The vast and silent universe stretched endlessly, cold and lifeless, like a beast lurking in the dark, waiting to devour everything. Countless stars shimmered faintly, as if the cosmos itself were breathing—alive and eternal.
Beyond Earth's orbit, a massive, fully armed battleship hovered quietly above the blue planet. Inside, a brutal test was underway.
Hundreds of spider-like robots swarmed across the arena, their eyes glowing crimson. Black gun barrels extended from beneath their heads, all aimed at the two figures standing at the center.
Zzzzt!
Blazing red lasers burst from the robots' muzzles, scorching through the air with terrifying heat as they streaked toward their targets. At the arena's core, a sand-colored crab-like alien gave a cold snort and swung its thick claws, effortlessly deflecting several beams.
Then, opening its claws wide, it fired a powerful laser between them. The beam's energy was immense—within moments, the surrounding spider robots exploded into fragments, scattering across the ground.
"&%￥@!"
Across from it, a black-and-purple alien shouted something unintelligible in a strange language, clearly unimpressed by the spider drones. Weapons covered every inch of his body—arms, legs, chest—he was armed to the teeth, a true weapon fanatic.
Raising his pistol, he dashed into the midst of the robots. Spinning rapidly, he pulled the trigger again and again, unleashing a torrent of bullets that shredded enemies at astonishing speed.
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed behind them, swallowing the light. A colossal robot emerged, towering five or six stories high. Its crimson eyes glowed menacingly, and its claws gleamed with a sharp metallic chill.
It crouched on all fours like a giant spider, its presence heavy and oppressive.
Just as the crab monster prepared to attack, a figure dressed in black shot forward on a hoverboard, streaking through the air. The giant robot's eyes flared. Two beams of crimson light gathered and shot forth like roaring dragons, tearing through the air toward the newcomer.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion shook the arena. The searing lasers struck the black-clad figure dead-on, erupting in a blinding flash and a cloud of smoke.
"Dead already?" The crab monster sneered, his gaze full of disdain.
Trying to compete with him? Once they reached Earth, he'd make sure to get rid of these rivals first.
Whoosh!
The next instant, the black-clad figure burst out of the smoke, cutting through the air on his hoverboard with unshaken resolve. He clenched his fist, drove it straight through the giant robot's chest, then landed lightly on the ground in one smooth motion.
The colossal robot froze, completely still. A moment later, a blazing light erupted from its chest. The explosion consumed it instantly, leaving nothing but twisted metal and fire.
"Not bad," the crab monster clicked his claws.
"@#￥@^#%!" the other alien muttered again, words still indecipherable.
After dispatching the enemy, the black-clad figure turned toward a nearby screen. On the bright display sat an alien resembling an octopus, tentacles hanging from its mouth, its twisted face radiating menace and cruelty.
"Did you pass the assessment?" the black-clad figure asked slowly, his true features hidden behind the mask.
"All three of you have passed," Vilgax said, his eyes narrowing slightly as a cold gleam flashed within them.
"Then we'll head to Earth immediately to help you reclaim the Omnitrix," Kraab replied respectfully, placing one claw over his chest.
"Hold on," Vilgax said hoarsely.
"Any further instructions?" the cloaked figure asked, puzzled.
Vilgax chuckled. "One warrior remains untested. I wish to see his strength."
"Another?" The cloaked figure's tone darkened.
"What? Afraid someone might outshine you, seize the Omnitrix first, and claim all the bounty?"
Kraab's mechanical voice echoed, its tone flat yet dripping with sarcasm.
"Hmph. Watch your tone, or you'll regret it." The cloaked figure snorted coldly, showing no regard for his opponent.
Just as the crab alien was about to retort, Vilgax cut him off.
"Shut up, both of you!" Vilgax's forehead veins bulged, his tentacles twitching. "I don't care how you do it—whoever retrieves the Omnitrix for me gets the bounty! Otherwise, none of you escape!"
"If you fail the mission, you're useless to me! If you doubt me, try it. Anyone who dares provoke Vilgax will find no refuge in this entire Universe!"
Vilgax's terrifying roar echoed through every corner of the ship.
"Yes, yes..." Kraab bowed his head, not daring to defy.
Just then, the hatch above opened, and a tall, slender figure emerged slowly.
The black-clad figure gripped his hoverboard tightly, his gaze fixed intently upward.
The newcomer wore black armor etched with molten, lava-like crimson patterns. Every movement radiated a faint aura of death, like a prehistoric beast lying in wait, ready to strike its prey at any moment.
With a thunderous boom, fiery red flames erupted from the figure's body, releasing an overwhelming surge of power. In an instant, he leapt forward and crashed down onto the arena floor.
"Blackfire, begin your performance," Vilgax spoke slowly.
Soon, three colossal robots entered the arena, encircling Blackfire...