Digital Hackers' Memories

It can be said that, knowing that MetalGreymon had ulterior motives, SwordGreymon had made the most thorough preparations to deal with the possible situation that might occur next.

However, to SwordGreymon's utter surprise, MetalGreymon's determination and will were far more resolute than it had imagined.

"That's right!"

MetalGreymon ignored the impact cone slashing at its right arm and the four blades aimed at its vital parts, and instead used its completely mechanized left arm to viciously grab at SwordGreymon, who did not make any dodging move.

Clang!

With a clang of metal on metal, SwordEmperormon severed MetalGreymon's right arm, and the four sharp blades pierced through its body along with it.

The smooth cuts vaguely revealed the internal mechanical structure of MetalGreymon, while the white liquid energy dripping onto the ground like blood spoke of the ferocity of SwordGreymon's attack...

It's important to know that although MetalGreymon still retains the biological appearance of its EarthGreymon era, its internal structure has long been replaced by metal cells.

The mature-stage EarthGreymon and the ultimate-stage MetalGreymon may seem to have the same appearance and characteristics, but in reality, they are no longer the same species or even the same life form.

The five internal organs, the circulatory system, cell structure...

MetalGreymon only imitates EarthGreymon in terms of life form; its essence has long since transformed from a carbon-based life form into a silicon-based life form.

Especially in its "nuclear energy form," MetalGreymon has the potential and tendency to transform into a light-energy life form.

The fact that SwordEmperormon could sever one of MetalGreymon's arms with a single strike is enough to demonstrate how terrifying that strike was.

However, as a price for severely injuring MetalGreymon, SwordGreymon was also firmly held in the palm of MetalGreymon's last remaining mechanized arm.

"what?!"

Startled, SwordGreymon instinctively tried to pry open MetalGreymon's hand, but ultimately failed.

"I forgot to tell you, this trident arm is probably the most durable part of my body."

A ferocious smile gradually spread across its lips. Despite being severely injured, MetalGreymon's expression seemed to say, "I've already won."

"Just a mere complete form!"

A flash of anger crossed its face. Sensing danger, the Sword Emperor Beast immediately retracted its four bladed swords and controlled them to spin in a magnificent, almost dance-like motion.

—A dazzling, swirling dance!

clang clang...

The collision between high-strength digital alloys instantly sparked countless fireworks.

If it weren't for its current state, MetalGreymon wouldn't doubt that SwordGreymon would use the shock cone that severed its right arm to deliver a direct slash to itself.

MetalGreymon's enhanced trident arm might be able to rival Alloy Blade, but it would be absolutely no match for a "lightsaber" capable of cutting through any solid matter. He was well aware of this.

So, before SwordGreymon could completely break free from its grasp, MetalGreymon suddenly twisted its body and slammed it hard into the ground.

chi...

During this process, MetalGreymon's wrist quickly detached from his arm, bringing with it a Digizoid chain that could extend indefinitely.

As the digital alloy chain extended, powerful nuclear energy flowed along it into the fully mechanized claw, energizing and strengthening it into a genuine "light claw."

—Trident Arm - Nuclear Enhancement!

From a distance, MetalGreymon looked like a giant windmill stirring up a tornado, flinging SwordGreymon further and further away as it spun around.

However, this was just the beginning, because MetalGreymon did not expect such an attack to cause any real damage to SwordGreymon.

MetalGreymon's current actions are merely delaying SwordGreymon's break free of its restraints, buying time to charge up its ultimate attack.

"you!"

SwordGreymon also realized this, because from its perspective it could clearly see that MetalGreymon's chest was swelling and bulging in an abnormal state.

And as its chest swelled and bulged, an unprecedented dragon's might was emanating from Machinedramon's body.

That was neither simply the power of a dragon beast, nor the mechanical modifications of the Steel Empire, but a "killer move" born from combining the advantages of both.

"Actually, I've wanted to try this trick for a long time..."

With that same arrogant and ferocious smile still hanging on its lips, when MetalGreymon opened its blood-red maw, the nuclear energy within its body rapidly fissioned and reorganized, releasing enormous heat energy, which then gathered in its mouth in a completely new form.

tumultuous!

It was a product that surpassed the flames of dragon beasts and nuclear weapons, a product of highly condensed and explosive nuclear energy that exceeded the limits that life could bear.

"This is how nuclear energy is used to be 'authentic'!"

It possessed an aura that could tear the sky apart and shatter the earth...

A massive nuclear beam cannon descended from the sky, silencing even sound in its wake, its striking white light illuminating almost everything in sight.

—Nuclear breath!

............................................................................................................

Meanwhile, Nine-Tailed Fox X, who was fighting outside, also sensed the nuclear fluctuations within the barrier that symbolized "destruction".

Then, before she could react, the barrier formed by the nine fire dragons was torn apart by a power beyond ultimate strength, leaving only the loud roar of MetalGreymon echoing throughout Roppongi Hills.

"Sword Emperor Beast! You got lucky and ran fast this time!"

As MetalGreymon slowly fell from the sky, there wasn't a single part of its body intact.

The missing right arm, the fatal wound, and the nuclear energy gushing out of his body like a fountain...

Clearly, transforming the original nuclear energy fission and sublimation into a powerful attack called "Nuclear Breath" has exceeded the limits of a Perfect-level being, and even for MetalGreymon, it would be a lose-lose situation.

"Chen...MetalGreymon..."

Nine-Tailed Foxmon X stepped forward to support the trembling MetalGreymon, his face grim as he looked at the severely injured but still excited and joyful man. Suddenly, he felt a deep sense of exhaustion.

It seems that MetalGreymon has become unusually bold ever since returning from the original world.

Leaving aside his previous actions of repeatedly causing trouble for the Sword Emperor Beast, he has now used a dangerous ability that is clearly beyond his control.

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PS: Sure enough, when I think of a special move that's suitable for the protagonist, the first thing that comes to mind is Godzilla's nuclear breath.

Awakening at the End of the Scroll

Two hours later, in a small alley near Roppongi, Tokyo.

The MetalGreymon, whose size had shrunk to within two meters but still looked pitiful, was listening helplessly to the reprimand from Renamon X, who had reverted to its previous state.

"I remember you said that the first principle of a hacker is to never put himself in danger."

"But look at what you've done today, isn't every single thing you've done dangerous?"

Although Renamon X had previously agreed to participate in the "Valhalla Server Strategy" incident, she is now clearly selectively ignoring that fact.

As the one being reprimanded, MetalGreymon dared not bring it up, for fear of angering Renamon X, who had nowhere to vent her frustration.

After all, it is an undeniable fact that MetalGreymon impulsively used "Nuclear Breath," a technique it had not yet mastered.

Given his current pitiful state, it's indeed difficult for those close to him not to be angry.

[Does this feel like we have another mother hen? When did the Rei-Fox Beast turn into this?]

With a meek glance at Renamon X, who was still in a rage, MetalGreymon seemed to see a reflection of its own stern mother in the latter.

Every time I make a mistake, my mother scolds me with the same disappointed look on her face.

But the problem is, MetalGreymon remembers that Renamon X wasn't this emotional at the very beginning.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that back then, the fox spirit X was nothing but curiosity and ignorance, lacking even the most basic understanding of human relationships, let alone being able to lose control of her emotions due to worry and anger like she does now.

Of course, MetalGreymon could only think about it, but it would never dare to say those words in front of Renamon X.

MetalGreymon was never one to lack emotional intelligence, so all he could do was silently accept this kind of care and concern that was almost like that of a family member.

Fortunately, having lived two lives and grown up in families where kinship was paramount, MetalGreymon had long been accustomed to the unique family relationships fostered by Eastern ethics.

"you……"

Seemingly realizing that its behavior was a bit abnormal, Renamon X was taken aback at first, and then noticed MetalGreymon's nonchalant attitude.

This instantly calmed down the somewhat annoyed Youkomon X, who then began to seriously reflect on his unusual behavior over the past period.

Am I really heading down the path of dark evolution?

Renamon X doesn't care about so-called evolutionary divergences. In her view, as long as it's not a wrong evolution that inevitably leads to destruction, no matter which evolutionary path it takes, it can't shake her will.

The problem is that this abnormal emotional fluctuation, which makes her act unlike herself whenever MetalGreymon is involved, gives Renamon X, who is known for her rationality and calmness, a feeling that she is becoming a stranger to herself.

In human society, this emotion seems to be called friendship? Family affection? Or romantic love?

Just as Renamon X was deep in thought, MetalGreymon, whose face was full of "finally finished rambling" expressions, was about to say something when it suddenly changed its expression as if it had suddenly realized something.

"Who?"

Turning around in time to look at the entrance of the alley, before MetalGreymon could finish speaking, the environmental data disguise created by Renamon X to hide the two of them was instantly broken.

tear...

As if a piece of brocade had been torn apart, a hunched-over man suddenly appeared at the original entrance of the alley after a ripple spread across the surface.

He was a strange man wearing a white lab coat underneath a black trench coat and a purple scarf.

If he could stand up straight, he might appear as a wise and rational researcher.

However, his bizarre attire, combined with his hunched appearance, gave the man a strange, almost manic, impression.

No, perhaps it wasn't an illusion, but rather some kind of essence hidden beneath the man's human exterior.

"The end of the hall is clear!"

It wasn't MetalGreymon that spoke, but Renamon X, who was startled awake from his reverie.

"Hehe, it's been a long time..."

"No, it should be that I'm very happy to see you again, Chen Ze's fox spirit."

With a strangely excited tone, after greeting Renamon X, Suedo Akira focused all his attention on MetalGreymon.

"Is this the Agumon that was swept into another world? It's back so quickly? And it's even evolved into the Ultimate MetalGreymon?"

Is it because the time flow rates in the two worlds are different? Or is it for some other reason?

Despite having deliberately appeared in this alley, Akemi Suedo entered a "questioning and answering" thought process after seeing MetalGreymon.

This was the first time MetalGreymon had ever seen a creature like this in the real world, one that could ignore everyone else and be completely immersed in its own world in any environment.

In the various novels and movies familiar to MetalGreymon, such a person is usually either a madman or a genius, and Akemi Suedo is clearly a mad genius who possesses both of these qualities.

"You've come to us... is there something you need?"

Ultimately, it was the fox spirit X, who had previously been in contact with Suedo Akemi, who interrupted the other's thoughts and asked in a tone that was not very enthusiastic and even somewhat repulsive.

"Haha, of course there's something I need."

“I saw the whole battle between you and Rie Kishibe just now.”

"So that was the complete picture of the 'gods' from another world? It seems a little worse than I imagined."

"Or is it that your MetalGreymon is not the same MetalGreymon I remember?"

While talking to the fox spirit X, Suedo Akemi habitually fell into that state of self-reflection again.

"Ahem, he's always been this neurotic, hasn't he?"

Seeing this, MetalGreymon couldn't help but ask Renamon X a question.

“He’s been neurotic ever since we first met.”

Nodding affirmatively, Renamon X was clearly fed up with the madman, Suedo Akemi, but for the sake of MetalGreymon's body lying in the Central Hospital, he had no choice but to wake him up again.

What brings you here today?

Upon hearing this, Suedo Akemi gently shook her head, then looked at the MachineGreymon, which had shrunk to the size of a normal human, and slowly spoke.

"Now that MetalGreymon has returned, the 'spiritual entity' that was swept into the other world with him should also have returned."

Although it was just speculation, after seeing MetalGreymon's face, which showed no surprise whatsoever, Akemi Suedo unilaterally confirmed her guess.

Do you want to wake Chen Ze?

“I just finished a paper an hour ago, which should help you wake up your partners.”

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P.S.: I'll take a day off tomorrow to organize my thoughts for the next volume.