Chapter 140: The Beast of the Golden Land

"So big..."
"This is truly incredible~"
"No way, I can't believe it..."
"Is that also a Digimon?"
"It appears so, Master..."

After another day of arduous trekking, the group stood frozen in brief, stunned silence as they gazed at the colossal Digimon before them: Eldoradimon. It was essentially a massive turtle carrying an entire fortress on its back, radiating an overwhelming sense of pressure.

"Welcome, honored guests, to the Holy Capital!"

Just as the group stared in awe, a monstrous, green-faced, fanged Digimon appeared atop Eldoradimon's head, greeting them with an outwardly friendly demeanor. However, Qin Fei, noticing the two Piximon behind it suddenly tensing up, knew that—just like in the original story—the creature's inner thoughts were far from its friendly facade. In truth, it harbored the same hatred for humans as the others.

"I am Baromon, the leader of this Holy Capital."

"This... is the Holy Capital?"

Thoma asked subconsciously, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Digimon before him.

"Yes, please look. This Eldoradimon is our Holy Capital."

"Wow, that's amazing..."

Seeing the astonishment in Marcus and the others' eyes, Baromon smirked, its scheme succeeding. It rubbed its hands together and said enthusiastically, "We have already prepared a banquet in the palace to welcome our distinguished guests. Come, this way... please, please..."

Watching Baromon continue its charade, Qin Fei had no time to waste.

"Enough with the act. We aren't the humans who are after your Eldoradimon."

"..."

Baromon’s movements stiffened. The friendly, amiable expression vanished, replaced by a vicious, fanged, green-faced glare as it stared at Qin Fei. "When... when did you see through it?"

"..."

At its challenge, the two Piximon behind Baromon slowly closed in, seemingly prepared for a fight to the death.

"Qin Fei, what do you mean?"

Hearing Qin Fei's words, the group, who had been about to enter, slowed their pace. They looked at Qin Fei and Baromon with suspicion, confused as to how the situation had turned this way.

"Pity... since you've discovered it, we have no choice but to fight. I had intended to lure you inside and execute you, but it seems I’ll have to finish you off right here..."

A long sword suddenly appeared in Baromon's hand, pointing at Qin Fei and the others.

"Is it also a subordinate of Akihiro Kurata?"

Seeing Baromon suddenly draw its weapon against them, Marcus and the others stepped back, pulling out their Digivices and instantly entering a defensive stance. However, Qin Fei suddenly stepped forward, shaking his head and blocking Marcus and the others from attacking.

"We were sent by Spencer Damon to protect the Holy Capital."

Qin Fei said loudly to Baromon once more. This time, it wasn't just Baromon; Marcus and his team also looked at Qin Fei with astonishment. The tense, combative atmosphere was instantly shattered by Qin Fei's declaration.

"Sent by the Savior... how is that possible..."

Baromon hesitated for a moment, but then glared bitterly at Qin Fei. "Human lies are not to be trusted!"

Marcus suddenly grabbed Qin Fei, asking with a strange expression, "When did my father send us to protect the Holy Capital? Wasn't it BanchoLeomon..."

Qin Fei immediately interrupted Marcus's questioning, whispering, "Follow my lead. I will explain everything to you later. You don't want to cause an unnecessary conflict, do you?"

Hearing Qin Fei's confident tone, Marcus and the others exchanged glances and decided to wait and see what plan Qin Fei had in mind.

"We have proof..." Qin Fei said earnestly, meeting Baromon's conflicted gaze. He then pulled Marcus forward. "He is the son of Spencer Damon."

"..."

Looking at Marcus's truly familiar facial features, Baromon's tone finally softened, though it still asked guardedly, "Is that all you have? Mere words? What kind of proof is that..."

"Marcus, go, give it a punch."

"Alright..."

Without a second thought, Marcus clenched his fist and charged forward. Seeing Marcus swinging his fist without warning, Baromon could only scramble to defend itself.

"Bang!"

A dull thud sounded as Marcus's fist struck Baromon's blocking arm, and orange Digisoul instantly ignited on his fist. Baromon's pupils shrank, staring in shock at Marcus's fist.

"ROAR!!!"

Eldoradimon suddenly let out a high-pitched cry.

"Stop... I believe you were sent by Spencer Damon to help us."

Baromon took a step back, quickly waving its hands at Marcus, who was about to strike again. Hearing the admission from Baromon, Marcus, despite being full of questions, stopped his attack.

"My apologies for the poor hospitality earlier. I didn't realize the son of the Savior was visiting. To make up for this misunderstanding, I will prepare a banquet for you immediately."

This time, Baromon's invitation was far more sincere than before. However, Marcus and the others dared not be reckless, instead glancing at Qin Fei first. Only after Qin Fei nodded did he walk generously into the Holy Capital on Eldoradimon's back. Seeing this, Marcus and the others finally let down their guard and followed behind.

...

"I truly didn't expect you to be Spencer Damon's son... My apologies for earlier."

At the luxurious banquet, Baromon bowed apologetically to Marcus.

"As long as we've cleared things up, it's fine."

Marcus laughed heartily, not caring at all, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. Qin Fei, however, glanced speechlessly at the somewhat smug-looking Marcus; it seemed he had finally experienced the benefits of having a powerful father.

"To us, Spencer Damon is like a savior. To make up for our past mistakes, we will certainly treat you well. Now, please enjoy the meal tonight and relax."

Watching the plates of delicious food being laid out on the table, Agumon and the others immediately couldn't help but start eating.

"The Savior?"

Thoma looked at Marcus's carefree expression, feeling an indescribable bitterness in his heart.

"Master?"

Gaomon looked at his downcast partner with a puzzled expression.

"Enemies will likely attack tonight. Everyone should take this time to eat and rest. There will be many fierce battles in the coming days."

Qin Fei looked at Thoma's lonely expression. Although he knew what he was thinking, he had no intention of comforting him. After all, as a noble, his father had always placed high expectations on him; everyone had their own problems to deal with. His starting point was, in fact, much better than most.

Furthermore, looking at the completely darkened sky, Qin Fei knew that Akihiro Kurata's Gizmon troops were plotting against this place, and a battle was on the verge of breaking out. He wanted to use the vast data energy of Eldoradimon to resurrect Belphemon.

"Ivan and Nanami should have successfully evolved into Bio-Ultimate forms. Even without the power of the Holy, their strength cannot be underestimated. Plus, the dam..."

Thinking of the situation where Eldoradimon was left immobile due to the destroyed dam, Qin Fei felt he could do something to remedy it. As long as Eldoradimon didn't die, Belphemon would likely remain in its slumber. Then, he would try to see if he could take out Akihiro Kurata first.

"Thoma, I think it would be best if you returned to the human world for a bit."

"What's wrong?"

Seeing Qin Fei's expression, as if he had suddenly recalled something, Thoma felt a sense of unease.

"Akihiro Kurata might be planning to target your sister."

"That's impossible. My father wouldn't stand by and watch. The Norstein family is not some minor nobility; unless he dares to face the wrath of the Norsteins."

"What if he deceived your father by claiming he could cure your sister's legs?"

"!!!"

Thoma's sudden movement as he stood up shocked everyone.

"Thoma... what's wrong?"

Looking at Marcus and the others, Thoma hesitated for a moment before his eyes regained their necessary resolve. He said coldly, "I'm going back to the human world..."