File Island, originally a peaceful place, had become increasingly chaotic over the past half-month.
Even Baby-level Digimon could clearly sense the rising tension, let alone the Rookies and especially Champions, who were currently the backbone of the island. Anxiety gripped them all.
Aside from those willingly licking Devimon's boots, most Champions who still had some self-respect refused to serve obediently…
But unfortunately, this wasn't a matter of personal choice. Devimon would simply show up, beat them into submission, and embed them with a Black Gear—mind-control, corruption, and subjugation, all in one smooth operation.
So, the Champions started to organize resistance, though so far their results had been limited. As for Baby-level Digimon, their situation naturally became even more dangerous amidst the chaos.
Earlier, Leomon had advised Tsunomon that in times of danger, it could seek shelter from Andromon at the Unmanned Mechanical Factory. But there was a catch:
Currently, File Island had become extremely perilous. A bunch of weak Baby-level Digimon would probably get wiped out by random AoE attacks before they even stepped out the door, respawning back at the Village of Beginnings before they realized it.
Even if they knew where to find help, they simply didn't have the strength to reach it.
So Hajime's idea…was since their group was headed there anyway, why not lend a hand and escort these weaker Digimon to the Unmanned Mechanical Factory along the way?
Naturally, bringing along a group of Baby-level Digimon meant added risks—they couldn't fight, after all, and would require protection. Zero thought seriously about this for a few minutes, then finally smiled warmly and answered:
"Sure, Hajime-chan. If that's your wish, then of course~"
Rina immediately leaned in with a bright smile. "Mm-mm, Hajime-chan really is so gentle and kind~! We definitely can't just leave these little ones on their own."
According to Tsunomon, the trip from here to the Mechanical Factory would take only three to five days at most. Even if escorting these babies slowed them down slightly, it wouldn't pose a huge problem.
Furthermore, at present, unless they encountered three or more Champion-level Digimon at once, Zero felt confident he could handle any threats along the way.
Lastly, Zero had a vague intuition—perhaps the reason Hajime hadn't yet evolved despite absorbing plenty of data was related precisely to this sort of event.
Hajime was Zero's most crucial companion for future plans, so of course, he had to take care of her carefully. And one more crucial point…
…Zero clearly understood Rina wouldn't abandon these babies, either. Since she was his human partner, as her Digimon companion, he naturally needed to respect her wishes.
Taking all these factors into account, the decision was obvious.
"How about this—we'll escort you to the Unmanned Mechanical Factory, and ask the guardian there to shelter you. Does that sound good?"
Zero asked the Baby Digimon directly, immediately receiving enthusiastic replies. Just as he suspected, they'd already realized the dangerous situation but had no way to reach safety. With Zero and his companions willing to help, they naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Alright then, let's get moving…"
According to Tsunomon, the journey to the Mechanical Factory was a three-to-five-day trek. Naturally, with a group of Baby Digimon in tow, their pace slowed somewhat.
Still, these little guys were obedient, quietly following the team without complaint. Whenever a battle erupted, they sensibly stepped aside without interfering.
Thus, their trip proceeded relatively smoothly. The only minor issue was that due to these newcomers, Rina now had many more options for her nightly pillow, causing Zero to experience an unexpected moment of losing his favored position…
…Wait, isn't that a good thing? Why am I feeling disappointed instead?!
Meanwhile, oblivious to Zero's complicated feelings, Rina cheerfully began reviewing her experiences with the different Digimon pillows she'd tried over the past few days:
"Hmm, Tsunomon is fluffy and warm to hug; Motimon feels slick and cool, perfect for hot nights; Tanemon has a gentle grass fragrance that really helps me sleep well. Oh, and Tokomon…"
With a bright smile, Rina happily summed up her "usage experience," chatting and laughing energetically with the little Digimon around her…
…This cheerful atmosphere was completely different from what Zero had envisioned. In his imagination, he was supposed to be a determined warrior, fighting for survival in a ruthless world, seeking evolution alongside trustworthy allies. The atmosphere should've been filled with burning passion and hardships. Yet, how had it somehow turned into this cheerful kindergarten picnic?!
Nearby, Rina—completely carefree—continued her casual pillow review: "So, after all's said and done, Zero-kun's still the best pillow match for me~ You're truly my favorite, Zero-kun~"
"Huh?"
Zero, momentarily distracted, didn't clearly hear Rina's words, only vaguely catching his name.
"What was that, Rina?"
"Oh, nothing at all~!" Rina quickly brushed it off with a playful smile, about to change topics when suddenly, her eyes lit up as she looked into the distance.
"Zero-kun, Hajime-chan, everyone… Is that over there…"
Following her gaze, Zero felt instantly energized.
Far off at the edge of their vision was a vast complex filled with towering chimneys and factories. No signs of life, only the mechanical hum of machines steadily operating. Everything matched perfectly what they'd been seeking…
…The Unmanned Mechanical Factory!
After almost a week of journeying, they'd finally arrived at their destination. Zero let out a small sigh of relief.
At least we've made it…
…Yet during this past half-month, Devimon's army had already conquered nearly one-third of File Island!
No one knew how many Digimon had been enslaved, forcibly becoming Devimon's pawns, or how many had been mercilessly killed while resisting.
Although Devimon's name had always been notorious on File Island, now his tactics had grown far more ruthless and aggressive—his attitude clearly one of "submit or die."
Under these circumstances, Zero had felt immense pressure. His greatest fear had been Devimon suddenly descending from the sky mid-journey. Thankfully, that hadn't happened, and they'd finally arrived safely at the Mechanical Factory. He could finally ease his mind a bit.
However, just as Zero planned to quickly enter the factory to seek out Andromon, the guardian, an alarm suddenly blared loudly the instant they stepped into the factory grounds.
"?!"
Zero felt his heart leap into his throat, instantly recalling a particular storyline…
"…Oh, hell, don't tell me our luck's really that bad?!"
Barely finishing his words, he saw nearly twenty Rookie-level Hagurumon emerging rapidly from within the factory.
Noticing their blood-red eyes, Zero immediately confirmed his suspicion…
"…Dammit! Rina, get ready to fight—looks like something's happened inside!"
Rina, seeing this scene, instantly understood the situation. She hurriedly called out to the Baby Digimon, signaling them to retreat while simultaneously drawing out her Digivice.
"[DIGISOUL, CHARGE]!"
In the next instant, from within the previously silent Mechanical Factory, where only the rhythmic hum of machines could be heard, erupted a thunderous roar that echoed to the heavens…