Chapter 142: The World Tree’s Decision

In an unknown region of the Digital World, a magnificent, towering tree stood upon the digital landscape, appearing both ethereal and substantial. Countless massive, concrete streams of data swirled around it, as if it were the very center of this digital realm. It was the host computer of this world—Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

Deep within the tree, a man who bore a striking resemblance to Marcus Damon suddenly opened his eyes.

"As I suspected, an aura foreign to this world... has appeared once again."

Silence descended upon the space, heavy and chilling.

A long while later, the steady, heavy sound of footsteps approached. A heroic Digimon with a white body, blue markings, and the arms of a dragon and a wolf appeared beneath the avatar of Yggdrasil.

"Yggdrasil... Omegamon has arrived at your summons."

At the sound of Omegamon’s voice, the cloaked man reappeared on the high platform, looking at it intently.

"I have been waiting for you."

"I await your command."

Omegamon knelt respectfully.

"Data anomalous to this world has appeared. Find it... and if necessary, purge it."

"As you command."

Omegamon stood and retreated in obedience.

"All anomalies must be purged... humans included."

Watching Omegamon vanish, the man repeated the words without a trace of emotion. Seeming lost in thought, he slowly disappeared from the high platform within the World Tree.

...

"Huh... Qin Fei!?"

Seeing Qin Fei collapsed on the ground, BlackDorumon, who hadn't run far, hurried back in a panic.

"Qin Fei! Qin Fei!"

BlackDorumon’s white paws scrambled desperately, but before it could reach Qin Fei’s fallen body, a surge of immense power erupted from within it, instantly shattering its consciousness and forcing it to collapse as well.

"What is happening...?"

The Digimon in the Holy Capital looked on with concern, hesitating to intervene. But before they could act, a massive explosion erupted from the tower above the Holy Capital, causing the hesitant Digimon to scatter in terror.

"A feint?"

Marcus Damon, having just finished off the Gizmon: XT, spun around. Seeing another Gizmon: XT suddenly appear atop the Holy Capital and begin its destruction, a sense of having been deceived welled up within him.

"Get back here! ShineGreymon!"

Marcus roared in anger and urgency. If that building were destroyed, countless Digimon would perish.

"Damn it!"

"Is there another one hiding?"

Thomas and Yoshino watched the Gizmon: XT destroying the capital, their faces filled with anxiety.

"Wait! What is that!?"

Just as they felt helpless due to the distance, something eerie occurred. A massive, blurred humanoid silhouette flickered briefly over the Holy Capital. The Gizmon: XT froze, its form instantly disintegrated by an unknown force.

"..."

"What... was that?"

Staring at the now-calm skyline of the Holy Capital, everyone stood with mouths agape, muttering in disbelief. Though the presence had lasted only a moment, its incomparable pressure remained etched in their hearts.

...

"Where am I?"

"Thank goodness, Qin Fei! You're finally awake!"

In a haze, hearing the rustling of people and Digimon around him, Qin Fei struggled to open his eyes. He immediately saw the crowd surrounding him, expressions of relief evident on their faces. Lalamon pounced on him joyfully, while Gatomon and BlackDorumon huddled close by.

"What happened to me?"

Looking at Marcus and Yoshino, Qin Fei felt completely drained, as if he hadn't eaten for days.

"You're asking us? We found you and BlackDorumon lying on the ground, unconscious."

Yoshino’s worried expression softened as she saw him awake. She gave him a helpless glare before explaining.

"BlackDorumon and I were unconscious?"

Qin Fei struggled to organize his muddled thoughts. It seemed that was indeed the case.

"I told you Qin Fei wouldn't be taken down that easily, hahaha!"

Marcus stood with his hands on his hips, his worry swept away, shouting boisterously. Feeling the warmth of those who cared for him, Qin Fei’s lips trembled, and he whispered a quiet word of thanks.

He remembered now...

It seemed that fusing the Digisoul with the Digivice was still too dangerous. The accident caused by forcing together elements from two different digital worlds left Qin Fei with lingering fear. Fortunately, they had been within the Holy Capital, and Marcus and Yoshino had arrived in time. Had he been out in the wild facing an enemy, he would likely be dead by now.

Looking at the bright light outside the window, Qin Fei’s eyes sharpened. "What time is it now? ...And how is the situation outside?"

At this question, everyone’s expression darkened. After a moment of hesitation, Yoshino spoke. "Kurata Akihiro had his men attack the dam. Now... the Goldramon carrying the Holy Capital can no longer move."

"..."

Seeing the grim expressions of the others, Qin Fei’s heart sank. He had tried to guard against this very scenario... only for it to be ruined by an accidental blackout.

"What is the status of Goldramon? Has it been transported to the human world?"

Qin Fei quickly threw off his blankets, eager to check the view outside.

"What do you mean? Goldramon being transported to the human world by Kurata? How could that be possible... what kind of energy would that require..."

Everyone looked at Qin Fei in shock. However, upon reaching the balcony and seeing the scenery still rich with the atmosphere of the Digital World, Qin Fei breathed a sigh of relief. It hadn't reached the worst-case scenario yet. If Goldramon had already been transported, he would have to prepare for the arrival of Belphemon, one of the Seven Great Demon Lords... or even the Royal Knights.

"That woman, Nanami, seems to have obtained greater power. ShineGreymon and I couldn't stop her!" Marcus slammed the wall in frustration.

Qin Fei understood. It seemed that because he had finished off Sayo early, Thomas had also left earlier, forcing Marcus to face Nanami alone. As expected, Marcus, who lacked tactical planning, was easily outmaneuvered by the cunning Nanami. In the original story, even the genius Thomas had been suppressed by her. Had Thomas not unexpectedly used Marcus's style of combat, the outcome would have been uncertain.

"Huh? Qin Fei, you're awake!?"

Just then, a boy with war paint on his face passed by—it was Keenan, who had been monitoring the perimeter of the Goldramon.

"Keenan, when did you get here?" Qin Fei asked, his eyes flickering as an idea formed.

"Me? Merukimon said the Goldramon was in danger, so he sent me to help the Baromon and the others. I didn't expect you to have beaten us to it." Keenan nodded and explained. He then looked warily toward the dense forest surrounding the Goldramon. "The Kogatamon found traces of Gizmon activity. I don't know what that scumbag Kurata is planning."

"Kogatamon?"

Qin Fei’s expression shifted, and he asked with sudden excitement, "Keenan, lend me your Kogatamon!"