Knights of the Digital World

Crimson Knightmon responded loudly.

The golden-armored dragon beast shook its head and said in a low voice, "It was our fault for failing to protect the god. I... cannot let the god suffer losses because of my mistakes."

The eight-legged horse-beast rubbed its bald head, its attitude the most ambiguous. Having lived in the human world for many years, it actually felt closer to humans. The World Tree's decision to nearly destroy humanity had greatly displeased this knight.

However, the World Tree ultimately did not do that. It even reflected on its actions and created avatars like Mikihara Noren to explore the possibilities, rather than resorting to a brutal, one-size-fits-all approach. This greatly reduced the eight-legged horse-beast's discontent.

These experiences made the knight seem indifferent. He shrugged and calmly said, "The minority obeys the majority. That's what they all say, so even if I wanted to, it wouldn't matter."

"Do the other Royal Knights share the same attitude as you?"

Emu was initially pleased with the success of this operation—he made contact with Gallantmon right away, easily found Yggdrasil's incarnation, Noren Mikihara, and obtained the method to defeat Barbamon.

However, he never expected that things would get stuck at what he thought was the easiest step: gaining the approval of more than half of the Royal Knights to start the process.

To be honest, it's really incongruous that you, as the royal tree-cutting team, are so loyal to the World Tree!

"Perhaps LordKnightmon will agree. He only pursues his own justice and doesn't care about the means. But it's hard to say. LordMon is his friend, and LordMon is the most loyal. If it were LordMon persuading him, LordKnightmon might not agree."

"It is fragrant," the fragrant beast replied.

Emu shook his head, wanting to say something, but then stopped. Seeing the unwavering expressions of the Imperial Knights, Emu suddenly realized something.

Ultimately, were the Royal Knights wrong? No. Yggdrasil was indeed just a victim. Not only did it not do evil, but it also devoted itself to the Digimon of the Digital World, expending its power and effort; otherwise, it wouldn't have ended up in its current state.

Why, when faced with such an existence, do I not think about saving Him, but instead ignore His life and death?

My original wish was to protect everyone's smiles and change their tragic fate. Those ugly and wicked people are obviously not included in this scope, but isn't the World Tree also included?

What made me forget my original vision?

—It's arrogance!

The foresight regarding the plot and the changes in her own strength have unknowingly altered Emu's heart.

He was still willing to fight to the death to protect everyone, but he also developed an arrogance about his own power and a bad habit of making arbitrary assumptions about unfamiliar beings based on the plot.

This is not right.

Never before had Emu so clearly recognized his mistakes. He reflected on them, and then, naturally, apologized—

"I'm sorry, I was arrogant. I overlooked the existence of the World Tree and took its sacrifice for granted; that was my mistake. Let that program remain as it is. We can definitely find a better way to save both the Digital World and the World Tree!"

"It's a good habit to readily admit your mistakes. Kid, I'm starting to like you."

Crimson Knightmon stepped forward, put its arms around Emu's neck, and laughed heartily.

This wasn't his first time meeting Emu; he had seen her during his previous battle with Kurata. However, they hadn't interacted much, and Gallantmon's impression of Emu was merely that of a human child who had provided information.

Gallantmon is grateful to Emu, but there is no deeper communication between them, so he is not close to Emu and lacks recognition of her.

But this time, Emu frankly admitted his mistake—or rather, it wasn't even a mistake. What does it matter if there are sacrifices for the Digital World? It was nothing more than the pride and sense of justice of these knights acting up—and their eagerness to find new solutions was something Gallantmon admired.

He agreed with Emu.

The other three Royal Knights were not as unrestrained as Gallantmon, but their gazes toward Emu were now filled with appreciation and softened.

Aromon adjusted its glasses and reminded them, "Since we've chosen a more difficult path, we have even less time left. We need to return to the Digital World as soon as possible, find other top-tier Ultimate level fighters, and preferably other Royal Knights."

We must find a way to save God, but we cannot ignore the safety of the Digital World. Protecting the Digital World is also our duty. Therefore, we must prepare for both possibilities. Gallantmon, Magnamon, if things become impossible, we will still have to activate the program. I hope you can understand.”

The Fragrant Beast certainly possesses the pride and sense of justice of a knight, otherwise it wouldn't have said something like "Anko is a traitor" before.

However, as a strategist, she must consider all circumstances, especially when it comes to the safety of the digital world.

At no time could the Fragrance Beast's emotions override her rationality.

Gallantmon and Magnamon understood this perfectly and nodded seriously. They weren't ungrateful; if it really came to that, they could only apologize to Yggdrasil.

But if they don't even try, then they won't be able to forgive themselves.

Seeing everyone's solemn expressions, Mikihara Noren hesitated for a long time before finally raising her little hand:

“Well… if we’re talking about saving Yggdrasil… I should have a way.”

Chapter Nineteen, The Great Trail

Noren's words instantly drew everyone's attention. A scrutinizing gaze fell upon her, leaving the girl, who looked thirteen or fourteen but was actually less than a month old, somewhat puzzled.

Why do you all look at me like that?

"It's nothing, Lord Norren. But was what you said before true? You have a way to save the gods?"

The aromatic beast approached Noren and asked earnestly.

“Of course.” Noren nodded and explained, “I am an incarnation created by Yggdrasil. In order for me to understand the world more quickly, He entrusted me with a copy of all His data. With this data, and by using the authority of God to create a suitable body, I can be reborn.”

"Of course, such a rebirth is incomplete. Because it is merely a machine-like existence with the body and memories of Yggdrasil, but without His thoughts and feelings. However, I have a special connection with Yggdrasil. When I am close enough to Him, I should be able to replicate His will. In this way, Yggdrasil will be saved!"

The girl's voice carried a hint of pride, and she was very proud of herself for coming up with such a good idea.

However, she quickly added a reminder:

"I heard from Magnamon that Yggdrasil is still fighting a battle of wills with Barbamon, right? I must remind you that if Yggdrasil's will completely dissipates before I recreate it, then there's nothing I can do."

"Wait a minute, you have a special connection with the World Tree. What if we attack Barbamon and injure it, causing you to get injured as well?"

Yongmeng recalled the scene from the comic and quickly asked.

"Don't worry. In fact, in order for me to better understand human thoughts, Igudrashir endowed me with a different way of thinking than Him. I am nominally still His incarnation, and there is a special connection and feeling between us, but in essence, He and I are already two independent individuals."

"Well... let me put it this way, it's like the special connection between twins. My connection with Yggdrasil is similar, except that this connection is amplified many times over, allowing us to do some special things."

Norren explained.

“I see. Since Lord Norren has proposed this feasible plan, we will fully support it. Gallantmon, Magnamon, and Gigamon, do you still have any doubts about activating the program?” Aromon asked.

“No more! I can’t wait any longer!” Crimson Knightmon released his arms from Emu’s embrace, twisted his fist forcefully, and answered.

The Golden Armored Dragon Beast and the Eight-Legged Horse Beast nodded in agreement.

"It seems like the plan is no different from before. Don't we still have to find the Royal Knights and start the program? We've wasted so much time."

Paradrag pulled Emu aside, and after they both crouched down, she whispered to Emu and the lion cub.

Emu smiled, looked at the lion cubs who showed an expression of agreement, reached out and patted their heads, and said, "No, that's not a waste of time... at least for me, it's very important."

Parad and the lion cub didn't understand what Emu meant, but that didn't stop them from seeing how serious he was. They nodded blankly and said nothing more.

Meanwhile, the Fragrant Beast stated decisively, "Now that we've reached a consensus and found a method, we just need to proceed step by step. However, we must hurry. None of us know if the Barba Beast has any backup plans, or how long the will of God can last. If God dies before we can act, then our previous arguments will have become meaningless."

Yongmeng quickly stood up and said, "Then I'll summon the Dark Ship right now, shall we set off immediately?"

Emu's words made Crimson Knightmon grin and say, "Thank you for your kindness, but with Lord Norn here, there's no need to trouble your friend."

Emu paused for a moment, then remembered that Magnamon had said that Yggdrasil had granted Mikihara Norren the power to open the gate between the two worlds. Through her, she could travel directly between the two worlds without needing the power of the Dark Ship.

"Then I'll trouble you. Could you take us to Bancho-chan's place?"

Emu was naturally not unhappy that the Darkship could rest a little longer, and he politely inquired of Norren.

Noren shook his head at Emu's question and said, "I can open a door to any location in the Digital World, but it doesn't open out of thin air. I still need some information. For example, coordinates. If you just give me a name, I can't locate it."

Emu scratched his head. If he needed coordinates, where was he supposed to find them? The giant whale was constantly swimming around in the sea; who knew where it was now?

"Lord Norren, just take us to the seaside. When I was with Bancho Totoru, he gave me a flute that can summon a giant whale, so meeting up won't be a problem."

"The golden-armored dragon beast said."

"Huh? Why didn't you give it to me?" Emu looked surprised.

The golden-armored dragon tilted its head and thought for a moment, then said uncertainly, "I guess I forgot...?"

"This is too realistic... He really is my master..." Emu was speechless.

"Alright, the gate has been successfully located. Now, open it!"

While Emu and the Golden Armored Dragon were chatting, Noren had already opened the gate. Expanding the search area to the entire coastline makes locating the target much easier.

A huge, prototype-shaped aperture appeared in mid-air, and a salty sea breeze blew out from it. This was the gateway to the digital world!

Without further ado, Gallantmon took the lead and returned to the Digital World. The others followed in single file.

After the last eight-legged horse entered, the circle of light flickered, gradually shrank, and disappeared. Only the salty smell of the ocean remained in the air.

…………

"Big brother, there are so many of them, I'm almost out of energy. Ah, I really want to eat Little Lily's fried eggs..."

With enormous wings and a towering stature, the LightDragon-type Digimon swung its tail, sending a TankDragonmon flying. Before it, a DarkDragonmon was thrusting its Giga-Stab Gun at it.

"ShiningGreymon, you bastard! How many times have I told you to show some respect for my mom? Stop calling her 'Sayuri, Sayuri' all the time!"

On the shoulder of a creature named "ShiningGreymon," a brown-haired boy who looked to be fourteen or fifteen years old shouted angrily. At the same time, he leaped up and his iron fist, wrapped in an orange Digimon Soul, slammed into Darkdramon's face. ShiningGreymon took the opportunity to dodge Darkdramon's attack and kicked Darkdramon away.

The boy landed back on ShineGreymon's shoulder, the DigiSoul in his hand burning even more intensely, pulsating continuously. He also took out a machine, a ferocious grin spreading across his face:

"I'll give you the strength! Digital Soul, charge! Explode!"

The fiery digital soul was injected into ShineGreymon's body through the machine, invigorating him. His wings were covered in the blazing flames of the sun, and his aura continued to rise—

ShineGreymon, Burst Mode!

And the boy let out his roar:

"You think you can defeat me and ShineGreymon? You're dreaming!"

"I am—the number one fighting gang leader in Japan, Daimon Machi!"

Chapter Twenty, The Great Slayer and the Beast Slaying

"Hahaha, the Barba Beast Legion? They're nothing special!"

The big man stood on the ground, hands on his hips, chuckling softly.

Around him lay countless scattered Digi-Eggs. Before him lay a Darkdramon dissipating into data. A giant sword engulfed in flames pierced its chest, and its armor slowly melted away in the fire.

The giant light dragon-type Digimon, wielding the greatsword, forcefully pulled it away. Its body was covered in wounds, and the flames burning on its wings had dimmed, on the verge of extinguishing. Clearly, it had endured a fierce battle.

As the giant sword was pulled out, Darkdramon completely dissipated, leaving only a Digi-Egg on the ground.

The enormous dragon emitted a white light and transformed into a small yellow dinosaur with its hands wrapped in red leather and a weary expression.

"Big brother, I'm so hungry."

"Agumon, you did a great job this time. I remember there's a sea nearby? Let's go catch some fish to eat!"

"Huh? Big brother, the fish you make is awful... I want to eat Egg Beast's ramen... or Flame Beast's grilled meat... or any other food from Food Town. Anyway, they're all better than what you make."