Reading settings
Chapter 470: Abin Sur's Legacy
The group of inexperienced Transformers were stunned, staring at each other in confusion.
The bulky and cumbersome Bulkhead stepped forward, standing in front of Optimus Prime like a shield, and asked in a booming voice, "What are you?"
The ball of green light didn't respond. It simply shot out a beam of green light, easily grabbing Optimus Prime and speeding off in the direction of the crashed spaceship.
Bulkhead, Ultra Magnus, and the others were about to open fire, but Optimus Prime stopped them, saying quickly, "Don't worry. I think I know what this ring is."
The green light's speed was astonishing. It carried Optimus Prime over a vast distance of thousands of miles, descending beside the spaceship to Abin Sur's side.
Su struggled to open his eyes, already on the brink of death. Only when he saw Optimus Prime did his eyes brighten.
This form of life... he had heard of it. It seemed to be a life created by that individual from Earth.
"Child, come closer," Su said to Optimus Prime.
He observed Optimus Prime, a very peculiar metallic lifeform. He could clearly sense Optimus Prime's young yet resilient willpower and felt an immense sense of gratification in his heart.
That willpower... it was truly like his younger self. It also reminded him of his apprentice, close friend, and brother-in-law, Sinestro.
Optimus Prime knelt down, bringing his massive head closer. He seriously assessed Su's injuries and said, "You're heavily injured. I'll take you for treatment immediately!"
"It's no use. This injury can't be healed..." Su shook his head with a bitter smile.
This was a wound left by Parallax, the physical manifestation of fear itself. How could it possibly be healed?
"What is your name?"
"Optimus Prime."
"Good. Optimus Prime, I don't have much time left. Listen to me."
Abin Sur said with difficulty, "I am Abin Sur, a member of the Green Lantern Corps. I now entrust my ring to you..."
"Put it on, Optimus Prime. You will become a great Lantern, and you will inherit my legacy..."
"The peace and stability of Sector 2814 are now in your hands. You must swear to protect what you cherish with your life."
Su's voice grew fainter and fainter. He stared wide-eyed at the ring floating in the air, then turned his eyes to look at Optimus Prime.
After a moment of silence, Optimus Prime slowly said, "I..."
"I know what you want to say, child, but there is no more time. The power of fear is spreading, the Spectrum War is about to begin, and eternal darkness is awakening... Put it on, Optimus Prime. Face the Green Lantern and swear the oath. The ring has chosen you. You will bear the responsibility of a guardian."
Optimus Prime looked into Su's eyes. In his databanks, there was a simple description of the Green Lantern Corps, which was some of the most basic information that Tony had instilled in them back then.
Slowly, Optimus Prime took the ring. Miraculously, he understood its function and purpose. Under Su's expectant gaze, he took it and placed it on the middle finger of his right hand.
This unexpected event caused even Optimus Prime to hesitate for a moment, but in the end, he still put on the Green Lantern Ring and inherited Su's legacy.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,"
"No evil shall escape my sight."
"Let those who worship evil's might,"
"Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
The words, translated by the Lantern Ring into an Earth language, came from Optimus Prime's mouth as if he were reciting a world-changing spell. The Green Lantern Ring on his finger suddenly erupted with a dazzling light.
An immense power erupted from Optimus Prime's body.
This power, guided by his indestructible will, used the ring as a medium to unleash might comparable to a nuclear blast. Waves of green energy erupted in all directions, overturning the earth and suppressing the sandstorm.
The terror of Optimus Prime as a Green Lantern of Will had only just revealed the tip of the iceberg.
Everything seemed to stand still. The sandstorm that filled the sky, every single red grain of sand, suddenly froze in mid-air.
Everything was nearly frozen solid. The explosive tremors, every inch of the landscape, was wreathed in green.
The world seemed to be controlled by the powerful will of a single individual.
This was the power of a Green Lantern's will.
Green, as the balancing color in the Emotional Spectrum, could grant its wielder immense power without distorting their willpower. This was also the reason why those Guardians built the Green Lantern Corps.
That's right. Because the Green Lanterns were controllable, easy to manage, and had an obvious weakness, the Guardians chose them. That bunch of Guardians didn't trust anyone, not even the Green Lantern Corps they had created with their own hands.
They were not nearly as great as they appeared; on the contrary, their hearts were utterly despicable.
This was also why they had frantically changed every building on Oa to a yellow hue. Because yellow could completely suppress the power of a Green Lantern, its association with fear gave them a sense of security.
Most importantly, the reason the Green Lantern Rings had the yellow impurity was also one of the Guardians' doing—regardless of whether it was an accident caused by their own blunder or something they did intentionally.
Optimus Prime's predominantly blue-hued body was suddenly enveloped in a layer of green clothing. The costume, glowing with green light, naturally began to dye his entire body, inside and out, with the color of will.
But soon, an esoteric power brutally prevented the green light from penetrating, like a powerful barrier, crudely forcing it back out.
That was the power of the One-Above-All. Though it was primitive and nascent, it was still the power of the One-Above-All, incomparably noble, and sufficient to resist a small avatar of the Emotional Spectrum.
The Green Lantern Ring trembled, seemingly very unwilling to yield. After a few attempts, it could only give up in frustration, merely coating Optimus Prime's outer shell with a layer of green light.
Other than that, nothing had changed.
Su looked surprised. It was unclear whether he was shocked by the immense willpower Optimus Prime displayed after putting on the ring, or astonished that the Green Lantern Ring had been thwarted.
Optimus Prime felt the immense power welling up from within him and couldn't help but show his own astonishment.
"So this is the power of the Green Lantern's Will..." Optimus Prime clenched his fist, murmured, and looked at Su.
"It seems you know quite a bit. Tony must have told you." Su managed a weak smile. "I've been observing Earth quietly, avoiding direct conflict with him, so I know a little about him."
"Then I'll make it brief."
"Optimus Prime, you hold my Lantern Ring, so you must bear the responsibility. But there's one thing you must remember: you bear the responsibility to protect, not the responsibility to obey the Guardians' commands!"
"The Guardians... cannot be trusted!"
"Some years ago, I secretly created the Blue Lanterns of Compassion. I placed them with the Blue Lantern Corps. They will be your reliable companions."
"And my dear friend, Sinestro. Knowing his personality, he should come looking for you soon. He will take you to the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps for training. Although he is trustworthy, his ambition is also great. You will need to guide him in the future."
"Remember my words, Optimus Prime."
As he spoke his last words, Su stared intently at Optimus Prime.
"Remember, the Guardians... cannot be trusted!"
"They have covered up too many things. This is a secret I have only shared with Sinestro. He will tell you everything. Before you know the truth, do not discuss this matter with anyone but Sinestro!"
"Optimus Prime, wear my Lantern Ring and inherit my will!"
"Prove it to me! Prove the prophecy... Optimus Prime, you possess the Will to change the Spectrum!"
(end of chapter)
The group of inexperienced Transformers were stunned, staring at each other in confusion.
The bulky and cumbersome Bulkhead stepped forward, standing in front of Optimus Prime like a shield, and asked in a booming voice, "What are you?"
The ball of green light didn't respond. It simply shot out a beam of green light, easily grabbing Optimus Prime and speeding off in the direction of the crashed spaceship.
Bulkhead, Ultra Magnus, and the others were about to open fire, but Optimus Prime stopped them, saying quickly, "Don't worry. I think I know what this ring is."
The green light's speed was astonishing. It carried Optimus Prime over a vast distance of thousands of miles, descending beside the spaceship to Abin Sur's side.
Su struggled to open his eyes, already on the brink of death. Only when he saw Optimus Prime did his eyes brighten.
This form of life... he had heard of it. It seemed to be a life created by that individual from Earth.
"Child, come closer," Su said to Optimus Prime.
He observed Optimus Prime, a very peculiar metallic lifeform. He could clearly sense Optimus Prime's young yet resilient willpower and felt an immense sense of gratification in his heart.
That willpower... it was truly like his younger self. It also reminded him of his apprentice, close friend, and brother-in-law, Sinestro.
Optimus Prime knelt down, bringing his massive head closer. He seriously assessed Su's injuries and said, "You're heavily injured. I'll take you for treatment immediately!"
"It's no use. This injury can't be healed..." Su shook his head with a bitter smile.
This was a wound left by Parallax, the physical manifestation of fear itself. How could it possibly be healed?
"What is your name?"
"Optimus Prime."
"Good. Optimus Prime, I don't have much time left. Listen to me."
Abin Sur said with difficulty, "I am Abin Sur, a member of the Green Lantern Corps. I now entrust my ring to you..."
"Put it on, Optimus Prime. You will become a great Lantern, and you will inherit my legacy..."
"The peace and stability of Sector 2814 are now in your hands. You must swear to protect what you cherish with your life."
Su's voice grew fainter and fainter. He stared wide-eyed at the ring floating in the air, then turned his eyes to look at Optimus Prime.
After a moment of silence, Optimus Prime slowly said, "I..."
"I know what you want to say, child, but there is no more time. The power of fear is spreading, the Spectrum War is about to begin, and eternal darkness is awakening... Put it on, Optimus Prime. Face the Green Lantern and swear the oath. The ring has chosen you. You will bear the responsibility of a guardian."
Optimus Prime looked into Su's eyes. In his databanks, there was a simple description of the Green Lantern Corps, which was some of the most basic information that Tony had instilled in them back then.
Slowly, Optimus Prime took the ring. Miraculously, he understood its function and purpose. Under Su's expectant gaze, he took it and placed it on the middle finger of his right hand.
This unexpected event caused even Optimus Prime to hesitate for a moment, but in the end, he still put on the Green Lantern Ring and inherited Su's legacy.
"In brightest day, in blackest night,"
"No evil shall escape my sight."
"Let those who worship evil's might,"
"Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
The words, translated by the Lantern Ring into an Earth language, came from Optimus Prime's mouth as if he were reciting a world-changing spell. The Green Lantern Ring on his finger suddenly erupted with a dazzling light.
An immense power erupted from Optimus Prime's body.
This power, guided by his indestructible will, used the ring as a medium to unleash might comparable to a nuclear blast. Waves of green energy erupted in all directions, overturning the earth and suppressing the sandstorm.
The terror of Optimus Prime as a Green Lantern of Will had only just revealed the tip of the iceberg.
Everything seemed to stand still. The sandstorm that filled the sky, every single red grain of sand, suddenly froze in mid-air.
Everything was nearly frozen solid. The explosive tremors, every inch of the landscape, was wreathed in green.
The world seemed to be controlled by the powerful will of a single individual.
This was the power of a Green Lantern's will.
Green, as the balancing color in the Emotional Spectrum, could grant its wielder immense power without distorting their willpower. This was also the reason why those Guardians built the Green Lantern Corps.
That's right. Because the Green Lanterns were controllable, easy to manage, and had an obvious weakness, the Guardians chose them. That bunch of Guardians didn't trust anyone, not even the Green Lantern Corps they had created with their own hands.
They were not nearly as great as they appeared; on the contrary, their hearts were utterly despicable.
This was also why they had frantically changed every building on Oa to a yellow hue. Because yellow could completely suppress the power of a Green Lantern, its association with fear gave them a sense of security.
Most importantly, the reason the Green Lantern Rings had the yellow impurity was also one of the Guardians' doing—regardless of whether it was an accident caused by their own blunder or something they did intentionally.
Optimus Prime's predominantly blue-hued body was suddenly enveloped in a layer of green clothing. The costume, glowing with green light, naturally began to dye his entire body, inside and out, with the color of will.
But soon, an esoteric power brutally prevented the green light from penetrating, like a powerful barrier, crudely forcing it back out.
That was the power of the One-Above-All. Though it was primitive and nascent, it was still the power of the One-Above-All, incomparably noble, and sufficient to resist a small avatar of the Emotional Spectrum.
The Green Lantern Ring trembled, seemingly very unwilling to yield. After a few attempts, it could only give up in frustration, merely coating Optimus Prime's outer shell with a layer of green light.
Other than that, nothing had changed.
Su looked surprised. It was unclear whether he was shocked by the immense willpower Optimus Prime displayed after putting on the ring, or astonished that the Green Lantern Ring had been thwarted.
Optimus Prime felt the immense power welling up from within him and couldn't help but show his own astonishment.
"So this is the power of the Green Lantern's Will..." Optimus Prime clenched his fist, murmured, and looked at Su.
"It seems you know quite a bit. Tony must have told you." Su managed a weak smile. "I've been observing Earth quietly, avoiding direct conflict with him, so I know a little about him."
"Then I'll make it brief."
"Optimus Prime, you hold my Lantern Ring, so you must bear the responsibility. But there's one thing you must remember: you bear the responsibility to protect, not the responsibility to obey the Guardians' commands!"
"The Guardians... cannot be trusted!"
"Some years ago, I secretly created the Blue Lanterns of Compassion. I placed them with the Blue Lantern Corps. They will be your reliable companions."
"And my dear friend, Sinestro. Knowing his personality, he should come looking for you soon. He will take you to the headquarters of the Green Lantern Corps for training. Although he is trustworthy, his ambition is also great. You will need to guide him in the future."
"Remember my words, Optimus Prime."
As he spoke his last words, Su stared intently at Optimus Prime.
"Remember, the Guardians... cannot be trusted!"
"They have covered up too many things. This is a secret I have only shared with Sinestro. He will tell you everything. Before you know the truth, do not discuss this matter with anyone but Sinestro!"
"Optimus Prime, wear my Lantern Ring and inherit my will!"
"Prove it to me! Prove the prophecy... Optimus Prime, you possess the Will to change the Spectrum!"
(end of chapter)
