Extra Chapter for 100 Power Stones
Let's reach 200 Power Stones for another extra chapter
***
Back in the Digi-Home, the vibe is chill. Gatomon's sprawled out on the couch, probably plotting her next nap, while BlackGatomon's sharpening her claws on one of the digital ficus plants I conjured up. Meanwhile, little Koromon's puffing away in the Digi-Train area, trying to master the art of the bubble blow. Gotta admire the little guy's dedication.
Once I was alone, I tap the Digivice. "Alright, System, hit me with the good news. What kinda goodies do I get for hitting level five?"
The familiar blue screen lights up, displaying the usual sterile text.
[Congratulations, user. Level 5 rewards have been unlocked.]
[Hacking skill has been upgraded to level 2.]
[Digi-Modify function unlocked.]
"Digi-Modify? Now we're talking!"
My mind reels back to my past life, to countless hours spent binge-watching anime. Digi-Modify… that's the special sauce from Digimon Tamers. The whole point of Digimon Tamers is that it is a meta take on the franchise, it is set in a world where Digimon is just a popular card game and TV show. But then the Digimon start showing up in the real world, and some kids start using the cards from the game to power up their partner Digimon. Digi-Modify is that process of using the cards to modify your Digimon.
I access the System again. "Alright, System, lay it on me. What's this Digi-Modify all about?"
[Digi-Modify: This function allows the user to utilize Digi-Modify Cards to temporarily enhance the abilities of their Digimon partners during battle.]
[Digi-Modify Cards can be acquired through Supply Boxes or purchased in the Shop.]
[To utilize Digi-Modify, select a compatible card and activate it during combat. The card's effects will be applied to the designated Digimon for a limited duration.]
This could seriously change the game. Imagine boosting Gatomon's speed or BlackGatomon's attack power mid-battle. The possibilities are endless. Of course, knowing my luck, all the good Digi-Modify Cards are gonna be locked behind a paywall. Still, it's something to look forward to.
I scroll through the menu, then my eyes lock on another reward I got.
"Wait, what about the Digi-Gloves? What are those?"
The System responds instantly, always ready with the deets.
[Digi-Gloves: A pair of specialized gloves that can store digital energy. When fully charged, they can deliver a single devastating blow equivalent to a Champion-level Digimon's attack. Recharge time: 6 hours.]
Okay, now that is something else. I mean, I'm no superhero. My strength stat is barely above average, but a single punch with the force of a Champion-level Digimon? That's a get-out-of-jail-free card right there. Six hours is a bummer, but planning when to use the Digi-Gloves will be key.
I grin, picturing myself decked out with the gloves.
"So, basically, I'm gonna be Masaru Damon now? Just straight-up decking Digimon with my bare hands?"
Masaru Damon was the GOAT in Digimon Savers when it came to punching Digimon.
I shake my head, snapping back to reality. "Alright, enough daydreaming. Let's see if these supply boxes can actually cough up something useful."
I tap the screen a few times and pull up the Supply Box menu. "System, let's do this. Open all ten boxes!"
The Digivice screen goes into a loot-box opening animation. Each box spins, flashes a bunch of colors, and then reveals its "amazing" prize. I watch with bated breath, hoping for at least one decent Digi-Modify Card or maybe even enough coins to buy a tasty snack for the crew.
[Digi-Coins: 60]
[Digi-Coins: 120]
[Digi-Coins: 30]
[Mushroomon Digi-Memory]
[Digi-Coins: 40]
[Digi-Coins: 80]
[Digi-Coins: 20]
[Digi-Coins: 70]
[Digi-Coins: 100]
[Digi-Coins: 50]
I stare at the screen, my face falls. "Seriously? That's it?" Nine pathetic piles of Digi-Coins and one freaking Mushroomon Digi-Memory? This is rigged!
A Mushroomon Digi-Memory is useless! I needed something, anything, to make this worthwhile. It was highway robbery, digital robbery, but robbery nonetheless.
I groan. "This is such bull." Then I remember the wad of cash I liberated from Tombstone's safe. A hundred grand is a lot of cheddar.
"System, how much for a ten pull?" I already knew the answer, but I needed to hear it again.
[A ten pull of Supply Boxes costs 10,000 USD.]
"Ugh," I groan. That's ten grand! I could buy a used car with that!
But the allure of Digi-Modify Cards, of powerful Digimon, was too strong to resist. I clench my fist. No, I couldn't stop. I wouldn't. I needed to win. "System, give me two ten pulls."
The screen flickers, and then the familiar loot box animation starts up again. This time, I don't even bother holding my breath. I know how this is going to end.
[Digi-Coins: 90]
[Gazimon Digi-Memory]
[Digi-Coins: 70]
…
...and so on. More coins, more rookie-level Digi-Memories, nothing but digital garbage. It was like the System was laughing at me, mocking my pathetic attempts to get ahead. I burn another 10,000$. The second ten-pull was just as pathetic, more garbage.
My heart actually ached. Twenty thousand dollars, gone, just like that. I had nothing to show for it but a bunch of useless digital junk. This was worse than any gacha game I played in my past life. At least those games had pity systems. This? This was just pure, unadulterated greed bait.
I can't stop here. I can win it back. It only takes one lucky pull.
"System," I say, my voice tight, "hit me with another ten pull."
The money vanishes, and the animation begins again. This time, the boxes glow brighter, maybe it's just me coping.
[Digi-Coins: 110]
[Digi-Coins: 100]
[Digi-Coins: 120]
[Digi-Coins: 90]
[Digi-Coins: 80]
[Digi-Coins: 70]
[Digi-Coins: 130]
[Digi-Coins: 60]
[Digi-Modify Card: Strength Plug-in W]
[DigiEgg]
Yes! Yes! It finally happened. Digi-Modify cards and a new egg. Not only that, but those boxes are purple rarity, so they are pretty good.
"Alright!" I jump up and down. "Finally, some good frickin' luck!"
I grab the Digi-Modify Card. "Strength Plug-in W… This bad boy greatly increases a Digimon's strength for a short time. That's pretty good. Imagine Gatomon with this. Damn. Now this is something I can use."
I pick up the Digi-Egg and head over to the Digi-Lab, feeling like a proud papa. I place the egg in the incubator and tap the activation button. The incubator hums to life, bathing the egg in a soft, digital glow. I cross my fingers and wait, hoping for something cool.
After a moment, the egg cracks open, revealing… a tiny, red, blob-like creature with three little protrusions on its head. "Aww, it's like a little gumdrop!" I scan it with my Digi-Goggles.
[Punimon: Fresh Level Digimon]
[Level: Fresh]
[Type: Slime]
[Special Move: Acid Bubbles]
[A brand new type of Digimon. Three protrusions grow from the top of its gelatinous, red body. It can't fight, but threatens enemies with Acidic bubbles.]
Well, I'll be damned. It's a Punimon, the Fresh form of Gabumon. "Hey there, little guy!"
The little guy stares back at me with big, watery eyes. He trembles, bouncing in place.
"Uh, hey there, little guy. Don't be scared, okay? I'm Ethan."
He squeaks out a response, barely audible. "…(>_<)…"
My heart melts. He is so shy! I kneel down, trying not to look too imposing. "It's okay, Punimon. I won't hurt you. You're safe here, I promise."
I hold out my hand, palm up, letting him sniff it. He hesitates for a moment, then slowly waddles forward and bumps his tiny body against my fingers.
"Awww."
He trembles harder and nestles into my palm. It's like holding a warm, fuzzy stress ball. "…(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)…"
"There you go, little buddy. That's it." I scoop him up gently, cradling him in my arms. "Now, how about we introduce you to the rest of the crew?"
I carry Punimon out of the Digi-Lab and into the main area of the Digi-Home. Gatomon, BlackGatomon, and Koromon all look up, curious about the new addition.
"Alright, everyone, meet Punimon. He's our newest family member. Be nice!"
Gatomon tilts her head, studying Punimon with a calculating gaze. BlackGatomon just smirks.
"What's with the gumball?"
Koromon, on the other hand, bounces over, eager to make a new friend.
"Punimon!" I say, "This is Gatomon, BlackGatomon, and Koromon. Say hi!"
"Hi!" Gatomon says.
"Sup," BlackGatomon says, all cool and collected.
"Hi!" Koromon says excitedly.
Punimon is even more timid now, hiding his face in my chest.
"Hey, Koromon," I say, "This is your younger brother now, so make sure to take care of him, alright?"
Koromon looks up at me, all bright-eyed and eager. "Okay! I'll be a good big brother!"
He bounces over to Punimon, "Hi, brother!"
I turn back to Punimon, still cradling him gently. "See, buddy? Everyone here is friendly. Welcome to the family. We're gonna have a blast, I promise."
***
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