37. The Power Ignited by a Promise, RiseGreymon

Tai identified the glowing evolution key among the seven necklaces on his chest. Unlike the orange glow from before, this key radiated a deep azure light. It was the proximity of the Crest of Courage that had previously triggered his evolution key to glow automatically.

"Does this mean there's a crest here, too?" Tai looked toward the battle between Greymon and MetalGreymon.

It had to be said that this Greymon’s combat ability was not to be underestimated; having defeated ninety-nine opponents of similar strength, he could rightfully be called a battle-hardened Greymon. Both in terms of combat experience and raw data volume, he surpassed the Leomon and Ogremon of File Island. After suffering a few setbacks, he had ceased his reckless charging, opting instead for agile reactions. Using a zigzag maneuver to dodge the rapid-fire Giga Destroyer II launched from MetalGreymon’s palm, he simultaneously unleashed a barrage of Mega Flames. In an instant, spectacular explosions engulfed MetalGreymon’s entire body.

Seeing that Greymon could hold his own for a while longer, Tai decided to find the crest that was reacting to his evolution key. He held the key aloft and turned in a circle, finding that it flickered at its highest frequency when pointed toward the goalpost of the soccer field.

"Looks like it’s over there." Without wasting time, Tai ran toward the goal.

When Tai reached the goal, the evolution key was flashing frantically, like a color-coded timer nearing exhaustion. Suddenly, as if sensing something, the goalpost collapsed, trapping Tai and Zeromaru inside. The netting crackled with electricity, clearly rigged with high-voltage current. Zeromaru tentatively reached out to the electric net, and the moment he made contact, the current surged through his body. He felt a tingling sensation, as if receiving a full-body massage, and all the fatigue accumulated from their journey vanished, leaving him completely relaxed. He waved at Tai, suggesting he try it too: "Tai, this feels so good!"

"You certainly have a strange way of finding comfort." Tai had not forgotten about Greymon, who was still struggling outside the cage. If he could obtain the crest, perhaps it would strengthen Greymon’s power and turn the tide of the battle.

The evolution key indicated the crest was right here, but Tai looked left and right without finding anything resembling a chip or a tablet. "Then it must be underneath."

Tai struck the ground with his fist. The stone tiles shattered, revealing a slab engraved with a cross pattern. Just as he thought. He held the glowing evolution key to the slab, which immediately emitted an azure radiance, transforming into a crest that automatically slotted into the evolution key.

Tai’s lips curled into a smile. "That makes two crests."

Watching this from afar, Datamon was irritated. "That idiot Etemon!" Even he hadn't expected Etemon to store the crest so carelessly. Now, the power of the Chosen Children had increased yet again!

***

On the other side, Greymon finally managed to close the distance to MetalGreymon after a series of maneuvers. MetalGreymon aimed his palm—the one housing the Giga Destroyer—at Greymon. Instead of dodging, Greymon used his powerful, thick legs to launch himself directly at MetalGreymon. He clenched his right claw into a fist. MetalGreymon’s cannon barrel was overheating from continuous fire.

I can win! Greymon’s eyes burned with intense fighting spirit. If this punch lands, I win!

MetalGreymon suddenly swung his left arm. Just as Greymon was imagining the sweet future of victory, a tremendous force struck him, nearly tearing his body apart and slamming him back into the mud and dust. Greymon struggled to open his eyes, only to see MetalGreymon aiming his palm at him once more, the Giga Destroyer II beginning to emerge.

Is this the end? After fighting so hard, to be just one step away from freedom, only to be halted at the very last moment...

"I'm sorry, everyone. I couldn't keep my promise." Greymon closed his eyes, preparing to meet his demise.

"Don't give up!"

A passionate voice rang out from behind Greymon. He instinctively turned to look, just as the goalpost was kicked into the air, its frame distorted. A blue flash of light streaked past him, followed by a human boy leaping off the top of his head. With digital energy burning blue in his hands, Tai and Zeromaru struck MetalGreymon’s right arm, forcing it to the side. Whether by intent or coincidence, the misfired Giga Destroyer II struck Datamon’s screen.

"You... are humans?" Greymon gasped in astonishment. "And a Digimon?"

Tai looked at Greymon. "You’re giving up on your promise over something like this? The vow you made to your little ones isn't something so cheap!"

As the crest connected with the evolution key, Tai instantly understood its meaning: The Crest of Sincerity. It represented keeping one's word; when one gave their all to uphold a promise made to others, the Crest of Sincerity would shine.

"The Koromon are still waiting for you back in the village," Tai said softly.

"Why...! How do you know about them?"

"I just came from there. Those little guys are doing well, and many of them have already evolved." Tai held up his Digivice, transmitting images of Neo Village to Greymon.

The faces of his little friends appeared before him. It had been so long; Greymon thought he had long forgotten what they looked like, but seeing them again, he realized he hadn't forgotten a single one. Even those who had evolved were recognizable by their individual habits.

"Everyone is still there... and they're all doing well!" Greymon swayed, a lump forming in his throat as tears blurred his vision. "What... what is this expression? What are these tears?" Why was he crying? Everyone was happy, wasn't this a joyful thing? "Ah... ahh." He couldn't speak anymore, replaced by the sound of his own sobbing.

"Tears are a good thing. They are proof that you are alive," Tai said gently. "I have defeated Etemon. You are free."

Constant fighting and taking the lives of other Digimon were expected in the brutal Digital World, yet every time he struck, Greymon felt pain. Over time, he had closed off his heart, and a wild, crimson rage had filled his eyes. With Tai telling him such good news, Greymon almost thought he was dreaming.

But MetalGreymon shattered the moment of peace, swinging his left arm and driving his sharp claws toward Greymon. Yet, Tai and Zeromaru remained unmoved, for they were no longer needed. Greymon caught MetalGreymon’s left arm with both of his own.

"Everyone is waiting for me to go home." Greymon raised his head, the crimson in his eyes washed away by tears, leaving behind a resolve that no one could shake. "How could I... lose in a place like this!"

The Crest of Sincerity flared with brilliant light. Greymon’s body was enveloped in a stream of azure energy, his power surging until the collar that bound him shattered. Under MetalGreymon’s stunned gaze, Greymon performed a shoulder throw, flipping his opponent, who was ten times his size.

Immediately, Greymon’s body grew uncontrollably: 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters... finally reaching a massive 30-meter stature, equal to that of MetalGreymon!

"Greymon, Super-Evolve!"

Red and white metal wings sprouted from his back, a massive revolver appeared on his left arm, his helmet transformed into silver-white metal, and his chest was encased in red armor. His once-bulky frame became leaner and more muscular, perfectly suited for battle.

Tai watched, transfixed, as Greymon took on his new form. "This is... Greymon’s ultimate form."

The evolved Greymon roared: "RiseGreymon!"