Here goes! Next chapter!

Thanks to LightRiver33 for the edits!

Also, I'm sad but happy that Muse era is ended. I mean, i feel like it's a lot more meaningful that way than having it prolonged until it becomes an awkward anime with dense character presentation...or just trashy story plots. Let's all just hope that the next LL generation (Aquors) is as good as Muse!

City of Memories—Digital world;

It's been few hours since everyone had been stuck in the Digital World. Some people did not seem to care too much about it while others were still complaining about it. Honoka, Kotori, and Umi decided to go to the terminal again to check out the most recent information.

"I wonder if we can log out now?" Umi asked

Honoka and Kotori shrugged But, just before they were able to say they don't know either, they heard a customer complaining out loud.

"What do you mean no one can log-out right now!?"

"The system is experiencing a serious problem. We cannot risk opening a portal for now…" the staff said.

"But what about my school?! I have school tomorrow! I can't stay here! Plus, my family will probably be worried if I don't return home today!"

"Your worry may not be necessary. The real world is also currently experiencing a massive problem. A lot of people have fallen victim to this strange phenomenon. We're only opening a one way portal from the real world to the Digital world…"

"W-what did you say?!"

"The Digital world is accepting refugees from the real world right now…" the staff continued.

"No-no, I mean, what's the problem?!"

"The Real World is experiencing a glitch and many copied objects and began falling from the sky. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but many are injured. That's why, before the problem gets any more serious, we're calling all inhabitants in Real World to take shelter in the Digital World…"

"W-Whaaat?!" many customers exclaimed in their surprise.

"Right now, our design and engineering teams are developing a housing system and we will be able to launch it as soon as it finished. Housing registration can be done by players to shelter their family while non-player refugees will be gathered in the Lodging House. Also, as a reminder, the basic housing services will be free."

"W-wait-wait, this is ridiculous! We're all going to move to the Digital World temporarily? We can't live here! We need real food at the very least!"

"Worry not. After today's maintenance, all humans will have part of themselves digitized. It's a safe practice and the best course of action in this circumstance. That means humans will be able to eat Digital food to fulfill their hunger, use the digital toilet to relieve their bladders, and sleep in their digital homes to replenish their energy…"

"Hey, haven't the officials read history books?! Ever heard of the Oinkmon?! Do you think we want to let you people do that to us?!" one of the angry customers said.

"Please do not worry. As we have said, humans will just be partially digitized and they will all be protected by our program. Such an incident will never happen again. We will also back up all data and make sure they're safely stored in our drive."

The crowd did not seem to be convinced but some began to head out of the terminal.

"So...that means we still can't log out…?" Umi asked with a worried face.

"Looks like it. Should we go back to the lobby and pick up our Digimon again?" Honoka asked.

"It's fine, we shouldn't bother their rest. They've been doing great in their practice today…" Umi replied.

"Aren't you worried about your family? I'm a little worried right now…" she continued.

"My mother own a Mega Digimon, so I'm not worried. hehe…" Kotori said.

"Y-Your mother does?" Umi raises her eyebrows.

"Yep. Like what I've told you, a lot of people play this game, including adults!"

"W-wow…what Digimon does she own?" Honoka asked.

"Valdurmon! A giant bird! Hehe… he has six wings and he shines so bright!"

"W-wah…It sounds amazing!" Honoka said.

"He often appear in his champion form though—and he is very adorable!"

"What is his champion form…?" Umi asked.

"Kokatorimon!"

"Koka…torimon? A chicken?"

"Yup! A Cock that looks like a peacock!"

"Oh…."

"Is your mother an S-Ranked player?" Honoka asked.

"Nope, she is stuck in Mega Rank. She said the tournament to get an S-Rank is ridiculously hard and only a very strong tamer can pass through it…"

"I…I see…."

Suddenly, a call came through Kotori's Digivice.

"Oh—my mother is calling…" she said as she accepted the call.

"Speak of the devil…" Umi said.

"Hello…Kotori-chan? Are you in the Digital World right now?" Kotori's mother asked.

"Yep, we can't log out…" Kotori replied.

"Good, don't log out. Something wrong is happening in the real world right now…"

"We've heard, but how is it exactly?" Kotori asked.

"It's hard to explain, but… not only are objects copied but people too! A lot of Digimon are also falling from the Sky. The worst part is that they're wild Digimons so there's no chance of being communicated with…"

"S-Sounds bad, is everyone ok there?"

"I have a few students that need to be escorted to the Digital world. You should be glad you've been there…"

"What about the other teachers?"

"Some teachers are Digimon Tamers too. They're now working checking on the other students. It's too bad that we can't get any help right now from anyone who has been inside the Digital world, but I suppose we're also pretty lucky because Ayase, Toujou and Yazawa are helping. They just logged out before the announcement to get shelter in Digital World was made…"

"Is that so? That sounds helpful! Is there anything we can do from here?"

"Yes, can you all wait in the underground terminal? Apparently, that's the only safe terminal to use right now. Refugees will be coming in from there so I want you all to comfort them somehow or at least check up on them. Any volunteers will be very helpful right now since the officials can't freely send people from the Real world to the Digital world at the moment."

"Understood!"

"I'll be staying in the real world to help out too—most of the strong tamers will. I'll send Ayase, Toujou, and Yazawa to take care of you all since they might be an asset and I think they will be much more useful with you all."

"E-eh? Them?" Kotori raises her eyebrow. She wonders if thing will be fine for them.

"Yazawa's mother came up to me too. She said she is going to stay here and help out so Yazawa also has to bring her siblings along with her. It will be meddlesome but they appear to have a special housing reservation in Digital World. You can live there with them if you like…but I suggest not."

"Yep, we wouldn't want to bother them…" Kotori replied.

"And Ayase has a little sister who appears to own a mega Digimon as well and he is also a type that registered as member of the Royal Knight, Sleipmon. You just wouldn't believe how strong he is. They protected many families from the wild Digimon, including Kousaka's and Sonoda's family—they are your friends, right?"

"Y-yes… but…wow…a Sleipmon?" Kotori said.

"Yes, also, about Kousaka… did she know that her sister also owns a mega Digimon that was registered as a Royal Knight?"

"E-eh? Yukiho?" Kotori asked to confirm.

"What about Yukiho?" Honoka asked.

"Yes, that girl. She has… Ulforce-Veedramon. Surprising, isn't it…?" Kotori's mother said.

"W-whaat?! The quickest Digimon?!" Kotori said.

"Apparently, they've been playing together—and Ayase is the one who supervises their training. I confirmed it. That's why I'm hoping that sending Ayase will help you all raise your Digimons…"

"I…I see… so I guess we need to look for her too?"

"Yep. As for Toujou, she can actually stay here and help but she doesn't want to leave Ayase's side…" Kotori's mother giggled after she said it.

"…love birds. Hard to keep them apart…but now, please remember that you all still need to discuss how you will deal with each other, ok? I know Ayase isn't that easy to hang out with, and Toujou isn't that helpful. Then there's Yazawa who is quite…antique…" she continued.

"Ehehe…ok! So our task will be to help around and discuss how we should deal with each other until we have to meet them?" Kotori asked to confirm.

"Exactly, Kotori-chan. Now good luck with that, ok?"

Meanwhile in the terminal—Digital World;

"We can't log out… it seems that there's an internal problem with the portal…" Maki said to Rin and Hanayo.

"Should we pick up our Digimon and wait until we can open them?" Hanayo suggested.

"It might be best if we let them rest. Maybe we can spend our time browsing instead?" Maki asked.

"Right—nya! I wanted to look around and buy Gaomon something-nya!" Rin said.

"Heh—right, I should buy Lunamon something too for her hard work today and also because she has been obedient…" Maki said.

"Hmm..I certainly have an idea what I want to get for Lalamon…" Hanayo said.

"….but I wasn't really sure of it…" she continued.

"What did you plan on getting?" Maki asked.

"I'm thinking of decorating her room with natural elements. The default one seems dull…" Hanayo said.

"Ah, Room interior, huh? I think my mother sells them but most of her stuff are related to city life…" Maki said.

"Your mother? That means…she play Digimon Online too?"

"Well—I told her about Lunamon yesterday…. Then she got so hyped up and started telling me about her own Digimon. Apparently, she own a Mega Digimon who owns a bike! Pretty cool I would say… and it kind of makes me jealous." Maki said.

"Uh…? What?" Hanayo and Rin wondered.

"The name is Belzeemon and he is registered as a member of 7 Demon Lords…" Maki continued.

"Belzeemon?!" Hanayo and Rin were surprised.

"Yeah…and he is pretty bratty, I have to say, but also gentle at the same time. It's so annoying that I can't really be mad at him or hate him personally. Belzeemon and my mother are so close with each other and he always offers anything he can do for my mother but also messes with everyone around him…"

"Can you explain more?"

"Heh—sure. Whenever my mother returns from work, she always spends at least three hours with him in the Digital World. My dad, who also own a Mega Digimon called Duftmon or Leopardmon, always head off first. So Belzeemon is there to impress my mother by offering her a ride on his bike. My mother is impressed of course. Then my mother basically just needs to tell him where she wants to go and he will drive her everywhere."

"So…what did he do wrong-nya…?" Rin asked.

"The idea of trying to impress a married woman is wrong…" Maki continued.

"Hehe…I think there's nothing wrong with that though. I mean, he wanted to be sweet?" Hanayo said.

"That's true…but again, I just don't like him that much…" Maki said.

"Is there another example-nya?" Rin asked.

"Alright… there's also shopping. My mother was so proud of this but I just don't feel it was right. My mother was asking a seller about his prices and the seller was pretty rude so Belzeemon threatened the seller and made them apologize to my mother ten times and drop the price for her."

"T-That also sounds pretty sweet of him?" Hanayo said.

"Heh…really? I'd rather just find another seller instead of being an ass to one specific seller. I mean, they wanted to earn a profit, not get harassed by high ranked Digimon like him…"

"Hmm…so your mother likes BadBoys-nya!" Rin said.

"R-Rin! That's a little disturbing!" Maki said.

"Is your father a bad boy too-nya?" Rin asked.

"Huh? I don't know. Maybe he is. But in all honesty, I always know that my dad is quiet while my mother is the one who often goes everywhere and is noisy."

"Oh…." Rin and Hanayo responded.

"She is troublesome at times but I guess it's not bad at all…" Maki replied.

"What about your family though? Is there anyone else in your families who own Digimons?" Maki asked.

"Hehe, my mom and dad are the ones who recommend me to play this game-nya! Dad owns a Justimon and mom has her Tiger-Vespamon" Rin said.

"I've never seen their form. Maybe I should head to the Digi-Encyclopedia again…" Maki said.

"Hehe, those two Digimon are active. It seems that your family likes Active Digimon…" Hanayo said.

"What about Kayo-chin? I heard your mother and father also played?"

"Hehe, my mother own a Mega Digimon called Queen Chessmon, then my dad—he was so close of getting King Chessmon line, but then he decided to have a Seraphimon instead. He said he prefers to have a very supportive and gentle Digimon…"

"Queen-Chessmon? Isn't that Digimon arrogant? I was considering that one Mega when I was asked about what kind of mega digimon I want, then someone told me about Queen Chessmon that his friend owns…"

"Hehe, for some reason though, my mother's Queen-Chessmon is rather gentle and easily panics… that's why Seraphimon is there to help her when she needs it…"

"Sounds like someone-nya!" Rin said,

"Really? Hehe…" Hanayo replied.

"Yup!"

"Heh—now that you said it, do Digimon copy our personalities or something…?" Maki asked.

"I'm not sure-nya!" Rin replied.

"Still, isn't it amazing for them to develop a personality to begin with? Or…the way they have different personalities even though they're the same?" Maki asked.

"I always thought that they are an AI or something…" Hanayo replied.

"An Artificial Intelligence? That's probably it… With the idea of us being partially digitalized, maybe they're just copying our data to our Digimon's data…"

"I believe they're not AI though… it feels like there's something else to them…" Hanayo said.

"Huh? Right... you thought they're AI…"

"When I found out about my parents' Digimon, I just began to believe that they've been through a lot more in order to raise them...it motivated me to play some more and see how I'll do…" Hanayo said.

"Still, what makes you think that they're more than AI?" Maki asked.

"Interaction…and the ability to grow up and learn from experience…just like Lunamon!"

"Ah—you're right…even though they just feel somewhat alike to me, it just feels too dynamic for them to be able to react like that…" Maki said.

Suddenly, in the middle of their conversation, an announcement signal is made.

"Attention, players. This is the official speaking…" a female voice said.

"Eh, official announcement, I wonder what it is about." Hanayo said.

"You all probably know by now that the terminal cannot be used and none of the players are able to log out at this time. The real world is also experiencing danger from an unexpected glitch in the Digital Shift System. We have begun accepting refugees from the Real World; therefore, all players are expected to find their families and register themselves for Housing. There will be five booths that will be built in the city as soon as maintenance is finished. Please register only one family at time as since the space is limited and there might be refugees who will not be able to get a spot."

"W-what?! So that was why we can't Log out?!" Hanayo started to panic.

"C-calm down, Hanayo, we should all try to contact our family first…" Maki said.

"R-Right-nya! We should!" Rin replied.

The three quickly pick up their cellphones to call their relatives…"

The Special Portal to Digital World—Real World;

"….and…all set. It's time for us to go…" A specific blonde said as she finished packing up her belongings.

"Onee-chan, when do you think you will return?" A younger blonde asked.

"I don't know. We cannot travel back here until they fix these issues…" the older one replied.

The younger one seems saddened but the older one remained cold and oblivious, though her Digimon is concerned enough to try to cheer the young girl up.

"W-we can still chat with you, Alisa…." Renamon, who has been following around, said.

"Hehe—right, Renamon. I'll be staying here to make sure the world will not get that messy…" Alisa replied.

"Alisa… it's time for us to gather in the City's cross-roads…" a huge red armored Centaur with horse-like head and a crossbow on his arm said.

"Ok, Odin! Can you meet Yukiho first though?" Alisa—the younger blonde replied.

"Ah—right, I'll have to check on her first as well…" The huge Centaur Digimon left quickly.

For some reason, Renamon felt envious of how he was called with a nickname. She wished she has one right now but, putting that matter aside, she isn't even that close with her tamer yet. she knows well enough that they have to be a little more intimate to be able to earn a nickname somehow.

"Onee-chan, Nozomi-nee-chan is going with you, right?"

"Yes, she is…" Eli replied.

"Take care of her, ok? Hehe…"

The older one smiled faintly.

"You don't need to tell me—not even once. I will certainly take care of her…" she said.

"Yup! Hehe…." The younger one replied cheerfully.

Akihabara, UTX School—The Real World;

"T-Tsubasa! Listen carefully!" Erena said loudly as she held into the short brunette who's trying to get herself out of their discussion room.

"You can't tell me what to do! Get your hands off me! I have to go make sure that Honoka is safe!"

"Tsubasa! You're not even close! Besides, she is probably safe right now! Many peoples are evacuating in to the Digital World—she also has her friends and everyone else around her, she will be fine!" Erena said again as she tried so hard to pull back the short girl.

"I have to say, this time, I'm with you, Erena-chan…" Anjuu said.

Tsubasa chagrined at the statement and could not say anything else. She finally hit the ground before she calmed down completely, despite still being unwilling to accept that both of her closest friends are against her plan.

"We all need to stay here and assist the official in securing the real world…and remember that we can't travel back here if we go there right now." Anjuu continued.

"Trust me, Tsubasa. It's no time for you to be reckless…" Erena added.

"Yes, it's not like we're not worried. As a matter of fact, we are all very worried about them. We can always think that we're not the only strong people around—but if we think that way and the others also think that way, what will happen to the real world? Should we all abandon it and become one with the Digital World?"

Tsubasa finally let out a sigh.

"No…we shouldn't…. I'm sorry…" she replied.

"You can still contact her, you've got her contact in your digivice, right?" Erena said.

Tsubasa remained silent.

"Even though the Digital World closed their portal, we are all still be able to send information. It's not going to be the end for you two. Perhaps it could make things even smoother if you approach her through long distance—and for a reason too." Anjuu said.

"Yeah, you're right…" Tsubasa scratched her head shyly.

"Now, why don't you start with trying contact her? Only if you really want to let your worry off your chest of course…" Anjuu suggested.

Tsubasa nodded, then she started with spawning her digivice screen out and directing it to the private message.

She entered her contact and began to write:

To : Honoka Kousaka

Honoka, are you there?

And it just took a moment for her to receive a reply.

From : Honoka Kousaka

Yup! We're currently staying around the lobby, we can't log out… :(

To : Honoka Kousaka

I wish I can take you out! But…I can't Log In either. We have to stay in the real world to help…

From : Honoka Kousaka

It's ok! I have Umi-chan and Kotori-chan with me! Our seniors are coming to help too!

To : Honoka Kousaka

That's good! But… anyway! Please make sure you are training hard! Maybe this problem is bigger than we thought! Maybe we both have to fight in the world we are in!

From : Honoka Kousaka

I think the only thing I'm worried about is our meal. They said, we're going to be turned into a quarter human–as in, bigger part of our body will turn into cyber body! We will be able to eat digital food and fulfill our needs like that!

To : Honoka Kousaka

I don't really get it. Isn't that just their way to keep people alive there…?

From : Honoka Kousaka

But doesn't that mean we will eat tasteless meals everyday? Do data even have a flavor?

To : Honoka Kousaka

Haha–don't worry! There's a Chef Profession in Digimon Online! You can have High Quality meal if you make it yourself! The taste will be great and I bet your Digimon can confirm that too!

From : Honoka Kousaka

Really? That sounds cool! How do I take this Chef Profession?

And Tsubasa continued chatting while Erena and Anjuu watched in relief at their finally calm leader.

Meanwhile— The Terminal in Digital World;

Honoka, Kotori, and Umi are waiting in the Terminal. While Honoka seems to be busy with her Digivice, Kotori and Umi keep their eyes searching around the area, hoping to spot the arrival of specific people. While they did so, instead of finding the specific trio, the Ash brunette spotted a different trio that she met. She stayed quiet—or at least that was what she did until the Orange Haired girl spots her.

"Ahh! Kotori-senpai-nya!" she said loudly, taking both of her friends attention.

"Rin-chan, Hanayo-chan, and Maki-chan!" Kotori greeted them all as she watched them approach her.

"Hehe! We meet again-nya!" Rin said

"And I assume, you three can't log out as well…"Umi said.

"Yeah-nya! We've not heard much, but many said that we may be required to stay here for the time being-nya!"

"The Real world isn't in a condition where everyone can live in peace. Wild Digimon are appearing and may be causing a mess…." Umi said a little sadly.

"Yeah….we all have tried to contact our parents though they're very well protected….what about you all?" Kotori asked.

"We did-nya! They seem fine and are currently preparing to fight too…"

"Say, do all of your parents play Digimon Online too?" Maki asked.

"Yep. Surprisingly, they all play Digimon Online. Even Umi-chan's parents!" Kotori replied.

"They never told me but my dad apparently owns a Mega Digimon called Zanbamon, and my mother has a Lord Knightmon. I just can't believe it…." Umi said a little shyly.

"Honoka-chan's dad might not have played the game but her mother owns a Dukemon and her sister has an Ulforce Veedramon. Isn't that great?"

"T-those names sound powerful…" Hanayo commented.

"It is! Both are Royal Knights! Hehe… the best thing is that her dad will start raising his Digimon again!" Kotori said.

"Raising his Digimon again? Don't tell me, he abandoned his Digimon?"

"Sort-of! Hehe…he wasn't able to play since he is always busy in the shop, but now that he has another task related to Digimon Online, he will raise him again!"

"I see…." Hanayo replied.

"Now, are you three bored or something? We've been waiting for a group of people to arrive…"

"Waiting for who-nya?" Rin asked.

"Uh…. Nozomi Toujou and friends..."

"Oh! Her… well, we would like to obtain her service again, if possible, but perhaps not today since we all need to let our Digimon rest…" Maki said.

"The three of you used her service?" Kotori asked.

"Yeah, she is very uhm…well… she has ridiculous luck. Her Angewomon is very fast and thick and her Lady Devimon ridiculously fast and good at offense. I wish I could get two Digimon too so that I can train them like that." Maki said.

"Hehe, having a decent-sized Lunamon is enough, Maki-chan!"

"Yeah, I suppose so…" Maki scratched her head.

"hmm..don't you think it's cruel for us to react like that? I mean… we all already own our Digimon, don't you think making that sort of comment will hurt their feelings?" Umi asked.

"Uh…senpai is right… it will feels like we're not glad of their existence…" Hanayo replied.

"Ah….I've never realized… I hope Biyomon isn't taking this to heart…I've always been envious of Nozomi-senpai's luck…." Kotori said.

"Heh, but, to speak the truth, luck doesn't always stick to one person, right? Sometime we're extremely lucky and sometime we are just so unlucky…." Maki sighed.

"Uh….Did something bad happen to you recently?" Kotori asked.

"Maki-chan got scammed-nya!"

"S-Scammed? Who did that?" Umi asked.

"Heh—not sure, I don't think I want to remember it. It caused us some trouble, that's all I can say…" Maki said.

"Hehe, let me help you with that. A while ago we were trying to purchase some supplies for tomorrow, just like what was suggested by Nozomi-senpai. She told us that we could purchase cheaper supplies from the players than from the official. We tried to check from the official first to see the price range, then to the players. It went smoothly until we met a specific player who offered us a set of cards. She said, we will need it in our journey somehow…" Hanayo explained.

"Uh…where's the scam then? Cards are certainly important for the journey…" Kotori said.

"Yeah, but she didn't tell us how to open itor that we can't use it until we own a Digi-card device…"

"U-uh….I guess you've read the instructions, which explains how you know about the Digi-card device. But… if you flip the card set case again, you will see that there's a small lock. You can try to open that yourself, but just to be safe, you can ask a card dealer to open it for you…"

"Heh…what's the difference?" Maki asked.

"Well, a card dealer will know how to open it very carefully, so you might have the chance to get better number of cards because they are less likely to break the card that might stick on the case."

"W-wow…why did they never change that system anyway. I don't see the point of making it hard."

"Uhm… it was because back then, the card case is too easy to open and some people are able to reseal it and sell the trash card set as if it was new. That's what you should consider a scam. I'm not very sure about the chance of card dealer faking a set of cards though, but I guess since there are not many card dealers now and they're registered, there won't be as many fake card set as before." Kotori said.

"I see… so I guess it does have a reason…" Maki raise one eyebrow as she started to imagine how troublesome it could be if the cards set were resealable.

"Then I guess this is fine, huh?"

As soon as she continued speaking, a specific small, black-haired girl approached them.

"Oi… there you are…" she said when her eyes found Kotori, Umi and Honoka— who was still busy chatting in her digivice.

Kotori and Umi were about to greet her, but….

"Aaah! You!" Maki suddenly exclaimed when she turn around and saw Niko.

"Wh-Whoa?!" Niko raises her voices as well.

"You're that scammer!" Maki yelled.

"No-way! I'm not a scammer!" Niko retorted.

"Then why did you yell?! You must've realized that you were lying!"

"You yelled first! So of course I yell back!"

"Liar! Give my money back! I'll drop your fake ass fighter card set back!" Maki yelled.

"It isn't a fake card set! It actually contains fighter cards that I don't even know! You could get lucky and get all the decent cards, and perhaps gold cards, for the price I gave you!" Niko said.

"It's almost impossible though, right?! I read it on the back! There is only, like, 0.01% chance of getting gold card from a regular card set! And you sold me this for twice price of the usual fighter card set! Plus, put aside using it, I can't even open it!"

"Have you ever heard something called 'saving up for the future'?!"

"I can get them in the future as well for the actual price! I don't need to pay twice the price for something!"

"Well—you paid for that, you can't return it to me!" Niko said.

"Hhrrrnnnggg! You're so—annoying!" Maki said as she stomped her foot with both of her hands clenched. Both of Maki and Niko were frowning and their glare on each other intensified. Hanayo, Kotori, and Rin couldn't say anything to stop them and Umi doesn't even know where to start. Honoka, on the other hand, has only been smiling and giggling as she chatted on her digivice.

"Now-now…" a familiar voice suddenly interrupted them.

"Ahh! Nozomi-senpai! G-G-Good timing!" Hanayo said as she noticed a specific purplenette approaching them, along with specific blonde who she chose to ignore for now.

"Ahh…I'm glad you're here, senpai!" Kotori said.

"What's up with this intense atmosphere?" Nozomi asked.

"She made me buy a Card set for twice price of the actual market value!" Maki pointed her finger to Niko.

"I told you, it will be worth it, I can guarantee that the card will be decent!" Niko crossed her arm.

Nozomi raised her eyebrow and threw a mocking smile at Niko,

"Hmm…? Nikocchi, I doubt I've ever heard you get gold card from a regular card set. How can you be so sure that you could sell a card set that contains a gold-card?"

"I didn't say that it's a guaranteed gold card! I said that it's guaranteed to be decent…" Niko said.

"…and that was enough for you to sell it for twice the price? Hmm…alright…." Nozomi said.

Maki is about to say something to counter that, but…

"Alright, hmm…what's your name again…? Maki-chan…?" Nozomi asked as she placed both of her hands on her hips.

"Yeah?" Maki replied instead of continuing to complain.

"I'll buy your card set for the same price she sold to you…unless you want to trade with recovery supplies instead?" Nozomi offered.

"Heh—I guess recovery supplies will do. I bought this for two thousand yen…I'll be happy if you give me supplies that are worth around that." Maki replied.

"Alright then, that's a deal…" Nozomi said as she handed out a pack of recovery supplies from her digital bag which doesn't appear until she has to take something out of it. The bag looked like it is crafted from gold or something like it.

"W-waah! Digital bag!" Kotori exclaimed.

"I've never seen that before… where did you buy that?" Maki asked as she took out a small green box.

"Hehe, Ericchi made it for me. All players in the crafting profession are able to make that…" Nozomi said.

"R-Really? Then I should be able to make that too, right?" Kotori asked.

"Yep, even better… you are a fashion supplier, right?" Nozomi said.

"Yup!"

"Then you can always make them from any materials. I think you can buy some recipes from Ericchi for that."

"Ok!" Kotori replied cheerfully.

Nozomi and Maki continued their transaction, Niko seems to be trying so hard to ignore the fact that someone else is paying up for what she did to the specific junior. Maki is pouting hard at Niko and as the transaction was taking place, Niko saw Maki is sticking out her tongue at her mockingly. Niko replied with a second of chagrin then put up a mocking face at her too.

"Alright, I wouldn't be able to make any profit from selling this card set itself, so let's just open it up..." Nozomi said as she proceed to open the card set.

"I'm sorry, it's not like I'm trying to throw the misfortune at you…it's just that I need supplies more than cards that I can't use." Maki said.

"It's fine. I could make more profit in my level. The supply I traded you are worth more than the price of this card set, but let's just consider that as my welcoming gift, ok?" Nozomi said.

"Y-you're kind…thanks…" Maki blushed slightly as she turn her face away.

"Hmmpph! No wonder you're not a millionaire yet. You're giving too much, Nozomi…" Niko commented.

"Well, I've always got enough for myself, right Ericchi?" Nozomi said as she turn her eyes to her cold-looking girlfriend.

"As long as you are happy with it." Eli replied.

As soon as Nozomi was finally able to unlock her card set, she carefully opened it and…

"Whoa…this card set is indeed decent… look at the number of—…." Nozomi paused. Eli took a little peek inside the card set case.

"H-Harasho…" Eli said with her eyes looking at it in awe.

Maki, Rin, Hanayo, Kotori, Umi and Niko are flustered. Wondering what the two were seeing.

"Say Ericchi…what is the maximum number of cards in a card set?"

"About twenty?" Eli replied.

"Hmm…alright, let's see how many we got…" Nozomi said as she threw the card case on the ground, destroying it into pixels, while the cards on her hands right are...

"W-w-wait now! Are you sure you opened a regular fighter card set?!" Kotori exclaimed as she saw the number of gold cards she held.

"Well, I certainly gave her the regular one, the advanced one has a silver box, right?" Maki said.

"Y-yes...and the professional set has a gold box… I swear I saw green box!" Kotori said.

"W-whoah… I guess she really is a lucky person…" Hanayo said.

"That's amazing-nya…." Rin said.

"Harasho! It's 15 gold cards from 18 cards!" Eli said.

"I can sell these for over two million!" Nozomi said.

"No-no, let's make it five million. Some of these cards have a high demand from Fighter Digimon tamers…" Eli said.

"You know where to sell these Ericchi? Then I'll hand these to you…" Nozomi said as she gave Eli all of the gold cards except for the three regular cards on her hand.

"E-Excuse me, I think I want to pay for my own mistake… can I get that card set back for two thousand yen…?" Niko asked in extremely polite way.

"Well…I paid for it, so no return…" Nozomi said.

Maki smiled as she heard it.

"Guess that serves you right…huh?" she said.

"Wh-what did you say?!" Niko complained.

While the girls began to argue, Umi was dumbfounded by the event. She honestly still doesn't really get the hype. All she know is that, at least Nozomi's kindness is paid in full.

Putting that aside, she turned around to look at a specific girl who is unusually quiet. Maybe it's not exactly the silence, she knows that Honoka is currently chatting with someone in her digivice… it just feels weird when Honoka didn't make a single sound.

When she is about to speak to Honoka, the ginger girl finally spoke—a little too loudly that everyone turned their attention to her.

"Can anyone tell me where the mailbox is?!" she asked.

"M-mail box? What for?" Umi asked.

"Hehe, Tsubasa-chan told me that she sent me some stuff that are decent for a starter! I should pick it up from the mail box!" Honoka said.

"W-wait..what?! T-Tsubasa…? Kira Tsubasa? You are really that close to her?!" Hanayo asked.

"Yep! Hehe…" Honoka said. Hanayo's jaw dropped.

"Wh-why am I surrounded by lucky asses…." Niko said with a bitter smirk on her face.

"Mail box, huh? Well, we can show you where it is, but, there also something else that we need to talk about—and it's pretty important." Nozomi said.

"Really? Then let's talk about it so that I can pick up my stuff?" Honoka replied.

The seniors took them all out of the city,

They added Eli and Nozomi in their contacts. While the other girls are focused on reading the text in the group chat, Umi seems to be focused on the specific blonde's profile.

Name : Eli Ayase

Rank : S-Rank (Not Registered in any Elite Club)

Tamer Level : 135

Digimon : Renamon ( Lv. 38/250%)

Job : Student

Profession : Lv. 120 Goldsmith, Lv.115 Merchant, Lv. 80 Whitesmith

InGameSpouse : Nozomi Toujou

Biography :

If you have business with me, ask Nozomi.

She has honestly been so envious of her charisma and thought that, perhaps if she could somehow be trained by her, they can be rivals?

Putting that thought aside, she finally decided to scan through the text in the group chat that was created a few minutes before.

The text pretty much explains the situation in the real world at that time. There was an error caused by a strange Digital shift behavior. The government is currently blaming the Digital world Manager for the incident but there was a counter argument where the Digital World Manager said that it may have been caused by a criminal from the real world—which might be an attempt to sabotage and bring down the Digital World's popularity.

While the two side are acting childishly, the rest of the crew are working hard to prevent any further chaos by gathering strong tamers in the real world, fighting off the wild Digimon that keep appearing from unknown sources. There was also an issue about the strange object which is believed to be an alien invading the earth. It may be true, but it might be too ridiculous to consider since there are too many theories that blame living organisms who lives in the other world than Digital world or the Real World.

From that incident, many people are taking shelter in digital world even if they know that they all will be partially digitized just like the players. It is also suggested that S-Ranked tamers with High Level Digimon fight with the rest of the team in the real world. Eli also said that she received an invitation about the matter—and was also told that the only two way portal that is open is the portal in Digital World's Depth, which can only be accessed by the S-Rank players.

Everyone was offered a space in lodging houses and players are allowed to purchase housing for their family. Many of the S-Rank are leaving, except for Eli who is capable of using S-Rank service but was allowed to put aside her responsibility as an S-Ranked player until her Renamon is fully prepared for the rank.

She also explained that they're told to help out with practice and taking care of the group—as requested by their parents through Principal Minami. Both Eli and Nozomi said that they're planning to get a special shelter for them all. It could be an actual house or a trailer—or truck as Eli wrote in the text.

After the text, Eli also added a few links to the houses and trailers available for them. Eli also stated that they all will have to donate if they want to purchase a decent house as Eli and Nozomi themselves wouldn't be able to purchase it. They also added that the price won't be as expensive as the real houses, but it might still be too expensive for the two.

Umi was about to start browsing but Maki suddenly spoke up and her voice was loud enough to attract the girls' attention.

"Ok, let's purchase a decent house for all of us…" she said.

"A house? Are you sure? You don't want a mobile home?" Nozomi asked.

"I'm not that interested, but I'm fine with that too." Maki replied.

"I understand if you don't want to live in a truck…but I wouldn't know what kind of house you want to live in. Can you at least give us your favorite…?" Eli asked.

"Huh? Well…honestly, I'm not so hyped up when looking at luxurious houses. I'd rather get the simple yet intriguing one, such as the Mid-Century Modern or Contemporary Style houses…" Maki said.

"That's a very decent choice. What about the others?" Eli asked. Her manner might be friendly but there is still this cold aura around her which makes the girls still somewhat uneasy to speak up.

"Uuh…I like Victorian or Greek Revival style. It looks so cozy and maybe I can try to decorate the interior with pastel colors?" Kotori said.

"I'm not that used to these houses so maybe I'll stick with oriental? Pueblo revival looks intriguing, though!" Honoka said.

"Hehe, me and Kayo-chin think that Farmhouse and Ranch look interesting—it's like we can run around anytime-nya!"

"….maybe we also can open an actual farmland with rice paddy?" Hanayo added.

"Hmm….I think I'll stick with neo-classical houses…or something like town-houses? I'm not that interested on picking houses, honestly. I'd rather get an actual castle…" Niko said proudly.

Umi keep searching through the links, she is still unable to decide what house she wanted until Eli turned to her.

"What about you? Umi?" the blonde asked.

"Uh…? Honestly, I'm not quite sure. Maybe I can agree with Honoka since oriental houses are all that I'm used to but…maybe… a Craftman House can be an option?"

Eli nodded then turned to Nozomi.

"Well—since we have too many options, maybe we should start looking at the mobile home instead…?" she asked.

"You're still into trucks!" Eli said.

"They need to take a look and decide. I'll send you all more links for mobile-home styles!" Nozomi said.

The girls started to browse again.

Most of the picture that Nozomi sent are a little absurd—some of them also looked like a regular home with wheels.

"Uh…honestly, I'm not sure… I don't really like living in a cramped place…maybe we can purchase this but only for when we are traveling around? I mean…I will still want to sleep in a home with big room…" Kotori said.

"Some of these look like my father's car…" Honoka said.

"I have to say, there won't be enough room for me to plant rice if I live in a trailer…" Hanayo said.

"Yeah-nya…it feels a little cramped for me too-nya." Rin said.

"Hmm… I'm not really into these." Umi said.

"Heh—really, I think I'd take the one with pictures of sweets all over its body, but people might mistake us for a candy-truck…" Niko said.

"Hnnn…so I guess you all don't want it? That's too bad, I guess my luck isn't good all the time…" Nozomi said.

"What about you though, Eli-senpai? You haven't give us any of your choice!" Honoka said.

Eli remained silent for a moment, then she sighed softly before she smiled faintly at Honoka,

"My idea is to just get a large empty plot and give you all the freedom. But I'm always afraid that something bad might happen."

"Like what-nya?"

"The spaces and differences can be a problem, I don't want anyone to fight over something stupid…" Eli said.

"Then, why don't we just do this… let's collect all we can give for this project, then each of us will get one type of materials, next, we gather it back here and build with whatever material we have?"

"Uh…how do we know how much we need though?" Kotori asked.

"Well, you just need to get one sample and Ericchi will certainly process the next step like counting and getting the rest of the materials." Nozomi said.

"You need to stop throwing responsibility to your girl." Niko commented.

"I don't mind, honestly. It sounds like an easy task…" Eli said.

"See? Ericchi loves me and you're just jelly because you don't have one." Nozomi said.

"Urgh….I hate you…" Niko sighed.

"Just take your pick, these girls look decent, no?" Nozomi said.

"Huh? No way, I'm not preying on anyone younger…" Niko said.

"Sure? You look like the youngest here though, Nikocchi, just look at your size…" Nozomi said.

"Oh—shut up!"

"Heh—I have to say, I thought you were an elementary school student. Who would've expect you to be my senior?" Maki said mockingly at the black haired girl.

"Are you blind or something? I'm wearing exactly the same uniform as you— and this ribbon!" Niko showed her green ribbon.

"It might be just a Costume Play, I was wearing my mother's uniform back when I was a junior high-school student..." Maki replied—still with her mocking face.

"From all the girls here, do you have to pick on me, huh?!" Niko complained.

"Shush—now-now, Nikocchi, Maki-chan, maybe we should all discuss my idea instead of bantering." Nozomi cuts in.

"Why are you suddenly the voice of reason, huh?" the little girl smirked.

"Well, I don't mind that. It seems like it's the best option for us…" Maki said, completely ignoring Niko's statement.

"Yeah, I think that's the best choice for all of us." Kotori said.

"Yup! I agree! It sounds fun too!" Honoka said.

"Hehe, I have to say that it's the best way to solve this." Hanayo said.

"Should we play a pencil roulette to decide-nya?" Rin said.

"Let's just go with a number lottery to make sure that everyone gets different material type." Umi suggested.

"Yup, so that's settled…" Nozomi nodded.

"Nikocchi! Fetch the lottery!" she continued as she pointed to Niko.

"Huh-what?! Why are you suddenly ordering me?" Niko complained.

"Go, Nikocchi! Go! Unless you want to replace Ericchi with the math and material summary!" Nozomi said again.

"Aargh—I hate you!"

Ok! See you next chapter~