ebonymovies Chapter 154: Treating Monsters Like Footballs? What Does That Mean?
Chapter 154: Treating Monsters Like Footballs? What Does That Mean?
It's Friday night again at 8 PM.
A week has passed since the performance of "The Castle of Dreams" that brought countless viewers to tears.
The Spring Festival holiday is almost over.
Many working people have already returned to work, and students are also frantically battling wits with their winter break homework.
But the enthusiasm of tokusatsu fans for "Ultraman Dyna" is as high as the New Year atmosphere.
The live stream of UP master Lao Tang lit up on time.
However, the picture quality was noticeably poor today, and there was a slight buzzing sound from the microphone from time to time.
In the video, Lao Tang is wearing a somewhat rustic red cotton-padded jacket, and the background is a guest room that is clearly old-fashioned, with a vintage calendar on the wall.
"Hey guys, Happy New Year!"
Old Tang lowered his voice and waved his hand furtively at the screen, "Don't keep asking me why the picture quality is so blurry."
"To be honest, I went back to my hometown for Chinese New Year this year. Right now, I'm hiding in the guest room at my hometown, using my three-year-old gaming laptop to stream for my buddies."
The screen was instantly filled with "Happy New Year" and merciless mockery:
[Haha, Happy New Year, Lao Tang!]
[Old Tang, why do you sound like you're doing something wrong? Are you afraid your family will check on you?]
The picture quality is impressive, and the static is pleasant, but it doesn't stop us from waiting for Dyna updates at all!
[Old Tang, eat less! You've gained weight over the New Year!]
"Let's get serious!"
Old Tang waved his hand, "Enough with the nonsense, Dyna episode 24 is about to start, let me see... Hmm, today's episode is called 'The Vampire in the Lake,' judging from the name, Gu the old scoundrel is probably going to do something horrific again."
Thinking back to the previous movie where Ultraman Tiga was associated with vampires, it certainly caused quite a bit of psychological trauma!
As Lao Tang finished speaking, the screen switched to the main feature on time.
The afterglow of the setting sun lazily spread across the winding mountain road.
The Chung Dao team members, unusually dressed casually, hummed off-key tunes as they drove their car towards their destination.
It was a beautiful little lake.
The fishing gear on the back seat of the car indicated that this was not an emergency mission, but a long-awaited vacation.
His mood was as bright as the sunshine outside the window.
[They're here! Take your seats in the front row!]
[Judging from this opening, is this a personal commentary from a member of the Chung-Shima team?]
[Does Chung Dao still want to go fishing? A fishing enthusiast can do everything except catch fish.]
[As is typical for tokusatsu (special effects) films, something strange is bound to happen in this lake at the start of the vacation episode.]
Sure enough, just as Chung To parked his car and was enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, something unexpected happened.
A ball of light, trailing a strange shadow, descended from the sky and silently plunged into the center of the lake, leaving only ripples that quickly dissipated.
Chung Dao immediately became alert and took out his communicator to contact headquarters.
At TPC headquarters, Captain Hibi, upon receiving the news, instructed Mai to retrieve satellite data, only to discover that there were no abnormal energy reactions other than optical phenomena.
However, the bird standing nearby was oblivious to everything.
"Perhaps it's nature's prank, specifically designed to scare sensitive scientists like Chung Dao!"
The captain also comforted Chung Dao, telling him not to be too nervous and to focus on enjoying his vacation.
"Got it! I'll definitely have a blast!"
Chung-dao responded energetically into the communicator, temporarily putting his doubts aside.
The scene shifts, and eerie, lingering background music replaces the relaxed atmosphere.
A thick fog rolled in by the lake, creating a sense of oppression reminiscent of the "The fog is coming" scene in Ultraman Tiga.
The camera cuts to a campervan used for vacations in Chung Dao, where a sudden, urgent alarm clock rings out!
Chung Dao sprang from the bed as if electrocuted, frantically trying to put his shoes on his head like a helmet.
The conditioned reflexes formed by long-term stressful work cannot be shaken off, even during holidays.
"Hmph, ahhhhhh—I'm late, I'm late!"
Damn, why did it feel like a thick fog for the first few minutes?
[Hahaha! That conditioned reflex is amazing!]
[Chung To: My body still remembers the pain from going to work!]
[I initially thought Chung Dao was in danger!]
[You instantly dispelled the atmosphere of terror; as expected of Chung Dao!]
……
After a brief, joyful interlude, Chung To began its official fishing holiday.
Earlier anglers had already been fishing at the lake and had even caught a big fish.
Zhongdao approached and discovered a strange blue ball of fur stuck to the fish.
"This looks...like some kind of algal aggregate?"
He observed with curiosity.
No sooner had he finished speaking than the blue "algae ball" suddenly "bit" him, then fell to the ground and quickly scurried away—it was alive!
At the same time, a fellow angler exclaimed in surprise as a number of dead fish with their white bellies turned up on the shore, creating a bizarre scene.
Therefore, the TPC Bioengineering Class quickly arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation, and Zhongdao Ziran, a scientist, applied to join.
He suspected that this thing was very likely some kind of invasive species.
When contacted at headquarters, Mai reiterated that yesterday's analysis of the light cluster showed it was harmless to humans, and Captain Hibiki also reminded him to relax.
But how could Chung Doo feel at ease looking at the large number of dead fish and that strange living algae ball?
Since he couldn't catch any fish, he decided to assist in the investigation.
The bioengineering class set up a temporary camp by the lake.
Under the overcast sky and the cool-toned filter, the originally beautiful landscape was shrouded in a sense of oppression.
Chung Dao's initial examination suggested that the fish had suffocated after accidentally swallowing algae balls, but strangely, there was not a drop of blood in their bodies. He recommended further analysis of the algae balls' cellular structure.
[Chung Dao: I feel something's wrong. Biologist: No, you're right (pointing to his eyes)]
[The flag has been raised high! A classic example of researchers defying fate!]
[“It’s just mutated algae,” “Nothing to be afraid of,” “Are you seeing things?”—All the essential elements are there!]
……
His suggestion was not taken seriously.
An elderly professor and his young assistant, Xiao Fu, in the camp were quite dismissive of Zhongdao's concerns about this "combat unit member."
The old professor was more concerned about the abnormal changes in the lake's composition, believing it to be the result of natural evolution. He scoffed at Zhong Dao's mention of "living beings" and "aggression," and even whispered to Xiao Fu in front of Zhong Dao that he should "invite" him out.
"Haha, Xiao Fu, let's take this teammate back to rest."
[Plotting loudly!]
[Chung Dao: I'm a top-tier TPC researcher and a full-fledged member of the Super Victory Team, don't I have any pride?]
[Classic trope: The arrogance of professionals foreshadows disaster.]
……
Zhongdao, who was "invited" back to the RV, turned his grief and anger into a craving for food and launched a fierce attack on the mountain of fried chicken on the table.
Just as I was enjoying my meal, with my mouth full of grease, I heard a car horn outside the window.
Asuka and Ryo were ordered by their captain to come and "support the hardworking team members, including Zhongshima."
Chung Dao hurriedly hid the fried chicken, creating a rather comical scene.
【Support × Check-in √】
[Chung To: Danger! Caught cheating on food!]
Actually, Chung Dao just really likes fried chicken.
[Asuka Kazuyoshi's scene instantly turned into a comedy.]
The three briefly discussed the strangeness of the algae ball. Although Asuka said "nothing special," his intuition told him that something was wrong.
At this moment, a sudden change occurred at the camp!
The old professor, who was studying the algae, was horrified to discover that it was not an ordinary algae at all; its internal structure resembled that of a poisonous leech!
He had just reminded his assistant, Xiao Fu, to take precautions when screams of agony came from outside the camp.
The old professor rushed out and saw that one of the team members had met with misfortune, with the blue algae ball clinging to his body.
The old professor reached out and touched it, his finger immediately drawing blood! Even more terrifying, his assistant, Xiao Fu, could be heard desperately crying for help coming from inside the camp tent…
"Xiao Fu! Xiao Fu! Xiao Fu!"
"Teach...Professor..."
"I'm here! Quickly, get the Super Victory Team! Seal off the Shulang Lake area as soon as possible! This contains the data for this creature! Xiao Fu? Xiao Fu—!!"
[Warning: High-energy content ahead!]
[This shout, combined with the visuals, is accompanied by a barrage of comments!]
[Professor: This little thing is quite unique → Professor: Help! My life! Ah!]
This scene, with its stark sense of horror, instantly pulls the plot back into a terrifying atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Asuka Kazuyoshi, who was driving to meet up with Chung-shima, was still having his usual banter in the car, saying things like "If you were my vacation partner, I'd be in trouble," when he encountered the absent-minded, hastily fleeing old professor.
Upon learning of the devastation at the camp and the possibility that Chung Dao was in danger, the two immediately turned their vehicle around and sped off in their well-defended Boppa tank to the rescue.
When they arrived, several blue algae balls were attempting to attack the campervan on Bell Island.
Asuka fired several shots to eliminate the threat, and even rushed forward to crush the remaining one in the water tank with "Ultra Stomp". Then, without saying a word, she pulled the bewildered Zhongdao into the car and headed straight for the lakeside campsite.
The camp was in complete disarray, with nothing but ruins and no trace of the algae or the victims.
Then, the scene interspersed with shots of numerous blue algae balls rolling in the forest and underwater, accompanied by an eerie soprano singing and the algae balls emitting strange rustling sounds, as if countless tiny creatures had gathered together, which was chilling.
[This sound effect is making me lose SAN!]
[Like a bunch of chattering Minions!]
[My trypophobia is about to flare up!]
With the help of the data that his assistant, Xiao Fu, risked his life to protect, Zhong Dao and the others finally uncovered the truth.
The mysterious orb of light disrupted the genetic code of the algal symbiote, creating a ferocious, greedy, and ecologically unrestrained mutated bloodsucking life form—Marisula.
They are multiplying and gathering like crazy!
As if to confirm this conclusion, an even louder, eerie song came from the lake, and all the small algae balls, as if summoned, rolled back into the lake and merged.
Captain Hibi's Victory Eagle also arrived in time to provide support.
Mai detected a massive life-like reaction at the bottom of the lake, nearly fifty meters deep!
"Boom!"
The lake water exploded, and a huge blue sphere tens of meters in diameter—the fully formed vampire life form Marisula—leaped out of the water!
It not only devours and bounces light, but the highly corrosive gas it emits also instantly dissolves the tail fin of the Alpha.
The curse of plane crashes may be late, but it has arrived!
[Asuka: I didn't fly the plane this episode! Alpha: I don't care, I'm going to crash!]
This monster is troublesome with both its physical attacks (in its ball form) and its energy attacks (in its unfolded form)!
……
On the ground, in a critical moment, Asuka resolutely raised her Flash Sword.
In a burst of light, Ultraman Dyna makes his entrance with a flying kick, engaging in battle with the spherical Marishura.
Surprisingly, when faced with this giant ball, Dyna staged a comical "football kicking" scene, repeatedly kicking the monster around like a ball.
[?? The art style suddenly changed!]
[Dyna: Watch my header! Oh no, I mean my foot!]
[Gu Nan: Adding a bit of humor to horror movies will prevent children from having nightmares (kindly).]
Of course, Marissula was no ordinary person.
Seeing that it was being toyed with, it quickly transformed into a starfish-like shape, extending countless tentacles to bind Dyna and spewing fireballs.
This clever counterattack demonstrates that it possesses a high level of intelligence.
However, just as the old professor initially underestimated Chungdo, Marissula also underestimated human wisdom and cooperation.
Bound by tentacles and with his color timer flashing red, Dyna struggles to stay upright, while on the ground, Chung-shima quickly analyzes the monster's weaknesses based on the data.
The old professor finally offered some reasonable advice.
"It must have a weakness somewhere... Yes, this part! This organ stores a large amount of poison, and it's connected to its mouth!"
Zhongdao also realized what was happening.
"When it opens its mouth, focus your attack on that part and make it suffer the consequences!"
"clear!"
Captain Hibiki synchronized with the Beta.
"Launch now!"
Seizing the moment when Marischia opened his mouth to spit out poison, Super GUTS' concentrated fire accurately hit the poison sac inside his body!
"Yay! It worked!"
The venom exploded inside the monster, severely damaging it.
Breaking free from his restraints, Dyna switched forms without hesitation—Strong Type! His fiery red body was like a burning flame.
[Form Change! The Crimson-Clad Macho Man Appears!]
[Strong Type: Heard you can absorb energy and bounce back? Come on, try this!]
[Background music starts!]
Faced with the energy attack that Marisula launched in her death throes, the strong Dyna neither dodged nor evaded, but took it all with his solid chest.
Then, with even greater ferocity, he mixed the energy with his ultimate technique—Garnett Bombardment—and retaliated tenfold by absorbing and reflecting it back!
"boom--!!!"
The enormous fireball engulfed Marishura, utterly pulverizing it.
"We did it! We won!"
After the battle, everyone stood on the shore of the now tranquil and beautiful Shulang Lake. Liang remarked, "No matter how beautiful nature is, it can always bare its fangs at any moment. We should always have a sense of awe for nature."
Chung Dao then called out energetically to the lake, "Little fish! I'll come back to catch you again next time! Wait for me~"
As the sun set, everyone began their journey home.
In the scene during the end credits song.
As the Boppa drove along the winding mountain road, its wheels seemed to have rolled over something soft, making a soft "plop" sound.
Unnoticed by the passengers, a tiny blue algae ball, which had slipped through the net, burst open under the wheel, leaving a small puddle of slime.
Holy crap! They pulled this off at the end!
[There were still some who escaped?! Although they were crushed to death.]
This is truly breathtakingly beautiful (in physics).
Old Tang let out a long sigh of relief and took a swig of cola to calm his nerves: "Brothers, this episode was absolutely fantastic! I knew something was going to happen from the very beginning, with Chung Dao on vacation, but I never expected it to be this kind of ecological horror storyline involving 'blood-sucking algae balls.' The research storyline, from Chung Dao being questioned to discovering the truth, was written very solidly, much more logically than those stories where a monster simply jumps out."
He looked at the comments scrolling by: "[The ending crushes the little monster, great!]" and nodded, "Yes, the ending was brilliant. It cleared up the hidden dangers while retaining that 'maybe there are still some lingering' unease, leaving a very pleasant aftertaste. And the part where Dyna kicks the ball in the middle, it cracked me up and instantly relieved the tension. The screenwriter knows how to balance tension and relaxation."
"As for the battle,"
Old Tang gestured, "Dyna's tactical switching in this episode was really ingenious. First, he used the Shiny form to probe, and when he found out it was a ball, he just kicked it around; when the monster unfolded and used tentacles and poison mist, he immediately switched to the Strong form to fight head-on, using Garnett to bombard and absorb the reflection, using brute force to overcome skill. This kind of tactic of switching forms according to the characteristics of the enemy to target specific attacks is comfortable to watch, and the combat system did not collapse."
Finally, he concluded:
"Overall, this episode did a good job of creating a terrifying atmosphere, the characters were well-developed, the fight scenes were interesting and intense, and there was a small twist at the end. Light Chaser Animation did a good job of combining the essence of the original work with the completeness of this episodic format... Hmm? What's that sound?"
Before he could finish speaking, there was a knock on the guest room door and his mother's concerned inquiry: "Tang, what are you shouting and laughing about in this room? Aren't you going to sleep?"
Old Tang's face froze instantly, and he frantically tried to turn off the microphone: "Ah! Mom, it's nothing, it's nothing! I was watching... I was watching a fishing documentary, and I got a little excited. I'll go to sleep now!"
The live stream screen was instantly flooded with comments like "Hahaha," "Old Tang watches fishing documentary late at night," and "Mom checks in," the joyful atmosphere dispelling the slight chill at the end of the story.
The night came to a close amidst this wonderful blend of thrills, action, and laughter.