Chapter Eighty-Six: Transmission

“What a pity, just a little bit more...” Qin Fei clicked his tongue as he gazed at the Steeldrillmon, whose arm had already vanished. This creature was indeed quick—if it weren’t for Black Dorugamon’s close-range attack, it might have dodged even that.

“But this is as far as it goes...”

Somehow, a silver-haired, sharp-eared, and fanged Digimon—resembling a young girl—had appeared behind Steeldrillmon. The crimson axe blade had already sunk deep into the vulnerable gap in its armored neck, severing its consciousness.

With a trembling wail, Steeldrillmon instantly dissolved into a storm of data... and a single Digi-Egg.

“What’s this?”

Staring at the Digi-Egg that landed at her feet, Loretta-mon and Black Dorugamon both showed astonished expressions. This was the first time they’d witnessed such a phenomenon; in the previous Digital World, Digimon would simply revert to raw data upon death, leaving nothing behind.

Qin Fei, however, seemed unsurprised. He merely glanced at the Digi-Egg on the ground before turning his full attention to the new card in his hand.

“Steeldrillmon, Champion level... Special Move: Golden Impact.”

“What’s that?” Gatomon eyed the card in Qin Fei’s hand, then looked at Loretta-mon, confusion in her eyes—it seemed they harbored even more secrets.

Yet, seeing Black Dorugamon evolve into Black Dorugamon had startled Gatomon enough; this was her first time witnessing Qin Fei’s ability to evolve other Digimon. She had thought herself a unique exception.

The realization left her feeling a bit awkward—so she wasn’t special after all.

“...”

“Amazing! You really are a member of DATS from another region, aren’t you?” The ponytailed boy ran over cheerfully, having seen how easily Qin Fei dealt with Steeldrillmon.

Qin Fei neither confirmed nor denied this, discreetly slipping the card back into his pocket as he regarded the two boys before him, whose expressions now showed a hint of relief.

“I thought you were just a kid, but your Digimon are incredible,” the ponytailed boy gave Qin Fei a thumbs-up, clearly delighted to encounter another of his kind in the Digital World.

“I must have misjudged you. Which branch are you from, if I may ask?” The blond boy scrutinized Qin Fei. He looked so young that it was hard to believe he was unknown, yet the name didn’t ring any bells.

“That’s right, that’s right—you seem about the same age as my little sister. I can’t believe you joined DATS so young.” Their gazes made it clear they’d already decided he was a DATS member. Qin Fei sighed, about to explain, but as he opened his mouth, a sudden thought made him swallow his words.

“Actually, I’ve run into a bit of trouble and was hoping you could lend a hand.” Qin Fei scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.

The two boys exchanged glances, as if now everything made sense.

“No problem, just tell us. If we can help, we absolutely will.” The ponytailed boy clapped Qin Fei on the shoulder, readily agreeing.

“Thank you. My coordinates for returning to the real world were accidentally destroyed. Could you take me with you? Otherwise, I have no idea what to do...” Qin Fei explained.

“I see...” The blond boy nodded, his doubts eased. So he was a DATS member stranded in the Digital World—no wonder he’d come to their aid.

“That’s a small matter. Just leave with us when the time comes. By the way, I’m Marcus Damon, and this is Thomas beside me. What’s your name?”

“I’m Qin Fei.”

Hearing the boy introduce himself, the blond—Thomas—thought for a moment, but since he’d never heard of the name, he let it go for now.

“Let’s get going. It’s about time, or we’ll be spending the night in the Digital World,” Thomas said, checking the time, then nodding to Marcus and Qin Fei.

“Let’s go home, boss! Yuzu’s omelets are calling me!” Agumon drooled with anticipation.

“Who’s Yuzu? That’s my mom! And stop calling her by her name!” Marcus gave Agumon a playful smack on the forehead.

At that moment, Loretta-mon noticed this Agumon was a bit different from Tai’s—its hands were wrapped in red bands, and it was noticeably larger. Clearly, it wasn’t Tai’s partner.

Amid their banter, the group began heading toward the coordinates for returning to the real world.

“...”

“Qin Fei, are you sure you want to go to this world’s real world?” Along the way, Loretta-mon tugged at his sleeve and asked in a low voice. After all, it was a completely new and unfamiliar world for them—there could be unpredictable dangers.

“There’s no other way. Since the Digital World isn’t an option, there’s someone in the real world I want to meet. After all, I must forge my own Digisoul.” Qin Fei replied, his resolve unmistakable.

He didn’t want to hide behind Loretta-mon or Black Dorugamon in every battle, becoming a burden to them.

“...”

After speaking, Qin Fei glanced at Gatomon, who had been quietly following them. He had another goal—the fifth generation Digivice.

Since Marcus Damon had received his Digivice from Captain Satsuma of the Digital World Exploration Team, Qin Fei thought he and Gatomon needed a bond of their own, just like Marcus and Agumon. The fifth generation Digivice would be their link—and perhaps DATS would have a spare.

...

“We’re here. This is the place,” Thomas announced as he stopped and surveyed their surroundings.

Marcus nodded, calling for Qin Fei and the others to gather.

“Thank you, I really owe you both.”

“No worries. It’s only right for DATS members to help each other,” Marcus replied. They all checked the time and quietly awaited the transfer back to the real world.

“Who are these Digimon with you?” Marcus finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity as he noticed the three Digimon gathered around Qin Fei. He’d never seen a human with three partners before.

“That’s right, you can’t bring extra Digimon into the real world. Which one is your partner?” Thomas reminded him, clearly skeptical that Qin Fei could have three Digimon, since there was no precedent.

“It’s fine. Once we’re in the human world, I’ll prove it.”

“All right, I hope you’re telling the truth,” Thomas responded, saying no more as they waited in silence.

Just then, a pillar of light descended from the sky, enveloping them all.

Qin Fei and Loretta-mon’s vision blurred—the vast Digital World scenery gradually transformed into a high-tech hall.

“C-Captain Satsuma?! What are you doing here?!”

Before Qin Fei could even take in the appearance of the DATS facility, Marcus and Thomas both recoiled in alarm as if confronted by something terrifying.

In the middle of the hall stood a tall, stern-faced man, his expression thunderous as he glared at them. Only when his gaze fell upon Qin Fei and the three unfamiliar Digimon at his side did his stony face finally betray a hint of surprise.