Chapter 65: The Tyrannosaurus's Cultivation

"Why aren't you going to train?" Old Xiao looked at Zhao Jie, who stood quietly by his side, a hint of puzzlement in his voice.

This was a rare opportunity, after all. Although Zhao Jie, like himself, had officially become a Digimon Tamer, the strength of his newly evolved Champion-level Digimon was still considered weak among others of the same stage. Even so, Zhao Jie was young, and above the Champion level lay the path to Ultimate Evolution. In Old Xiao's eyes, someone as young as Zhao Jie would surely help his Digimon partner achieve that ultimate breakthrough one day.

"Can I go train on my own?" Zhao Jie scratched his head as he watched his companions going through their drills. He’d chosen not to train here for fear of interfering with their practice. If he were to train here, the commotion would be far greater than what was already unfolding.

"No," Old Xiao refused without a second thought. If Zhao Jie trained alone and anything happened, it would be a major headache. The secret realm was not like the world outside—even in this officially designated safe Digimon Sanctuary, minor accidents still occurred from time to time.

"How about this, Old Xiao? I won’t leave your sight. I’ll just go over there, is that alright?" Zhao Jie pointed toward a stretch of empty ground and looked back at the older man for confirmation.

"Fine, but remember, don’t leave my line of sight." After a moment’s consideration, Old Xiao agreed. The difference in the noise made by a Champion-level Digimon compared to one in Rookie form was immense, and forcing Zhao Jie to train right here would indeed be a waste of time.

"Alright! Agumon, let’s go." Responding cheerfully, Zhao Jie beckoned his partner, and together they walked off to a vacant spot.

"Coming! (*^▽^*)" Agumon replied energetically.

As the pair moved aside, the other students cast curious glances in their direction—none of them had ever seen a Champion-level Digimon with their own eyes. Not only the students, but the other Digimon Tamers leading the group also watched Zhao Jie with interest. An official Tamer so young was a rare sight for them.

Standing on the open ground, Zhao Jie first took the phone hanging from Agumon's neck and set it aside. Then, a surge of digital energy gathered at his brow, forming a glowing sigil that floated out and merged with Agumon.

"Agumon, digivolve!"

A surge of evolution light burst from Agumon’s body as his form turned into pure data. Empowered by the digital sigil, a giant beast two meters tall and three meters long now stood where Agumon once was.

Agumon digivolved—into Greymon.

"Roar!" Greymon let out a mighty bellow, the powerful sound reverberating across the empty ground.

"So this is a Champion-level Digimon?"

"Incredible!"

Not only the students, but even the Rookie-level Digimon gazed at Greymon with longing. Who wouldn’t want to become stronger?

"Mega Flame!"

At Zhao Jie's command, fiery energy gathered at the corner of Greymon's mouth before he opened wide and unleashed it. Previously, even the charged version of his smaller flame attack was only the size of a basin, but now, the Mega Flame had grown exponentially in power. The torrent of fire poured from Greymon's jaws like a waterfall, the searing heat forcing Zhao Jie to take several steps back.

Boom!

The fire struck the ground, burning fiercely and leaving a massive crater in an instant.

"As expected of Mega Flame," Zhao Jie remarked. The grass around the crater withered and yellowed under the scorching blast, crumbling into powder at the slightest touch.

"Greymon, can you still use the Twin Flame technique from before?" Zhao Jie asked softly.

Since digivolving to Champion level, it seemed Greymon had lost the ability to speak. In response to Zhao Jie's question, he simply shook his head in silence.

"Looks like the increased power of Mega Flame means you’ll need to relearn the technique." Zhao Jie made a mental note and continued with the rest of the training. Practicing the signature move Mega Flame was critical, but Greymon also had two physical skills that were just as important. With the increase in power, the energy cost had multiplied as well.

Cyclone Tail—an attack that strikes enemies in all directions.

Great Horn Assault—a charge attack effective both advancing and retreating.

Boom, boom.

Under Zhao Jie’s direction, Greymon trained vigorously, the commotion drawing frequent attention from the others.

After two hours, Greymon was utterly exhausted. His massive body slumped to the ground, and his large eyes met Zhao Jie's.

"Here, Greymon. I prepared these cookies just for you. Eat them, and they’ll help your stamina and digital energy recover faster."

Zhao Jie retrieved a packet of Spicy Pepper Digicookies from his backpack—something he'd bought a month ago but hadn’t had a chance to use since he hadn’t trained recently. Now, finally, these carefully chosen treats would come in handy.

Greymon opened wide, crunching the cookie between his teeth.

Crunch. Crunch.

Hmm?

No sooner had he swallowed than Greymon's eyes widened in shock. A fiery sensation bloomed in his mouth and swiftly spread through his whole body.

"Raaawr!" In an instant, Greymon sat up, pawing frantically at his mouth.

Spicy! So spicy!

"Alright, Greymon, these are special Extreme-Spice Digicookies I prepared for you. They’ll stimulate your body even faster. Here, have another."

At Zhao Jie’s words, Greymon shot to his feet and immediately tried to escape.

Are you a devil?!

"The reviews were right—definitely worthy of five stars," Zhao Jie mused, stroking his chin as he watched Greymon flee. Just moments ago, Greymon hadn’t even the strength to stand, and now he seemed bursting with energy. It seemed he’d struck gold.

"Come on, Greymon, have another."

"Come on, come on, I'll treat you to a great meal when we’re done."

"Roar!"

It was a joyful afternoon. The Digimons’ recovery abilities in the Digital Sanctuary were twice as fast as in the real world, and this was only a small sanctuary. In a larger one, the recovery would be even faster.

With such rapid recovery, the Digimon could train much more effectively. Even with just half a day, everyone felt they’d gained a great deal. More valuable still, they received advice, to varying degrees, from these seasoned Digimon Tamers.

PS: Please recommend, please recommend, please recommend.