The valley where Zero had fiercely clashed with Myotismon was practically "just a wall away" from the Southern Desert… and after their earth-shaking battle, the final collision between that brilliant white corona and the blood-red cross had carved countless deep ravines into the landscape—like two nuclear warheads slamming headlong into each other. With such tremendous commotion, naturally, nearby Digimon would take notice.
Any weaker Digimon witnessing this fierce battle obviously wouldn't dare approach to invite trouble. However, the Sage of the Southern Desert clearly sensed something unusual and came to investigate. Seeing that Zero was fighting Myotismon—and encountering a bit of trouble—the Sage decisively intervened, whisking everyone away right beneath Myotismon's nose.
This wasn't surprising at all; in the original story, this Sage had transported the Chosen Children safely away from the Dark Masters, even bravely staying behind to challenge them alone. Though it ended in a heroic death, the Sage undeniably displayed astonishing strength.
Before their eyes, the empty air shimmered and distorted slightly, revealing a pink, fluffy, ball-shaped Digimon—about the size of two cupped adult hands—complete with tiny limbs and fluttering wings.
Zero immediately recognized this Digimon—unquestionably the legendary Sage of the Southern Desert, the Ultimate-level Digimon who wielded mysterious magical powers…
…Piximon.
"So cute!" Hikari immediately exclaimed without hesitation. Even Taichi couldn't help nodding in agreement; from appearance alone, one would never guess this little puffball was actually a big-shot.
Zero stepped forward politely and bowed. "Thank you very much for your assistance. Anyway, my name is Zero—from File Island."
Piximon nodded knowingly, "Yes, I know. I've already heard of you from Gennai-san. You joined forces with human partners, defeated the demon who dominated File Island, and liberated the Digimon who had fallen under his control. You're truly the hero of File Island!"
This praise was flattering, but the facts spoke for themselves. Piximon seemed genuinely delighted.
"I've also witnessed your incredible strength. It's wonderful having such a powerful ally like you joining our fight against the Dark Army!"
Zero's strength had been thoroughly proven in the chaotic three-way battle with Myotismon and Etemon. Had it not been for Taichi's brief mishap causing Zero's distraction, Zero would've already secured victory. Being able to suppress Myotismon—even boosted by the blood moon—this kind of strength was enough to stand tall among Server Continent's powerhouses, let alone on a small island like File.
"Now then, come to my base first."
As Piximon spoke, he raised his tiny hand and summoned a delicate spear seemingly out of nowhere. Grasping it, he waved the spear as casually as if it were a magician's wand.
Immediately, rainbow-colored lights spread outward from him, enveloping the barren desert in gentle, mist-like radiance. Under the cover of this soft glow, the desolate sands transformed dramatically.
Before their eyes appeared a crystal-clear lake, sparkling gently beneath lush greenery and vibrant blossoms—a paradise hidden amidst the barren wasteland.
Piximon's magic-like abilities included powerful seals, barriers, and spatial transfers. Undoubtedly, he'd used these skills to create and hide this magical lake—Piximon's secret paradise—right in the heart of the Southern Desert.
No one expected to find such a flourishing oasis hidden within this land known famously as "a place no path leads through." The five Drimogemon who'd chosen to follow Zero stared in dumbfounded awe.
They'd gambled their fate by choosing to follow Zero—and soon after witnessed him standing equal with Myotismon. Such strength was a powerful reassurance; after all, dreams meant nothing without the strength to survive first.
Zero had proven himself a capable leader, and now Piximon had revealed this paradise-like Fairy Lake hidden within the harsh desert. Even if they had to settle here long-term, it wouldn't be as arduous as they'd feared.
Zero was powerful and clearly knew many influential Digimon; their new boss instantly appeared highly dependable.
"This is my base, Fairy Lake. Gennai-san mentioned that you needed a stronghold on Server Continent, Zero-san, so please feel free to use this place as you wish~"
Piximon generously offered Fairy Lake as Zero's base, instantly lifting his spirits.
"In that case, I won't refuse your kindness. Thanks for your help!"
Piximon waved cheerfully. "This place was created precisely as a base for resisting the Dark Army, so it's just fulfilling its intended purpose~"
As he spoke, Taichi and Hikari both yawned, clearly exhausted. The five Drimogemon similarly drooped with fatigue.
Interrupted halfway through their sleep by Etemon's revenge, and then thrown into chaos when Myotismon appeared, they hadn't had a chance to properly rest. Now that they finally reached safety, all the pent-up exhaustion erupted at once.
Piximon chuckled gently, pointing his spear towards several cozy cabins by the lakeside. "You should all rest first. Today must have been exhausting~"
Watching Taichi, Hikari, and the Drimogemon retreat into the cabins to sleep once again, Zero and Piximon finally found a moment to speak privately.
Given Zero's current data strength, he could go months without food, water, or sleep, feeling perfectly fine. Even after that fierce battle, his spirit remained high.
The two of them sat comfortably by the lakeshore, enjoying the tranquil beauty while discussing their next steps.
"So, Zero-san, what's your next plan?" Piximon asked seriously.
Zero nodded. "First, I'll collect the Crests, then secure sources of Chrome Digizoid ore, and finally capture Myotismon's castle to seize control of the gateway to the Real World."
After the recent battle, Zero had accurately measured Myotismon's strength. In an undisturbed, peak-condition battle, Zero had around a 60% chance of winning—meaning Myotismon himself was no longer a major obstacle.
But Zero understood clearly: if Myotismon fell, he'd have to directly face the Dark Masters next.
Realizing this, Zero calmed considerably. In the heat of battle, he hadn't fully thought through the consequences. Thankfully, Taichi's mishap stopped him from eliminating Myotismon immediately.
Myotismon wasn't the real problem—the Dark Masters were. Without being able to digivolve to Mega, Zero stood absolutely no chance against them.
Therefore, Mega-level evolution was essential—and the path forward was clear: the Crests, and strengthened Chrome Digizoid.
Finding Crests wouldn't be urgent—since Taichi and Hikari were here with their Tags, the Crests would naturally resonate and come to them.
As for Chrome Digizoid…
"Actually, I might have some helpful information about that," Piximon said, smiling knowingly.
Piximon had a lot of information regarding Server Continent—including the location of Chrome Digizoid ore veins. Currently, nearly all Chrome Digizoid was monopolized by Machinedramon and his machine army. Taking it directly from Machinedramon would be suicide—at least for now.
However, Piximon knew of a secret mine under Etemon's control. Etemon planned to use Chrome Digizoid for some mysterious purpose.
Zero immediately recalled a plotline: Etemon had enslaved Datamon, a black-tech genius, to build some kind of amplification device. That secret mine's Chrome Digizoid was undoubtedly intended for this device.
Stealing directly from Machinedramon was unrealistic—but snatching from Etemon's storeroom would be infinitely simpler.
Even better, Zero could snatch the tech too—Etemon's underground surveillance network was almost certainly Datamon's handiwork, and Zero had been very interested in it.
Thus, their next steps were decided. Before that, however, Zero planned to establish a solid base and connect it with File Island.
"The design blueprints are already recorded in my Digi-Core. Right now, we only lack manpower and materials…"
And fortunately, he'd rescued those five Drimogemon—solving the manpower issue neatly. As for materials, as long as they didn't require precious Chrome Digizoid, Piximon could easily procure everything they needed.
Now, with location, manpower, materials, and designs all ready, they only needed to rest briefly before construction began immediately!
Early next morning, Taichi and Hikari woke after a restful sleep. As they stepped out from the soundproofed cabin, they discovered the five Drimogemon already hard at work—busily digging foundations and building walls.
Digging and construction was their expertise—more efficient even than large machinery. And with Piximon's amazing magic lending a hand, the siblings emerged from their restful sanctuary to find the entire foundation laid within just a few hours.
Beside them, Zero—in Agumon form—stood seriously overseeing construction, a tiny yellow hardhat perched on his head as he enthusiastically waved his claws, directing the work.
Seeing Taichi and Hikari, he cheerfully waved in greeting.
"Yo! Did you sleep well, Taichi, Hikari~?"