Chapter 22: A Duel Appointment

It was clear at a glance—this was someone he really disliked.

Beetlemon recalled that afternoon from years ago. Standing before him, Agumon made him feel just as lost as Koromon had before. Originally, Beetlemon thought that after reaching his growth stage and mastering his special move, he would finally be able to kick Koromon aside and punch Goblinmon into submission, climbing to the pinnacle of his life. But in the end, it turned out that all of this was just wishful thinking.

Hovering in the air, Beetlemon’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. He thought he had reached the second level, assumed Agumon was still stuck at the first, never realizing that this gluttonous Agumon was already standing on the third. Agumon, you’re so cunning.

“This match goes to Agumon.”

The third brother glanced at Beetlemon, who had already given up, and declared the result. Compared to some of their previous matches, this one was little more than child’s play.

The boy partnered with Agumon seemed to take it in stride, but as for Liu Cheng, he was at a loss for words. Using a special move right at the start was a fool’s tactic, especially for Digimon like Beetlemon. Once their signature move was spent, they’d be left vulnerable for quite a while.

Just like now—easily defeated. Still, he could understand; after all, they were both just students.

“Interesting. Are you interested in letting your Agumon spar with my Kyubimon?”

At some point, the boy who had earlier defeated a Tylomon tamer appeared outside Zhao Jie’s arena. Watching as Zhao Jie and Liu Cheng’s battle ended, his uncertain gaze drifted toward Zhao Jie.

“With me?” Zhao Jie pointed to himself, surprised, and looked at the boy beyond the arena’s edge. To be honest, that Kyubimon was quite fast, but only compared to Tylomon. Against Agumon, he didn’t think he would lose.

“That’s right, you. Are you up for a wager?” Wang Jun suppressed his excitement and continued. He’d chosen a seat near the entrance precisely to observe others. In fact, he’d noticed Zhao Jie and Liu Cheng as soon as they arrived—two new faces. He’d wanted to gauge their strength, but hadn’t expected both newcomers to be such rookies.

Dealing with someone inexperienced in battle was child’s play. He was certain that with Kyubimon’s speed, Agumon—who had only just defeated Beetlemon—would surely lose.

“Sorry, I’m not interested.”

Zhao Jie refused without a second thought. He’d watched Kyubimon’s earlier battle against Tylomon and found nothing worth challenging. Aside from speed, Kyubimon had nothing to offer. The pause before releasing its Fox Leaf Arrowhead exceeded three seconds. Normally, speed-type special moves required instant execution.

It was only because Tylomon was so slow that Kyubimon managed to land a hit. Of course, it was possible Kyubimon had been holding back, but Zhao Jie found that unlikely. Its partner didn’t seem the type.

“What, are you scared? Don’t worry, it’s just a small bet—one hundred yuan, just for fun. Don’t tell me you can’t even spare a hundred?” Hearing Zhao Jie’s refusal, Wang Jun’s face twisted with contempt as he goaded him further.