Chapter 130: The Council of Ten

As for the time before? At least I was living in the human world. Though I didn’t particularly care for humans, I could, more or less, keep myself in check. Isn’t the difference between a beast and a civilized being defined by the ability to control oneself? The Digimon civilization is certainly no less sophisticated than that of humanity.

Angewomon asked I-mon, "So, where do you intend to go now?"

I-mon pointed to the two greyish orbs in Angewomon’s hands and said, "To search for the data of the Zero-mon. Regardless of the cost, I must find it. Now that we have two pieces of the Zero-mon's data, can you locate the remainder?"

Angewomon nodded. "I can try, but it would be best not to get your hopes up."

I-mon nodded. "Understood."

Subsequently, Angewomon sat cross-legged on I-mon's bed. With both hands, she channeled digital energy, continuously condensing it within her palms. Before long, the two greyish orbs began to hover above her hands.

After a long while, the orbs fell back into Angewomon’s palms. Her face turned pale, and she said weakly, "I can sense that the remaining data of the Zero-mon seems to be in the East. However, I am unclear as to the exact distance or the specific location."

I-mon cast his gaze toward the East, his eyes flickering. "That is enough. At least we have a goal now, don't we?"

"That is true," Angewomon said breathlessly. "Very well, I need to rest for a while. Once I have recovered, I will emerge again."

With that, Angewomon dissolved into data and entered the Digivice resting on I-mon’s bed. Her voice then emanated from the device: "Oh, and I forgot to mention—ever since you arrived in the Digital World, this Digivice has appeared on your person. Digimon can enter it to rest. If you don't need them during your daily activities, you can also have Imperialdramon and the others stay inside. It is at least more discreet, given the fewer people around."

I-mon pondered this silently, eventually tucking Imperialdramon and the others inside before exiting the login space. Strictly speaking, it could hardly be called a login space anymore.

"Master I-mon, our master wishes to see you," two humans said respectfully as soon as I-mon stepped out.

I-mon frowned. "Who is your master?"

The two players replied deferentially, "You will see once you go."

Observing them, I-mon realized their leader was likely human as well. Though he felt little desire to go, rejecting them seemed unwise. Moreover, it was clear this was human-controlled territory; if he failed to show them courtesy, he might not be able to leave. Although his strength was formidable, he was currently only at the Champion level.

As for the others, if they were also at the Champion level, they would certainly be no match for him. But what if they were stronger? What if they were Ultimate or Mega level?

No one could say for sure. Even if there was only a slim possibility, he had to be cautious. In truth, I-mon believed those people likely possessed Ultimate-level Digimon, but whether they had Mega-levels depended on luck. At this stage, if a Mega-level Digimon were to appear, I-mon would be completely unable to defeat it with his current power.

Led by the two, I-mon arrived in a room where nine people were gathered. They differed in skin tone, hair color, eye shape, and attire.

However, among the group, I-mon spotted a familiar face: Elena, whom he had crossed paths with once before. He had not expected to find her here.

I-mon looked at the other nine and remarked with a strange expression, "Don't tell me everyone here is a regional server champion?"

Elena looked at I-mon and said, "Yes, everyone here is a regional champion. Including you, we are the ten ultimate powerhouses from the ten districts of 'Digital Origin World'."

I-mon asked, "Then, for what purpose have you summoned me?"

"I-mon, I believe you are well aware that we are no longer in 'Digital Origin World'," a brawny man said, his face grave. "Though I do not know what happened, this is the Digital World—the real, authentic Digital World."

"And then?" I-mon glanced around the room and walked toward an empty seat next to Elena.

A refined-looking man wearing glasses added, "We have clashed with the local Digimon. They view us as invaders and intend to eliminate us."

I-mon took his seat next to Elena, looking confused. "So what of it?"

A green-haired boy, his face covered in freckles and appearing no older than sixteen or seventeen, said solemnly, "Although we don't know why we are here, we must fight for the human side. Only by forcing the other side to submit can we prevent a full-scale war between humans and Digimon."

I-mon looked at them. "So, you want me to join the fight?"

"Yes," Elena nodded. "I have assessed your strength. Even though you were weak at the time, you already possessed the bearing of a champion. Since you have managed to maintain your position as a regional champion until now, your strength should be comparable to ours."

I-mon asked, "And what is the nature of the combat?"

Truth be told, I-mon did not want to participate. Deep down, he considered himself on the side of the Digimon. But if he refused now, he feared the other nine might eliminate him on the spot.

As Elena said, while I-mon had not fought these nine, they were all regional champions, so their strength should be roughly equal. Even if some were exceptionally strong or weak, the margin would not be vast. Of course, the possibility of someone possessing an Alphamon: Ouryuken could not be ruled out, however slim the chance.

Returning to the matter at hand, after hearing I-mon’s question, Elena continued, "The mode of battle is, naturally..."