After the epic battle against Ignis and the Eternal Flame, the team returned to Earth. The Rustbucket hummed quietly as it touched down in Bellwood, and for a brief moment, the familiar sights and sounds of their hometown brought them comfort.

Ben leaned back in his seat, staring up at the night sky. His body was still buzzing with the aftereffects of wielding the Omnitrix's full power. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming—something even more dangerous than the Eternal Flame.

Ben (muttering): "Why do I feel like we're not out of the woods yet?"

Gwen (smirking as she approached): "Because we never are. But at least we have a moment to breathe."

Kevin, already lounging with a massive sandwich in hand, snorted. "Speak for yourself, Tennyson. I'm done with world-saving for today. Wake me up when the next alien invasion starts."

Ben chuckled, but as he turned the Omnitrix's faceplate in his hand, its green glow seemed to pulse ominously. A strange energy still lingered in the air, and for the first time since the battle, Ben realized the watch had gone silent—too silent.