A spatial vortex appeared in Yu Zhou's small, shabby apartment and, in no time, dropped him onto his bed.
Yu Zhou lay there quietly, picking up his phone to check the time as usual.
Sure enough, just like before, no time had passed in his own world.
Even though he had just spent a day in the Orb Ultraman movie world, it felt as if barely any time had passed back home.
In the past, in the Tiga world or during the Final Holy War, years had passed there, yet only an hour had elapsed in his own timeline.
Still, Yu Zhou's body had continued to grow in these other worlds. By now, he was physically twenty-five.
In his own world, though, less than a year had passed.
So every time he returned, he had to groom himself carefully—otherwise people would notice the sudden change and start asking questions.
"If this keeps up, one day I could spend decades in another world… and come back as an old man," Yu Zhou muttered, pressing his palm to his forehead.
"Is there anything in the Ultraman worlds that can extend human lifespan?" he wondered.
For now, the little girl in the red dress had said he could only travel to worlds related to Ultraman, not anywhere else.
So if he wanted a longer life, he'd have to find it in Ultraman's worlds.
"Then again… if you can transform into an Ultraman, wouldn't that already extend your lifespan?"
Yu Zhou scratched his head. In the Super Galaxy Legend world, he had seen the older versions of Hoshigaki and Hayata. Even Asuka had become a middle-aged man, far removed from the young, handsome version he remembered in the Final Holy War.
"Ultramen must naturally live longer, but the details… are tricky."
Shaking his head, Yu Zhou decided not to dwell on it. There would always be a way eventually.
This trip to Orb's world had been a net loss—he hadn't gained anything, and even lost his off-road vehicle.
Though a single car wasn't much for him now, having it destroyed after just one drive was irritating.
At least Diaborigu, the culprit, had paid with his life.
Yu Zhou also remembered the look on the other Ultramen's faces when he pulled out the Ultimate Light Pan—priceless.
Representing the ancient warrior Tiga, and using a frying pan as a weapon—Tiga's reputation was thoroughly embarrassed.
Yet, the pan had proven extremely effective.
Taking some free time, Yu Zhou went out to restock supplies.
After picking up a few items on the street, he visited a dealership and bought a car—a new off-road vehicle and a dirt bike.
If he could find a way, he would have even bought a plane, though he couldn't fly one.
After giving his address, the dealership promised to deliver the vehicles to his apartment. Yu Zhou planned to store them in his bracelet once they arrived.
He still needed to purchase other things, though.
"Hey, Yu Zhou, shopping alone?" A cheerful female voice called out, making him pause and turn.
"Rina?"
He hadn't forgotten about this world's Rina—the girl whose father had given her that peculiar name. They always sat in the middle during Japanese class and chatted often.
Hearing the name in the Tiga world felt odd, though.
"It's me! Why are you shopping alone?" Rina smiled warmly.
"I was worried a lone shopper might scare you," Yu Zhou replied, deadpan.
Did she just subtly insult him for being single?
"Pfft." Rina burst out laughing. "You really are… straightforward as always!"
"You're shopping alone too," Yu Zhou teased back.
"Yeah," she said, still smiling. "Then together, we make two!"
"Together?" Yu Zhou blinked.
"Yes, together," she said expectantly, waiting for his answer.
"What are you buying?" he asked suddenly.
"Clothes," Rina replied.
"I'm getting cola. Bye." Yu Zhou turned to leave.
"Hey! Don't go, I'm buying cola too!" Rina called out.
"Hmm?" Yu Zhou stopped and turned. "Why are you buying cola?"
"To drink it, obviously!" she said, pouting.
Honestly, Yu Zhou preferred shopping alone—he had to sneak supplies into his bracelet, and having someone around complicated things.
As they walked, he decided not to buy too many items, and it was almost lunchtime anyway.
They entered a modestly upscale restaurant to enjoy a proper meal.
A tired waiter approached, holding a menu, clearly unenthusiastic.
"Welcome!" he said reluctantly.
Judging by their appearance, the waiter assumed these two youngsters couldn't afford much.
"You're celebrating too soon," Yu Zhou remarked, noticing the disdain on the waiter's face.
He already knew how this story would go—poor kid gets judged, then turns the tables.
Yu Zhou didn't want to play out that cliché. He grabbed Rina's hand and led her out.
Rina froze in surprise as he held her hand.
She had always felt inexplicably drawn to Yu Zhou, like magic had imprinted him in her mind the first time they met. She also felt a sense of familiarity, though she couldn't place why.
This was the first time Yu Zhou had ever taken her hand himself.
Heavens!
Rina blushed, her heart racing like a fluttering deer. She followed Yu Zhou out of the restaurant, hand in hand.
After leaving, Yu Zhou realized he had held her hand unconsciously and quickly let go.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to!" he apologized.
"It's okay…" Rina said shyly, her blush lingering. "Actually… I don't mind."
"Ah?" Yu Zhou froze, then waved it off. "Let's just eat first."
"Okay," Rina said, a bit disappointed by his lack of response—but still happy to have lunch together.
Back at his apartment, the dealership soon delivered the two vehicles.
Yu Zhou, taking advantage of the empty apartment, stored them safely in his space bracelet.