Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!
Diamondhead's crystal forearms rotated rapidly, launching a relentless barrage of razor-sharp crystal shards.
The projectiles tore through the giant robot's shoulders, eyes, chest, and every major joint.
In an instant, the machine's body was riddled with damage.
Sparks burst everywhere as its internal circuits shorted out. It looked like a metallic hornet's nest, pierced from top to bottom.
The robot tried to raise its alloy right arm—but every joint and plate along that limb was embedded with crystal shards. The moment it moved, electricity crackled violently.
Then—
The entire arm detached and crashed to the ground.
"It's over," Diamondhead said calmly, stepping forward. "Every weapon on your body has already been disabled."
His crystal cannons reshaped into solid fists.
"I prefer finishing things with my hands."
He closed the distance.
Bang!
Bang!!!
One punch. Then another.
Like an unstoppable warrior, Diamondhead shattered the robot's legs with brute force.
The remaining upper body collapsed as he ripped it apart, scattering gears and metal fragments across the campsite.
Finally, the mechanical head rolled to the ground. Its scanner flickered… then went dark.
Diamondhead lifted his foot and crushed it.
Boom!!!
Only when the last sparks faded and the wreckage lay silent did he turn and walk away from the campsite.
"Was that… the final enemy?"
Diamondhead's steady gaze swept across the stunned tourists as he asked in a deep, composed voice.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
"Amazing! Alien hero, can I get your autograph?!"
"Thank you for saving us!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd. They looked at him with awe, like he had stepped straight out of a superhero movie.
The Omnitrix symbol on his chest suddenly began to flash.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Aiden inwardly cursed.
He bent his knees slightly—
Whoosh!!!
With a powerful leap, he launched himself several meters into the air and disappeared into the forest in seconds.
While Diamondhead wasn't as physically strong as Four Arms, he was still far beyond anything human. His speed and agility left the crowd stunned.
"He went into the forest! Let's follow him!"
"Yeah! I want a photo!"
A few bold tourists started toward the trees.
But Grandpa Max calmly stepped in front of them, wearing a gentle smile.
"Friends," he said thoughtfully, "isn't your campsite still on fire?"
The words hit instantly.
"Oh no! Our luggage!"
"The fire—put it out!"
Panic spread as the tourists rushed back to save their tents and belongings.
Aiden stepped out from behind the trees, the Omnitrix timing out in a flash of green light.
"Thanks for covering for me, Grandpa," he said with relief. "If you hadn't distracted them, my identity would've been exposed."
"You have to be more careful next time, Aiden," Grandpa Max replied, his tone firm but calm.
"I understand."
Max nodded in approval. Aiden was mature for his age—he didn't need long lectures. A hero, no matter how admired, could never reveal his identity.
"Diamondhead was awesome!" Ben ran over excitedly. "When we get back to the Rustbucket, can you try turning into something else?"
"Relax," Aiden replied with a grin. "Once this 'little green watch' recharges, I'll transform again. Just make sure you help me keep it a secret."
"Hey, don't look at me," Gwen teased. "Ben's the one who can't keep his mouth shut."
Ben crossed his arms and turned away. "Hmph! Whoever blabs isn't me. And anyway, something this cool? Why would I tell anyone?"
"I believe you, Ben," Aiden said seriously, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Ben froze for a moment.
At school, he was often the troublemaker no one took seriously. Being trusted like this meant more than he expected.
"Don't worry," Ben said firmly. "I won't tell anyone."
Moonlight bathed the campsite, quietly sealing their promise.
"It's late," Grandpa Max said with a yawn. "Time to get some sleep."
The four of them boarded the Rustbucket, shut the doors, turned off the lights, and settled in for the night.
Tomorrow, they were heading into the city.
Aboard Vilgax's Ship
The atmosphere inside the warship was suffocating.
Even in his damaged state, Vilgax's presence dominated the entire chamber. The robotic drones standing before him trembled instinctively under his overwhelming aura.
"Lord Vilgax," one of his lieutenants asked cautiously, "shall we deploy more attack units?"
Vilgax's expression darkened.
"No. Sending more robots would only waste resources."
He clenched his fist.
That human. That wielder of the Omnitrix.
"Issue a bounty," Vilgax ordered coldly. "Hire the most powerful mercenaries available. I want that human eliminated."
His hunt had not ended.
It had only just begun.
...
Author's Note
Sorry for the late updates. Because of my semester exams, I wasn't able to upload stories continuously.
From now onward, updates will be regular, and I'll be including a few new fanfics as well. I hope you enjoy them and continue to support me!
Also, every month I will upload free stories on my Patreon account for readers to enjoy. I've already uploaded 3 fanfics for free, so feel free to check them out.
Join my Patreon here: patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your support ❤️
— Shadow_demon_007