The Humungousaur and Red Spikesnake, fierce and menacing, closed in on Lucian.
"Hold on!" Spidermonkey suddenly called out from above.
"What's the matter, Erik? Is there something you need?" Red Spikesnake's crimson eyes flickered with confusion.
Tygon gave him the same puzzled look.
Eric descended from above, his tail hanging from a strand of spider silk. Landing lightly, he scurried to Lucian's side and sneered coldly. "We… shouldn't kill him here."
"What! Eric, what nonsense are you talking about!" Tygon immediately shouted, clenching his fists.
Red Spikesnake's eyes narrowed, but he didn't lower his spear. His tone turned cold. "Erik, what trick are you trying to pull now?"
Among the four Guardians of the Great One, Erik had joined the latest—only about two years ago. Compared to the other three, he was still a newcomer.
Red Spikesnake had always doubted Erik's loyalty, but since he'd behaved himself during his time here, she hadn't bothered to confront him. Still, his sudden move to stop them from killing the intruder instantly reignited her suspicions.
"Relax!" Erik waved his hand and glanced at Lucian beside him. "What I mean is—we're still inside the Great One's body."
"So what?" Tygon asked mockingly.
"I propose we take this Earthling outside for execution. That way, we won't defile the Great One's sacred body."
Spidermonkey Erik spoke with feigned reverence, raising his four slender arms as if in worship.
Red Spikesnake shook his head. "No! This Earthling is full of tricks. He can transform into powerful aliens. We can't take that risk."
"I agree with Erik," Humungousaur said with a firm nod.
"But—"
Before Red Spikesnake could finish, Humungousaur cut him off. "Erik is right! The Great One must not be stained with the blood of a blasphemer. We'll take him outside and execute him there!" His voice boomed like thunder.
Spidermonkey covered his mouth, barely stifling a laugh. When Red Spikesnake turned her head, he quickly returned to his solemn expression.
Lucian caught the entire exchange clearly.
Just what side was this Erik on?
Could he be an undercover agent sent by some faction, hiding for years, waiting for the chance to destroy the Great One?
Red Spikesnake had initially wanted to end things here and now, rejecting Erik's idea outright. But with Tygon so insistent, he could only sigh. He knew all too well how fanatically loyal Tygon was to the Great One, so he decided not to argue further.
"Let's move!" Red Spikesnake snapped, then suddenly added, "Oh, and bring the Merlinisapien too."
"No problem." Spidermonkey leapt away, landing beside the unconscious Chamalien.
He strained with all his might, tearing through the tough tendons until he finally freed the slick alien. After shaking him a few times and finding no response, Erik simply picked him up and hurried back.
"He's still out," Erik muttered, scratching his head helplessly.
"Bring them all. We're heading out together," Red Spikesnake ordered, glancing toward the Great One's mouth as he dragged Lucian forward.
Humungousaur followed behind, carrying the limp Chamalien in his massive hands.
As for Spidermonkey, he took one last look at the Great One's organs, shook his head, and quickly caught up with the others.
...
Soon, the group emerged into the open.
With the surrounding soil rotted and unable to support their weight, they climbed atop the insect's shell, preparing for the brutal execution.
Scanning the barren wasteland, Humungousaur's eyes flickered as he spoke solemnly, "The Great One will soon perform another divine miracle."
Red Spikesnake nodded slightly. "I've followed the Great One for many years and witnessed countless such magnificent scenes, yet every time, I still can't suppress the awe in my heart."
"Enough. Let's begin the execution of the intruder!" Humungousaur clenched his fists, unable to contain his impatience.
Red Spikesnake turned toward the unconscious Chamalien. "This one's sleeping like the dead. What a shame—he won't get to see the intruder's final moment."
"Invader, do you have any last words?"
Humungousaur extended his massive arm, grabbing Lucian and hoisting him up.
"Could you let me go?" Lucian asked.
"Impossible!" Red Spikesnake stepped forward, the sharp barbs on his body glinting menacingly. "You're a dangerous Earthling. Keeping you alive would only endanger the Great One."
"Die!" Red Spikesnake lifted his blood-red spear and thrust it straight at Lucian's chest.
Suddenly, a powerful suction force pulled from behind.
"What!?"
Before Red Spikesnake could react, Spidermonkey's web yanked him backward, flinging him through the air before he crashed hard into the muddy swamp.
Humungousaur spun around, his eyes blazing red as he glared at the ambushing Spidermonkey. "Erik! What are you doing!"
Beep!
A familiar sound chimed as the Omnitrix on Lucian's wrist flashed, returning to its deep green hue.
Fully charged!
Taking advantage of Humungousaur's distraction, Lucian slammed his hand down on the Omnitrix, twisting the dial and pressing it firmly.
Thud!
A towering figure emerged, light green and sharp-edged, its entire body gleaming like carved crystal.
Diamondhead stood tall and imposing, instantly breaking free from Humungousaur's grip before launching a powerful punch.
Boom!
The crystal fist struck with tremendous force, sending Humungousaur hurtling through the air until he crashed beside Red Spikesnake.
Both sank deep into the decaying mud, careful not to struggle too hard—any movement would only drag them under faster.
"Nice work, Petrosapien!" Spidermonkey cheered excitedly, jumping in place.
"Why did you help me?" Diamondhead asked, his tone steady.
"Help you?" Spidermonkey tilted his head. "No, no, no—I'm helping myself."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. Let's deal with the enemies first," Erik replied.
Diamondhead nodded. If this went on, Earth wouldn't last much longer.
Whoosh!
A sharp spike shot toward Diamondhead's face.
His arm instantly morphed into a blade, slicing the projectile cleanly in two with a swift motion.
"Damn it!" Red Spikesnake cursed, gritting his teeth.
Then, a loud voice echoed from afar.
"The hero arrives!"
XLR8 blurred into a streak of blue light, his legendary speed propelling him effortlessly across the rotting ground.
In just a few heartbeats, he came to a stop right in front of Diamondhead.