Starting from a Koromon! [62]

Zero’s plan was clear: if he was heading off to Server Continent to blaze new trails, he’d better leave behind a secure fallback.

This journey would be filled with countless dangers, and he wasn’t even sure whether he’d succeed. Naturally, it was wise to consider a scenario where he failed—at least then, he’d have a base to retreat to and rebuild.

After all, these days, rather than the heroic spirit of “If I don’t make it big, I won’t return!”, it was usually more along the lines of “If I fail, I won’t even be able to return.”

Aside from needing a reliable rear base, the successful operation of this Unmanned Mechanical Factory itself was also critical in helping Zero unlock a trustworthy path toward Mega-level evolution—so he had every reason to build it up properly.

The form of MetalGreymon alone was enough to surprise Andromon, but the greater surprise still lay ahead…

“And next…this!”

METALGREYMON… SLIDE DIGIVOLUTION!

When the figure of RizeGreymon appeared, Andromon no longer held even the slightest shred of doubt.

The one who defeated Devimon, who completed two Ultimate-level evolutions within mere months, who awakened the power of the human’s Crest, and who now even carried the lost Light of Evolution within himself—

Once might be a coincidence; twice, perhaps luck…

…But exhibiting such power repeatedly, clearly surpassing all logic, was more than sufficient proof: the Zero standing before him was very likely the legendary hero foretold to save the Digital World from crisis!

…Although the numbers seemed off again. Counting the Baby Digimon Zero had brought with him, perhaps it did match the legend.

Speaking of those Baby Digimon, they were strange too. They’d stayed under Andromon’s care at the Mechanical Factory, so logically their evolutions should have leaned toward mechanized forms—but all of them evolved into entirely non-mechanical forms.

Moreover, they evolved far quicker than normal Baby Digimon. Andromon had tried analyzing their data, only to discover that their DigiCores had all undergone special calibration—and apparently, this calibration had started when they were still Digi-Eggs. The actual contents were encrypted so thoroughly that even the Metal Empire’s Ultimate-level computational abilities couldn’t decode it.

…Truly deserving of the legendary hero—every follower casually picked up along the way was extraordinary.

Andromon realized these little ones might also bear special missions, ones they themselves weren’t yet aware of.

If that was the case, then quietly watching over their safety here while awaiting the hero’s growth was surely the best choice. After all, Andromon’s core programming was simply “to protect.”

If Zero truly was the prophesied hero, offering him whatever assistance possible was certainly within his duty.

And so, over the next two days, Zero recorded his own data into the Factory’s storage modules. With data from MetalGreymon and RizeGreymon entered, the Factory’s modification modules instantly unlocked.

Unfortunately, however, one crucial element was still missing…

…Materials!

Yes, materials!

Data and blueprints alone weren’t enough. Without Digizoid alloy as raw material, the modification system couldn’t officially begin operations.

“I regret to inform you…”

Andromon rapidly tapped the control panel. Lines of data flickered across the screen, and he shook his head in resignation.

“…The modification module has been unlocked. RizeGreymon’s data is still somewhat incomplete, but MetalGreymon’s has been fully analyzed.”

In other words, if enough materials were gathered now, Zero could immediately undergo modification, becoming the subsequent Mega-level evolution after MetalGreymon.

But the shortage of necessary materials presented a massive problem.

“After the Empire completed Machinedramon’s design, we developed an advanced metal alloy technology called ‘Red Digizoid,’ greatly surpassing ordinary Digizoid alloy…”

The finalized product confirmed was “Red Digizoid”—a mythical metal vastly superior to normal Digizoid!

Originally, the Empire had planned to extensively remodel Machinedramon, upgrading its body components entirely with Red Digizoid, but the plan fell apart halfway through due to an incident.

Setting aside that complicated story for now, what mattered was…Red Digizoid could also theoretically be applied to MetalGreymon’s evolution line.

Unfortunately, they hadn’t yet gotten around to practical tests, meaning all current knowledge was merely theoretical speculation on paper.

But one thing was certain: the completed form would possess power comparable to Machinedramon, undeniably qualifying it as a formidable Mega-level Digimon!

Additionally, data on Machinedramon itself had also been preserved. In other words, if Zero could secure these materials, he’d simultaneously unlock at least two Mega-level evolution paths…

“Red Digizoid alloy…”

Zero quietly repeated the phrase, quickly organizing his thoughts.

“…I get it now. As long as I secure the Red Digizoid, you’ll be able to perform the modification, right?”

Andromon gave a firm nod. After all, this was research the Metal Empire had failed to complete. If he could fulfill it now, it would finally satisfy his lingering regret.

Whether publicly or privately, he was more than willing to cooperate fully.

“Alright. I’ll collect Digizoid ore materials on Server Continent. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Currently, File Island’s limited reserves of Digizoid ore had already been excavated clean by Devimon and turned into the two equipment items Zero had subsequently hijacked.

Now, to acquire more raw Digizoid, he had no choice but to try his luck on Server Continent.

Zero silently added a few more points to his action plan, which further clarified his objectives for this trip:

“Gather Digizoid alloy, collect the Crests, and raid Myotismon’s castle…”

These three tasks were his main objectives, theoretically achievable simultaneously. Before that, he’d first head toward Server Continent, conveniently retrieving the Tags along the way.

“It looks like it’ll be a tough journey…”

Zero smiled calmly. “Yeah, it’ll probably be extremely difficult—but I’ll definitely succeed…”

To reunite with Rina and Hajime once more, Zero had complete faith he could overcome any obstacles ahead.

“Then, please convey my greetings to Monzaemon-san at Toy Town. I probably won’t be returning here for a long time.”

With these words, Zero finalized his preparations for departure to Server Continent.

“Understood. Safe travels, my friend.”

“Haha, I’ll accept your good wishes~”

Zero waved a claw goodbye, then began heading toward the agreed-upon location. Because his brief half-day in the Real World had caused two months to pass in the Digital World, Gennai had already arranged his passage to Server Continent.

When Zero arrived on a pure white beach, a vast, tranquil expanse of blue stretched before him. Suddenly, the calm ocean surface churned violently, a vortex rising swiftly. A towering pillar of water shot skyward, and from the ocean depths, an enormous Digimon slowly emerged…

—

T/N: metalgreymon

This is a fan translation of从滚球兽开始 by 魔王丘比. Rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!