Chapter 75: Failure at the Brink of Success

“Are there any Digimon of the plant type? Prepare to alter the terrain.”
“All Digimon with long-range attacks, focus your energy together, aim at the black collar on Dark Wukongmon’s neck.”
Zhao Jie’s voice rang out again and again, while several flying Digimon in the sky continued to harass Dark Wukongmon. Under the persistent distraction from the aerial Digimon, Dark Wukongmon grew increasingly impatient.

Its gaze shifted from the flying Digimon to Zhao Jie and his group.

“Grr…”
With a low growl, Dark Wukongmon changed direction, advancing toward them step by step.

“Everyone, be ready. We’ll only get one chance!”
Seeing Dark Wukongmon’s approach, Zhao Jie’s palms were drenched in sweat. If they failed, everyone here would be wiped out.

Hoo…

At this moment, no one spoke. Digimon fusion was initiated across the group, with digital energy poured unreservedly into their partners.

“Help us!”
Zhao Jie didn’t order an attack. He looked toward Treantmon.
Their own mature-level Digimon’s control skills were useless against Dark Wukongmon—ineffective for what he needed.
Only Treantmon, now collapsed and unmoving, had the power to restrain it.
All they needed was a single chance—a brief moment to control Dark Wukongmon!

Step, step.

Dark Wukongmon drew ever closer, from four hundred meters, three hundred, down to two hundred.

“Isn’t it time yet?”
Someone couldn’t help but glance back at Zhao Jie. At this distance, if Dark Wukongmon suddenly charged, it could reach them in an instant.

Step! Step!

Dark Wukongmon continued its advance, its face now clearly visible to all.
Its pitch-black eyes brimmed with a desire for destruction, and meeting that gaze sent a chill through every soul.

“Swish!”

They couldn’t wait any longer!
Treantmon, whom Zhao Jie had pinned his hopes on, did not act; perhaps its injuries had rendered it unable to fight.
Now, the only hope rested with the control skills of the many mature-level Digimon.

“Ready!”
Zhao Jie’s voice echoed in everyone’s ears. At the same time, the Digimon’s eyes narrowed in determination, preparing to strike.

“Attack!”
Crash!

With Zhao Jie’s command, the flying Digimon circling above unleashed their special moves once more, raining them down upon Dark Wukongmon below.
Simultaneously, cracks opened on the ground and various control skills were directed toward Dark Wukongmon.

Caught off guard, Dark Wukongmon’s body wavered.

This was the opportunity Zhao Jie and the others had been waiting for—imperfect, but their only chance.

“Fox Fire!”
“Flaming Cross Slash!”
“Mega Impact!”
“Hunting Cannon!”
“…!”

A myriad of ultimate moves erupted at once, all targeting the black collar on Dark Wukongmon’s neck.

Boom, boom, boom…

Explosions resounded. Everyone’s gaze locked onto the epicenter of the blasts, waiting with bated breath for the outcome they so desperately hoped for.

“Roar!”

A furious scream echoed as Dark Wukongmon emerged from the smoke, striding forward step by step. Its pace seemed slow, but in moments it stood before them.

The savage aura radiating from Dark Wukongmon sent shivers through the group, and all eyes were drawn to the black collar on its neck.

The collar was riddled with cracks, seemingly on the verge of shattering.

The tactic had worked, but the result fell short.
They had still failed.

“Go!”
A few Digimon without ranged attacks leaped forward, striking at Dark Wukongmon’s neck.
Victory was within reach—if only they could break the black collar, hope would remain!

Bang!

The mature-level Digimon, leaping at Dark Wukongmon, were like ants charging a mountain. One casual swing from Dark Wukongmon sent them flying.

“Ugh.”

Linked by fate, their Digimon tamers spat blood and collapsed to the ground, some falling straight into unconsciousness.

Bang, bang…

Dark Wukongmon sensed the danger and began protecting the collar around its neck.

Seeing this, the Digimon tamers glimpsed the dawn of victory.

That collar must be crucial—otherwise, Dark Wukongmon wouldn’t protect it!

“We can already see victory. No matter what, that collar must be destroyed!”

Someone gritted their teeth and ordered their Digimon to attack.

Swish! Swish!

One figure after another surged forward, launching attacks at Dark Wukongmon, but precious few managed to land a hit on the collar.

Soon, most of the Digimon tamers could no longer stand, and their Digimon had regressed to the rookie stage, unable to fight further.

“Ho ho!”

Dark Wukongmon stepped forward, a sneer curling at the edge of its lips.

Not a single worthy opponent remained!

“Agumon—Digivolve!”

Roar, roar, roar… (BGM)

Greymon appeared once more before Zhao Jie, eyes grave as they stared at Dark Wukongmon, now just a breath away.

“Ho ho!”

Dark Wukongmon clasped its stomach in mockery, jeering at Greymon.

It did not believe this Greymon could pose any threat.

“Digimon Fusion!”

Zhao Jie’s remaining digital energy flooded into Greymon, even as his overuse of fusion sent stabbing pains through his mind, as though needles pierced his nerves.

Great Horn Charge!

With their minds linked, Greymon charged forward, undeterred.

Smack!

Dark Wukongmon stood unmoving, its jet-black eyes filled with amusement. With its only remaining arm, it effortlessly pressed Greymon’s head down.

Then, grabbing one of Greymon’s horns, it lifted him up and slammed him fiercely into the ground.

The tremendous force gouged a massive pit into the earth.

“Roar!”

Greymon howled in agony.

“Ah.”

Zhao Jie let out a low, involuntary cry, his body curling in pain.

Bang!

Dark Wukongmon, as if it had found a new toy, swung Greymon by the horn, smashing him repeatedly into the ground.

“Ho ho!”

Soon, two deep pits were carved into the earth on either side.

Releasing the barely conscious Greymon, Dark Wukongmon turned its gaze toward the exit of the secret realm.

There, something even more enticing awaited it.