Level nine: the EXP stage
"Well, I have to admit, I'm impressed. To think that the Digital World had so much power and never realized it…maybe it should stay that way…" murmured Night.
"Wow. What is this stage?!" exclaimed Impmon.
"Would you really like to know? Cause this is the one stage Night did not design!" laughed PhantomLoki.
"What the hell is this level?!"
"It's what I like to call the EXP level. I made it myself."
"EXP?! What is that?!" exclaimed Daisuke.
"EXP is short for experience points. Meaning this stage was created solely for the purpose of honing our skills and leveling up your character," explained Wizardmon.
"We have a winner! Wizardmon is correct. That's why I call it the EXP stage. It's probably the only stage Night can't control directly."
"How come?" asked Renamon.
"Because he didn't design this, he can't interfere unless he shows up in person, which would put him at a disadvantage. Besides, this is only accessible with the "Wiz Pet" cheat code."
"Nice trick. That means that not just anyone can get to it!" said Terriermon.
"But there is one problem with the code…"
"What?" asked Gatomon.
"Any special abilities that we've gained through the cheat code can't be used for an hour or so. I think it's some sort of shock problem. Normally, players go from Level 8 to Level 10 without entering here. But since we came here instead, we get certain powers. To bad I can't remember what they were…"
"That's good for you. If you did remember, then I'd have to take you out and make you the sub-boss. I don't like unfair advantages unless the other has a fighting chance. Then it's a free-for-all! Enjoy!!"
"What the…?!!"
"I only said that he couldn't influence it, I never said he couldn't communicate with us directly," said PhantomLoki.
"When do we get started?" asked Daisuke.
"Right…about…now!"
After a long and hard fight, both teams had leveled up considerably. It was time to face Night and end the game. Luckily, Night decided to help them out one last time before he finally went into character. He told them the locations of all safe spots in the level which restore HP.
Little did either team know that the Boss wasn't Night at all. He had been directing them with approval from his other ego, Shadow. His father was shocked at the fact that he would be fighting against himself! And it didn't help that he had one life left on his PC either.
Daisuke, do you mind if I take over from here?
Sure, go for it. This is your battle not mine. Just try not to get me killed…
"I'm ready to kick his ass whenever you are, MurderousShadow!" yelled Dark.
"Well, well. It seems we have some uninvited guests. Get rid of them, Night!"
"Oh shut up already, you damn wind-bag!"
"I AM THE BOSS! YOU CAN'T SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY, WORM!!!"
"I've had it up to here with you. Time to show you who really controls this world!"
"WHAT?!"
"You've forgotten one important detail, Shadow—Boss. I put your data in, and I can rearrange it as I please. So in truth, I'm the real Boss."
"Just out of curiosity, who exactly do we have to beat in this stage?!" griped Impmon.
"I'm originally a Player Character like you, so you can't attack me. Your opponent is the Shadow—Boss. Beat him and you win the game!"
Night didn't bother to tell them the catch about defeating the Boss puppet. They would find out soon enough.
"LEVEL…BEGIN!!"
The battle against the Shadow—Boss raged for untold hours. Night was doing his part by controlling Shadow—Boss's attacks. So in truth, he was more like a Dungeon Master in the D and D game. (If you don't know what D and D is, then you're not even a real gamer!)
Next up, the final chapter of the "DigiWorld" arc! Who will win and will Argentine finally be free from the seal?