After a bit of travel, Satoshi and Gabumon found themselves at the designated meeting point. An open, sunken space in the ruins of Old Terminus. Whoever this old master was, they’d be found here.
“Be on your guard, Gabumon,” Satoshi warned.
“As much as this meeting could be good for us, we might also expect a bit of danger.”
“Naturally,” Gabumon scoffed.
“There’s never a dull moment in the Digital World.”Just then, a voice from the shadows rang out. “That’s very good. Exercising caution is an admirable trait in a warrior.” Before Satoshi or Gabumon could react in surprise or shock, a figure stepped out from the darkness.
“You must be our contact,” Satoshi surmised.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet us.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Warrior of Rationality,” said the figure. “I am Leomon, one of the Weapon Masters of Old Terminus. I understand you have questions regarding the power hidden within Digimentals, is that correct?”
“Yes,” Satoshi answered.
“In my research on the topic, I’ve discovered that while some users occasionally find multiple Digimentals to reach other forms, there are those who can draw more power out of a single one and find an even higher power, but all of my findings were inconclusive. Do you know anything about this?”
Leomon thought to himself for a moment. “Yes, I suppose I could assist in this matter, but before we go any further I need to know your resolve. What is your reason for seeking this extra power? At a glance I can tell that you and your partner are capable of much greater power than what a simple Digimental will give you.”
"For one, I don't think Gabumon would let me rest unless every option for 'cool shit' was available to him," Satoshi said, half-joking. The nod from Gabumon behind him, however, indicated that this was not a joke to the Digimon.
"Also, there are situations where Digivolving through normal means is impossible, especially when things like Black Digicite are nearby. Digimentals provide a sort of back door through the Digivolving process, sacrificing a bit of the power of pure Digivollution for the convenience of always being able to obtain the form. If there is a way to push it to an even higher level, Gabumon and I would be able to better protect ourselves and those around us."Leomon chuckled. "That must be why the Crest of Rationality chose you. I appreciate the detailed response. I will give you the knowledge you seek, but you must also prove yourself in a short sparring match. Do you accept?"
Gabumon stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.
"No matter who it is, I'll take on anyone!""I'm very glad to hear you say that," Leomon smirked. In an instant, he drew his two blades and whistled. In response, another figure swooped in from the sky, wielding a gigantic totem pole with a pointed edge.
"I am Garudamon, Weapon Master of Old Terminus! Prove you are worthy of the power you seek by facing us both in a duel!"
While the odds had suddenly shifted out of Satoshi and Gabumon's favor, Leomon turned to the Tamer. "To access further evolution, you must 'overclock' your Digimental. This may take intense concentration, but the reward will be worth it."
Satoshi used his Digivice to summon the Digimental of Rationality and studied it carefully. As someone naturally talented with computers, he was highly knowledgeable on the concept of overclocking, but to do so with an object that relied on his own power was a bit concerning. However, he hadn't gotten this far on caution alone. Now was the time for action!
"Digi-Armor, Overdrive!"The Digimental suddenly became hot to the touch, as if it was about to burn Satoshi if he continued holding onto it. However, he felt no pain. After a short moment, the Digimental disappeared in a flash of light, and Gabumon began to Digivolve.
"Gabumon Super Armor Digivolve to...Beowulfmon!"Standing before Leomon and Garudamon now was a being that rivaled them in size. A gigantic double-bladed greatsword rested on his right shoulder and an entire missile pod adorned his left arm. This Beowulfmon seemed to be a Weapon Master in his own right.
"Excellent!" Leomon praised the duo. "Now, let's see what you can do!"
Before Leomon even finished speaking, Beowulfmon rushed Garudamon, hoping to take out the flying enemy first. With a powerful leap, he brandished his greatsword in the air.
"Pierce the Veil!" The blade began to glow with a brilliant white light as it was brought down onto Garudamon. The bird-like Digimon tried to block the attack with his giant totem pole, but Beowulfmon's greatsword passed directly through it as if the blade was made of pure light. Garudamon crashed down to the ground, but Beowulfmon wasn't finished yet. raising his missile pod, he shot a volley of projectiles at the weaponmaster, taking him out of the fight before it had even begun. As Beowulfmon crashed back down to the ground, he pointed his blade at Leomon.
“I don’t like playing the numbers game,” he said cockily.
“Take me on yourself!”
Leomon smiled. “If that is what you wish, then I will not hold back!” As Garudamon withdrew, having been thoroughly embarrassed by the new Armor Digimon, Leomon gave a mighty roar. A frigid air began to emanate from the Beast Man as he began to Digivolve.
“Leomon Super Digivolve to…Panjyamon!”
Now sporting an arctic coat and a giant axe, Panjyamon wasted no time in taking the fight to Beowulfmon. “Ice Beast-King Fist!” In one fluid motion, Panjyamon coated his mighty fist in a freezing cold energy and levied it at Beowulfmon, who instinctively took a defensive stance with his blade. The attack connected, but Beowulfmon didn’t move. It seemed like the cold air and blunt force of the attack had taken its effect, but Beowulfmon seemed to shrug it off as if it hadn’t even bothered him. Angered, Panjyamon raised his axe and began to bring it down directly onto Beowulfmon’s greatsword. After a few clashes of metal and ice, the blade began to glow once more.
“That was a pretty nasty attack,” Beowulfmon admitted.
“If I hadn’t managed to get into this stance in time, I would be in much bigger trouble.”“Interesting,” Panjyamon mused. “Explain.”
“I’ll leave that for after I finish you,” Beowulfmon bragged.
“Licht Spiegel!” The battle was decided as Beowulfmon swung out with his blade, using the energy from the flurry of Panjyamon’s attacks to his advantage, returning the attacks twofold with one strike. Unable to withstand so much damage in so short of a time, Panjyamon collapsed to a knee and reverted to his regular Leomon form.
“Incredible,” Leomon gasped. “This power seems to suit you quite well.”
“I’ll say,” Satoshi agreed.
“Beowulfmon’s ability to power through attacks like they didn’t phase him is quite extraordinary. He still took the damage from the Ice Beast-King Fist, which froze him for a bit, but was able to instinctually get into the stance he needed for Licht Spiegel, letting him absorb all the damage from your axe and return it straight to you.”“Exactly right, Satoshi,” Beowulfmon nodded.
“Good analysis.” As the combat had finished, Beowulfmon reverted back into Gabumon, who flexed on the group. No matter how much he grew and changed, he’d always still be the same Gabumon. Satoshi chuckled to himself.
“Thank you for helping us learn this new power, Leomon,” Satoshi said, bowing to the weaponmaster.
“It is good and just to make ready powerful warriors to one day bring balance to the Digital and Human Worlds,” Leomon explained. “Your thanks are appreciated, but unnecessary. Instead, I should be thanking you for the excellent duel.” He sheathed his blades and bowed back at the duo. “Feel free to come back whenever you feel you need more training.”
With the exchange complete, Satoshi and Gabumon returned to the Human World, ready to resume their lives in Shibuya after a long absence.
(Final World Count: 1642)
(OOC: Sorry for the year and a half in-between)
