"No matter who you really are, thank you for helping us find a home. You'll always be our boss!"
The champion Buzzshock tied a small red ribbon around its forehead like a headband, clenching its tiny fists with determination. "One day, I'll become as powerful as Boss!" it swore under its breath.
...
Finally, Asher emerged from the abandoned power station in his human form, having ensured the Nosedeenians were completely settled in their new home.
"That was exhausting," he sighed, stretching his arms above his head, "but definitely worth it." The smile on his face reflected genuine satisfaction. He'd gained a powerful new alien transformation and extended his transformation time, considerable rewards for one night's work.
Now I need to get back quickly, or Grandpa and the others will start worrying.
Asher hailed a taxi and rode back to Mirage Paradise, meeting Max, Ben, and Gwen near the park entrance. Seeing him return safely, everyone visibly relaxed. That was their Asher, always managing to handle whatever came his way.
With all four Tennysons reunited, they could finally breathe easy.
After learning what had happened from both Asher and Max, who naturally concealed the fact that Asher himself had been the "helpful" Buzzshock, the Happy Country owner expressed his gratitude. He even offered the humans a complimentary one-day pass to the entire park.
Having gone to bed extremely late due to the previous night's excitement, Asher slept until nearly nine in the morning. After everyone finished breakfast together, they politely declined the owner's invitation to stay for another day at the park. Summer vacation was packed with plans, and they couldn't afford to spend too much time in one place.
"Grandpa, wait a minute. I still have something I need to do, just give me a moment!" Asher stopped Max from starting the Rust Bucket's engine. He walked to the vehicle's door, opened the Omnitrix interface, and quickly slammed his palm down on the glowing pattern!
He transformed into Buzzshock once again.
"Asher, are those little guys running loose again?" Max asked with obvious confusion.
"No. Before we leave, I want to prepare some surprises for them." Buzzshock's grin turned distinctly mischievous as he spoke. "And I want to give the Happy Country owner a real taste of what a surprise actually means."
The small electric alien opened the RV door and shot toward the park like a golden lightning bolt.
...
About seven minutes later, inside the abandoned power station, the Nosedeenians were happily examining their new possessions: television sets, fresh magazines, and stacks of comic books.
Meanwhile, the Happy Country owner was diligently cleaning and maintaining all the electrical equipment. He'd been informed that once he finished these caretaking duties, he'd be allowed to return to running his business.
"Alright, I'll be leaving here soon," Buzzshock said, looking at the exhausted owner. "I'm leaving them in your care. Remember, don't let them wander off. If they get bored, buy them more comic books." He added pointedly, "Get some detective comics too, the kind I like to read."
"No problem!" the Happy Country owner answered quickly, his tone completely serious and professional.
Buzzshock looked pleased. He'd essentially appointed this man as the Nosedeenians' guardian, someone responsible and capable. This boss really is promising! With such a dedicated caretaker watching over them, I can leave with complete confidence.
"Then I'll take my leave! Goodbye~" Buzzshock vanished in a flash of golden electricity, rushing back to the Rust Bucket to take advantage of his final minute of transformation time.
The Happy Country owner wiped sweat from his forehead. While watching the playful energy beings, a strange thought occurred to him. Wait... why could that creature speak human language? That's so odd!
He shook his head. Forget it. If I don't understand it, I won't think about it!
...
ZZZZT!
A purple streak of electricity penetrated through the gap in the RV's window, transforming back into Asher right in front of Ben and the others!
Asher glanced at the reddish-tinged Omnitrix and sighed with relief. "Phew, I almost ran out of time. Getting stuck mid-transformation inside the RV window would've been a disaster."
"If everything's settled, should we hit the road? You'll definitely be satisfied with where we're going today," Max said mysteriously from the driver's seat.
Grandpa's still the same, Asher thought with amusement. Always building suspense, just like those serial novelists.
"No problem," Asher made an "okay" gesture and settled into the comfortable sofa seat, taking a long gulp of water.
"Asher, what were you doing just now?" Ben asked, moving closer with obvious curiosity.
"Well, when you come back with me in the future, you'll find out!" Asher replied mysteriously.
"Asher, when did you learn to build suspense exactly like Grandpa?" Ben complained, tugging at his hair in frustration.
"Ben, I hear you talking about me behind my back," Max said without turning his head from the road, clearly annoyed despite his neutral tone.
Under the group's cheerful chatter, the Rust Bucket drove toward its new destination.
They traveled through the suburbs, merged onto the highway, and finally entered a cityscape...
And not just any city, they were heading straight into the most prosperous and vibrant downtown district!
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