SWDnovel Chapter 131 The Awakening of the Bird! A "Mortal" Bathed in Light
Chapter 131 The Awakening of the Bird! A "Mortal" Bathed in Light
(After rewatching Dyna, I realized that baseball plays a significant role, so I decided not to change it. I also changed the earlier parts back. I won't write about tennis anymore; I'll stick to baseball as it is in the original work. However, baseball has a very small audience in China, so viewers won't feel very connected to it.)
The night in Jinghai City was deep, and the neon lights outside the window intertwined to form a flowing sea of light.
It's Friday again.
Old Tang's live stream room was already bustling with noise.
However, unlike the overwhelming anticipation of the past, tonight's comments section was filled with debate and anxiety.
"Why did it take you so long, Lao Tang? The forums have been buzzing with arguments about Fei Niao's character design these past two days."
"Although the special effects are top-notch, I really can't handle the protagonist's personality; it's too impulsive."
"I think you're used to seeing Daigo as a pushover, aren't you? I think Asuka is pretty real."
"It's true, but the team members are so unreliable. I hope this episode will change that, otherwise I really don't want to watch it anymore."
"Sigh, even the main characters aren't perfect. They should have a chance to grow, right? Didn't the old Showa-era Ultraman have a similar experience? Wasn't that Jack?"
Looking at the screen full of slightly provocative comments, Lao Tang chuckled and tilted the camera slightly.
"Ahem, brothers, calm down."
Old Tang cleared his throat and his joking expression disappeared.
"I know what everyone's arguing about. Asuka, the main character, is indeed not likable, you could even say she's a bit of a 'hater'. But people always change, and that's part of the charm of a protagonist's growth, which makes the character more complete."
"Today is the third episode of 'Ultraman Dyna.' To be honest, I'm also very curious about how Director Gu Nan plans to bring this 'troublemaker' back on track."
Since the explosive premiere of the first two episodes of "Dyna", the online reviews of this "Tiga sequel" have been generally very high. However, the biggest point of contention is still the protagonist - Asuka.
"Alright, enough joking around, it's eight o'clock!"
Old Tang stared intently at the screen. "Let's see if this imperfect hero can give us a satisfactory answer tonight."
……
As the rousing opening theme song fades, the scene shifts to the main topic.
In the vast outer space, a pale green meteorite shattered the silence, hurtling toward Earth with an unsettling trajectory.
The scene then shifts to a shooting exercise conducted by TPC.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The muffled gunshots rang out rhythmically.
Xing Xingtian has just finished his shooting assessment and achieved excellent results.
He turned to look at Asuka and Miyako, who were preparing, and said, "Next is the two-person team test, be careful."
"Relax, relax."
Feiniao casually twirled the gun in his hand, a slightly arrogant smile playing on his lips.
Test begins.
This was supposed to be a tactical shooting exercise testing teamwork, but in the footage, Asuka was like a wild horse that had broken free of its reins.
He moved incredibly fast and was agile to an astonishing degree.
He rolled away from the obstacle, raised his hand and fired several shots, accurately hitting several targets.
Wow, this feels like live-action CS!
To be fair, birds have incredibly fast reaction times; they're really athletic.
[His skills are really impressive. Is this actor a martial arts practitioner?]
One viewer in the live stream offered an objective evaluation.
But before this assessment could be finalized, the visual style suddenly changed.
Asuka completely forgot about his partner Miyako, charging ahead all by himself and recklessly unleashing his full power, turning this duo assessment into his personal show.
"Hey! Asuka! That's a support position!"
Gong Liang shouted angrily from behind, but Fei Niao ignored him.
Although the final test passed, and the bird's hit rate was frighteningly high.
[666, solo run!]
[Bang bang bang bang! One second!]
[Asuka is definitely a FPS master!]
"This kid is indeed quite skilled, which is his source of pride. However, if he acts like this in actual combat, he will get his teammates killed."
Old Tang frowned and clicked his tongue: "This kid is treating the militarized TPC like a playground for personal heroism. If a real war breaks out, it'll cause big problems."
Sure enough, in the story, Miyagi criticized Asuka without reservation: "Are you treating training like a game? In real combat, ignoring your teammates like this will get you killed!"
However, the bird clearly didn't listen.
The scene shifts to a patrol mission.
Asuka, piloting the Alpha, continued to do as she pleased, while in the TPC command center, Mai Kawakami, Jonjima, and others discussed Asuka's personality.
"After all, he's number one in his class, so it's normal for him to be a little arrogant."
Mai tried to smooth things over.
But Captain Gosuke Kibi's expression was very serious.
This new captain, sporting a tough-guy hairstyle and speaking in a booming voice, demonstrated his unique philosophy of nurturing talent at this moment.
"Let him get arrogant for a bit, it's good for him to suffer a little loss."
Kibi Gosuke crossed his arms and said in a deep voice, "A person who is obsessed with personal power will eventually realize his limits. Only when he discovers his own immaturity will he truly understand his place. He won't understand just by listening to others."
He seemed to recall something and fell into deep thought.
Actually, I think this kind of young person is more authentic, impulsive, and arrogant. In comparison, Daigo is too mature, not like a young person, but more like a middle-aged person.
Young people have different personalities too, and I feel that Daigo isn't mature, but rather gentle.
[Didn't the old Okudo of the Showa era have a similar mentality? If you have the ability, why not just ask me to take the job?]
However, this captain will definitely teach Asuka a lesson.
"This captain is a sensible person."
Old Tang nodded and pondered, "Young people with this kind of personality won't turn back until they hit a wall. There will definitely be setbacks later in the story."
Just then, the alarm went off.
Mai detected unidentified life forms reacting in the central mountain valley area.
It was from that green meteorite at the beginning that three worm-like monsters crawled out of it, wriggling as if they were about to break free.
"Flying Bird, gather data first, don't act rashly!"
Captain Hibi immediately gave the order.
However, the bird in the picture did something that made all the viewers' blood pressure rise.
"Sizzle—"
He simply turned off the radio communication!
"The radio seems to be malfunctioning; I can't hear anything."
Feiniao patted his headphones with a mocking air, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Just a few bugs? Watch how I deal with you!"
"I'm going to prove that my approach will work!"
Before the words were even finished, the Alpha swooped down, its laser cannons roaring.
[It's likely that these few shots will cause problems.]
Holy crap, this is way too reckless!
The comments in the live stream chat weren't just complaints, but also a genuine sense of anxiety.
This is a classic example of disobeying orders on the battlefield.
Even though I know it's from a TV drama, this kind of behavior is really hard to like; it's too arrogant.
The monster appeared to be destroyed by the laser bombardment, and Asuka returned to base triumphantly.
When questioned by the captain, he remained defiant: "All I have to do is eliminate the monsters, right?"
However, reality soon gave him a resounding slap in the face.
Of the three monsters, one did not die; instead, it burrowed into the ground and parasitized an even larger creature!
……
Meanwhile, inside the base, a training session began.
"Acting on impulse is not the same as acting justly!"
Captain Hibi's eyes held both the fire of anger at his son's lack of ambition and the sternness of an elder.
"I believe that the Super GUTS uniform itself embodies the true meaning of justice! Anyone who doesn't understand this should leave immediately!"
The bird was stunned.
He looked at the captain like a child who had done something wrong.
Even as he went outside to clear his head, he stubbornly muttered, "What did I do wrong... It's just that people don't understand me."
At this moment, the sense of alienation caused by youthful impetuosity was vividly portrayed.
Then, the real crisis arrived.
The escaped parasite was named "Secromettra," and it possessed a rare antimatter sac within its body.
If that antimatter capsule explodes, everything within a few kilometers will be destroyed.
At this moment, it parasitizes the body of "Grossina," a regenerated monster that was defeated by the GUTS team ten years ago and is now in a state of suspended animation.
Gurosina has been resurrected!
Moreover, if an attack is mishandled and triggers an antimatter explosion, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Eager to redeem himself, Asuka volunteered to fight again.
Although the captain agreed, he also personally piloted the Beta to accompany them.
On the battlefield, Gurosina displayed terrifying destructive power.
After analysis, Chung Dao was horrified to discover that if the monster was attacked now, the parasite would explode, turning everything within a radius of hundreds of miles into ashes.
"Asuka! Retreat immediately! Do not attack!"
However, the bird was now blinded by self-blame and anger.
"Captain, please open your eyes and see clearly what Asuka truly looks like!"
He ignored the orders again, piloted the fighter jet to land, and pulled out his flash sword from his pocket.
He's going to show off in front of the captain!
He wants to transform!
He wants to use Dyna's power to solve everything!
However, the instant he raised the flash sword—
There was no dazzling light, nor did that familiar giant appear.
The monster's enormous claw swung down.
"What?!"
Asuka's pupils dilated in shock; she was completely dumbfounded. "I can't transform?! How is this possible?!"
Good grief, I thought you were going to be exposed in the third episode!
The light stopped responding to him.
[Seriously? Is she really that immature?]
The viewers in the live stream were no longer complaining, but rather feeling a deep sense of powerlessness.
At the critical moment, a fighter jet suddenly rushed over and blocked the Alpha's path.
boom--!
Sparks flew everywhere.
Captain Hibiki's Beta took the fatal blow for Asuka, and the fighter jet crashed in black smoke.
"team leader--!"
This scene made Old Tang's heart tighten.
Seriously? For Asuka's sake, now even the captain is going to crash.
This episode is titled "Awaken, Asuka," and it seems this awakening is stained with blood. Unless Asuka's pride is broken and rebuilt, he truly will never grow up.
Back at the base, the atmosphere was terribly oppressive.
The captain is seriously injured and unconscious.
Xing Xingtian grabbed Fei Niao by the collar, his veins bulging with anger despite his usually composed demeanor.
"You idiot! Why won't you follow orders! Because of you, even the captain is now...!"
"I……"
The bird lowered its head, trembling all over: "I...I just wanted to..."
"What are you thinking! Apologize to the captain right now! Apologize to everyone who was worried about you!"
"sorry……"
The bird spoke these three words with immense difficulty and weight.
At this moment, Zhongdao brought even worse news.
That parasitic beast not only explodes, but also lays eggs during the explosions, launching the eggs to other planets. It is a terrifying creature capable of destroying planetary ecosystems.
The only way is to lure the monster to an uninhabited forest area using simulated radio waves, then trap it with laser cables and strike it precisely.
But who will lure the monster?
This is almost a suicidal mission...
Just when everyone was at a loss.
Asuka silently left the base and went to Captain Hibi's hospital room.
Gone was the arrogance of before, gone was the carefree grin.
He placed a bouquet of flowers down.
Then, Asuka looked at the captain's GUTS jersey hanging on the wall, and Hibiki's words echoed in her mind.
"I believe that the Super GUTS uniform itself is the one that embodies the true meaning of justice."
"Leave it to me."
The bird turned around, its eyes filled with an unprecedented determination.
Then, the screen in the command center lit up.
Inside is the face of a bird, wearing a confident smile.
"Asuka..."
"How can we let someone else do such an interesting job?"
He smiled, feigning nonchalance, but there was a hint of tragic solemnity in that smile.
Next, Asuka piloted the Alpha, flying low over the forest and emitting induced radio waves.
Enraged, the monster Gurosina gave chase.
Asuka has grown up quite a bit...
[It feels like the captain is Asuka's second father.]
[Actually, when Asuka chose to go alone, everyone could tell that she was forcing a smile...]
[Use a smile to hide your sadness.]
Why should we be afraid of Ultraman?
Asuka developed a fear due to her previous failed transformation and is afraid of failing again.
……
Meanwhile, in the ward, the captain, who had been in a coma, woke up.
He saw a bouquet of flowers on the bedside table; it was a gift secretly brought by a bird.
The captain looked at the flowers, his eyes becoming incredibly resolute. Ignoring the doctor's attempts to stop him, he struggled to get up.
The final battle begins in the forest.
Miya and Chungjima successfully trapped the monster using laser cables, while Shingariya piloted the Gamma and fired a precise destructive ray through the monster's neck in an attempt to destroy the parasite.
This moment showcases what a perfectly coordinated team should look like.
However, that's the style of Dyna – never letting the protagonist win easily.
The parasite was incredibly resilient; its wounds healed instantly, and it broke free of its restraints, attacking wildly.
"Run! Everyone, evacuate immediately!"
The bird shouted.
"Asuka! Don't do anything rash!" Ryo shouted anxiously.
"Don't worry about me! Everyone, evacuate to a safe place first!"
Just as the bird was preparing for a desperate fight, the roar of an engine came from the sky.
That's the Beta!
Captain Hibiki goes into battle injured!
"team leader!"
"You little brat, don't be so quick to think you'll die!"
Although the captain's voice was weak, it was still full of power.
With their combined efforts, the two successfully thwarted the monster.
However, still recovering from serious injuries, the Beta made a mistake while trying to avoid the monster's attack, grazed the monster's body, and went out of control again.
Both fighter jets were about to crash.
At that moment, Asuka, piloting the Alpha, single-handedly stopped the falling Beta.
He wanted to use the lift from his fighter jet to stop the captain's fall!
Amidst the violent tremors, the bird gritted its teeth and let out a roar that shook the heavens.
"I am... Shin Asuka from Super GUTS!!!"
This is no longer about proving oneself, no longer about showing off one's power.
This is to protect teammates, to protect that weighty trust!
Om-!
In that instant, the light shone forth once more.
But this light is no longer simply dazzling; it carries a profound warmth.
"Dyna—!"
In the light, the enormous body caught the falling fighter jet and gently placed it on the ground.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the live broadcast room finally relaxed, and the emotions that had been suppressed for a full twenty minutes found an outlet.
It's finally here!
Wow! That transformation was so cool!
This effectively establishes the character arc of Asuka's growth.
[This is what a transformation should look like; it's so satisfying to watch.]
[This is true awakening! Not an awakening of power, but an awakening of the heart! At this moment, I forgive his previous despicable behavior.]
The next battle is Dyna's time to shine.
However, Gurosina itself is not particularly outstanding.
Dyna had enough time to figure out his characteristics and retaliate within 3 minutes of the fight.
Dyna did not attack blindly when faced with the regenerative abilities of Gurosina.
He first formed a cross with his hands and unleashed a Solgent Ray without charging.
In an instant, the light blasted through Gurosina's neck.
At this moment, the parasite inside the monster was forced to break free of its body by this force.
Dyna reacted quickly, putting his hands together in front of his chest in a gesture similar to qigong, and then thrusting them out forcefully.
"Is it a new skill?"
Old Tang's eyes lit up.
Countless rainbow-colored light bullets bombarded the monster like a meteor shower. These were not ordinary beams of light, but "shining light bullets" with a special penetrating effect!
The blue-white light instantly engulfed the parasite.
Boom—!
The massive explosion lit up the night sky, but this time, there were no casualties, only cheers of victory.
The battle is over.
The sun is setting on the rooftop of the TPC base.
Asuka held a baseball in her hand, still looking nonchalant, but her eyes had become much clearer.
Standing opposite him was Captain Hibi, who had just been discharged from the hospital.
"Captain, catch the ball!"
Asuka threw the baseball with a bang.
Snapped!
The captain caught the ball steadily, and although his hands were still trembling slightly, he smiled happily.
"nice shot."
"Don't think you can beat me just because you're young! I won't give up so easily!"
This scene is frozen in time, showing the two smiling at each other.
The background music was soft and warm, and the unspoken understanding between men warmed the hearts of countless viewers in front of the screen.
……
As the end credits rolled, Old Tang let out a long sigh of relief, took off his glasses, and wiped his slightly moist eyes.
In the live stream, the gift effects continued to appear.
"I was exhausted watching the beginning of this episode, but thankfully the ending was really satisfying."
Let me explain in detail.
"This episode feels similar to the one with the Mangekyou Sharingan, but Hideki Go dared to throw himself off a cliff to force Jack to transform. It seems Asuka doesn't have that kind of guts (just kidding)."
"Captain Hibiki is really charismatic, like a strict father."
"Asuka is finally starting to look like a Super Victory player."
Old Tang put his glasses back on, his expression becoming extremely serious, and began his weekly summary.
"To be honest, when I first watched this episode, I really wanted to jump into the screen and beat up that kid Asuka."
Old Tang pointed at the screen and said with a wry smile, "It's infuriating! That arrogant attitude, that treating war like a game, it's really infuriating. I even wondered if Gu Nan was taking a bit too risky by writing the protagonist like this?"
"but!"
Old Tang changed the subject, his tone softening, "After seeing the end, I understood some things."
"I've noticed that nowadays, everyone's used to perfect protagonists, to saints who are burdened with the fate of saving the world right from the start. But Asuka isn't like that. He's just an ordinary young man who has gained power. He gets cocky, he makes mistakes, and he tries to save face. That's actually the most authentic human nature."
Old Tang took a sip of his soda and continued his analysis: "Have you noticed? The first transformation was because of survival; the second transformation was to defeat the monster and prove himself; and this time, it's because he wants to protect the captain, because he understands the weight of that team uniform."
"Captain Hibiki's words were so true—'Acting on impulse is not the way to justice.' This episode is less about 'awakening' and more about 'growth.' Director Gu Nan's use of 'building suspense before revealing the truth' was thrilling, but truly brilliant. If Asuka had been perfect from the start, how would the story have unfolded? It's precisely because of his imperfections that the moment he truly grows up feels so real."
At this point, Old Tang seemed to have a great weight lifted from his shoulders, and he leaned back in his chair with a relaxed air.
"Although Asuka has awakened, he probably won't be able to change his smug attitude. But now I'm actually starting to look forward to it, to seeing how this 'bad boy' Ultraman will cause trouble next, and how he will grow. I'm definitely watching this show."
The live stream was filled with agreement; it was no longer blind celebration, but recognition after being genuinely moved by the storyline.
"Indeed, I like characters that are flesh and blood."
"Although I was angry at the beginning, you could see from the last pitch that we were like a family."
"I hope it can maintain this level of quality. As long as the characters are well-developed, the show is a sure thing."
……
Meanwhile, in the offices of Light Chaser Animation Studios.
Gu Nan looked at the flood of positive reviews online and the ever-increasing pre-sale data for the merchandise in the background, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
This episode, "Awaken, Asuka," completely solidified the reputation of "Dyna."
The audience's journey from initial resistance and anger to eventual understanding and acceptance unfolded exactly as he had anticipated.
The online discussion threads are of high quality, and viewers are analyzing the characters' psychology rather than just focusing on the special effects.
Gu Nan was not surprised by this.
In this parallel world where tokusatsu culture is just emerging, works that emphasize character development, feature top-notch special effects, and are imbued with a strong sense of humanistic concern have a subtle yet profound impact.
This is not in the same style as the previous two games, but it is still very appealing.