Knights of the Digital World

Everyone graciously applauded.

This is actually what everyone was thinking. In fact, during the two weeks they were back in the Digital World, the other kids weren't idle either; they were all communicating and interacting with their Digimon partners, trying to achieve ultimate evolution.

However, their bond has indeed deepened, and there's even a hint of telepathy between them. But they're still some distance from ultimate evolution.

Based on the timeline, Sora should have been the closest to Ultra Evolution. She and Biyomon had the most telepathic connections, and their understanding was very deep; they could understand each other with just a glance. It wouldn't be long before she naturally achieved Ultra Evolution.

Unexpectedly, Koushiro actually figured out a way to achieve a second boost, enabling him to undergo ultimate evolution through the Divine Plan and overtake others.

"Thank you everyone. Actually, it's nothing. After all, I made modifications to a simulation program. Although the simulation test results show no problems, it still needs to be verified."

Moreover, even if it succeeds, its amplification effect will be weaker than the original version, and there will still be requirements for ultimate evolution.

However, unlike the Arc Machine Evolution, which emphasizes the connection of minds, the Divine Plan still requires us to be able to mobilize the power within our hearts.

Hmm... Anyway, let me try it out first. Beetlemon, are you ready?

Koushiro smiled shyly at first, not caring about saving face, and told the children about the shortcomings of his program. Afterwards, he could no longer contain his excitement, took out the Digivice, and called out to his partner.

Izzy's crest is Knowledge, and his most outstanding quality is his ever-present curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He's always wanted to know what Tentomon's ultimate evolution is!

"Come on, Koushiro, I'm ready!"

The beetle flew into the air, its large compound eyes showing little change, but its voice was full of anticipation.

The pursuit of greater power is an instinct inherent in Digimon. This applies to all species.

"Alright, here it comes. Program transfer!"

Koushiro tapped a couple of keys on the computer and entered the program he had written into his divine plan.

In an instant, Koushiro's inner power was activated, and the Divine Plan vibrated, turning purple and shooting out a beam of purple light. This beam of light could be faintly seen passing through the phantom image shaped like the Crest of Knowledge and entering the body of Beetlemon.

"Beetlemon, Ultimate Evolution—"

"Ultimate Kabuterimon!"

The beetle beast transformed into a giant insect combining the characteristics of the rhinoceros beetle and the stag beetle, possessing huge horns and pincers, and its entire body shimmered with a golden glow.

This is the ultimate insect-type Digimon, UltimateKabuterimon!

"Great! It's a success!"

Koushiro couldn't help but clench his fist. Although he was very confident in his program, he couldn't guarantee there wouldn't be any problems until the results came out.

Now that UltraKabuterimon is standing in front of him, Izzy can proudly say that he has solved the problem of the Divine Plan's ultimate evolution!

"Koushiro, I feel like I'm bursting with power!"

The powerful voice of Ultra-Kabuterimon rang out, making Koushiro laugh even harder, and the children cheered and rushed towards Koushiro.

They want this program too!

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Children's Efforts

Taiichi originally wanted to join in the fun. However, he was quite experienced, having undergone Ultimate Evolution more than once or twice, so he wasn't particularly eager. Instead, he noticed that his girlfriend remained where she was, not going any closer.

"What's wrong, Sora? Aren't you going to ask Koushiro for the program?"

Taiichi walked to Sora's side, put his arm around her shoulder, and asked.

He used to be a little shy about this kind of behavior, but now it's become second nature to him.

"No need, Taiichi."

Sora naturally snuggled closer to Taiichi, chuckling softly as she said:

"I believe in the bond between me and Biyomon. Our bond is strong enough for us to achieve Ultimate Evolution. Asking for the program now would only show that I lack confidence in the bond between me and Biyomon. This would only prevent me from taking that final step."

"You're right, my bond with Sora is the deepest!"

"The Bhikkhu Beast raised its wings and shouted."

"No, no, no, it should be me, shouldn't it? Whether it's the length of time we've known each other or the closeness of our relationship, I'm the one with the deepest bond with Sora, right?"

Taiichi shook his head and started arguing with Biyomon.

"What? Taiichi, aren't you most attached to me?"

Agumon stood to the side with a shocked expression, his eyes filled with contempt for Tai's "betrayal".

Sora watched them clown around and burst out laughing. She knew that Tai, Biyomon, and Agumon were trying to cheer her up because they were worried that she would be upset because Izzy had overtaken them and achieved Ultimate Evolution first.

But she truly didn't care who came first or last. As long as she could be with the person she loved, and who loved her in return, that was enough for her!

Sora suddenly felt a heat in her pocket. She reached in and touched it, then pulled out the Arc Machine; a red light flashed on the screen.

"Is this... my ultimate evolution?"

"No, Sora, this is our ultimate evolution!"

"Atrix Evotion!"

"Biyomon evolves—"

"Golden Eagle Beast!"

The giant bird, its body encased in golden armor, let out a cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky, carrying her with it.

Taiichi pulled down his goggles and watched the Golden Eagle Beast soaring through the sky, a smile unconsciously creeping onto his lips.

Sora can now undergo Ultimate Evolution! That's great!

…………

The successive evolutions of Izzy and Sora ignited the children's enthusiasm. Everyone began to strive for Ultra Evolution.

Mimi is a typical pragmatist; she has tried using Arc Machines for Ultra Evolution and also tried Izzy's program. Unlike Sora, she doesn't have the idea that "this is a lack of trust in bonds"; as long as she can achieve Ultra Evolution, that's enough for her.

Palmon's thoughts were even simpler: she just wanted Mimi to be happy. She would do whatever Mimi told her to do, without any ulterior motives.

Unfortunately, regardless of the method, Mimi is still a little short of perfection. She still needs some time before reaching ultimate evolution.

Joe, on the other hand, simply chose to use Koushiro's program. One of his important purposes in coming to the Digital World was to gain more study time by taking advantage of the time difference. He was so engrossed in studying that he had little time to spend with Gomamon.

Joe himself knew this, and he felt somewhat guilty towards Gomamon, so he would chat with Gomamon every night before going to bed.

However, Joe felt that his approach made it difficult to build a strong enough bond, as Gomamon often had to accommodate him. Therefore, Joe chose another path, relying on his own mental power to drive Gomamon's evolution.

However, this path is not easy. With most of Joe's energy consumed by studying, providing enough energy to support the immense power required to reach the Ultimate form is no easy feat. At least, Joe hasn't succeeded yet.

Takeru's choice was the complete opposite of Joe's. He chose to rely on the Arc Machine as the main evolution tool.

He has learned a lot of card usage skills from Emu and Ruki, and has also received some cards as a friendly gift from Emu and Ruki.

Compared to the Sacred Plan, which relies more on the child's own spiritual power, the Arc Machine, which emphasizes the unity of the child and the Digimon, is clearly more suitable for Takeru.

Children form friendships easily, especially since Patamon nearly sacrificed himself to defeat Devimon. Having experienced the pain of loss, they cherish things more. Takeru felt the same way about Patamon.

Anyway, Takeru could already use the Arc Machine to evolve Patamon all the way to the Ultimate level, Angemon. Although the lack of the power boost from the Digivice would make Angemon relatively weaker, Takeru could accept this weakness compared to not being able to evolve.

Takeru has even been trying to Mega Evolve Patamon. However, his body is still limiting him; the Arc Machines' Mega Evolution is a burden for a child. With Takeru's current physique, he can't handle it yet and needs to grow stronger.

As for Hikari, she's probably the least interested in Ultimate Evolution. Her attention is completely drawn to Tai and Sora. After Sora was able to Ultimate Evolve, the two of them often went out alone, supposedly to practice and adapt to the power of Ultimate forms, but who knows what they were actually doing?

Tailmon doesn't care. As long as she can stay by Hikari's side, that's enough. She used to pursue power so she could see Hikari. Now that she's seen Hikari, what use is power anymore?

What? Save the world?

After witnessing BlitzGreymon's two moves crush Myotismon and CrescentGarurumon's single strike shred countless Digimon, Gatomon felt that saving the world was no longer her concern.

Wouldn't it be better to spend that time having afternoon tea with Hikari and Wizardmon, basking in the warm sunshine?

…………

The children lived peacefully like this for over a month. Mimi and Joe had already touched the edge of Ultimate Evolution. Takeru was still diligently training himself. Hikari continued to bicker with Sora every day and act spoiled with her brother, fully developing her girlish talent for palace intrigue. Tai, Sora, Yamato, and Izzy were also training their Ultimate Evolution powers.

And then, an email arrived unexpectedly.

"Everyone come quick! Elder Gennai has sent another new email!"

At Koushiro's shout, the children who were busy with their own things stopped and walked towards Koushiro.

They held Elder Xuan in high regard, feeling that they had received much help and guidance from him during their adventures.

"Emu, what's wrong with you? Aren't you going to check what Gennai's email said?"

Ruki asked Emu, who was standing still, deep in thought.

They used the Dark Ship to explore this digital world for a month, only returning every few days, so they weren't very noticeable.

Upon her return, she happened to arrive just as Gennai was sending an email. However, after taking a few steps, Emu suddenly fell into a daze, which puzzled Ruki.

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Four Heavenly Kings

"It's nothing, I just have a strange premonition, but I can't quite put my finger on what it means. It feels like danger, but it's also a bit ambiguous. Anyway, it's weird."

Emu snapped out of his daze and frowned as he spoke to Ruki.

Through countless battles, Emu had developed a warrior's instincts. Even without transforming, he could have an instinctive premonition about the future.

"In that case, let's not overthink it. Even if there is any danger, we will face it together."

Ruki reached out and smoothed Emu's brow, speaking gently.

Ruki was a gentle person at heart, but her unique family background had forced her to feign indifference. Now, however, she no longer needed to pretend, and her true personality was revealed.

"Yeah, you're right. I still have the World Guardian cartridge. If anything dangerous happens, I can handle it. Let's hurry over there. Guess what the email Gennai sent to Koushiro will say?"

Emu naturally grasped Ruki's small hand that was resting on his face, no longer thinking about his premonition, and led Ruki towards Koushiro.

"It should be the Four Heavenly Kings, right? Although the timing doesn't quite match up, there shouldn't be any other enemies besides the Four Heavenly Kings."

Ruki let Emu hold her hand, and leaned closer to Emu as she answered.

At this moment, Koushiro also saw Emu and the other two approaching. Without further delay, he loudly read aloud the email sent by Gennai:

"Chosen children, thank you for your previous efforts for the Digital World. The defeats of Etemon and Myotismon brought much peace to the Digital World. This is the peace that many righteous Digimon longed for. However, now a new darkness has appeared!"

"The new enemy is called the Dark Four Heavenly Kings, a team composed of four powerful Ultimate-level beings. You already know the concept of Ultimate-level beings, so I won't go into detail here. I will mainly introduce the members of the Four Heavenly Kings to you."

"The Dark Masters are: Puppetmon, who controls the power of the forest; MetalSeadramon, who controls the power of the ocean; Mugendramon, who controls the power of the city; and Piedmon, who controls the power of the mountains."

"They have been plotting to take over the Digital World for many years. The reason why Gatomon's egg was separated from the eggs of the other seven Digimon was because of their pursuit."

"However, the Digital World is also protected by powerful Ultimate-level Digimon. These are the Sacred Beast-type Digimon that guard the four cardinal directions of the Digital World: Azure Dragonmon, White Tigermon, Vermilion Birdmon, and Black Tortoisemon. In the initial battle, they drove the Four Heavenly Kings out of the main areas of the Digital World and have been preventing them from interfering in the Digital World again, constantly fighting against them."

"However, over the long years of battle, the power of the Four Holy Beasts has gradually weakened, while the Four Masters have received a continuous stream of power support from somewhere. Now, the Four Holy Beasts are no match for the Four Masters. If the current situation continues to develop, the Four Masters will defeat the Four Holy Beasts and plunge the Digital World back into the rule of darkness."