Chen Ran's world was special.
Even a belt with a clear transformation requirement like Faiz could appear through awakening, and the 'monster civilization' connected by spatial rifts was clearly not from the Kamen Rider universe. If anything, it was likely just an alternate dimension counterpart.
The world of Kamen Riders had no Hope energy.
However, Chen Ran was special.
He was a traveler with a system.
For now, there seemed to be two possibilities for the source of Hope energy!
One: Defeat monsters in the Rider world.
Two: Save lives!
That was roughly it.
As for which one it leaned towards, Chen Ran couldn't quite tell.
But he would likely be able to analyze it soon.
Because...
Chen Ran suddenly stood up and shook his head as if with resignation.
Taking out the crimson Faiz Drive, he slowly turned around.
In his sight appeared three green figures.
All were larvae clad in thick cocoons.
"You... really are persistent!"
Chen Ran said with annoyance.
After finally finding himself in this empty, sparsely populated area to ponder things and enjoy the suburban scenery, he was interrupted by more Worms.
As expected, the Worms of this world had already integrated into all aspects of human society.
At any time, in any place...
One might find the figure of a Worm, even in the depths of a mountain forest.
"I wonder if I can test out Clock Up now. Might as well take this opportunity to try it!"
Chen Ran muttered to himself, attaching the Faiz Drive to his waist.
Well... it was good timing.
He casually tossed a Rider Card.
Placing his right hand on the side of the Drive, he pushed it forward with force.
"Henshin!"
"Ka
Facing larvae that had not successfully molted, Chen Ran declared he had extensive combat experience.
Those larvae were not agile.
Their defense was not high either.
Especially their abdomens!
Chen Ran first unleashed a straight stab with his Katana, slicing through one of them as if it were mere iron.
In combat, keeping an eye on all directions, or reacting instinctively.
Chen Ran sidestepped, easily dodging the attack of a sharp claw from another Worm.
Using one leg as a pivot, he forcefully kicked the attacker, easily repelling it.
Immediately after.
He folded the Katana into its gun form.
Then, he swiped the card!
Chen Ran had always adhered to the principle of striking while the enemy was down.
When engaging monsters, it was considered fortunate if a swarm of ambushing scoundrels didn't appear.
What kind of... Rider spirit would one talk about then?
Don't be an idiot.
For humans, the larval bodies were tough.
It was like ZECT's ant soldier units engaging them.
The concentrated firepower sometimes lost its intended effect.
In Chen Ran's view, this was entirely due to the bullets being too spread out.
Concentrating power at one point could produce greater force.
He relied on the infinite ammunition of the Katana Gun, unleashing a barrage of shots that undoubtedly landed on the weak points of the larval bodies.
If they were armored, it would be the unguarded positions.
But for the Worms, those were precisely their vital spots!
The fate of this Worm was naturally sealed.
Chen Ran didn't exert much effort to deal with these two Worms.
He turned his gaze to the last Worm. Coincidentally, this Worm was undergoing a change.
Red energy covered its body, seemingly boiling at a visible speed, and the thick shell encasing it seemed to be peeled away layer by layer, like unwrapping silk...
"Here it comes!"
Chen Ran silently thought.
Molting, becoming an adult.
It seemed.
This Worm had indeed lived up to his expectations.
...