Ultraman: What do you mean by saying L77 is about to explode?

Chapter 108 TPC Armament

Not long after Kaul joined, at the TPC Far East headquarters, in the highest decision-making conference room.

The projection screen was above the conference table, showing the Flame Golba "Little Rock" crushing the ancient dragon Melba, along with the shocking scene of Tiga killing Golza.

Those in the conference room who hadn't seen it before fell silent after watching it; it was simply too shocking.

Besides TPC's core senior executives, including Director Sawai, Director Yoshioka, Captain Iruma, and Staff Officer Nanbara, a young man was sitting at the end of the conference table, holding a cup of freshly ground black coffee.

It is Kaul, who is now an employee of TPC.

He was dressed in a high-end black uniform that TPC had tailored for him overnight. This uniform was designed by TPC to distinguish it from the purple and off-white ones, and he did not wear any official badges on his chest.

But even though he was just sitting there casually, the aura of authority emanating from his very bones made many of the staff members present afraid to meet his gaze.

Of course, this was all deliberately created by Caul to deter those within TPC who were prone to having bad intentions.

"You've all watched this video at least three times already."

Director Sawai broke the silence first, placing his hands clasped on the table and surveying the crowd with a gentle yet authoritative gaze.

"I believe there is no need to elaborate on Mr. Caul's identity and everything he has done for this planet. Yu Lian's time capsule and resurrection in the giant statue also indirectly confirm his words. Therefore, I formally propose to hire Mr. Caul as TPC's 'Special Tactical Staff Advisor,' who will be directly responsible to me and have a high degree of discretion."

Captain Megumi immediately nodded in agreement: "I agree with the director's suggestion. Faced with the resurgence of monsters, our current knowledge and coping methods are far too inadequate. Mr. Caul's experience, and his monster, will be our partner in protecting the Earth."

"I object!" With a slam of his hand on the table, Police Chief Tetsuji Yoshioka, who was sitting to Sawai's right, stood up.

"Sawai! Megumi! Have you been blinded by these so-called ancient people? Letting him join TPC is one thing, but now you're making him personally join the front lines!"

Director Yoshioka looked at Kaul, making no attempt to hide his wariness and hostility: "Even if he really is some ancient being from 30 million years ago, even if he just saved us, to us, he is still essentially an alien with a destructive human civilization, and he controls a monster capable of instantly destroying a city!"

Yoshioka began rapidly articulating his ideology: "The safety of Earth, the future of humanity, absolutely cannot be entrusted to an unknown alien or a so-called 'Giant of Light.' With the defense force essentially disbanded, our TPC's military strength has been weakened to the extreme. Now that monsters have appeared, what we should do is immediately advance the armament of TPC! We must fully equip the Flying Swallow with live ammunition and high-energy laser weapons! We must fight with our own human strength! Instead of letting the ancient beings be honored guests here!"

The meeting room fell silent.

Staff Officer Nanbara and the other doves who advocated for a peaceful resolution exchanged glances. Kijima Megumi frowned, wanting to retort to Yoshioka: "Director Yoshioka, force is not the only way to solve all problems. If we proactively begin armed security, it will only escalate..."

The applause interrupted Megumi Kijima's words.

Everyone turned their heads.

It was Caul, who had been sitting at the back drinking coffee, who stood up. Instead of being angry at Director Yoshioka's offense and hostility, he clapped and walked to Director Yoshioka's side.

"Well said! Absolutely wonderful!"

Kaul's eyes were full of admiration. He even reached out and patted Director Yoshioka on the shoulder in an extremely familiar manner, making the director pause for a moment, realizing that he had just been opposing him...

"Director Yoshioka, right? If I had met you 30 million years earlier, I would definitely have approved you as the commander-in-chief of the Earth Star Guard. After all, Yuzare was too peaceful back then, relying only on the giants and those with superpowers to fight, instead of developing weapons that could actually fight." Kaul turned his head, looked at the astonished Megumi and Director Sawai, and waved his hand.

"Captain Megumi, your kindness is worthy of respect, but not developing military capabilities will only lead to the deaths of more civilians, even though the current peace and deweaponization of the Earth have not come easily to you."

Kaul placed his hands on the conference table, looking at everyone present: "But peace without the deterrence of force is nothing but a castle on the beach, utterly destroyed by a single wave! Do you think the universe is a fairy tale? Do you think all monsters wag their tails like Gedi, begging for pats?"

In Caul's mind, the scene of his home planet L77 Nebula disappearing under the Magma Empire's planet-destroying cannon flashed by—something he had never wanted to recall.

"I once witnessed a planet that was extremely prosperous, even to the point that the entire population was a soldier. Because it had a sliver of hope against the invaders, it was eventually blown into cosmic dust in the face of a massive interstellar fleet. My father and my brother fought with their own strength to ensure the survival of their people, but the planet was ultimately destroyed."

Kaul's voice was deep, yet deafening: "The weapon itself is not wrong; the fault lies with the person wielding it. If you have no sword in your hand, when a dark ruler like Gatanothor descends again, what will you use to protect the civilians behind you? To influence him with love and peace?"

Kaul straightened up and looked at Director Yoshioka: "So, Director Yoshioka, I not only fully agree with your armament modification plan, but I can even use my knowledge of alien technology and combat experience to help you transform the Flying Swallow into a fighter jet capable of truly penetrating monster armor. Truth lies only within the range of cannons, and peace is always built upon weaponry. What do you think?"

After these words were spoken, the entire conference room fell silent.

Even Director Tetsuji Yoshioka, who is known for his sharp tongue and tough stance, was speechless for a long time.

He stared blankly at the man before him who claimed to have lived for thirty million years, someone who should theoretically be a messenger of light or a cosmic sage, with only one thought remaining in his mind:

Wait... this script is wrong! How come this alien's thinking is even more extreme and more to my liking than mine, a hawk?!

"You...you really support militarization?" Director Yoshioka looked at Kaul with some surprise, his eyes having changed from defensive to as if he had found a kindred spirit.

After all, the enemy wouldn't support your armament, and might even disagree with or oppose it, but right now... they're much more enthusiastic than him!

"Of course, I can also provide some technology if you need it." Caul shrugged, looking completely matter-of-fact.