Knights of the Digital World

“No problem! You lost… um… you lost…” Da was a little stumped about the bet. He didn’t have anything he wanted to buy, nor did he want Parad to do anything. He didn’t know what kind of bet to make for a moment.

“I accepted Parad’s bet for her. If Parad loses, I’ll clean your room for a month,” Shuna chimed in. Then she patted Parad’s head and said, “Little Parad, you have to do your best, or I’ll have to go clean your room for you.”

"Shunai-neechan is the best! Leave everything to me!" Parad threw himself into Shunai's arms and snuggled against her.

“In that case, I won’t participate. I’ll be the referee.” Toma wasn’t very interested in this kind of thing and decided to be an observer.

"Looks like you guys are still pretty relaxed? You'll have to get serious later. Being too relaxed in battle is very dangerous."

As everyone was fooling around, a familiar voice rang out.

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw the Fox-like Beast standing upright, looking at them.

"Kanukimon! Long time no see! Is it time to begin?"

Emu greeted the fox-like creature.

“That’s right. Big, you guys evolve. Evolving so close will definitely attract Kurata’s attention. We need to draw out his power. There might be traps in the lab, so it’s best not to go in recklessly before eliminating most of Kurata’s help,” said the Tube Fox Beast.

Indeed, as a top scientist who created Gizmon and developed bio-Digimon technology, Kurata's ability to detect Digimon fluctuations is clearly no less than that of the DATS. Emu's decision to take Parad to evolve in a distant location was also to avoid attracting Kurata's attention. After all, due to Kurata's misuse of the Time-Space Bomb, a large number of Digimon were crossing the boundary every day. Furthermore, with the DATS constantly handling Digimon incidents, Kurata wouldn't pay attention unless a drastic Digimon reaction occurred near him.

The reason why the Foxmon is now demanding that they evolve is to provoke Kurata's nerves.

He detected intense Digimon fluctuations near his research institute; in fact, if Kurata weren't stupid, he would recognize them as the Digimon partners of a member of the DATs. Combined with the recent strange atmosphere, Kurata would immediately conclude that he was being watched.

Given Kurata's personality, he certainly wouldn't choose to slink away. The fact that his rash actions triggered a Digimon attack made him determined to exterminate them, even dedicating ten years to researching and inventing numerous advanced technologies, expending countless funds and effort. This shows just how petty Kurata is. His thirst for revenge is simply overflowing.

Kurata is more likely to send his men to eliminate Dai and his group. His first choice would be Digimon Hunters. Then, Emu, Kubinamon, and the Ultimate-level Digimon Kubinamon summoned would handle the situation. Afterward, he would send Dai and his group to attack the research facility, forcing out Kurata's Gizmon army. Once Kurata's forces are wiped out, they could then break into the facility and capture Kurata.

It would be even better if Kurata sent out the Gizmon army first. The three Ultimate-level fighters could be kept hidden until the crucial moment to strike and deliver the decisive blow.

The key to this plan is to lure out Kurata's power, thus eliminating his threat to the greatest extent possible. Even if Kurata escapes, the damage will be much less. However, if they rush in directly, capturing Kurata might be manageable, but if they fail, he will undoubtedly escape with a large army of Gizmon, causing far greater harm.

However, Captain Satsuma had already surrounded the area, and the Digital World was also prepared. The Ultimate-level Digimon, led by Mercurymon, had already formed an encirclement with their subordinates. The Digital World and the Human World have a corresponding relationship. Knowing Kurata's location in the Human World naturally allows them to determine his location in the Digital World.

Mercury and the others will only harbor more resentment towards Kurata.

Mercurymon initially agreed with Daimon's idea that humans and Digimon could coexist peacefully. However, Kurata's actions made him feel deceived, leading him to hate humans. After Mitsubomon cleared up the misunderstanding, his resentment towards humans transformed into hatred for Kurata alone. Coupled with his hatred for Kurata's slaughter of his fellow Digimon, Mercurymon and the others only wanted to devour Kurata alive, turning him into a true "scumbag."

And now, the all-out offensive begins!

Chapter Thirteen, The Great Melee

"Drip! Drip! Drip!"

A piercing alarm blared in the dimly lit laboratory.

Kurata, who was engrossed in recording this renovation, frowned.

This alarm is specifically designed for Digimon. Furthermore, it can only detect the instantaneous reactions of Digimon at least at the Champion level. After all, Champion-level Digimon possess an already exaggerated level of destructive power. Combined with their inherent abilities, size, and racial characteristics, they could potentially cause serious damage to research facilities.

"Annoying... What's going on? Has some idiot crossed the line and gotten near my research institute again?"

Kurata muttered as he turned on the monitor and discovered two enormous creatures near the research institute. One was a blue, canine-shaped Digimon, and the other was a sunflower-shaped Digimon floating in the sky.

"This is... Gaogamon and Sunflowermon? People from DAT? I see... So that's what's been bothering me all this time... Is DAT trying to take me down? No... It's not just that... Have the higher-ups been persuaded too? Hmph... These fat-bellied idiots..."

Kurata kept muttering to himself, but he quickly figured out the gist of what had happened.

"Damn it, we've been exposed a bit too early... But whatever, it's already like this, let's just retreat... But the modifications will take some time... Should we send Gizmon to buy some time? Although it's a bit of a loss, those three modified creatures are more useful... Alright, let's do it this way."

Kurata muttered to himself for a while, but just as Captain Satsuma and the others had planned, he sent out the Gizmon.

However, unlike what Captain Satsuma and the others had envisioned, Kurata's first reaction was to run away. If he hadn't been reluctant to leave behind the three nearly completed modified bodies, Kurata would have already run away.

Come to think of it, Kurata has never been a brave person. The Digimon attack didn't cause him serious injuries, but it left him with significant psychological trauma. If it were someone as oblivious as Dai, they wouldn't have felt anything at all. Kurata, however, grew increasingly fearful, which eventually twisted into a deep-seated hatred, a desire to completely wipe out the Digimon race. How could someone like that be truly courageous?

"Almost there...almost there...once the modified body is finished, I'll give you a good beating!" Thinking of the soon-to-be-completed modification, Kurata regained his confidence and whispered while looking at the monitor.

To correct one point, when Kurata had power in his hands, his courage was second to none.

…………

"Has Kurata not appeared yet? My DigiSoul doesn't have a target, so I can't play it!" he complained.

Because Yamato's DigiSoul can only be burned and extracted after attacking an enemy, only Gaomon and Ralamon can evolve from it. Yamato Agumon, on the other hand, has been waiting for an enemy to appear so it can show off its skills.

However, Kurata didn't know what he was doing, and the research institute remained unresponsive.

"Kanukomon, how about we let Gaogamon make a probe attack? Otherwise, just standing here like an idiot is too easy to expose our purpose," Toma suggested.

Their goal was to draw out Kurata's power and avoid fighting inside the research institute to prevent falling into a trap. Who knew what kind of advanced technology Kurata had come up with this time? Even if they managed to break free, they would be in a very difficult situation under enemy attacks.

After annihilating the enemy, one can enter the research institute and deal with traps with ease, avoiding dangerous situations.

However, if Kurata doesn't send anyone, they can't just stand there doing nothing; that would make their intentions too obvious.

“That makes sense… Well then, let’s get ready… Wait, the enemy is coming out.” The shrewmon pondered for a moment, about to agree with Toma’s suggestion, when it saw the research institute’s doors wide open, and Gizmon walked out in neat formation.

There are around 500 Gizmon, including more than ten Gizmon At. This is the evolved form of Gizmon. This is the power Kurata has been saving for a long time. If it weren't for limited funds, Kurata could have created even more Gizmon.

"Everyone, be careful! Gizmon is a Rookie, while Gizmon AT is a Champion. Although EarthGreymon, Gaogamon, Sunflowermon, and Parad are all far stronger than ordinary Champions, there are just too many of them. Moreover, Gizmon is a weapon specifically designed to eliminate Digimon. If we make a mistake and get eliminated, it's all over!" Emu quickly warned.

"Haha, got it! I'm going first!"

Da didn't care about anything else, casually replied, and rushed out. The enemy had finally arrived; it was time for him to unleash his power!

"Big brother! Wait for me!" Agumon called out and followed.

Big had already charged to the front, and the entire army of Gizmon all looked at him, their eyes gleaming, ready to focus their fire on Big.

Big reacted quickly, punching the Gizmon in front of him to the ground, then leaping back several steps to avoid the Gizmon's beam.

Agumon charged past the large one, grabbing two Gizmon with its claws. It then unleashed three fireballs, sending the surrounding Gizmon flying, and shouted, "Big Brother!"

"Understood! Digital Soul, charge!"

"Agumon evolves into EarthGreymon!"

The yellow dinosaur, which had penetrated deep into the enemy ranks, glowed and quickly transformed into a tall, orange dinosaur with its spikes looking ferocious and terrifying.

With a flick of its tail, EarthGreymon swept out four or five more Gizmon, then unleashed a massive fireball: "Super Burst!"

However, the fireball didn't have the desired effect. A Gizmon At rushed forward and dispersed the fireball. Its eyes flashed, and behind it, three more Gizmon At charged, and the four Gizmon At launched an attack on EarthGreymon.

"Oogamon is too reckless!" Toma stamped his foot. Although he knew Oogamon was like this, he still couldn't get used to it, as he preferred to plan carefully before acting. "Gaogamon, go help!"

"Alright, er! Spiral Blast!" Gaogamon sprinted towards the battlefield, unleashing a powerful whirlwind from its mouth as it ran.

"Sunflowermon, you should go too!"

"Pallard, please!"

Yoshino and Emu also shouted.

Himawarimon crouched down and charged into the battlefield, its large hands and tail relentlessly attacking Gizmon opposite it: "Smiling Slap!" "Cactus Tail!"

Parad mounted her broom and flew into the air, waving her hands downwards and unleashing her ultimate attacks: "Gale!" "Water Pressure!"

In addition, Parad was also buffing his teammates. The Witch Beast was a witch proficient in wind and water magic, and also dabbled in other magic, though not as skilled as wind and water. However, she could still easily provide buffs to her teammates.

However, the four Champion-level Digimon only made a brief appearance when they first entered the arena, and soon, Gizmon at approached them one by one.

Currently, EarthGreymon is dealing with three Gizmon ATs, Gaogamon is entangled with three Gizmon ATs, Sunflowermon is only facing two Gizmon ATs, and Witchmon has to fight against five Gizmon ATs!

With over four hundred Gizmon still assisting in the attack, the four Digimon were already at a disadvantage.

"Kankomon, we can't go on like this. This will put Parad and the others in danger. You need to save your trump cards for dealing with Kurata, so let me go and help them first." Emu originally wanted to wait for the three hunters to come out before dealing with them, but the current situation no longer allowed him to wait and see.

As for the Pidgeymon and the Ultimate-level monsters it summoned, they still need to remain hidden for now. Although in Emu's memory, at this point in time, the three hunters were only at the Ultimate level, and any Ultimate-level monster could easily overwhelm them, the butterfly effect has changed the situation completely. Emu can no longer be certain whether the three hunters have undergone a second modification and become Ultimate-level monsters.

Therefore, it's always wise to keep some cards hidden.

"Transform—"

Without hesitation, Emu transformed into a Level 3 Flying Action Player. With a flap of his wings, he soared into the sky.

"Scissor arms!"

Emu clasped his arms together, crushing a Gizmon AT, then clenched his fist, and Gashan Destroyer appeared in his hand, which he then flung away.

"Deadly Flying Hammer!"

Gashan Destroyer spun in the air, forcing Gizmon AT back before returning to Emu's hand. Meanwhile, Witchmon, who had been chased around by Gizmon AT, arrived on her broomstick and recognized Emu through a shared consciousness: "Emu? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me. Parad, go help the EarthGreymon and the others, I'll take care of things here." Emu stared intently at the Gizmon ATs in front of him and said in a deep voice.

"Emu...you're really strong...Okay, don't worry, I'll take care of them. You do your best too." Seraphim sensed the energy fluctuations emanating from Emu, paused for a moment, encouraged her, and then flew downwards to provide support. Compared to the flying and running Seraphim, the situation was much worse for the Giant Greymon and its companions, who were surrounded by a group of Gizmon and had to deal with Gizmon's attack.

In the air, four of the Gizmon At that had been chasing Witchmon remained. They hovered in front of Emu, letting Witchmon leave without giving chase. Their single, camera-like eyes flashed continuously, as if they were communicating with each other.

Then, the eight Gizmon at that were originally besieging EarthGreymon, Gaogamon, and Sunflowermon on the ground also abandoned their opponents, took to the air, and surrounded Emu.

"You think I'm your biggest rival? Hmph, then come on! It's been a long time since I've stretched my muscles!" Emu twisted his neck and beckoned to Gizmon without any fear.

The Kizmon ignored Emu's provocation; they were created as weapons, cold, emotionless machines. Their single eyes continued to blink, as if communicating.

After a brief exchange, the Gizmon At's single eye suddenly shone brightly, and beams of laser light shot out, announcing—

Let's fight!

Chapter Fourteen, The Hunters Move Out

Faced with the combined attack "AT Laser" from the Gizmon, Emu dared not take it head-on and quickly flapped his wings to dodge the laser beams shot from their eyes.

GizmonAT are Digimon developed as weapons, abandoning emotions and focusing solely on killing. Their characteristics are precision and consistency.

Although the loss of its "idealistic" nature prevents Gizmon At from unleashing its full power like other Digimon, its consistent performance and precise calculations allow it to maximize its strength.

Those twelve laser beams were all aimed at Emu's heart. They were even precise down to a single point.

After Emu dodged, all twelve laser beams struck the same spot, arriving at the exact same time. The immense power blasted a hole in space, through which the Digital World could be faintly seen. This demonstrated the sheer power of the attack.

This attack has reached the level of the ultimate form.

The combined power of twelve Champion-level Digimon unleashes the destructive force of an Ultimate-level Digimon—that's the terror of Gizmon At.

Emu glanced back at the gradually healing spatial void and couldn't help but marvel at its power.

Fortunately, the defense and health of the Gizmon cannot be stacked.

In other words, Emu is now facing an assassin with high attack, low defense, and low health.

If Emu can find an opportunity, he can instantly kill any one of the Gizmon.

The reduction in the number of Kiz Beasts will also severely affect their combined attacks.

The combined attack power of Gizmon increases exponentially, making them more terrifying with increasing numbers. Conversely, the fewer Gizmon a Beast a Beast is, the greater the impact on the attack.