After analyzing the ancient language, they pinpointed the possible location of the pyramid and prepared to depart.
Just before takeoff, the large monitor in the command room lit up with an emergency communication.
"That's... a message from the South America branch of TPC?" Megumi frowned, sensing trouble, and immediately accepted the connection.
The image switched to a South American officer.
"Urgent intel: a monster has appeared on Easter Island. Transmitting satellite imagery now!"
The screen displayed the footage: a massive mountain crumbling, revealing a terrifying monster hidden within.
Over 50 meters tall, with a hideous face and sharp, blade-like wings—every feature radiated hostility and power.
As it spread its wings and took flight, the resulting storm flattened a nearby forest.
Satellite data reported its speed: Mach 6.
"It's Melba! The monster that splits the sky—Melba!" Daigo shouted.
"Yuzare was right. Earth really is undergoing changes. It's all true!"
The team paled at the sight—and turned to Hajime with admiration.
"As expected of our chief Strategist—your predictions were right. The prophecy is unfolding!" said Horii in awe.
"Chief Hajime's deductions are always on point," added Shinjoh, full of respect.
"Then we must act fast. We need to find the giant before this monster causes mass destruction!"
"Agreed!"
They headed to the flight hangar to board the Victory Swallow aircraft.
"Wait!" Hajime called out just before departure.
"I'm going with you on this mission."
Megumi looked worried.
"Hajime, this mission is dangerous. You're the brain of our Victory Team. Please stay back and command from HQ."
"She's right!" Daigo echoed.
"Your intellect is our greatest asset. It'd be too risky if something happened to you!"
Seeing their concern, Hajime shook his head.
He needed to be on the front lines to obtain the giant's power.
But of course, he couldn't say that directly.
So he put on a solemn expression and said:
"Danger? If we retreat because of a little danger, how will we save Earth? How will we protect humanity?"
"I've always led from HQ—but this crisis threatens the entire planet. Only by seeing it firsthand can I gather the full picture."
"If I can't shoulder even this level of risk, then I don't deserve my position."
"No need to argue. I'm boarding the Victory Swallow with you!"
His stirring words left Daigo in awe.
"Chief…"
He was deeply moved. Hajime truly was like a living saint.
Even Megumi, still worried, was touched by his determination.
"A good woman doesn't hold back a man when it matters most… Hajime, go do what you must."
Kind and understanding as always, she chose to support him.
"Mm. I'll be back."
Hajime smiled, patted Megumi's head, and once she bashfully lowered it, he departed with the team.
Soon after, two Victory Swallow units arrived at the target area.
But even after scanning from the air, they couldn't find a trace of the pyramid.
"If it's not in the sky, we'll check underground!"
As commander, Hajime issued the order.
"Yes, sir!"
The aircrafts descended and landed.
The team split up to search the surrounding region.
Separated from the others, Hajime boosted his physical ability using mana and easily climbed a mountain peak.
Just as he was preparing to begin his search for the pyramid—
Suddenly, Hajime's magic perception detected a place overflowing with intense light-element energy.
The light element was so dense it was almost like standing under the midday sun.
Following the direction of the energy, he quickly located a pyramid.
At the same time, he noticed that Daigo, not far away, also spotted the pyramid—he really had the luck of a protagonist.
"No wonder he's the main character… But when it comes to speed, Daigo's still too slow."
Smiling faintly, Hajime's superhuman body turned into a blur.
In less than thirty seconds, he reached the pyramid bathed in light-element energy.
With Daigo's physical ability, he'd probably need at least ten more minutes to get here.
"This is... the place where the Giant of Light lies dormant."
Taking a deep breath to calm his excitement, Hajime stepped into the pyramid.
Passing through the walls infused with intense light energy, he soon saw three giant stone statues standing tall inside.
"The Three Brothers Under the Moon... no wait, I mean the Three Great Giants."
Touching his chin thoughtfully, Hajime quickly identified which of the three was Ultraman Tiga.
"The facial features and chest patterns are distinct enough. Plus, Tiga is standing in the center—it's impossible to mistake him."
Now came the question: how to transform into Ultraman Tiga?