Chapter 123: Mizorogi: I Am So Desperate to Evolve!

As Jojo loosened his grip, specks of crystalline light drifted from his palms. After fluttering in mid-air for a moment, these light particles dissolved further, becoming invisible to the human eye.

Sara Mizuhara looked up at Jojo, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. This guy was clearly an Ultraman, so why were his private thoughts so... She found it difficult to offer an assessment. With so many people watching, she said nothing more. However, her silence did not prevent others from jumping to conclusions. Matsunaga and Wakura, having watched the entire exchange, flickered their gazes back and forth between Jojo and Sara. Were the things Zagi said just slander? They dared not speak, nor did they dare to ask, fearing retaliation later.

Hayato Kaibun looked at Sara, then at Jojo, and realization dawned on him. Oh, so that’s the kind of "friend" he is. Again, the same principle applied: don’t meddle in the affairs of superiors; if you see something, pretend you didn't.

Sara felt the strange looks everyone was casting her way. She wanted to explain, but felt that doing so would only make it look like she was trying to cover up something that wasn't there—after all, no one else had actually said anything yet. Why explain if there was nothing going on? Feeling somewhat stifled, she cast a sidelong glance at Jojo, looking almost as if she were rolling her eyes.

Meanwhile, Jojo was busy closing the system notifications from his plugin, intending to check them later as this place was clearly unsuitable. He sensed the awkward atmosphere, but since his thoughts aligned with Sara’s, he saw no reason to offer an explanation. Thinking it best to change the subject, he deactivated his transformation, turning back into a human as he landed beside Mitsugi. He cast a glance at the unconscious Nagi Saijo. She seemed perfectly normal now, and he held no prejudice against her. In truth, he could have stepped in earlier, shifting into his purple form to purge Zagi while keeping Nagi alive, but that would have prevented Mitsugi from entering the access code to evolve. It was a pity it hadn't succeeded in one go.

Qiao Zhe looked at Mitsugi and patted him on the shoulder. "Congratulations on choosing the right path. You aren't far from mastering that power."

Mitsugi’s eyes lit up. Understanding the implication, his face filled with joy. Finally, he too was about to obtain the power of a giant! Recalling the psychic abilities he had just experienced, Mitsugi felt he had never been in a better state.

Just as he was reveling in the surprise, he heard Qiao Zhe add with a tone of regret, "If you hadn't been interrupted by others, you might have succeeded completely. But don't dwell on it; there will likely be other opportunities in the future."

Qiao Zhe’s words were meant to comfort, but Mitsugi froze, the joy on his face fading. If Qiao Zhe hadn't mentioned it, he would have been perfectly satisfied with his current level. But knowing he could have been better created a sense of loss. Reminded by Qiao Zhe, he recalled his state when he gained the abilities and realized something had indeed been off. If not for the interruption, he might have succeeded in transforming into a giant of light. Was gaining it today the same as gaining it later? The future was uncertain. With this thought, Mitsugi cast a resentful gaze toward Wakura.

Under that glare, Wakura felt inexplicably guilty. He didn't fully understand their conversation, but he gathered that his interruption had prevented Mitsugi from reaching a higher state. He felt very uncomfortable, though logically, who wouldn't have shouted in shock at seeing someone's arm glowing?

"Mitsugi," Qiao Zhe called out. As Mitsugi turned to him, he asked, "Would you like to work with me? You are completely different from ordinary people. Staying in the Night Raiders will only bury your talents." Qiao Zhe looked at him with a meaningful gaze and continued, "Most importantly, I have many ways to help you grow stronger."

He knew what Mitsugi wanted: the power to survive in a world teeming with Space Beasts. The final comment made Mitsugi’s eyes shine with desire. He glanced at Wakura and Matsunaga. Indeed, the equipment of the Night Raiders was pathetic compared to the power of a giant. Mitsugi wanted to progress!

"Fine! I accept!" He looked at Qiao Zhe with determination, then gestured toward Nagi. "Can you take Nagi with us? She is just like me!"

Wakura’s face turned black instantly. As the captain, he snapped, "Mitsugi! This behavior is a betrayal of the Night Raiders!" *Forget your own betrayal, you’re doing it right in front of me and taking Nagi too? And this Ultra warrior, he’s poaching right in front of everyone!*

"Wakura, don't you understand?" Mitsugi hoisted Nagi onto his back and sneered. "Staying here now is just a waste of time." He turned his back on Wakura and looked at Qiao Zhe. "Jojo, Nagi was trained by me personally; her talent is equally outstanding!"

"I know. Bring her along," Qiao Zhe replied. He was well aware of Nagi’s capabilities; she was not radicalized yet and was a talent in her own right.

Watching the two ignore him, Wakura’s face darkened further. He looked at Matsunaga and the inspector, Sara Mizuhara, but both remained silent. Realizing they weren't going to intervene, he fell silent as well. If they didn't care, why should he bother?

Qiao Zhe was not satisfied with just recruiting Mitsugi. He thought for a moment and called out, "Yu Kirasawa, I know you are eavesdropping. I have a way to help Ren Senjyu live past his limited lifespan." The ability to pinpoint the location of Space Beasts was a very useful asset.

Kirasawa, who had been watching the drama from the secret command room, could no longer sit still. Impatient, he used one of his abilities to manifest a phantom image before Qiao Zhe. "Are you serious!?" Kirasawa was thin, dressed in a white shirt.

"I never lie," Qiao Zhe said with a straight face, casting a meaningful look at Hayato Kaibun. "Besides, with Ren Senjyu’s talent, he doesn't even need to wait for something like 'Raphael'."

Hayato Kaibun was startled. Locking eyes with Qiao Zhe, he felt an irrepressible surge of excitement and took an instinctive step forward. *Are you still looking for people? I’m a psychic too, you know.*

His urge to jump ship left Sara Mizuhara unable to maintain her composure.

"Jojo!"