Alright, five days of busting up Tombstone's operations, and honestly, I'm starting to get a little tired of punching goons. Though, I gotta admit, watching those dominoes fall has been pretty satisfying. Especially knowing I was sticking it to that albino freak.
Gatomon and BlackGatomon just wrapped things up here. A couple of thugs tried to make a last stand near some crates, but Gatomon's 'Lightning Paw' and BlackGatomon's, well, also 'Lightning Paw,' put them down quick.
"Good job, you two!" I say, beaming. "You were awesome out there!" I reach down and give them both a good scratch behind the ears. Gatomon purrs, and BlackGatomon just smirks, but I know they both love the attention.
After the compliments, it is time for business. "Alright, team, let's see if we can find some money."
While Gatomon and BlackGatomon stand guard, I do a quick sweep of the place. This time it is a betting house. Gotta say, those guys have strange tastes, but a win is a win. I manage to find a hidden safe behind a fake wall. Jackpot!
I crack it open and my eyes widen. There must be at least twenty grand in here, all in small bills. "Score!" I exclaim.
I start stuffing the cash into my backpack. With what I have already looted from the other hideouts and this, I'm pretty sure I can pay Olivia rent for a year. And then I will be able to buy a ton of supply boxes. Who knows, maybe I will even get a Digiegg.
As I'm zipping up my backpack, the Digivice suddenly pings. I pull it out and the screen lights up.
[Mission Complete!]
[Reward: Supply Boxes x10!]
[Level Up]
[Level 2 -> Level 3]
"Yes!" I shout, pumping my fist in the air. I can't wait to see what I get. Maybe there will be something good. "Alright, girls, let's get out of here before the cops show up."
I spot a public wifi hotspot and tap the Digivice. "Connect Jump!"
Suddenly, the world dissolves into a mess of neon and data streams. I'm getting better at navigating this digital spaghetti, but long-distance travel still gives me a headache. Sticking to a few blocks is no problem.
I materialize out of some random dude's phone. Ew, he's drunk. I shake my head, trying to dispel the lingering digital fuzz, and make my way back towards home. It is only a few blocks, and I can use the exercise.
Back in the real world, the city smells like stale pizza and desperation, but hey, it's home. I am already thinking about opening those boxes.
…
The moment I hit the apartment, I beeline for my desktop. No place like the Digi-Home, you know? My real apartment is a dump, but inside that PC screen is a chill place. A few taps on the Digivice, and I'm sucked into the digital world, landing right in the middle of the field outside my house.
"Food, Ethan! I am starving!" BlackGatomon demands, her crimson eyes gleaming.
I chuckle. "Alright, alright, no need to get your claws out." I head inside the house and over to the fridge. I pull out the pre-prepared meals I bought earlier. "Here we go, girls. Salmon for the lady, and tuna for the edgy one."
I toss the meals into the microwave, and the Digi-Home's tech does its thing, zapping them to piping hot in seconds. I plate the meals.
Gatomon sits patiently, her tail swishing. BlackGatomon practically vibrates with anticipation. I place the dishes in front of them.
"Thanks, Ethan," Gatomon says, her voice soft.
BlackGatomon nods. "Yeah, thanks."
They both dig in with gusto, and the sound of satisfied purrs fills the air. It feels good to finally relax.
With them munching away, I pull out my Digivice and tap at the screen. "Hey, System, anything new open up since I hit level three? Besides the warm and fuzzies from completing that last mission, that is."
[Affirmative. With the attainment of Level 3, the Digi-Home has been upgraded. A training area is now available.]
"A training area?" I raise an eyebrow. "Sweet. What's that do?"
[The Digi-Train area provides a simulated environment for your Digimon partners to enhance their combat skills, increase their strength, and gain experience.]
That's actually pretty good. Gatomon and BlackGatomon can go nuts in there whenever they want. I mean, it's not like they have anything better to do. They're always just lounging around when we aren't on missions. It would be good for them.
[Level: 3]
[Digi-Coins: 260]
[Digimon Partners]
Gatomon
BlackGatomon
[Stats]
[Available Points: 10]
STR: 9 (+0)
VIT: 9 (+0)
DEX: 9 (+0)
AGI: 9 (+0)
INT: 9 (+0)
WIS: 9 (+0)
CHA: 9 (+0)
[Skills]
Connect Jump - Entering the digital space.
Hacking Lvl 1 - Beginner hacker.
[Equipment]
Digivice
Digi-Goggles
Digi-Camo
[Consumable Items]
Leomon Digimemory
[Evolution Items]
I tap the screen a few more times. Now, what to do with these stat points? Ten whole points burning a hole in my pocket. I'm no superhero, so dumping them all into strength seems like a waste. I mean, sure, I can open jammed lockers now, but most of the fighting is up to Gatomon and BlackGatomon.
Still, I can't be a total weakling. A little extra STR never hurt anyone. And AGI... well, that's useful for dodging stuff. Plus, who knows when I'll need to make a quick getaway? Gotta be light on my feet.
"Alright, System," I say, "let's do this. Six points into AGI, four into STR."
I confirm the allocation, and the screen updates instantly.
[Stats]
[Available Points: 0 ]
STR: 9 (+4)
VIT: 9 (+0)
DEX: 9 (+0)
AGI: 9 (+6)
INT: 9 (+0)
WIS: 9 (+0)
CHA: 9 (+0)
I grin. Not bad. I bet I can outrun a cheetah now… maybe.
"Hey, System, can I, like, feel the difference or something?"
[Affirmative. Minor physical augmentations have been applied. Increased agility and strength should be noticeable.]
"Noticeable, huh?" I crack my knuckles. Time for a test. I shoot to my feet, bounce on the balls of my feet, and throw a few punches at the air. I actually do feel lighter, quicker. The punches have a bit more oomph. It's not a huge change, but it's there.
"Not bad, not bad at all,"
Now comes the real fun—time to crack open those boxes! "System, pop those supply boxes open!" I say, my voice full of glee.
The Digivice screen lights up with box animations.
[Digi-Coins: 50]
[Digi-Coins: 30]
[Digi-Coins: 80]
[Digi-Coins: 10]
"Seriously? Ten coins? That's insulting!" I moan.
[Digi-Coins: 25]
[Digi-Coins: 40]
[Digi-Coins: 65]
[Digi-Coins: 70]
[Digi-Coins: 20]
Then I see a purple flash.
[Digi-Egg]
"A Digi-Egg? Hell yeah!" I pump my fist. "That's what I'm talking about!"
***
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