Chapter 162: The Shocking Truth

"Leopardmon, Ultimate level, Data attribute, Signature moves: Destroyer, Nullification..."

Looking at the third Ultimate-level card in his hand, which was also one of the Royal Knights, Qin Fei felt another surge of emotions in his heart.

To him, this was a priceless treasure.

The hidden cards in his hands were growing increasingly numerous, further reducing the risks he might face in the future.

"Let's go. Yggdrasil is not far from us now. Today, I must get news about my father from it!"

Marcus Damon began to urge them onward. The closer they got to Yggdrasil, the more anxious his heart became—a mix of eager anticipation to finally learn about his father and lingering doubt regarding whether Yggdrasil's stance on the human world was truly based on a misunderstanding.

"Alright, let's go. The World Tree is right before our eyes."

Everyone looked at the colossal tree towering behind them and rallied their spirits. Having come this far, all their efforts would be wasted if they stopped now.

"The entrance is right here!"

"Oh, what's that?"

Well-acquainted with the original plot, Qin Fei did not hesitate and led the group directly to the entrance.

Just as he expected, however, two crystal-like objects suddenly materialized at the roots of the tree, attempting to block their path.

"These things can reflect any attacks directed at them. It's best to rely on close-quarters physical combat, though they aren't too difficult to deal with."

"Damn it, we're so close!"

Marcus stared at the bizarre crystals obstructing their path, his anxiety growing heavier.

"I'll hold them off!"

True to the original events, Thomas was the first to offer to stay behind to cover their retreat.

"Thomas, don't push yourself too hard!"

Seeing Thomas and Gaomon, both of whom had just come through a fierce battle, Marcus knew their stamina might be running low.

"Who do you take me for? Don't worry and go ahead. Leave this to me."

Meeting Thomas's earnest gaze, Marcus nodded in trust and smiled reassuringly.

"..."

Qin Fei did not stop him, knowing Thomas had the ability to handle them. However, the same could not be said for Yoshino and Rosemon, whose power levels differed somewhat from the original timeline.

After all, according to the original plot, Yoshino should have already been capable of evolving into Rosemon: Burst Mode by the time she entered the interior of the World Tree.

Yet, with the altered timeline, Rosemon was still just short of achieving Burst Mode, making the crystals inside the barrier exceptionally dangerous for Yoshino and Rosemon at this moment.

At last, after navigating a narrow and difficult passage, the group emerged into an entirely new spatial realm.

Before anyone could catch their breath, several similar defensive crystals leaped into their field of vision once more.

"Why are there more?!"

Roaring in frustration, Marcus prepared to charge forward, but Qin Fei stopped him.

"Marcus, Yoshino and I will handle this. You, Agumon, and BanchouLeomon go ahead and find Yggdrasil."

"Let us destroy them first!"

Marcus shook his head, seemingly reluctant to let his companions stay behind again.

"Marcus, the space here is limited. If Agumon evolves, it will actually hinder our fighting space. Leave it to me and Qin Fei; our Partner Digimon are much smaller in their evolved forms!"

Listening to Yoshino's explanation, Marcus glanced at the somewhat cramped space and finally relented.

"Don't worry, Marcus, the fight won't take long. We'll catch up to you soon!"

Releasing Gatomon from his Digivice, Qin Fei gave Marcus a thumbs-up. After all, Marcus and BanchouLeomon were the key figures needed to make Yggdrasil reveal itself.

"Lalamon... Digisoul charge, exceed the limit!"

Yoshino's crimson-clad Rosemon, looking strikingly human, materialized in the space and nimbly launched an attack against the crystals.

"Lollo! Gatomon! Let's finish this quickly!"

Qin Fei grasped two different Digivices as a gray Digisoul continuously flowed into the one belonging to Gatomon.

"Lopmon evolves... BlackLuminamon!"

"Gatomon evolves... Venusmon!"

The two figures—one black and one white—appeared right behind Rosemon, moving swiftly to surround the crystals.

"Card Slash... Leopardmon!"

"..."

A brand-new ability washed over BlackLuminamon, dyeing her naturally silver hair into a radiant golden hue. The cute cat ears on her mask suddenly turned fierce and feral, vaguely resembling the features of a panther.

Boosted by Leopardmon's card, BlackLuminamon's combat power now firmly surpassed even that of Rosemon beside her.

Though the two defensive crystals possessed considerable strength, they were more fragile than anticipated. Under the combined assault of three powerful Ultimate-level Digimon, they shattered after only a brief resistance.

"Qin Fei..."

"What is it?"

Watching Qin Fei effortlessly defeat the two crystal entities, Yoshino murmured his name for reasons unknown.

"Nothing. I just realized... I'm somewhat happy for you."

"I still remember when you first joined DATS, you used to chase Commander Satsuma every day trying to learn how to manifest the Digisoul... I never expected you to become so... well, extraordinary so quickly."

Qin Fei looked at Yoshino's somewhat bitter smile and vaguely understood her feelings.

As a companion who had previously fought alongside her on missions, sharing laughs and struggles, she now suddenly found herself left behind by a vast gap in strength.

It was bound to be a difficult pill to swallow.

"I'm so envious of Marcus and Thomas! Burst Mode... it must be really powerful."

"..."

Listening to Yoshino's unspoken thoughts, Qin Fei nodded with understanding and said, "Burst Mode is indeed formidable. However, as a power born from conviction and deep resolve, it isn't too difficult for someone whose beliefs are firm."

"..."

"I've always been someone who hesitates before doing anything, unable to persevere through hardships. Remember when we were training under BanchouLeomon... while you were all working hard there, I was the one slacking off..."

Lowering her head, Yoshino spoke in a disappointed, almost self-deprecating tone.

"That's not true. In my eyes, Yoshino has always been a strong, caring older sister. Back when we faced opponents with zero chance of winning, wasn't it Sister Yoshino who kept supporting us?"

Turning his head, Qin Fei met her eyes with an encouraging smile. "Anyone else would have run away in terror; only Sister Yoshino stayed until the very end."

"Take right now, for instance... when we decided to confront Yggdrasil, the immensely dangerous God of the Digital World, didn't Sister Yoshino come with us without a shred of fear? In my view, that shows a spirit and conviction second to none."

"..."

Seeing Yoshino's stunned expression, Qin Fei patted her shoulder encouragingly and said, "Let's keep going. We need to catch up with Marcus; he's probably feeling lost right now... As for Burst Evolution, I believe you'll achieve it one day."

With that, Qin Fei took the lead, calling out to Lollo and Gatomon, who had reverted to their previous forms, to follow him.

"Thanks!"

Silently offering a grateful thought for Qin Fei's comforting words, Yoshino regained her spirit and hurried after him.

...

"Don't you understand yet? He merely wears the appearance of your father on the outside; in reality, he is nothing of the sort!"

BanchouLeomon blocked Marcus, who was trying to charge forward to verify the truth, speaking with utmost solemnity.

Ever since discovering that his father had seemingly turned into the so-called Digital God, Marcus had grown increasingly obsessed and frantic.

Watching the intense agitation and anxiety in his son's eyes, BanchouLeomon finally seemed to make up his mind. Gripping Marcus firmly by both shoulders, he stared straight into his eyes and spoke each word with heavy deliberation.

"Your father, Marcus Damon... is me!"

"..."

His mind already in turmoil, Marcus felt his thoughts short-circuit completely upon hearing BanchouLeomon's declaration.

The blow coming right on the heels of the previous ones almost made him wonder if he was still trapped in a dream.

"So, you were truly prepared to break our agreement?"

However, the words spoken by the man bearing the appearance of Marcus's father snapped him back to reality.

It seemed there was truly a hidden truth behind all this.

"BanchouLeomon is... my dad?"

Regaining a shred of rationality, Marcus stared with furious disbelief at the Digimon claiming to be his father and roared, "What kind of joke are you playing... Who the hell would believe something like that?!"

(To be continued)