Chapter 129: The Influence of the Origin Beast

Back then, when the data of Ichimon and Zeromon merged, they briefly transformed into the Originmon. That event did not pass without leaving an impact on this world.

Originmon was a Digimon of the tenth level, the ultimate stage—an entity on par with NEO, Chronomon, Apocalymon, and Calumon. Although the Originmon of that time was merely at the Champion level, an incomplete version of an incomplete version, he was, after all, still the Originmon.

Each tenth-level Digimon represents a specific concept. NEO represents the future, Chronomon represents space-time, Apocalymon represents the cessation of evolution, and Calumon represents evolution itself. As for Originmon, he is the origin and the foundation; one could say that he is data itself.

The brief appearance of Originmon at that time caused a trace of his nature to leak out. This essence fused with the then-existing "Digital Origin World," and after a period of fermentation, it finally brought about a qualitative change. It caused the origin code of the "Digital Origin World" to shift.

Simply put, the "Digital Origin World" was indeed a Digital World, but it was an incomplete one, constrained by humanity. Such a world had no means of breaking free from human control. However, due to Originmon, the "Digital Origin World" evolved autonomously, and a crack appeared on the line connecting it to the human world. Eventually, that crack widened until the connection was severed.

Once that connection was broken, the "Digital Origin World" was no longer influenced by the human world. In other words, it became impossible for game planners at Digimon corporations to launch promotional events that would suddenly boost the strength of players within the "Digital Origin World."

Strictly speaking, they were now in the Origin Digital World, an independent and self-contained realm governed by its own logic, rather than a game world that would sacrifice its own coherence for the sake of gameplay.

As for why Ichimon had come here, it was because the location beneath the space where he and Tianwumon had battled was the site of the "Digital Origin World's" main host. The cataclysmic battle between Ichimon and Tianwumon had caused the main host to collapse, which served as the final straw that led the "Digital Origin World" to assert its independence.

Angewomon pointed at herself and said, "And I, because of the massive energy fluctuations between you two, was awakened from my slumber ahead of schedule."

Ichimon gazed outward and asked, "What is the situation like outside right now?"

Angewomon replied calmly, "Outside, humans have become the invaders, and Digimon have become the resistance. Of course, the humans themselves may not be fully aware of this yet."

Upon hearing this, Ichimon walked toward the exit with a grave expression. Looking at the familiar landscape, he turned his back to Angewomon and asked, "Then, does this world also contain the data of Zeromon?"

Angewomon said with a look of helplessness, "I believe it should, but I cannot be certain. Unless I can sense the data of Zeromon at close range, it is impossible to know for sure."

Ichimon replied with calm determination, "If there is a possibility that Zeromon's data exists here, that is enough."

Ichimon had appeared in the first place for the sake of Zeromon's data. Since there was a possibility of it existing here, his purpose remained unchanged, and nothing else mattered.

"By the way," Ichimon thought of Zeromon's data and reached for his person, attempting to open his so-called "system space," but alas, there was nothing there.

"You are looking for these two things, aren't you?" Angewomon said, pulling two dull, gray orbs from the opening at her chest. They were precisely the data of Zeromon.

Angewomon sighed, "Perhaps because the roots of this world have changed, those so-called pieces of equipment are all gone. Yet, these two pieces of 'Zeromon Data' remained."

"Having these is enough." Ultimately, Ichimon was not a Digimon who relied heavily on equipment. He had only used it before because everyone else had it, and he would have been at a disadvantage without it. But now that everyone had been stripped of their equipment, they had returned to the same starting line, so it no longer mattered.

"Right, you mentioned humans earlier," Ichimon said, surprised. "Are there many humans currently in this Digital World?"

"Of course," Angewomon nodded. "When you and Tianwumon destroyed the main host, all the players who were still within the 'Digital Origin World' became trapped here."

Ichimon asked, "And if they die here?"

Angewomon chuckled softly, "The answer is something you already know, isn't it?"

Ichimon gave a bitter smile. "I see. It is just as I expected."

Though they did not elaborate, both knew exactly what the other meant. In short, to die here was to truly die. In the old "Digital Origin World," death had severe consequences, but it only meant the loss of an account. Now, death was final. Everything served to prove that this world had changed.

Angewomon teased, "Do you intend to save them?"

Ichimon shook his head. "Everyone has their own path to walk, and everyone must make their own choices. The cost of those choices is something everyone should have known from the start. We should not interfere with their paths. If their choices lead to their own destruction, that is the price they must pay."

Angewomon looked at Ichimon as if he were a stranger.

In truth, Ichimon’s feelings toward humanity were incredibly complex. He had first appeared in human form and was not particularly repulsed by them at the time. But later, he had channeled the power of all the Digimon in an entire human world to evolve into his Champion form before coming to the Digital World. Those Digimon had harbored a deep hatred for humans, a sentiment that had subtly influenced Ichimon. Coupled with other events he had experienced since, it was a miracle he hadn't started killing every human he saw.