Chapter 40: Hackbeast

This time, Garurumon did not rush to attack. Instead, he lingered at a distance, watching Digimon One with his only eye that could still see, his gaze cold and unyielding. Blood continued to flow, and Garurumon's condition worsened by the minute, yet he remained patient, biding his time. He knew he had only one chance now. If he missed it, there would be no second opportunity.

There was no helping it; in these times, even a mature-level Digimon couldn't guarantee victory over a champion-level one. Of course, most champions were no match for mature Digimon, but in this world, where the majority exists, so too must the rare exceptions...

Digimon One watched the scene in silence. Truth be told, if Garurumon didn't dare to make a move, that would be ideal. Judging by this bleeding debuff, a few more minutes and Garurumon would bleed out.

[Foxfire] In the next instant, Garurumon leapt up, hurling a ball of blue flame at Digimon One.

[Shield of Restraint] A shield materialized before Digimon One, attempting to block Garurumon's assault.

However, Garurumon's fire was nothing but a feint. The moment the flame was intercepted by the shield, his figure burst forth from the blaze, charging straight at Digimon One. With his mouth slightly open, he was clearly aiming to bypass the shield and land a direct hit.

Digimon One observed this quietly, letting one hand fall, deciding not to activate Burst Mode. At the same time, an imposing aura radiated from him, filling the arena.

No matter how limited Digimon One's aura might be, Garurumon was unable to evade in that critical first moment. As he felt the pressure from Digimon One, his fur bristled and the flame he meant to unleash was delayed just an instant.

And in that instant, Digimon One reacted. With a forceful swing of his one good arm, he flung his sword, which pierced straight through Garurumon's open jaws and body. Meanwhile, the Metalmon Golem that had been guarding Digimon One pummeled Garurumon to the side with a massive fist.

"Awoooo..." Garurumon let out a mournful howl, then his body disintegrated into data, slowly fading away.

"Damn it..." The arrogant man watching the scene wore a face twisted with rage.

"With an attitude like yours, treating your own Digimon so poorly, you still think you can win? Hah!" Just as Digimon One opened his mouth to speak, a mocking female voice cut through the air.

He turned towards the voice, only to discover that at some point, the sky above had filled with spectators. The speaker was a young woman among them, with golden hair, violet eyes, and pale skin.

Behind her, he recognized several figures—the opponents he’d faced in the first and second rounds. Somehow, that group had slipped back in unnoticed. Based on what they’d said before, this girl was likely the formidable player they had mentioned bringing along.

The girl declared with authority, "Who I am is of no concern to you. Now that you’ve lost, it’s my turn."

The arrogant man glared at the girl, his expression dark. "You? Fine, let’s see what you’re capable of."

Stepping into the arena, the girl nodded toward Digimon One. "I am Elena from District BO. Pleased to meet you."

"I am Wang Jie from District Z," he replied with a nod. "Let’s begin."

[Battle Start!] Skipping the previous preparations, as soon as the system’s notification sounded, both their Digimon leapt into action. Elena’s Digimon was Hackmon.

Hackmon, a small dragon-type data species in its champion stage, boasts the special move [Small Flame]. Created from Gankoomon’s own DNA, Hackmon shines as a cool, white mini dragon Digimon. It loves freedom and adventure, and detests being restrained.

If Veemon is hailed as a champion with great potential—able to evolve into Ultimate-level Digimon such as UlforceVeedramon and Magnamon, and even the ancient Imperialdramon: Paladin Mode—then Hackmon is known as the "Second-Generation Knight."

Why such a title? Mainly because Hackmon’s mainline evolution leads to Jesmon. Of course, although the term "mainline evolution" is often used in the Digimon world, it doesn’t mean other Digimon can’t evolve as well. It’s just that mainline evolutions are more likely than secondary ones, but not guaranteed.

As for Jesmon, he is one of the thirteen Royal Knights, just like Gankoomon. Moreover, while Gankoomon is officially Hackmon’s mentor, Hackmon actually carries Gankoomon’s genes within him. In human terms, Gankoomon is Hackmon’s teacher on the surface, but in reality, he’s his father.

[Fivefold Flash] Back to the present—at the very moment the system’s notification ended, Hackmon had already appeared before Digimon One, slashing at him with a claw.

[Shield of Restraint] With a mere glance at Hackmon, Digimon One immediately summoned a shield before him, blocking Hackmon’s claw attack.

[Small Flame] In that moment, Hackmon used the shield’s leverage to leap overhead. Hovering above Digimon One, he opened his mouth and spat a small burst of flame.

Caught off-guard, Digimon One was struck by the attack. However, thanks to his high defense, he suffered little harm. In fact, as the flames hit, his sword pierced through the fire, lunging toward Hackmon.

[Tenfold Charge] Seeing this, Hackmon spun his tail like a drill and jabbed at Digimon One’s sword. For a moment, Digimon One’s arm faltered, leaving his core exposed.

Hackmon did not hesitate. Seizing the opportunity, his tail lashed toward Digimon One’s chest. Just as he was about to succeed, the nearby shield suddenly rammed into him, sending Hackmon flying backward.

The two Digimon now stood apart at a distance, facing each other across the field. The skirmish appeared fierce, but owing to their respective offensive and defensive strengths, neither had yet sustained significant damage.

"It seems your Digimon is quite strong. In that case, I have no choice but to use my trump card."