Knights of the Digital World

Since Cheche had already squeezed Kosei's resources dry once to make the Ultimate Gacha, and Taiga and Hiiro were both incredibly eager, he decided not to join in. However, once Taiga and Hiiro's Gacha were finished, he would still go to Kosei to upgrade their Gacha.

Poor little Xingzuo, forced to work himself to the bone every day, has become a true powerhouse.

So now, besides Poppy and Emu, all that's left in CR is Car and Emu chatting and listening to Emu's past adventures.

"Kiriya! Yume! Look, they invited me to sing the theme song! Hehe!"

Poppy is cheerful and outgoing, and gets along well with everyone. After finding her target, she immediately jumped over, handed over the invitation card she was holding, and her face was full of pride.

Poppy's prototype is BugsterPoppypipopapo, who was created in DoReMiFa Beat. Perhaps because the prototype is a music game, Poppy was filled with pride and excitement at being invited to sing the theme song, feeling a sense of recognition and wanting to announce it to the world.

"Invite Poppy?"

Cheche frowned as she accepted the visiting card, exchanged a glance with Yongmeng, and asked:

"Xiaomeng, has this situation ever appeared in the original novel you've read? Logically speaking, Poppy's public identity is just an insignificant nurse. If they wanted to find someone to sing the theme song, they should have gone to a professional singer. What's the point of coming to her? Poppy isn't famous at all. I can't say 100%, but there's a 70-80% chance that this invitation is problematic!"

"Indeed. There is a similar plot in the original work, where a bugster named Amasaki Ren takes over the Dream Group and brainwashes Poppy under the pretext of inviting him to sing the game's theme song. However, he shouldn't have appeared so early, right?"

"I'm puzzled," Emu asked.

"Since you came to our world, how many things have you changed? What's there to right or wrong? Now it seems like it was all Bugster's scheme to kidnap Poppy. But why kidnap Poppy?"

"Perhaps it's for creating a Kamen Rider Chronicle. This game needs data from all the Bugsters and Rider Transformers' cartridges."

“That makes sense. I think Dan Kuroto must have some backup plan. At the very least, he'll try to get us out of there. Otherwise, it wouldn't be easy for him to take action against Poppy.”

Cheche and Yongmeng analyzed the situation one after the other, and relying on Yongmeng's information advantage, they guessed almost exactly what Xiajiao's plan was.

Poppy and Daiki Emu listened to the two's rapid-fire exchange as if they were hearing gibberish. Only at the very end did Poppy manage to grasp the gist of it, and she said with a disappointed look:

"So, this is just a trap, and no one really values ​​my musical talent and came to me to sing the game's theme song?"

CarCar nodded and replied:

"That's right. If I'm not mistaken, some game addicts will appear soon and lure us away. And since you'll stay in CR because of this invitation, that's their chance to strike!"

Sure enough, not long after Cheche finished speaking, CR's phone rang. Yongmeng answered the phone, chatted for a few minutes, and then hung up with a serious expression, saying:

"The Ministry of Health reports that a large number of citizens have contracted the gaming disease and are all in a coma. Currently, some city traffic is blocked, and we need to rush to deal with the bugsters immediately. The Ministry of Health will cooperate with us to transfer the comatose citizens to the hospital."

"Wow! That's quite a move. I thought it was just one or two people at most. This is to lure us all out!"

The car clicked its tongue, but there was nothing it could do. They were doctors, and they were also Kamen Riders. Treating patients and protecting the people was their responsibility. Even knowing it was an enemy trap, they could only obediently jump in.

Just then, the doors to CR opened, and Taiga and Hiiro rushed in excitedly, each clutching a game cartridge:

"Little Star finally delivered! He made us Lv.30 cartridges. Mine is the Fatal Sniper cartridge, and Young Master's is the Exploring Demon King's Castle cartridge. Although there's still a level gap compared to Parado's Perfect Puzzle, it's definitely a fighting chance!"

The two excitedly shared their joy, but noticing the serious expressions on the faces of the others, they stopped laughing and asked:

"what happened?"

Cheche sighed and quickly recounted what had happened, saying:

"There's no other way now. We have to deal with the citizens. Since Dan Kuroto has made such a big fuss, it means he has at least produced a cartridge that is no less than Parado's perfect puzzle level. Dan Kuroto, Parado, and a whole bunch of Bugsters have to work together to handle this."

I had considered bringing Poppy along, but that might be more dangerous. More people means more variables. We also need to fight, so we can't keep an eye on Poppy all the time. Therefore, Poppy will stay in CR.

However, we can't just leave Poppy like this. So, Emu, first use the Ultimate Gacha to write an anti-brainwashing program for Poppy.

My current highest-level cartridge is only Lv.3, so it won't be of much help in battles. I'll leave it in CR to look after Poppy. I can also urge Xiaoxing to make me a Lv.30 cartridge. With the experience I gained making cartridges for you guys before, this should be quick.”

Cheche quickly devised a plan, and everyone agreed. Taiga, Hiiro, and Emu decided to set off first, at least to contain the outbreak there. Emu would then rush over to provide support after finishing writing the defense program for Poppy.

"Kiriya, this is the Dragon Knight Z-Movement cartridge. You can take it for now. If Mr. Hoshizaku doesn't have time to make your cartridge, you can at least use this one. It's more powerful and safer!"

After Emu transformed into an extreme player, he tossed a cartridge to CarCar and then reached out to help Poppy write a defense program.

The car paused for a moment, then smiled.

Don't worry. Everyone will be safe and sound!

Chapter Sixteen Collision

With the support of the Ministry of Health, Emu, Hiiro, and Taiga arrived at the scene of the game outbreak as quickly as possible.

Health officials who had arrived early had already found all the unconscious people and lined them up neatly by the roadside. They all looked pained and occasionally twitched.

Several of the victims had injuries and had received emergency treatment. Damaged vehicles were visible nearby, indicating that the accident occurred while the drivers were still in the car, triggered by a sudden onset of gaming addiction.

Fortunately, the drivers didn't seem to be driving fast, or perhaps they instinctively slammed on the brakes before losing consciousness. Although there was a car accident, it only resulted in minor injuries, and no one was seriously hurt.

Even so, the rows of people lying down were still stirring up the nerves of the three of them, especially since there were children and the elderly among them, which made them even angrier.

"You've finally arrived."

Suddenly, Parado appeared on the roof of a car, legs crossed, calmly looking down at them:

"We're all getting impatient. Where's Emu? Didn't he come?"

"Hmph, where is Dan Kuroto? I'll make him pay for what he's done!"

Instead of answering Parado's question, I angrily retorted.

Parado didn't get an answer, and he didn't care. He was actually more at ease if Emu didn't come.

Parado stood up on the roof of the car, holding up the perfect puzzle cassette tape, and said:

"If you want to know, then come with me, Henshin."

Parado instantly transformed into Kamen Rider ParaDX, raised his chin at the crowd, and entered the game world.

"Heh, it's time to show them the power of the new cartridge! Henshin!"

I sneered, took out my newly acquired Fatal Sniper Switch cartridge, inserted it into the player driver, and a brand new sound effect rang out:

"Ga! Dua Up! Affected! Lock on! Launch! Deady sniper! Launch!"

Taiga's new Kamen Rider Snipe features an additional layer of armor on his upper body, and a straight sniper rifle extends from his right hand. The bangs that previously covered his right eye have been transformed into a scope, giving him a heroic and extraordinary appearance.

"I'm here too. Henshin!"

Fei Cai also took out his newly acquired "Explore the Demon King's Castle" game cartridge and inserted the player driver:

"Ga! Dua Up! The Terror Lord! Tadde Lord Fort!"

Fei Cai's transformed appearance closely resembles his Fantasy Player form from the original work, achieved using the Lv.50 Fantasy Exploration Gadget. He now wears armor on his upper body and a cape on his back. However, the armor's color differs from the original purple; it's pure gray, yet it doesn't diminish his overall coolness.

"Everyone's pulling out new cartridges, so I can't be stingy. I'll use this one!"

Emu muttered to himself and pulled out a new cartridge: "ShiningGreymon" Switch Cartridge, Level 80.

This is a cartridge that Emu borrowed from Dai and Agumon. Don't be fooled by its initial level of Lv.80; this cartridge actually has a hidden Burst Mode that can briefly boost your level to Lv.99 when activated.

This is Emu's strongest cartridge to date.

After Emu transforms, his head remains that of Ex-Aid, but he has metal dragon wings like ShineGreymon on his back and a dragon tail trailing behind him. He also wears the same armor as ShineGreymon, radiating a scorching aura that draws Taiga and Hiiro's attention.

"Xiaomeng, are these your other game cartridges? What level are they?"

Fei Cai asked.

The essence of combat is knowing yourself and your enemy. While there may not be enough time to delve too deeply into the details, you can at least ascertain their basic level. Based on this level, you can then make preliminary tactical arrangements.

"This is my strongest cartridge so far, the Lv.80 ShineGreymon cartridge."

Emu didn't hide anything and spoke directly.

"Lv.80?! That's an outrageous number. Okay, after we enter the game realm, you hold off Dan Kuroto and Parado for now. The unlicensed doctor and I will take care of the other Bugsters first, and then we'll come help you. Is that alright?"

Hiiro was astonished by Emu's cartridge level. They had worked themselves to the bone, practically squeezing every last drop out of Kosei, to produce just one Lv.30 cartridge, while Emu casually pulled out a Lv.80 cartridge. The difference was just too great!

However, there was no time to express her envy and jealousy now. Fei Cai quickly assigned targets, and seeing that the other two nodded, they entered the game together.

As they had guessed, Shrimp Dumpling and Parado had both transformed and were standing between the Motors Bugster and Gatton Bugster, along with countless ordinary Collapse Virus entities.

Although there are many infected people outside, only two are infected because Shrimp Dumpling only used the viruses from the games "Crazy Motorcycle" and "Clash Robot".

"You guys are dawdling too much. I'm getting impatient. Alright, now hand over the Knight Rider cartridge obediently, and I might let you witness the birth of the greatest game in history!"

Shrimp Dumpling seemed to have been waiting for a long time. As soon as the three of them entered the game area, he immediately spoke.

"Don't even think about it! Proceed according to plan!"

At Fei Cai's command, he drew the Gasha Holy Sword and charged towards Gatton Bugster.

Seeing this, Gatton Bugster also stepped forward, raising his hands stiffly like a robot. His left hand blocked Fei Cai's slash, while his enhanced right arm, "Gatton Crusher," struck Fei Cai's head with a backhand.

Motors Bugster chuckled wickedly, mounted his signature "Motus Viper," and charged toward Fei Cai and Gatton Bugster, who were locked in combat, while continuously throwing explosives.

However, Taiga used the sniper rifle attached to his right arm to detonate all the explosives thrown by the Motors Bugster. Taiga even had the strength to hit the speeding Motors Bugster with a single shot.

Motors Bugster was caught off guard and his defenses were not particularly strong. He was shot through the chest and rolled off his "Motus Viper".

Due to Bugster's physical condition, the shot wasn't fatal for Motors Bugster, but being shot off his motorcycle was a profound humiliation. Trembling, he climbed back onto the Mortas Viper and roared at the Great One:

"You are insulting the sacred sport of motorsports! I will never forgive you!"

I held the sniper rifle, calm and composed.

"Then why don't you give it a try!"

Motors Bugster trembled even more violently with rage, charging towards Daewo on his Motors Viper, only to be forced to turn back each time by Daewo's bullets.

Not only was Motors Bugster trembling with anger, but even Shrimp Dumpling, whom we hadn't noticed before, was now shaking with rage, its hands and feet icy cold despite the sweltering heat.

"You...you actually manufactured new cartridges again?! Without my knowledge as the GM, who gave you permission to make new cartridges?! Damn it! Damn it!! Damn it!!! I'm going to destroy all these garbage cartridges!"

The shrimp dumpling roared, already in a berserk state.

Chapter Seventeen VS Shrimp Dumpling Parado

Shrimp Dumpling was driven mad by the constant stream of new cartridges appearing. He always considered the ability to create new cartridges his exclusive right, and even if others wanted to create cartridges, they should do so under his permission and guidance, and not bypass him to do it independently.

Despite his anger, Shrimp Dumpling still carefully observed the battle between Fei Cai and Dai Wa. Seeing Gatton Bugster and Motors Bugster being steadily defeated by the two, Shrimp Dumpling revealed a pleased expression and said:

"I thought the new card would be much stronger. This power is at most Lv.35. It should be even lower."

Shrimp Dumpling glanced at Emu again and said:

"Parado said Hojo Emu hasn't arrived yet, so you must be that mysterious brat, right? Looks like you changed your cartridge too, did you make a new one with them? Hmph, it's only a Level 35 at most. Parado, he's leaving it to you. I'm going over there to collect the Rider Rush+ cartridges and destroy those illegal ones while I'm at it!"

Shrimp Dumpling issued the command on his own, and the Collapse Virus entities summoned by his ability all roared and moved with stiff steps, rushing towards Hiiro and Taiga who were fighting. Shrimp Dumpling himself also assumed his classic fighting stance, laughing wildly as he charged in.

"Excuse me, but I am your opponent."

However, just as Shrimp Dumpling took two steps forward, flames erupted from the metal dragon wings that spread out behind Emu, propelling Emu to quickly block Shrimp Dumpling's path. With a sweep of its tail, Emu sent Shrimp Dumpling rolling twice on the ground.