The vast, boundless starry sky.
An unknown planet.
A long, slender spacecraft descended onto the surface.
The moment it appeared, it was surrounded by a swarm of robots.
"Who goes there?" the serpentine robot at the front demanded in a cold voice.
Dozens of robots behind it raised their weapons, poised to fire at any moment.
The spacecraft's hatch slowly opened, and two figures stepped out.
One large, one small, both radiating a terrifying killing intent.
"Fire!" the serpentine robot ordered.
Rat-a-tat-tat!
Countless golden lasers blazed forth, dazzling as they converged into a violent heatwave storm that swallowed the two figures whole.
"Ha ha ha! You overestimate yourselves!"
The towering figure laughed mockingly.
He ignored the raging laser fire entirely. His armor was like an unbreakable wall of bronze and steel, utterly impervious.
The smaller figure let out a strange sound, then shot straight into the sky.
"…&￥##!"
The SixSix Monster streaked through the air, raising his twin guns and unleashing crimson beams that swiftly harvested the guards' lives.
"Hey, leave some for me!"
Vulkanus grew impatient and charged forward, his tank-like body crashing straight into the mass of robots.
His strength was horrifying. One punch was enough to smash a robot to pieces, and nothing could stop his advance.
Before long, the two of them had carved their way deep into the base.
Vulkanus held up a glass tube, purple light reflected in his eyes as he let out a deep, booming laugh.
"Heh heh… this is the X Element."
Inside the tube was a brilliant purple crystal, radiant and mesmerizing.
"But… just getting this isn't enough. We still need to find the Bysenien alloy to create a truly powerful explosive."
"When that happens, the entire solar system will cease to exist! Hahahaha!"
Madness flickered in Vulkanus's eyes.
"%&#@…," said SixSix.
Vulkanus seemed to understand. He nodded.
"You're right. We need to find the Bysenien alloy as soon as possible, before anything goes wrong. But… where do we even find something like that?"
SixSix extended his hand and tapped a few controls on the console. In an instant, a blood-red light flared.
The light converged into a projection that appeared before them.
Gradually, it outlined the shape of a planet, marked with flashing red points.
Seeing this, Vulkanus let out a cold chuckle.
"As expected. Only the solar system's junkyard has that kind of material. Earth…"
...
The next day.
Bright sunlight filled the air. Flocks of birds circled overhead, chirping merrily amid the fragrant scenery.
After leaving the desert town, Grandpa Max drove the Rustbucket, bringing the kids to visit a museum.
In the courtyard, Ben sat on the base of a stone statue, chin propped on his hand, completely motionless as if lost in thought.
Gwen planted her hands on her hips.
"Hey, blockhead! Get down already! You're going to get us kicked out!"
"Yeah, Ben, we have to follow the museum rules," Grandpa said patiently.
"Relax, Grandpa. I've got it under control," Ben replied.
He turned toward Gwen and stuck out his tongue.
"Bleh! Go read your magic book, nerd."
"Oh, and I'm thirsty. Go buy me a milkshake."
"Idiot, in your dreams!" Gwen turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge her Cuz.
Then, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she paused.
Gwen turned back toward Lucian, who was lightly sweating, and her tone softened.
"Cuz, are you thirsty? I can go get you something to drink."
"No need. I'll just have some water back at the Rustbucket later," Lucian said with a faint smile.
"Alright…" Gwen looked a little disappointed.
"Alright, kids, let's head into the museum," Grandpa said with a hearty laugh.
"This courtyard is just the tip of the iceberg. There's plenty more fun waiting inside!"
"Awesome!"
Ben shouted as he took off toward the entrance.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion echoed in the distance, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.
Lucian's expression sharpened as he looked toward the far-off sky.
Thick plumes of smoke were rising there, as if something had crashed or detonated.
Ben's eyes lit up. He raised the Omnitrix.
"Hero time!"
Thud!
A flash of green light burst forth as Lucian instantly transformed into XLR8, racing toward the scene at blistering speed…
"Hey, Cuz! Wait for me!"
Ben hurriedly fiddled with his watch, transforming into Stinkfly as he rushed after him…