Chapter 40: Even a Fierce Beast Wants to be a Partner of Justice!
The night was a thick, impenetrable ink, hanging heavy and suffocating over the world.
In the days following Devimon's rampage, a cloud of gloom had settled into the hearts of most Digimon. Though they had found sanctuary under the protection of the Village of Beginnings, a gnawing uncertainty remained. No one knew when that abyssal figure would descend upon them next. The threat was a Sword of Damocles, suspended by a thread over their last safe haven.
But… there were a few exceptions to this pervasive dread.
For instance, the three Phantomon that Mizuki had so thoroughly thrashed a while back.
Ever since they learned that Devimon had wiped out every last one of their brethren in the graveyard, these three had become incredibly grateful to have been captured and brought to the Village of Beginnings. They were now filled with an almost manic fighting spirit, serving as Kari's self-appointed assistants and helping the other injured Digimon.
Originally, they had wanted to follow Mizuki, but he had bluntly found them too ugly. Left with no other choice, they had latched onto Kari instead. Kari, in her gentle and understanding way, would never dislike them for their appearance.
"Good, good, good~"
"Great, great, great~"
"Why are the DigiDestined so good?"
"Why are the DigiDestined so great?"
After just a few days in the village, the Three Phantomon Brothers had even revised the lyrics to their spooky chant. The change was especially deep when they recalled their past experiences being exploited by Devimon.
Gods, what kind of miserable existence was that? Not only was there no remuneration, but they were also saddled with the most arduous, soul-crushing labor.
And now?
Although their days were a bit busy, it was a far cry from their former toil. They even received wages—provided by Elecmon… or rather, by Gatomon who was managing the village's resources!
This was the life a Digimon was meant to live!
Lost in this happy thought, they floated swiftly to Kari's side, their spectral faces twisted into sly, sycophantic grins.
"Hehehe~ Lady Kari, our work is all done~"
"Is there anything else you need us to do?"
"If so, just say the word! As long as it's within our power, we'd even offer up our wives, mothers, and children for you!"
At this, the leading Phantomon blinked his vacant, glowing eyes.
"Speaking of which… do we have wives, mothers, and children?"
"No, we were all born from Digi-Eggs. Where would we get mothers and children?"
As for wives? Even more embarrassing to admit—they had no such need!
"..."
Looking at the three Phantomon's blank expressions, Kari couldn't help but let out a helpless sigh. She wanted to tell them not to get in her way, but her gentle personality wouldn't allow her to say something so harsh.
In the end, the kind-hearted girl could only try to persuade them with a soft, weary tone. "I don't have anything else for you to do right now."
"Phantomon, if you've finished your work, you should go and rest."
"Please don't push yourselves too hard."
Although Kari was doing her best to subtly hint that they should leave, the Three Phantomon Brothers' minds were apparently not equipped to process such nuance.
Instead, Kari's concern only served to ignite their fighting spirit even further!
"It's true! The DigiDestined are all good people~"
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Kari!"
"We are Ghost-type Digimon!"
"Ghost-type Digimon don't get tired~"
Kari forced a smile. "Ah… haha…"
Watching the Phantomon sing and harmonize with renewed vigor, her gentle expression began to show the faintest cracks of strain.
But just then, a cold, unfamiliar voice sliced through the air.
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Then tell me, why did you never appear so diligent when you worked for me?"
—!
The moment that voice echoed through the village, every Digimon present felt a chilling pressure squeeze their Digi-Cores. Several of the quicker-witted ones had already sprung into action.
"Oh no! It's Devimon!"
"Protect Lady Kari!"
"Let's go!"
Without exception, these were all Digimon who had been personally cared for by Kari. Though a primal fear of Devimon gripped them, their gratitude and desire to repay her kindness spurred them to muster their courage. They charged toward the shadowy figure emerging from the darkness!
Among them were three powerful Champion-level Digimon.
Zudomon, Meramon, and Shellmon!
However, faced with their fierce assault, Devimon didn't even grant them a passing glance.
With a single, casual swipe of his arm, he sent them all flying.
"Guh—!"
"Aaargh!!"
"Why is he… so strong!"
Ignoring the pained cries from the fallen Digimon, Devimon's burning gaze had been locked on Kari from the very beginning, who was now shielded by the trembling Phantomon.
"Phantomon, I will give you one chance," Devimon's voice was a low, menacing growl. "Hand over that little girl, and I promise not to pursue the matter of your betrayal."
"We… we…"
Facing Devimon's suffocating intimidation, the Phantomon shivered uncontrollably.
But… should they really hand Kari over?
Their glowing eyes met, and in that silent exchange, a decision was forged.
"What are you doing!? Put me down!"
Amidst Kari's startled cry, one of the Phantomon suddenly scooped her up and shot away into the distance like a phantom arrow.
The remaining two spun around and launched themselves at Devimon!
"Devimon, do you really think we'd still believe your lies?"
"You murdered our comrades! Now, we will avenge them!"
"We will never hand Lady Kari over to you!"
"The old Three Phantomon Brothers are dead! We are now partners of justice, the Three Phantomon Rangers!"
"Take this!"
"Hell Claw!"
"Hell Claw!"
Two sets of shadowy claws extended from beneath their white shrouds, slashing through the air toward Devimon.
On the other side, spurred on by the Phantomon's unexpected bravery, the three Champion-level Digimon who had been sent flying struggled back to their feet and unleashed their own attacks!
Zudomon roared, hurling his mighty hammer. "Hammer Boomerang!"
Meramon's body erupted in flame. "Burning Fist!"
Shellmon reared back, gathering energy. "Hydro Pressure!"
Including the two Phantomon, five Champion-level Digimon were now attacking Devimon in a coordinated assault.
Feeling the chaotic surge of energy from all directions, a flicker of impatience finally crossed Devimon's face.
"I originally intended only to deal with the lone child. Since you all insist on seeking death, I shall grant your wish first!"
As he spoke, the gigantic, tattered wings wrapped around his body slowly unfurled, revealing the two monstrous claws hidden within.
"Death Claw!"
A crimson light flashed through the darkness.
The conclusion was swift and brutal. Five pained cries echoed as the Digimon were blasted backward, crashing violently to the ground.
Yet, Devimon did not wear the triumphant expression of a victor. Instead, he stared intently past them, his eyes narrowed at a newcomer who had just appeared.
"Elecmon… when did you Evolve?!"
"Devimon, this is the Village of Beginnings!" a furious voice boomed. "You are not welcome here!"
It turned out that in the nick of time, a powerful figure had arrived, knocking the five Digimon out of the path of Devimon's fatal attack and saving their lives.
Standing between them and the fallen angel was Aegiochusmon. He stared intently at the embodiment of darkness before him, his eyes blazing with righteous rage.
"Devimon. Perfect. Today, we settle both old scores and new!"
"Steel Hoof Strike!"
Having deflected Devimon's initial claw, Aegiochusmon lunged forward, raising a powerful goat-like hoof and kicking it fiercely into Devimon's abdomen.
Caught off guard by the speed and power of the attack, Devimon was sent hurtling through the air!
At the same time, a massive fireball erupted from behind Aegiochusmon, streaking through the night and blasting the spot where Devimon was about to land!
"Mega Flame!"
"Devimon! You dare lay a hand on Kari!"
It was Mizuki.
Having noticed the commotion, he and Agumon, now evolved into the mighty Greymon, had rushed over together.
Kari, now safely on the ground a short distance away, looked at the protective backs of her brother and Greymon. The frantic pounding in her heart finally began to ease.
"Oh, everyone…"
But she didn't relax completely.
Remembering the Digimon who had been injured while shielding her, she immediately turned and ran toward them, her face etched with concern.
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