"That should just about cover it..."
The next day, the TV reported last night's incident as an accidental explosion caused by a gas leak, destroying an entire alley.
Luckily, since it happened deep into the night, there were no passersby, and nearby residents weren't affected. With no injuries reported, it was considered a fortunate outcome from an unfortunate event.
Zero exchanged a relieved glance with Rina as they watched the news.
Taichi and Hikari, seated at the same table, had already learned of last night's battle as well.
"So, they're explaining it away as a gas explosion?" Taichi asked, staring at the briefly displayed scene photos on the news.
The explosion site was a complete mess, the pavement torn up by blasts and further scarred by corrosive blood rain.
Several layers of caution tape now surrounded the location. Clearly, repairs wouldn't happen anytime soon.
This was naturally the battlefield from last night. For now, the damage scale was small enough to pass off with a convenient excuse. Nearby residents had already had their memories modified by Wizardmon's hypnotic magic, ensuring everyone believed it had merely been an accident.
Since it was just a quick mention in the news, unless someone deliberately dug deeper, it would soon be forgotten amidst today's rapid flow of information.
But this wasn't something they could become complacent about. Such excuses might work once or twice, but not repeatedly. If the scale escalated, covering it up would be nearly impossible. It was fortunate this incident had happened in an isolated alleyway late at night; had it been in broad daylight in a busy street, things would've gotten very messy.
Fortunately, LadyDevimon suffered from the same weakness as Myotismon—her strength significantly dropped during daytime. She wouldn't be foolish enough to cause trouble under the bright sun, knowing Zero would instantly crush her.
But if she became desperate enough, determined to make headlines even at the cost of self-destruction, Zero might not necessarily be able to stop her in time.
Thus, their priority was tracking down LadyDevimon and eliminating her before she caused a larger incident.
All of this ultimately stemmed from the weakening of the Real World's barrier, allowing Digimon to slip through. So the Wall Plan's completion remained the most critical objective.
One LadyDevimon was manageable, but if a dozen showed up simultaneously, even a gas explosion wouldn't explain it. At that scale, you'd need an absurd excuse—something as insane as "someone privately built and accidentally detonated a nuclear bomb at home."
Zero figured that no one with an IQ above 70 would believe such nonsense. Though the public could be easily misled, it didn't mean they could be treated as idiots.
"How's Director Suedou's side coming along with the Wall Plan?" Zero asked.
Although it had been only about a week and a half since the official initiation of the Wall Plan, Kamishiro had been working around the clock in three shifts to complete it. Such a massive program, intended to match the Dark Masters' Spiral Mountain, naturally couldn't be easily finished.
"Ahaha, I'll call and ask later. I think last time he said something about—"
Before Rina finished speaking, her phone suddenly rang, displaying Director Suedou's name.
She immediately picked up, and after a few brief exchanges, exclaimed in delighted surprise.
"Eh? Really? That's great! Understood, we'll be right there!"
Rina ended the call, unable to hide her excitement.
"Director Suedou said the deployment of all server nodes has been completed. The Wall Program can be activated today. He invited us to participate in the first activation ceremony~"
"Oh, quite the sense of ceremony~" Zero casually remarked, though he understood Suedou's intentions perfectly.
Clearly, completing the Wall Program wouldn't go unnoticed by the Dark Masters. Once activated, it would severely hinder their invasion efforts, so the Dark Army would certainly do everything possible to disrupt it.
The instant the Wall activated, the network would undoubtedly experience the fiercest attack yet, and Zero would have to hold off enemies on-site to ensure the successful establishment of the barrier.
Gatomon, aware of this, stood up. "Looks like we're in for a tough fight~"
By now, Taichi and Hikari had enough experience to anticipate what was coming next. They quickly understood Zero and Gatomon's meaning.
Hikari gently patted Gatomon's head. "Do your best, Gatomon!"
"Leave it to me~" the little cat purred, affectionately rubbing her head against Hikari's palm, then turned to Zero with a hint of concern.
"Zero, if we're busy holding off enemies in cyberspace, won't LadyDevimon seize the chance to attack the server stations outside?"
Zero nodded decisively. "It's not a question of 'if'; she'll definitely do it."
LadyDevimon was originally a subordinate of Myotismon. With Myotismon now dead, and LadyDevimon having jumped two evolutionary levels at once, Wizardmon had quickly reached the conclusion: she must've switched allegiances to a new master.
From all indications, that master was the Dark Army, possibly taking direct orders from the Dark Masters themselves.
Therefore, she'd absolutely cooperate from within the Real World to sabotage the Wall Plan.
"So, who's staying behind?" Taichi asked.
With enemies in cyberspace and LadyDevimon lurking in the real world, they had to manage both simultaneously. Unfortunately, they were clearly short-handed. Although Zero's resistance had grown considerably, it still couldn't compete head-on with the Dark Army.
Each of the Dark Masters individually controlled forces equal to or surpassing Zero's entire resistance. They could easily deploy a group to pin down Zero's backup.
"Haha, no need to leave anyone behind. Don't worry… we have a reliable ally who'll definitely take care of LadyDevimon for us."
"Hm?" Taichi, Hikari, and Gatomon all looked confused. Zero hadn't mentioned Koushiro and Wizardmon's involvement yet, respecting Koushiro's wish to surprise Taichi later.
Zero roughly guessed their intentions. Koushiro was Taichi's close friend, and Wizardmon was Gatomon's trusted companion. Both wanted to secretly support their friends and step in at the perfect moment, offering a pleasant surprise.
Zero could sympathize with that feeling. Wizardmon had always quietly protected Gatomon, while Koushiro—despite his intellect—was still just a child at heart, eager to surprise his best friend. Ironically, Koushiro's usual calm and mature demeanor made this sudden childish desire for a prank-like surprise particularly charming.
Though uncertain who this "reliable ally" was, Taichi and Hikari trusted Zero absolutely, asking no further questions.
"If Zero says they're reliable, we can trust them. Now we can confidently face the Dark Army. Wonder who we'll run into this time."
There was no time to waste. The group immediately prepared to set out, heading toward this crucial battle.
...
Meanwhile, LadyDevimon, who had narrowly escaped Zero the night before, was still fuming over her failure.
Currently, she reclined comfortably in a hot bath, her leather clothes discarded beside her, relaxing away the exhaustion of constant activity. The home's owner stood blankly in the living room, clearly hypnotized by LadyDevimon.
"Hmph, these humans… Weak as ants, easily crushed with a flick. They wouldn't last three days in the Digital World, yet they enjoy such carefree lives. It's beyond unfair!"
Growing up under the brutal law-of-the-jungle environment of the Dark Army, such comfort and ease stirred intense jealousy within LadyDevimon.
She had constantly risked her life and suffered endlessly just to survive. How could these weak humans so comfortably enjoy pleasures she'd never known?
She cupped her hands, letting the hot water cascade gently down her skin, savoring sensations she'd never experienced before.
"Though they're worthless weaklings, they certainly know how to indulge. When the Dark Masters finally dominate the human world, perhaps I'll enjoy this wonderful lifestyle every day too..."
With delightful fantasies about her future, her previous frustrations slowly dissipated.
However, her brief moment of tranquility was interrupted when a chilling voice echoed directly into her mind.
"Hehe, you seem to be thoroughly enjoying yourself in the human world."
LadyDevimon jolted upright from the bathtub, ignoring her exposed state as her eyes darted around in panic. Then, realizing something, she quickly bowed deeply.
"…Great master, please forgive my insolence!"
"No need to apologize. You've done well so far. Occasionally relaxing is permitted—I'm not such an unreasonable tyrant. I always care deeply about my subordinates' moods and opinions~"
…Yeah, right! Who would believe that?!
LadyDevimon knew better. Piedmon's greatest amusement was "people-watching"—especially observing humans or Digimon struggling desperately under intense emotions, critiquing their performances like an audience member watching a play.
He thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. LadyDevimon understood she was currently the subject of Piedmon's observation. If her "performance" pleased him, she'd earn a secure spot in the Dark Army. But if Piedmon grew bored, her usefulness would come to an abrupt end…
…She didn't dare think about what would follow. Death would probably be the most merciful end Piedmon could grant her.
"What are your orders, my great master…?"
---
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