mijobooks Chapter 115 Earth's Past Memories
Chapter 115 Earth's Past Memories
(Thanks to the generous donation and certification from Xiao Yuan of Wuyouxiang! I love you! I've been quite busy with year-end matters lately and haven't had time for extra updates, but I'll make up for it later.)
With the joint praise from the National Energy Administration and several official media outlets, the reputation of "Ultraman Seven: Project Origin" made a magnificent transformation from "highly controversial" to "hardcore masterpiece" in just one day.
The noises that were originally clamoring for "reflection as a symptom" and "biased bias" vanished instantly in the face of the grand vision of "energy security" and "harmonious coexistence between man and nature" set by the authorities.
Sitting behind his desk, Gu Nan knew very well that while the current popularity was high, it largely depended on the traffic boost brought by "official endorsement".
The key to truly retaining this attracted sci-fi audience lies in the subsequent plot developments.
Moreover, the audience's appetite has already been whetted.
Since the official description calls it a "masterpiece of popular science," the backlash will be particularly severe if the subsequent plot falls short.
"Strike while the iron is hot," Gu Nan suddenly said.
"Huh?" Chen Bo was taken aback.
"Issue an announcement." Gu Nan stood up, his gaze intense. "In response to the enthusiasm of our audience, and to better convey the work's concept, the update strategy for 'Ultraman Seven: Project Origin' will be adjusted."
"Change it to what?"
"No more keeping you in suspense, starting this week, double updates every week."
Chen Bo gasped, "Brother Nan, this is some unreleased material! We only have 13 episodes of Seven OV in total. If we finish releasing them all..."
"Once we finish updating, we'll go film the new one."
Gu Nan smiled. "The audience can't wait, and neither can I. Tonight at 8 PM, episode 3, 'Loss of Memory,' and episode 4, 'Older Than Earth,' will be released on time."
……
The news caused another uproar online.
"Holy crap! Even the donkeys in the production team wouldn't dare rest like this! Is that old scoundrel Gu on some kind of adrenaline rush?"
"Double update?! It's Chinese New Year! It really is Chinese New Year!"
"I thought I'd have to wait another week, but happiness came so suddenly!"
"Bring it up quickly! I can't wait to see how Seven educates humanity!"
8 PM.
Old Tang also started his live stream early.
"Brothers, I'll just say one thing: Gu Nan's double update this time shows his confidence. Only someone with absolute confidence in the quality of their work would dare to bombard the audience's nerves so frequently."
Old Tang, holding a can of beer, pointed at the screen and said, "Come on, let's see what other tricks this officially acclaimed masterpiece can pull off."
Episode 3: Amnesia.
The screen lights up at the beginning of the series.
Without any build-up, raging flames instantly filled the entire screen.
It was a flame that seemed to burn away even the soul; Dan Moroboshi's naked upper body was faintly visible in the flames, struggling in agony.
Then, the camera suddenly shifted.
"Whoosh—whoosh—"
Dan Moroboshi suddenly woke up from his bed, covered in sweat, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.
He was panting heavily, as if he had just crawled back from hell.
The camera zooms out, revealing what appears to be a simple residential room.
Tuan reached out with slightly trembling hands and picked up a photo frame from the bedside table. It was a group photo.
In the photo, there is a smiling, gentle stranger and a cute little girl, while Tuan stands behind them, his smile as simple and genuine as that of an ordinary person.
As Tuan looked at the photo, the fear in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a deep, yet somewhat bewildered, peace.
He let out a deep sigh of relief, as if these two people were his only anchor in this world. The live chat exploded instantly.
[Holy crap?! What did I just see?!]
Who is this woman? Where is Annu? Where did Annu go?!
Why is the group taking photos with other women? Has the group started a new family?
However, the audience's confusion didn't last long.
The plot unfolds slowly.
It turns out that since the last battle with the Metron aliens caused the base to explode, although Dan survived, he lost all his memories.
He was taken in by the kind widow Kyoko and her daughter.
Now, he has lived here for four years.
This dialogue scene was filmed with a strong sense of realism.
Dressed simply, Tuan helped the mother and daughter with chores in the yard. His eyes were clear, completely lacking the sharpness of an Ultra Guard member and the domineering aura of Ultraman Seven.
"Is this still the same cold-blooded red giant?"
Looking at the screen, Old Tang couldn't help but mutter, "Seven became an ordinary person? How could I have such a dream? Is Gu Nan trying to film a family drama?"
However, strange things soon happened.
Several bizarre "amnesia incidents" have recently occurred in this city.
Many high-ranking government officials, corporate executives, and even academic elites have suddenly fainted during meetings or at work, and when they wake up, they have forgotten who they are.
The Ottoman Security Service has intervened in the investigation.
The scene then shifts to Staff Officer Guqiao.
As mentioned earlier, four years have passed.
His hair is now completely white, and he looks dignified but with a hint of weariness.
It turns out that during these four years, they reorganized the Ultra Guard.
Next, the new team members began to introduce themselves one by one.
"I am Zhimo."
"I am Mizuno."
"I am Kazemori."
"I am Rimi."
"Over! This is Captain Bai Yong."
A completely unfamiliar team, completely unfamiliar uniforms.
Only the ancient bridge, with its crisp staff uniform, tells the story of the passage of time.
"Where is the most important guy?" Furuhashi frowned, looking at the energetic new team members in front of him, as if he was reminiscing about something.
My God... how many years have passed?
[This probably uses the current costumes of the actors playing the ancient bridge; they haven't used AI to make them look younger.]
[This can't be a parallel universe, it's just the passage of time, right? It looks like at least several years have passed.]
[That guy named Feng Sen is kind of handsome, but what's going on? Where did the group go?]
The scene shifts, revealing an undercurrent of crisis within the city.
Recently, some citizens have suddenly experienced amnesia, and most of them are administrative staff and scholars.
Scientists are stumped and have no idea what the source is.
Only the Special Police Force can intervene in the investigation.
Good grief, is this a targeted attack on the elite class?
These aliens really know how to pick their targets.
As the investigation deepened, a plant with purple leaves that looked like a "foxtail flower" came into view.
This flower emits an eerie green glow.
According to tests, its photosynthetic efficiency is extremely high, producing dozens or even hundreds of times more oxygen than ordinary plants.
"With this plant, even without forests, the Earth will not have to worry about running out of oxygen."
In the drama, a greedy developer is looking at the plant with excitement, his eyes filled with greed.
However, the researchers in charge of the investigation warned: "It is dangerous to draw conclusions hastily. This excess oxygen could lead to paralysis of the brain nerves."
Sure enough, the truth soon came to light.
All of this is a conspiracy by the aliens "Vierians".
These aliens spread this plant, causing humans to inhale excessive oxygen, leading to amnesia, and then—
"Lost memories are useless memories. Now, I'm going to input some new memories into your brain."
On the screen, a sinister-looking man sneers at the camera.
He is the Vier alien disguised as a human.
The comments section exploded at this point.
Why are all the aliens in Seven so prone to using underhanded tricks?!
Is it brainwashing?
Stealing memories, injecting false memories, turning humans into puppets... this is more terrifying than simply killing someone.
Memory is the soul! Without memories, is a person still a person?
The plot is reaching its climax.
In the process of searching for his memories, Tuan encountered that alien.
The aliens mocked the group: "Why are you always searching for the past? You humans only care about immediate interests and don't cherish the past. You'll bring about your own destruction sooner or later."
"Times will change, that's all."
"Since you don't cherish Earth's past, why are you so fixated on your own memories?"
This dialogue is full of philosophical insights.
Through Gu Nan's lens, this is not just a dialogue between justice and evil, but also a debate about "existence".
Although Tuan had lost his memory, he instinctively retorted, "Our memories aren't just our own! Someone will definitely preserve them to continue human history! If false new memories are added, that would be a terrible thing!"
"Only the memories in our minds can prove our existence!"
This line, coupled with the rousing background music, instantly ignited the audience's emotions.
Well said! Memory is the carrier of civilization!
[Gu Laozei's delivery of lines is absolutely brilliant; he's delving into philosophy here.]
Those who have no past have no future!
Battle is imminent.
When the aliens realized their brainwashing had failed, they simply grew to gigantic size.
The Viel aliens are intermediate life forms between plants and animals, and the flowers on their shoulders can release highly toxic pollen.
In a moment of crisis, the group finally retrieved the Ultra Glasses.
"Jooo!"
The red light shone brightly once again.
Seven is here!
This battle continues the hardcore style of the first two episodes.
The Viel alien took the initiative, using his pincer-like hands to violently toss Ultraseven into the air.
Seven quickly unleashed an Emerium Ray, but perhaps due to his memory not being fully restored, the power of this attack was much weaker than before, and it barely scratched the Viel alien.
The Viel aliens began to activate the pollen within their bodies, causing Seven to fall into a state of paralysis.
Due to the paralyzing effect of pollen, Ultraseven was unable to resist the enemy's attack and was suppressed for a time.
Ironically, despite being a plant monster, it treats Earth's plants as if they don't exist, wantonly trampling on flowers, grass, and trees.
Then the Viel aliens unleashed a barrage of projectiles.
Soon, Seven was engulfed by the surrounding flames.
However, Seven did not back down in the face of the Viel aliens' barrage of light bullets and poisonous fog attacks.
He braved the raging flames and approached step by step.
That sense of oppression, that indomitable spirit that defies the odds, sent the adrenaline soaring through the audience watching on screen.
Finally, Seven delivered a precise Emerium Ray, severely injuring the alien.
He then used a spiral beam to sweep all the toxic gas produced by the alien explosion into space, protecting the city.
The battle is over.
The group regained their memories.
However, the ending left one with a tinge of sadness.
The group had to leave the mother and daughter who had taken him in.
Aunt Kyoko looked at Tuan, who had regained his memories, and a hint of reluctance flashed in her eyes, but more than that, she felt relieved.
"No matter what, humanity must continue to survive. So we must preserve our memories and continue to pursue a new future."
The group left those words behind and turned to leave.
In the setting sun, his figure appeared exceptionally tall, yet it also conveyed a sense of loneliness as a "passerby".
End of episode three.
Old Tang took a deep breath and put down his beer.
"Brothers, although there wasn't much fighting in this episode, the dialogue scenes... were amazing."
"The premise of 'memory proves existence' instantly elevates the level of sophistication in this episode. And did you notice that Gu Nan is using the aliens to satirize those who blindly pursue development for profit and forget history?"
"Only Seven can achieve this level of depth."
Before the audience could even recover from the afterglow of the third episode...
Episode 4, "More Ancient Than Earth," flows seamlessly into the next episode.
The title of this episode immediately evokes a sense of profound epic scale.
From the very beginning of the story, the atmosphere becomes unusually oppressive.
Strange geological activity occurred in the Fudomidake area on the outskirts of Chopu City. Large amounts of volcanic gases leaked, and hydrogen sulfide permeated the air.
However, in this barren place, there are actually human activities!
The Ultra Guard has apprehended a strange man.
After the tests were conducted, everyone was stunned.
"This man has had sulfur bacteria implanted in his body and has been completely transformed into a 'sulfur-modified human'!"
Staff Officer Gu Qiao looked at the report, his face turning ashen.
Meanwhile, Tuan arrived alone in a desolate town in Changpu City.
The economy here is in recession, and people are filled with anxiety.
In a tavern, the group met a kind proprietress.
"Young man, finish this glass of milk and leave. This place is too dangerous; it's not for you."
The proprietress kindly offered advice.
But the group keenly sensed that something was wrong.
Sure enough, the mastermind behind it all showed up.
They are from the planet Gatsi!
For viewers familiar with the Ultraman series, the Guts aliens are no strangers.
However, in the world of Project Origin, these aliens exhibit unprecedented cunning and malice.
Instead of launching a direct war of aggression, they resorted to psychological warfare.
The Gaci aliens spread doomsday theories to humanity through broadcasting and brainwashing:
"The Earth will enter a burning era within the next 10 years! Oxygen in the atmosphere will disappear, and magma will engulf everything!"
"The only way for humanity to survive is to accept our modification and become 'sulfur-enhanced humans' adapted to the sulfur environment!"
This conspiracy is too vicious.
They exploit people's fear of death to portray themselves as "saviors."
The comments section erupted in uproar.
【Isn't this just a cult?】
[Selling anxiety, then selling drugs?]
The key point is, people actually believe it! Look at that proprietress...
In the story, the kind-hearted proprietress also becomes a follower of the Guts aliens.
Even after the truth was exposed by the group, she remained obstinate.
"We're just trying to survive! Even if we become monsters, what's wrong with that as long as we can live?"
Faced with the landlady's questioning, Tuan did not directly refute her, but instead showed a compassionate expression.
Subsequently, the Gatsi aliens launched their ultimate plan.
They awakened the subterranean monster—Salphis.
This is a terrifying behemoth covered in sulfur crystals.
It began to release volcanic gases frantically, black smoke blotting out the sun and turning the entire sky a despairing black.
The sun was blocked.
Seven's biggest weakness has been exposed.
When Dan transformed into Seven and appeared on the battlefield, everyone held their breath for him.
Because of the lack of sunlight, Seven's energy was extremely depleted.
As soon as he appeared, he was utterly crushed by Salfis.
The sulfurous gas spewed by the monster caused Seven immense pain.
His chest armor emitted plumes of white smoke from the corrosion, and his red body swayed precariously.
"Hahaha! Ultraseven! You can't beat us! This is the future of Earth!"
The Gaci aliens laughed arrogantly.
That sense of despair pressed down on the audience through the screen, making it hard for them to breathe.
[Damn it, how can I fight without energy?]
This monster is disgusting; it's full of poisonous gas.
[Seven, stand up!]
Just as Seven was about to fall.
Humanity stepped forward.
This is precisely the core essence that distinguishes the Seven series from other tokusatsu shows—humans are never just overgrown babies who need protection.
Captain Bai Yong of the Ultra Guard piloted the Flying Eagle No. 1 and hurtled towards the thick black clouds.
"Human destiny should be in the hands of humankind itself!"
"We absolutely refuse to be reformed! No living being in this world can force us to change our dignity as human beings!"
Captain Bai Yong roared and pressed the launch button.
Using the powerful airflow generated by the high-speed rotating wings, combined with specially made cloud-scattering bombs, Flying Eagle No. 1 forcefully tore a gap in the thick black fog!
A golden ray of sunlight, like a miracle, pierced through the darkness and shone directly on Seven.
The background music exploded instantly!
That was Seven's call to strike back!
The originally weak red giant seemed to burst into flames the moment he was bathed in sunlight.
He shoved the monster off him, and the green beam of light above his head flashed brightly.
"Jooo!!!"
This battle cry was louder than ever before.
The next scene is a one-sided massacre.
Seven, in top form, displayed terrifying strength as the "Red All-Round King".
Flying kick!
A powerful punch!
Salfis's prized sulfur armor shattered like paper under Seven's iron fist.
Finally, Seven crossed his arms, gathering all his energy.
It's reminiscent of Seven's enhanced ultimate move in "Ultraman Fighting Evolution Rebirth".
Compared to the usual blue-white beams of light, the energy here had a golden tinge.
New wide-area clustered beam!
The wide stream of golden light instantly engulfed the monster, turning it and the Guts aliens' spaceship into ashes.
The battle is over.
The sky cleared, and the sun shone brightly on the earth once more.
But the ending wasn't a completely happy one.
The proprietress, having undergone the transformation, experienced a rapid decline in health after being removed from the sulfurous environment.
Before she died, she lay in the ruins, looking at the long-lost blue sky, and shed tears of regret.
"I am a sinner against Earth... I chose to run away..."
Tuan held her hand until she stopped breathing.
Finally, the group returned the body to the borrowed member, Kazamori.
Facing the setting sun, the group's inner monologue resonated in the ears of every audience member:
"Human destiny must ultimately be firmly grasped by ourselves."
"No matter how difficult the future may be, as long as we do not give up our dignity as human beings, hope will always exist."
The two-episode back-to-back broadcast has ended.
The screen went dark, but the audience's emotions remained unsettled for a long time.
Old Tang sat in the live broadcast room, his eyes slightly red, his voice a little hoarse as he faced the camera.
"Guys, the dialogue scenes in these two episodes are still top-notch!"
"He's asking each of us: If faced with a life-or-death situation, would you choose to eke out a living and become a monster, or would you choose to defend human dignity even at the cost of death?"
"The book 'Amnesia' tells us that memory and history are proof of our existence."
"The book 'More Than Earth' tells us that no matter how the Earth changes, the human spirit is more ancient than the Earth itself."
"This is what you call tokusatsu!"
Old Tang slammed his fist on the table excitedly and roared.
In the comments section, countless bullet comments flew by like snowflakes.
I cried, I really did. When the landlady died, my heart ached.
[The scene where Captain Bai Yong piloted the plane through the clouds was so thrilling it gave me goosebumps!]
Humanity's destiny is in its own hands! This statement is incredibly powerful!
[You old scoundrel, you win! I kneel before you!]
Watching these two episodes together is absolutely phenomenal! One episode deals with the past (memories), and the other with the future (survival). Gu Nan's screenwriting skills are simply phenomenal!
At this moment, at the Chasing Light Studio.
Looking at the overwhelming positive reviews online, Gu Nan finally smiled with satisfaction.