Chapter 33: The Spirit Beast

On the second day of the main event, compared to yesterday, the number of participants was even fewer, but the stands were packed with spectators. With the round of sixteen underway, the matches were even broadcast live online.

To cater to the audience, the Rookie Cup had, for the first time in its history, loosened the standards during the round of sixty-four to thirty-two. The surge of spectators led the organizers to adjust the arrangement of the matches.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today’s matches will not distinguish between Arena One and Arena Two. All matches will proceed on Arena One, according to group rankings.”

“Next, we’ll begin the two matches for Group A. Will the four participants from Group A please come to the stage, and Group B competitors, please be seated and prepare.”

“Once again, calling for Group A participants…”

Soon, Group A’s seeded competitor, a Digimon Tamer with a Mantismon, stood atop the arena. The meter-tall Mantismon’s pincers glinted with cold sharpness, and its narrow eyes squinted with a mischievous smile at its opponent.

A single Agumon!

Yes, it was Agumon. In fact, Zhao Jie had seen many Agumons over the past few days, but among those who made it to the top sixty-four, only his own Agumon and this one from Group A remained.

“Agumon, your relative doesn’t seem too impressive!”

In the stands, Zhao Jie watched the match. The Agumon on stage was well-trained; though it hadn’t mastered casting spells while moving, it handled both charged and instant fire attacks with skill.

But this Mantismon was faster than any Digimon Zhao Jie had encountered before, and its offensive power was formidable. Under its assault, Agumon was at a disadvantage.

Its only flaw was needing to get close to the enemy to attack, but with its speed, even this minor weakness was perfectly avoided.

No, there was another flaw! Mantismon’s defense was weak. If the Agumon on stage managed to land a single hit, the outcome could be completely reversed.

Unfortunately, from what Zhao Jie observed, that Agumon simply wasn’t capable of accomplishing this.

“Crunch. Crunch.”

Agumon glanced at the arena, rolled its eyes at Zhao Jie, and continued munching snacks without a care. That Agumon’s defeat had nothing to do with it.

I feel personally attacked, thank you very much.

Not far behind Zhao Jie, two people were watching him intently.

“Xiao Qingzi, buy me a bottle of water.”

A ponytailed girl in sunglasses gazed curiously at the Agumon beside Zhao Jie; she’d been watching it for at least half an hour.

During that time, Agumon’s mouth hadn’t stopped moving, making her thirsty just from watching.

“Uh, alright.”

The one called Xiao Qingzi was none other than Han Qing, who’d invited Zhao Jie to the group yesterday. He glanced at the girl before him, his lips twitching slightly, then got up to buy water for this young lady at the nearby kiosk.

“Wait…”

Just as he stood up, the girl spoke again.

“I want whatever it’s drinking.”

Han Qing followed her gaze, lips twitching once more. The young lady was interested in what a Digimon was drinking.

“He’s the one who played a trick on me yesterday, right? Goes by Taiyi?”

After taking a sip of the water Han Qing handed her, Hua Feihua squinted behind her sunglasses and asked calmly.

Remembering that photo, she felt her anger rise. Zhang Zhenren? Did he really think she was gullible enough to be fooled?

“Yes, that’s him. But Taiyi is his online alias—his real name is Zhao Jie, from Wuling City.”

Han Qing sold Zhao Jie out without hesitation; better the other than himself.

The Hua family was a Digimon powerhouse in Shashi, even ranked among the top in the nation. As the outstanding representative of the younger generation, Hua Feihua possessed both strength and an impressive background—a textbook example of beauty, wealth, and talent.

Wuling City?

Hearing the name, Hua Feihua paused. It took her a few seconds to remember where Wuling City was located.

“How strong is that Agumon?”

“Not bad. It’s mastered spellcasting while moving, and it has a powerful small fire attack.”

Han Qing thought for a moment, then shared all the information he had on Agumon.

“Alright.”

Hua Feihua nodded, continuing to observe Zhao Jie’s Agumon with interest. At that moment, no one could guess what she was thinking.

Match after match followed, and soon the competitions for both Group A and Group B had concluded. So far, all seeded competitors had emerged victorious.

In a way, the organizers’ selections had proven accurate.

Group E’s seeded competitor, Hua Feihua, had a Spiritmon—a rare Digimon indeed. Those familiar with the type looked on in envy as Spiritmon took the stage.

Throughout the entire Rookie Cup, only three rare Digimon appeared: Hu Lin’s Impmon from Group B, Hua Feihua’s Spiritmon, and Feng Xiao’s Shadowcatmon from Group H.

Impmon had the greatest potential among the three, but Shadowcatmon was the most mysterious.

Spiritmon, however, was no less potent than Impmon; when it matured into Great Spiritmon, it could master two of the four elements—earth, fire, wind, and water.

The ultimate Elemental Spiritmon could master all four, earning the title of an element master.

The Hua family’s patriarch possessed a Great Spiritmon and was rumored to have contracted with a lord-level Elemental Spiritmon from a Digimon Secret Realm.

As the younger generation of the Hua family all partnered with Spiritmon, the rumor steadily gained credibility.

The battle ended swiftly, with Spiritmon decisively defeating its opponent.

“Agumon, that Spiritmon looked really powerful.”

On the way back, Hua Feihua heard Zhao Jie’s voice and slowed her steps, wanting to hear Agumon’s opinion.

“Burp. Add some oil, sprinkle cumin—might taste pretty good.”

Agumon replied with perfect seriousness.

Spiritmon: ………

Hearing this, Spiritmon stood up angrily from Hua Feihua’s shoulder, glaring at Agumon.

With an attitude like that, you don’t deserve to be a Digimon. On behalf of the digital realm, I revoke your beast status!

“Sorry, sorry. Agumon only speaks the truth after drinking.”

“Pff, nonsense. Pure nonsense.”

Hua Feihua took a deep breath and soothed Spiritmon on her shoulder with her hand.

Without another word, she continued forward.

Just you wait.