Knights of the Digital World

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Reviving Little Princess (Part 1)

It turns out that people with strong hairstyles really are strong.

With a gleaming bald head and large dark circles under his eyes, Xiao Xing calmly addressed the CR members with the air of a "Great Ascension Stage cultivator" about to ascend to immortality:

"I used to find the resurrection you mentioned incredible. However, after careful consideration, I realized it involves two processes: one is to completely extract the data stored in the cartridge, and the other is to transform the extracted data into a Bugster that can move freely."

"The first process wasn't too difficult. I extracted a lot of combat data when I was making the cartridges for you. This valuable experience was very helpful."

Of course, human data and combat data are somewhat different. After all, missing a little combat data doesn't have a huge impact on cartridge production; there are other ways to compensate. But missing a little human data could lead to serious problems like missing limbs or memory loss.

"So I did an extra half month of research, and now I can guarantee that all the data can be retrieved completely without any omissions."

Poppy is currently in her Collapse Form form, and her expressions of emotion are much more exaggerated and unrestrained than when she's dressed as the nurse "Fake Asuna," as she claps her hands forcefully:

"Wow, Xiaoxing Zuosan is amazing!"

Xiao Xing stared with dead fish eyes, casually waved her hand, and calmly said:

"There's nothing special about this. It's just simple data extraction. If it weren't for security concerns, it wouldn't have taken so long at all. The first phase isn't actually that difficult. Even any game designer could handle it well. The difficult part is the second phase."

Xiao Xing spread her hands, a helpless expression on her face:

"I'm just a game designer. I have no idea what a Bugster is or how it works. I'm not a genius like President Dan Kuroto either; I can't possibly create the corresponding equipment for the conversion."

"So, there's still no way to bring him back to life?"

Fei Cai's expression fell, but before anyone could comfort him, he quickly cheered up again:

"It's alright. At least we can extract the corresponding data intact now. As long as Xiao Ji's data doesn't fall into Dan Zhengzong's hands, that's enough. I have a long time ahead of me, and I'll definitely be able to wait until the day she's resurrected!"

As Fei Cai spoke, he couldn't help but tear up. The other members of CR patted him on the shoulder to show their comfort and support.

Seeing his workplace suddenly turn into a tragic scene, Xiao Xingzuo maintained his deadpan expression. He had been working too late and was so tired he was numb. He simply tilted his head and uttered his question:

"What are you talking about? I didn't say it's impossible to be resurrected."

"Um?!"

Upon hearing this, the CR members were taken aback at first, then quickly moved closer, surrounding Xiaoxing and asking anxiously:

"What do you mean?! Didn't you say you couldn't manufacture the instrument?"

"I can't manufacture the equipment, but resurrection isn't limited to this method. In fact, according to my calculations, it's theoretically possible to restore someone to human form by reprogramming the extracted data through extreme players."

However, that would mean skipping through several forms in succession—data, bugster, and human—and the stability involved is difficult to guarantee. Therefore, my suggestion is to first use reprogramming to transform into a bugster. The matter of transforming back into a human can be considered later.”

Xiao Xingzuo then showed everyone the results of her hard work these past few days:

"This is the program I designed. Based on my repeated testing over the past few days, its security is definitely not an issue. With the help of extreme gamers, this program can be reprogrammed to transform the data into a bugster."

"Since that's the case, what are we waiting for! Leave everything to me! Let me change the patient's fate!"

Emu Dai revealed a joyful smile, immediately pulled out the Extreme Extraordinary X-Play Gadget, and was about to transform.

"Don't be impatient. This is only theoretically possible. In reality, it would require a lot of energy to transform data from nothing into a Bugster. According to my calculations, it would take at least two extreme players to succeed."

Of course, this is also related to the program I wrote. However, to ensure safety, I had no choice but to waste energy. This has been a major headache for me these past few days. If I can't reduce the energy consumption, let alone building the equipment and widespread resurrection, even extreme players can't achieve this miracle.”

Xiao Xing waved her hand, looking very troubled.

Bringing the dead back to life is never an easy task. Even if people who die from gaming addiction are not considered truly dead, giving them life again is extremely difficult.

In the original story, only Xiajiao and Cheche were resurrected. Xiajiao's resurrection was due to his genius, his over ten years of planning and preparation, and even his ability to gain a cheat code. Cheche, on the other hand, relied purely on the power of the US.

CR doesn't have the genius of Shrimp Dumpling, nor the power and authority of us. It's already quite remarkable that they've been able to push the resurrection progress to this point.

After hearing Xiaoxing's words, Feicai's heart sank again. The Extreme X-Player cartridge was practically Emu's exclusive cartridge; no one else could use it. Mass production was impossible. In this situation, where could they possibly find another Extreme Player?

Fei Cai closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and frantically tried to mentally prepare himself. But just as he was laying the foundation in his mind, Yong Meng waved his hand and said:

"Perhaps I can transform into an extreme player."

"Xiaomeng, you're not kidding, are you? We're discussing something very serious right now, so please don't say anything carelessly!"

Kiriya spoke first, giving Emu a wink and subtly pointing at Hiiro. He meant for Emu to consider Hiiro's feelings and not to make jokes meant to lighten the mood.

Emu nodded firmly, then took out something that looked like a camera and a picture of an extreme sports player, saying:

"This is the power generously bestowed upon me by a senior. Although that senior often makes mistakes and acts erratically, his power is still very strong. Through this, I can borrow the power of the knights who have acknowledged me and with whom I share a bond. These borrowable powers will then become cards."

"Look at this card, it says 'Extreme Player,' which means I can transform into an Extreme Player too. And both my strength and other special abilities are exactly the same as the original."

"Now we have two hardcore players. I think we can definitely try to revive them!"

Chapter Thirty: Reviving Little Ji (Part 2)

Fei Cai's mood is like a rollercoaster, going up and down, very exciting.

The intense emotional fluctuations, the constant reversals between disappointment and hope, made Fei Cai feel like she was about to have a heart attack.

However, Emu's sudden unveiling of the new Decade Driver did indeed solve a major problem. The appearance of two Extreme Gamers signifies that Kosei's vision has become feasible.

Even though he had become a strong person and had become indifferent to the ways of the world, Xiaoxingzuo rarely showed such enthusiasm:

"Now that we've reached the required number of extreme players, we can try resurrection. Let me prepare; I need to collect data on the resurrection process! This data will allow me to identify unnecessary energy losses and optimize the program. The next resurrection conditions will then be easier. And if I collect enough data on resurrection, I might be able to create a device capable of large-scale resurrection!"

However, I remain cautious:

“There’s no need to rush. Our final deadline is half a month. Before that, we can extract the human data from the prototype cartridge and store it elsewhere. Xiaomeng can also take this opportunity to familiarize herself with the operations of an extreme player. This resurrection can also be seen as a life-or-death surgery on the patient. With preparation time, we can’t be too careful!”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Gaining power is one thing, but being able to use it freely is another. Especially when it comes to matters of life and death, caution is warranted, and this will give them more confidence in putting it into practice.

Xiao Xingzuo was slightly disappointed; he was still looking forward to the revival process. However, he knew the priorities and picked up the prototype cartridge to begin working on it:

"I understand. I'll extract the human data now. I've also made a few blank cartridges specifically for storing the human data, so make sure you don't lose them."

Watching Xiaoxing busy herself there, Yongmeng suddenly stroked her chin and asked:

"Hey, Mr. Kosei, could you extract the Bugster data from the cartridge? If we extract the Graphite data, even if we give the prototype cartridge to Dan, they won't be able to complete the Kamen Rider Chronicle, right?"

"I've researched it, but unfortunately, it won't work. Bugsters are closely linked to the games they're based on. If I extract the data from Graphite, the Dragoon Z Prototype cartridge will be directly corrupted. The same applies to other Bugsters."

Xiao Xing replied without even looking up.

Yongmeng shook his head regretfully; it seemed that loopholes weren't so easy to exploit.

Cheche patted Yongmeng on the shoulder, then looked at Feicai, who was clutching her chest and whose heart was still pounding wildly, and asked softly:

"Feicai, should we test with someone else's data first? What if something goes wrong if we use your girlfriend's data directly?"

"Need not."

Hiiro took deep breaths to calm her agitated emotions, and rejected Kiriya's suggestion without hesitation:

“I’m worried about Xiao Ji, and others will be worried about their families too. How can we, as doctors, perform surgery on a patient without the family’s consent?”

Don't worry. Compared to the so-called original story that Xiaomeng told me, where Xiaoji became a tool for the enemy to threaten and control me, at least this time, she really has the possibility of being resurrected.

All surgeries carry risks. Having the opportunity to try, I can accept whatever the outcome may be.

After Fei Cai finished speaking, he turned and left the room. His inner world was clearly not as calm as he appeared, but he lived up to his identity as a doctor and made the final choice.

"Hey, this guy's actually pretty good at it. You two, are you nervous now?"

Cheche smiled, unconcerned that his suggestion had been rejected. He then put his arms around the shoulders of the two Yongmengs and asked with a grin.

"To be honest, I'm very nervous. I'm afraid of hurting Fei Cai's feelings."

"Now it's my turn to have my heart pounding," said Emu, clutching his chest.

"I suddenly felt a bit scared."

Emu chimed in.

"Since you're nervous and scared, why don't you hurry up and practice? Practice your skills! Don't regret it later!"

Cheche put his arm around the two of them and led them outside. Daigo and Poppy also said goodbye to Kosei and left. Only Kosei was left, typing away alone on the keyboard, continuing to extract human data.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. With Yongmeng's guidance, Yongmeng had mastered the basic skills of an extreme player in just three days.

Afterwards, the two practiced teamwork together for a week, during which Parado was quite unhappy, feeling abandoned by Emu. However, after Emu agreed to help him conquer the game and revive Emu, he happily left.

With five days remaining until the half-month deadline, it's time to revive the shrimp dumplings.

Of course, this was also because the two Emu had already developed a very good working relationship, and five days would not be of much use in terms of further improvement. After discussion, this day was chosen.

The extraction of human data was completed three days ago. Since Day Zero, the number of people who have died from gaming addiction is not small, and the data generated from a single person's death is not just a few gigabytes. Xiao Xing worked overtime to complete the data extraction within a week.

After a rare three-day break, Kosei's dark circles had faded considerably. He now held a game cartridge containing Momose Kohime's data, stood in the game world, and looked at the two hardcore gamers wielding keyboard swords before him, asking intently:

Are you ready?

Neither of the two Emu spoke, but nodded solemnly, and like mirror images, they raised their keyboard swords together, ready to fight.

"Alright, let's begin!"

Xiao Xing pressed the cartridge, and the stored data began to leak out. The two extreme players immediately pressed a button on their keyboard swords, and the pre-written program began to work. Two orange beams of light shot out from the keyboard swords, re-condensing the overflowing data and transforming it into a physical form.

Emu felt the energy within his body surging outwards, and soon felt exhausted. It seemed Emu was experiencing the same thing. No wonder Kosei had said that the current program caused a huge energy drain, requiring at least two extreme players. A single extreme player simply couldn't withstand such rapid energy consumption.

However, the enormous energy expenditure also yielded encouraging results. Momose Koki's body had already taken shape, and even her upper body had successfully transformed.

Despite the weakness caused by the loss of energy in her body, Yongmeng desperately squeezed every cell in her body to ensure a constant energy supply.

After enduring an unknown amount of suffering, Momose Kohime's body finally materialized completely.

She stood up, her consciousness gradually returning. After blinking, she was initially startled by the two strange mechs wielding what looked like toy swords and took two steps back. She quickly spotted Fei Cai, who was looking excited, not far away and called out to her in a somewhat dazed manner:

"Feicai? Where am I? Wasn't I dead? What happened?"

Fei Cai bit her lip, took two trembling steps, and then started running. She only slowed down when she was close to Momose Kohime, and hesitantly reached out to stroke Kohime's cheek.

That familiar touch made Jing Feicai lower her head, finally unable to hold back her tears:

Momose Kohime, his lover, has finally been resurrected!

Chapter Thirty-One: Old Tan's Unexpected Intervention

After Momose Kohime successfully revived, both Emu collapsed to the ground, deactivating their transformations.

They were truly pushing themselves to the limit to revive Xiao Ji, exhausting all their energy. Now, it felt like they had been doing extreme sports for several hours; their physical strength and energy were completely depleted, and all they wanted to do was sit on the ground and sleep to get some rest.

Fortunately, Xiao Xing's work was reliable. Although his program was resource-intensive, its security was indeed high. The entire resurrection process proceeded smoothly without any major mishaps.

Seeing this, Taiga and Poppy each carried one of Emu on their backs and led them back to rest.